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Photography - Commercial Photography (BFA)

About

In today’s media driven society, photography is one of the primary tools of marketing. Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Commercial Photography provides students with technical and visual literacy skills through courses with a strong industry focus. The program specifically covers the elements of photographic theory with an emphasis on practice that prepares students to enter the commercial marketplace and succeed as photographers, videographers, producers, stylists, image retouchers and photo editors, as well as roles in industry sales and support.

Courses provide a solid foundation in commercial digital imaging, digital workflow, studio lighting, small medium, large format cameras and lab/studio management. You will work on assignments in a wide variety of areas including portraiture, fashion, product, catalog, advertising, location lighting, studio lighting, documentary, and HDSLR video production and narrative construction.

You will meet professionals in the field who are important connections for internships. An annual trip to New York City includes visits at magazines such as Martha Stewart and Food Network, commercial studios such as Root/Drive-in Studios and Industria, industry expos like PDN PhotoPlus, and manufactures such as Nikon, Bron and Leica. Students have won numerous awards in national and international photography and video contests, including First place in the Photographer Forums photography contest and Third place in Nikon’s Everyday Cinema contest.

See students’ work

After Graduation

Employment: Graduates are working for Amazon, RR Donnelly in Charlotte, Tribuzio Hilliard in Greensboro, Splash Worldwide in Portland, ROOT Studios in New York City, FotoCare in New York City, and with many independent photography studios across the country, including several world famous photographers such as Annie Leibowitz, Norman Jean Roy and David Lachepelle.  Many pursue careers as successful independent photographers, both in the commercial arena and as wedding photographers.

Graduate school: n/a

People

  • Faculty Profile: Chip Williams
    Faculty Profile: Chip Williams

    “I challenge my students to develop concise and universal themes in the visual stories they pursue. … Mastering the art of visual storytelling will help our graduates differentiate themselves in the industry.”

    – Associate Professor Chip Williams, in an interview with American Society of Media Photographers

  • Alumnus Profile: Daniel Gajda ’20
    Alumnus Profile: Daniel Gajda ’20

    Daniel Gajda ’20 has turned his passion into a career, working as a professional freelance photographer after earning his B.S. in commercial photography from App State. He was able to put his skills to practice in summer 2021, photographing Tokyo’s Sport Climbing Olympics.

  • Alumna Profile: Anna Ulery ’04
    Alumna Profile: Anna Ulery ’04

    Appalachian professors mentored and encouraged her. Now, Anna Ulery ’04 owns and operates her own photo booth business.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Minors

A minor is not required with the major but many students do choose to minor in Communications, Business or Entrepreneurial Studies.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

F/Stop: Faculty/Students To Organize Photographers – a student photography club

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.  

The Commercial Photography program runs a summer course trip to Italy, spending three weeks traveling and photographing the country from Tuscany to the Amalfi coast.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.

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Costs and Aid

Why Appalachian?

  • The Commercial Photography program is accredited by National Association of Schools of Art and Design. It has strong support from industry partners in equipment donations and loans.
  • Faculty members have many years of professional experience and transfer this practical knowledge to students.
  • This program is one of just a handful of four-year degree programs in the country dedicated to commercial photography at an affordable, public institution.
  • Internship host sites include: Amazon’s photography studios, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in New York, to local, North Carolina independent photographers.
  • Internationally recognized photographers present evening lectures. Past lecturers include: John Fedelle, Dixie Dixon, David Stoecklein, and Michel Tcherevkoff.
  • Courses engage in service-learning projects for community partners such as Watauga Humane Society.

Location

Boone campus only

Contacts

College of Fine and Applied Arts

Department of Art

Brian Bookwalter
Program Coordinator
bookwalterbe@appstate.edu
828-262-7049

  • Department of Art

    One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Art at Appalachian State University prepares students to explore art, identity, expression and creative problem-solving while challenging them to go beyond their previous limits by discovering new connections to culture. The department offers degrees in art and visual culture, art education, graphic design, studio art, commercial photography and graphic communications management, with minors in art history, studio art, commercial photography and graphic arts and imaging technology.

  • College of Fine and Applied Arts

    Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of academic departments including Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts is characterized by the educational approach of integrating theory and practice, offering students the knowledge and experience for continued education or employment. Programs within the College feature opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, international experiences and interdisciplinary engagement. The College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while being active in grants and sponsored research. The College of Fine and Applied Arts provides a vibrant educational atmosphere, fostering the very best in teaching and learning.

    We offer:

    • BS, BA, and BFA degrees in 30 academic concentrations or specializations
    • MS degrees in 4 concentrations
    • Army ROTC program

    Community Service:

    Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.

    Industry and Community Involvement:

    All departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.

    International Education:

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts wants all students to have the opportunity for international learning experiences and has offered programs in:

    • Austria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Cuba
    • Dominican Republic
    • England
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Rwanda
    • South Africa
    • Taiwan

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