BHSU Photography Emphasis

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The Mass Communication Photography at BHSU offers many opportunities to students interested in photojournalism, commercial photography, or fine art photography. The photography emphasis offers both basic and advanced black and white photography, color photography, digital imaging, photojournalism, and contemporary issues classes. For photography majors, other courses include basic and advanced photography studio lighting, the history of photography, and alternative silver and digital processes.

BHSU has among the finest darkroom and digital imaging facilities in South Dakota and the surrounding region with three black and white and color labs, a film developing area, and an imaging lab. The digital imaging lab is complete with multiple Mac computers, scanners, and various large format and desk-top printing stations. Students also have access to a 2,000 square foot commercial studio and a new alternative silver and digital printing lab. Check out our facilities.

Here are some examples of classes you will take at BHSU as a photography major.

Basic Black and White Photography-- The introductory course in photography for students wishing to major in the area or for those who just have a general interest in photography. Basic camera functions and darkroom techniques, including processing, printing, and digitizing black and white photographs are discussed in this course. Weekly critiques help students sharpen compositional and aesthetic skills.
Photojournalism-- In this course you will discuss photography as it relates to the media and the public. Learning to tell a story using both still and video imagery is also stressed. The course emphasizes the content and design of photo essays and legal and ethical aspects of photography.
Digital Photography-- This course will introduce you to techniques and software used to produce digital imagery. A variety of photo manipulations and graphics software will be used with digital and conventional cameras.
Advance Black and White Photography-- This course expands on basic photography knowledge and introduces you to alternative techniques and processes in the black and white area. This course allows you to develop your own style of photography and helps you to create your portfolio. As with most photography courses there are weekly critiques.
Color Photography-- This course is an introduction to basic color photography. In this course, you will learn darkroom and digital techniques for printing color images as well as alternative processes, such as Polaroid transfers.
Contemporary Issues in Photography-- This course changes from year to year. It is designed to allow you to further expand on areas that interest you and build your portfolio. You are encouraged to use and experiment with a variety of photographic processes and mediums, such as digital, black and white, color, or alternative processes.
Studio Lighting-- This course is designed to give you an overview of studio and commercial lighting. In this course you will learn how to use a wide range of studio lighting equipment and lighting techniques. This is a great course if you are considering studio product or portraiture photography as a career.

Black Hills State University mass communication student Randall Iverson and Steve Babbitt, professor of photography, say their experience as part of a four-day photography and video shoot with National Geographic will have a transforming effect on their educational goals and careers.

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