Located in the Bonnell Building on the College's Main Campus at 1700 Spring Garden St., the Department of Photography was designed in conjunction with building architects to provide an optimal learning environment for aspiring photographers and videographers.

Even before blueprints were drawn, the Department already had earned a reputation of inspiring photographic excellence. However, these new, specialized classrooms and darkrooms, along with a large new studio, spacious finishing areas, and a well-stocked equipment room have consistently helped students achieve a high-level productivity atypical for a program of our size.

Like any institution of higher learning, however, its ability to grow in its educational mission requires that it adjust its resources for the future. The Department of Photography can proudly state that it was an early adopter of the digital phenomenon, introducing computer image-enhancement components into its curriculum over two decades ago.

Presently, the Department of Photography has two modern computer labs, each dedicated solely towards the creation of digital media and used only by those enrolled in our courses. These digital "darkrooms" are equipped with powerful computer workstations enabling students to do everything from non-linear video editing to outputting of archival digital prints. Some workstations have dedicated film scanners in various film formats including medium and large formats, while others have direct connections to the type of wide-format Epson inkjet printers that are typically used by today's professionals. Calibration tools for critical work are provided in order for the student to master color management.

Adobe Photoshop is taught in the Photo 151 - Introduction to Digital Imaging and Photo 152 - Color Photo and Digital Printing courses. Advanced studio classes also make extensive use of this facility for their coursework. The computers are upgraded to current technology on a regular basis.

The Photo 104 and 211 Video Production courses shoot productions with Sony HD video equipment and pro-quality Sennheiser microphones, (including wireless units). A wide selection of Lowel, and Arri quartz lighting and LED kits and accessories are available.  Working in small crews, documentary-style projects are shot on location. Digital post-production involves editing with Adobe Premiere software. Photo 104 is also the gateway course to the department’s other curriculum, Digital Video Production (DVP).

Classrooms are intimately sized, and feature critiquing areas as well as a projection for media presentations. Print finishing rooms are equipped with a variety of trimming, mat-cutting and dry-mount or cold- mount equipment to allow student to create superior-looking presentations.

Our still photography studio boasts a large cyclorama wall and 20-foot ceilings with a suspended lighting grid. The studio is directly accessible to a veritable photographic treasure cached in the equipment area where advanced students check-out view cameras, Profoto studio electronic flash systems and the full range of Canon cameras and lenses, portable flash, and studio and location modifiers. In addition, a variety of "grip" equipment, special effects accessories, light banks and other studio needs are readily available.

Despite the dominance of digital imaging, time-honored traditional black-and-white printing techniques are still valued by our faculty for their aesthetic qualities and their effectiveness as a learning tool. Our present courses in traditional "wet" darkroom classes continue to fill with eager students anxious to experience the magic that occurs in the photographic darkroom. Photo 101 is our most popular course.

Even as the methods of visual expression evolve, the Department of Photography is committed to supporting your goals of achieving excellence.

For more information or a tour of our facilities, appointments may be arranged by calling 215 751-8519 to speak to a staff member. Or email .