FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
click on a question to view the answer
1.
Why should I study photography at LaGuardia?
LaGuardia Community College offers the only Associates in
Applied Sciences degree in photography in CUNY. LaGuardia’s
photography program has been an accredited degree program
since its inception in 1986. We offer 14 courses dedicated
to photography alone, more than any other photography or arts
program within CUNY. Our diverse faculty members, many of
which are currently working in the field or are exhibiting
artists, bring experience from all over the photographic and
arts spectrum.
2.
Commercial Photography, Fine Art or Digital Degree Options,
what’s the difference?
The 2-year AAS degree in Commercial Photography is designed
to train graduates for entry-level positions in the commercial
photography industry. The first year of the program is dedicated
to beginning and introductory courses in camera and printing
technique. In the second year, the student concentrates on
advanced concepts, including 4x5 camera, electronic flash
and tungsten illumination. The Digital Photography Option
is designed for the professional photographer who needs an
introduction to digital, the recent commercial photography
alum who wants additional in-depth study and the continuing
education student who is exploring additional career options
or an entry-level position in commercial photography. The
Fine Arts Option focuses on traditional photographic techniques,
their integration with digital technology and the development
of conceptual photographs.
The possibility of making slight curricular changes within
the three AAS degree options to fine tune the class work to
a particular students needs can be arranged through advisement
by the program director.
In addition to our focus on the latest digital imaging technologies,
we believe in the value of traditional silver gelatin processes,
color RA-4 print processing and alternative processes. For
this reason, we maintain an active and current darkroom
and do not dismiss the value of a well-rounded photographic
education.
4.
Do I need a camera to enter the program?
A 35mm manually operated SLR with a normal lens (50mm) is
required. A digital SLR camera with manual controls is valuable
but not required. These cameras can be obtained from many
online and local NYC vendors. For more specifics please contact
Scott.
5.
Will I need to purchase any photographic chemistry to process
my film and paper?
No, all chemistry is provided by the lab.
6.
What equipment can I use while a student in the Photography
Program?
In Beginning Photography, students have access to film scanners,
photographic ink jet printers up to 17” wide, digital
photography editing programs such as Adobe Creative Suite
and Lightroom and black and white darkroom printing facilities.
As students progress through to advanced classes, they gain
access to RA-4 color print processing, medium and large-format
cameras, high-end digital cameras and digital backs, digital
capture software such as Leaf, Sinar Capture Shop and Sinar
Exposure, hot light and strobe lighting equipment, wide-format
photographic ink jet printers, use of the photography studio,
and other accessories. Please see our Equipment and Facilities
(link) page for additional information.
7.
Are there medium/large format or digital cameras available
for use by students?
Yes, the facility has a fleet of view (large format), medium
format and digital SLR cameras for student use. Students have
access to cameras as they advance through associated courses,
for example, students are not given access to large format
cameras until enrolling in the View Camera course. Only the
view cameras are available for use off campus. The medium
format and digital cameras are available for student use in
the photo lab studio in B-336.
8.
Can I use the digital scanning and printing facility in
B-336 outside of class?
Yes, during “open lab” times, students may produce
work for class assignments and portfolio development in the
digital imaging lab.
No, there is no darkroom or Photo Lab fee. All LaGuardia students
must pay the “Student Technology Fee” which helps
to fund student technology needs including computers, software
products, and related platforms (i.e., networks, Internet,
E-mail, and other means of technological enhancement to the
curriculum and student life experience).
10.
How can I get real-world experience?
One facet of the LaGuardia Community College educational learning
experience is a strong belief in the value of linking the
classroom to real work situations. Through our internship
program students are able to develop core competencies, strengthen
interpersonal, technical, and professional skills, and to
explore career aspirations and options to confirm individual
career objectives.
Internships are offered in a variety of settings and span
a wide variety of fields within the realm of the photographic
industry, from private photography studios to journalism.
For example, LaGuardia photography students have interned
with Vogue Magazine, The Village Voice, Mary Ellen Mark studios,
David LaChappelle studios, Richard Avedon studios, International
Center for Photography, many local newspapers and publications,
stock photography agencies, commercial photo studios and with
fine art photographers. For clarification purposes, an "internship"
is defined as an internship plus an internship-seminar course
taken simultaneously. "Day" students are required
to do internships. Although highly recommended, internships
are optional to "Extended-Day" students.
