Anyone here teaching photography?

[Raymond Bleesz]

Jason----When I entertained your question myself (late in life, after being a high school history teacher), I directed my interests to ASU (Arizona St in Tempe), because of one man & his books, ideas of photography, that being a Brit by the name of Bill Jay. He was a mentor to me at the time & my thinkings regarding photography. I was also impressed with Mark Klett who was just starting to teach & become a "younging". I regret not going to ASU due to "complications" in my life.

I have taken the hard academic road-----learn as you go.

I also think that working for a newspaper as a "photojournalist" is a very valid journeyman's way of becoming a diversified photographer.

The city of Denver offers CIA, Colorado Institute of Art with numerous instructors under the direction of Frank Varney, top notch in his field.

The University of Colo has a photo program under Alex Sweetman & New Mexico is strong & becoming more recognized in its photo dept.

But it is most important to have an understanding, a knot of an idea, a certain reason in your thinking prior to entering a school program for photography on where you want to go with photography----for me it was a mentor, even though I did not get a chance to go------his philosphy is still working with me.

[Ted Harris]

I am not directly teaching photography in a classroom setting at the moment but I am teaching in a 'mentor' relationship. I work with students from both the University of New Hamsphire and Keene State College who are required to complete an internship as part of their degree program. I am currently working with my third intern who has done almost everything with me (scout locations, matting and framing, studio setups, location setups, of course actual shooting, etc.)

I agree totally with Tim;s comments and would only add that you make sure you are in a program that takes you out of the classroom somewhere along the way and gives you some practical internships.

[paulr]

Several years ago, when I was looking at MFA programs (before coming to my senses, some would say) I was impressed by the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. I like their faculty and students, and their undogmatic approach to teaching. Also, it's a state school, so the admission price (at least then) was way below most of the other top programs (Yale, etc). Might be worth a look.

[Kirk Gittings]

Without sinking into a debate on the merits of MFA programs in general (I basically agree with Frank though I participate in that system as an "outsider" who teaches the token practical class in a sea of useless crap), let me say that if you intend to teach at a university level you need an MFA. Robert Adams and Mark Klett are extraordinary individuals for academia you will neded an MFA. If you simply want to be a good photographer there are many routes to that goal, many appropriate forms of education, apprenticeships etc. I have stradled both areas. I have an MFA (which for me was a truely great experience) but frankly most of my photo knowledge came from books, workshops and working things out myself outside of the university. I also learned a great deal from teaching photo. It is amazing how shallow your knowledge is revealed when you try to explain it to someone else.

[Andre Noble]

"Photography is... not a lifestyle ". I disagree.

With photography, you don't have to 'communcate' with anyone. Why do I need to 'communicate' through a photo? Face it, most people are morons. Witness George W. Bush on his way to winning his second term. F__k that! ('communication' that is - I'm feeling a little upset like George Carlin)

Photography is meditation. It can be an alternate reality if you choose to devote time to make it that, as Adams Atget, as a host of others have done.

Otherwise, I agree with what Frank P is saying. Bear in mind, some photographers do also like teaching and an MFA might be a valid route.

[Steve Feldman]

Don't forget Brooks in Santa Barbara, California.

[Sharon S.]

Cal Arts in LA and the Art Center in pasadena...

[Matthew Cordery]

Having been to a couple of Big Name Universities, I can vouch for the following relation:

Famous and Illustrious Person does not equal Brilliant and Effective Teacher.

People with Big Names or Big Reputations often have associated Big Egos. You want someone to teach you good technique and to help you on the path to developing your own vision. You don't need someone imposing their technique upon your nor their vision.
I am reminded of Matt Groening's "School is Hell" cartoons wherein he describes the 9 types of teachers... The flip side of this is that people with strong egos and opinions give you something to think about and accept or reject.

[Blake]

moreover,

study the cirriculum and then tour the facilities before you ever plonk down your hard-earned student loan monies. i've been enrolled in photo majors that by the looks of the course descrips in the catalog, purported to have what it takes. only to find the teachers lacking passion if not experience and the studios and darkrooms severely lacking the goods. in the end, you wanna come out with a kickass portfolio, or in the very least, the start of one. teachers can take you so far and the gear is too damned expensive on a college budget. some JUCOs have better facilities than their 4-year bretheren across the state. if i had it to do over, i'd have taken all that money and spent it on cameras, glass, film and chems.

luck to you,

me

[Ellis Vener]

I taught for two years at Portfolio Center in Atlanta. Portfolio Center is a very fine commercial arts school on the same level as the Art Center in pasadena California.

You haven't said what aspect of photography you want to study Jason. This is very important. Most schools are better in one or maybe two areas than they are in others. These areas can change over time as faculty change. Worry less about the big names and talk to some of the recent and current students in the photography program.

Another approach is to look at doing your photography studies at summer programs at either the Santa fde Workshops or the Maine Photography Workshops; They both have good internship programs -- and your academics atthe best school for your real degree. If I was looking for an MFA photography program right now I would really consider Yale or Harvard.