Welcome.

The following pages are designed for the simultaneous purposes of providing information to prospective and current students, as well as interested art patrons who would like to know more about the Photography Program at The University of Iowa. It is our hope that this proves helpful as you make the important decision about where to go to school, as well as what to expect from your life in Iowa City and how to have the best possible experience while a Photography student at The University of Iowa.

It’s worth mentioning that this is an exceptional place. There are a tremendous amount of skilled and thoughtful people here who can help you with any possible question, problem, or challenge you face.  The interdisciplinary nature of the School of Art supports innovation, embraces experimentation, and strives to give you the resources necessary to empower your studio practice.  Our program is growing, our faculty are engaged in exciting and contemporary research, and we look forward to welcoming new members of the photography community here at Iowa! 

STUDIO and FACILITIES

As a graduate student, you are the occupant and owner of a studio within the Visual Arts Building for three years, likewise, as a Photography BFA you have access to a shared BFA studio after you declare your major emphasis and until you graduate. The photography graduate studios are housed within a large 1500 square foot room adjacent to photography classrooms, lighting studio, and printing lab. This is a communal space with shared large work tables, a kitchenette with refrigerator and sink, as well as large flat files. Each studio is comprised of 3 walls, as well as 2 large desks/work tables.

Exhibition Opportunities

There are two buildings which compromise the Art Complex, The Visual Arts Building which houses studio art classrooms and facilities, and Art Building West which is primarily used for Art History classes and administrative spaces. Both buildings have a total of seven galleries which can be reserved for student and class use. These galleries vary in size and frequently feature not only BFA and MFA Thesis exhibitions, but also experimental installation, in-progress, and performance-based works.


Advanced Photography Exhibition, 2019

Katie Kiesewetter, Photography Secondary Emphasis, Video and Multi Media Installation, 2021

Haley Peterson, Photography BFA Exhibition, 2021

FACILITIES

The Photography Program has a wide range of equipment and resources to help you accomplish your creative goals.Within our digital printing lab we have the latest models of Epson 44”, 24”,and 17” printers. Likewise, we offer Imacon, Epson, and Aztec Drum scanners capable of scanning up to 8 x 10 negatives. There is a state-of-the art lighting studio complete with brand new stationary and portable strobe kits, as well as a ceiling grid for additional lighting capabilities. Our checkout center offers access to Canon DSLR systems including a full range of professional lenses, as well as Canon 5D Mark II-IV and Canon 5Ds. Additionally, graduate students have a dedicated Mamiya Phase 1 digital medium format system for their use.

There is an 8 station darkroom capable of printing up to 4 x 5 large format images. Also in our checkout center is a full range of film cameras including medium format Hasselblad, Twin Lens, and Mamiya systems, as well as large format monorail and field cameras.

The interdisciplinary nature of our program encourages exploration into techniques and media outside of thePhotography Program such as 3D printing, laser and plasma cutters, as well as a myriad of opportunities to expand your practice in areas such as printmaking, sculpture, and book arts.

Using Format