Photography is an interesting subject and the interest in photography seems to be growing, arguably due to the invention of camera phones. However, whether one argues that the invention of camera phones is destroying or radically changing the art of photography, photography does seem to be a rarity. At least at Millikin University it is. In fact, many don’t even know one can get a Photography degree at Millikin.

Though the photography major at Millikin is practically unknown, it is growing incredibly this semester. Because everything is changing, not everything is exactly set in stone. However, as of right now, there’s going to be two tracks a photographer can take. One track being Commercial Photography and the other Fine Art Photography. Though if the photographer wants, they could eventually let them merge.

Johnny Power, the photography professor, met for an interview. He explained a lot of new classes that will soon be offered for photography students. Every semester Beginning Digital Photography is offered which teaches the basics of photography and Photoshop. The rest of the photography courses are offered based on student’s interest and also time of the year. For example, there is a Black and White Film Immersion class that will most likely be offered every January. The Black and White Film Immersion class is very intensive, but worth it. The classes run Monday thru Friday from 10-3. When taking the course, one gets to learn the ins and outs of everything film. It can be incredibly beneficial for all film lovers. Another very informational class students can take is History of Photography taught by Mirela Tanta.

Lighting and Commercial Photography and Creative Concepts in Photography are typically the next step for Photographers after Beginning Digital Photography. Lighting and Commercial Photography is a class that attempts to recreate what it’s like to work as a commercial photographer. The class goes over lighting in detail and the photographer is given broad assignments with plenty of time to complete. The class offers real world situation that completes Millikin’s performance learning idea.

Creative Concepts in Photography acts the same. The photographer is given broad assignments to complete over a long period of time as well but these projects are very loosely based. Both classes work with contracts to familiarize the photographer with the process of working with a client and their contracts.

As well, an Alternative Process class will be added to the curriculum. This class teaches historical processes and about traditional film. There will also be an intensive Advanced Photoshop class for students who have already taken Commercial Photography. The class is not all about taking pictures, like most photography courses, but rather extensively working with Photoshop and some Graphic Design. After taking both the Creative Concepts and Lighting and Commercial, one can take the Narrative Photography class which allows the students to create a story through photos.

With all these new classes, some that weren’t mentioned either, comes to a total of 21 credits worth of classes. Since not all photographers are the same and like to take different types of pictures, there is a lot to choose from. As well, for those who don’t want to commit to a photography major, one can join the certificate program that only requires 12 credits to achieve. For an advanced photography student, they can get involved in a Practicum. The Practicum offers the chance for students and a teacher to work one on one in an individual study. The teacher and student meet intermittently to go over their work.

Not only are new classes going to being made, but the Art Department just got a new 24 inch Epson Printer that can allow students to print on various types of material. The printer would also allow students to be able to understand color management. With the addition of the printer, the department is also trying to create a job for students to man the printer.

Though the Photography Major at Millikin may stay unknown and small, the fact that is growing is especially exciting for the students and faculty in the Art Department. From the addition of all these classes, the photography student has much to choose from and much to grow from. These classes add amazing opportunities like working with actual clients, putting work in Blue Connection, and generally being creative like photographers are.