11.
What can I do with my degree?
With an AAS in Commercial Photography, you could launch your
own photography studio, become a freelance photographer for
magazines or newspapers, develop or retouch images in commercial
photography labs, or assist a professional photographer to
learn more about the trade. Depending on your area of interest,
you may want to pursue a career in fashion or editorial photography,
photojournalism, commercial or stock photography, sports photography,
food photography, or wedding or portrait photography. Additionally,
LaGuardia has an articulation agreement with the School of
Visual Arts (see “Will My LaGuardia Credits Transfer…”)
which facilitates a smoother transition for students wishing
to complete a bachelor’s degree. Students interested
in teaching photography at the university level pursue a bachelor’s
and then master’s degree in either fine or media arts.
12.
Will my LaGuardia credits transfer to a 4-year program?
LaGuardia’s Photography program has an articulation
agreement with The School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. (“Articulation”
is a term used to describe the process that facilitates a
student’s transition from one educational institution
to another, with minimum duplication of coursework.) The level
of articulation depends upon the strength of the student portfolio
and their GPA. Excellent students can transfer 90-100% of
their credits at SVA and begin as juniors in their Photography/BFA
program. In addition our excellent students have had great
success in transferring to Pratt Institute, Parsons/The New
School, Rochester Institute of Technology, Fashion Institute
of Technology, Brooklyn College, Lehman College, Hunter College
and City College. If you are considering the transfer of credits
to another CUNY school, check the CUNY
Transfer Information & Program Planning System
13.
Are there scholarships available for students who transfer
to SVA?
SVA has been extremely open to granting merit-based scholarships
to excellent LaGuardia Art and Photography majors.
14.
After I graduate is there a job placement advisor or anything
that will help me find a job?
Given the diversity and competitive nature of the industry,
highly motivated students have the greatest chances for employment.
Many students are able to make use of internship sites as
catalysts for primary employment after leaving LaGuardia.
Direct counseling concerning students launch into the industry
is given by the program director, faculty members and in the
capstone classes: HUA 280: Commercial Photography Seminar
and HUA 275: Commercial Photography Workshop. These classes
are geared towards preparing students for entry into the industry
and/or higher education.
15.
What are LaGuardia Photography program alumni doing now?
Graduates of the Commercial Photography degree have many options.
Our students have assisted professional photographers, started
their own wedding, fashion, portrait, or product photography
studios or entered photojournalistic careers. Alumni have
become photo-editors of magazines and online publications,
worked in non-for-profit organizations, and have pursued careers
in fine art. Alumni have also continued their educations at
4-year colleges such as SVA, The Pratt Institute, Parsons,
Rochester Institute of Technology, Fashion Institute of Technology,
Purchase College SUNY, NYU, Brooklyn College, The City College,
Lehman College, Hunter College, Queens College, CUNY Baccalaureate
Program, Gallaudet University and graduate programs such as
Yale, Lehman College, NYU, and Brooklyn College.
16.
When is the photography facility open?
The Photography lab in the “B” Building is generally
open Monday through Saturday. During Spring II, the lab is
only open Monday to Thursday, due to the college’s summer
schedule. The “Open Lab” schedule varies from
semester to semester and is posted at the lab during the first
week of each semester.
17.
Are there locker facilities available in the photography
lab?
Lockers are available in the “Main” and “E”
buildings.
18.
If I need advisement who can I speak with?
Contact:
Scott Sternbach, Director of the Photography Program
SSternbach@lagcc.cuny.edu
(photo lab office) (718) 349-4028
(cell) (718) 482-5691
or
Javier Larenas, Senior Laboratory Technician
jlarenas@lagcc.cuny.edu
(photo lab office) (718) 349-4028
19.
Can I Take a Tour of the Facilities at LaGuardia?
If you would like to visit the photo lab for a tour, please
contact Scott or Javier (see If I need advisement who
can I speak with?). Additional visiting information can
be found on the Contact Us page.
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