Photography
Plus, why physics and photography are super intertwined
This Photo student
goes beyond the studio
Meet 2 student faves
Curriculum deets, student work, and more
Coming soon
ABOUT
In the Photography program at Columbus College of Art & Design, you’ll have access to the best gear and latest software as you develop your aesthetic and learn how to market yourself.
5 THINGS TO KNOW NOW
Plus, our favorite art and design tools, professors, and study break spots.
1
Light Up the (Art) World
For photographers, light isn’t just something that happens — it’s an important tool. In Studio 1 and 2, you’ll be introduced to the physics of light as a raw material — its brightness, color, and contrast — and lighting as an examination of light’s interaction with objects. After you learn the theory, you’ll tie the concepts into real-world practice as you work with commercial standard lighting equipment. From hot lights, tungsten lights, LEDs, and strobe lights to light modifiers and digital editing, you’ll learn everything you ever wanted to know (and more) about lighting in art and commercial photography.
2
Market Yourself
If you want to work at Tom’s Shoes, your portfolio should reflect that — that’s the premise behind CCAD’s Senior Capstone for Photography students. You’ll go beyond collecting your best work and developing a website, defining who you are, analyzing your artistic voice, and identifying your creative philosophy. And you’ll craft a marketable professional identity for yourself and upgrade your portfolio into a personal brand. So as your time at CCAD comes to a close, your future as a professional photographer is just beginning.
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3
Collective Imagination
Everything today starts with an image, and photographers are at the forefront of visual culture. But photography is not new. The legacy of today’s CCAD photography department began in the 1950s with the work of Aaron Siskind. A renowned photographer who turned conventional photography on its head, Siskind’s shots turned real, mundane objects into art, and his work influenced an entire generation of photographers.
4
We Are Family
Photography Chair and Professor Duncan Snyder believes strong bonds with your professors and peers are forged as you collaborate in the studio. "Because the department is small, everyone knows everyone and everyone is friends. Everyone is willing to drop everything and help each other, even late at night," says Annie Noelker (Class of 2018). So get out there. Explore, create, and remember: whatever you do, the Photography Family has your back. #photofam
5
Join the Creative Workforce
A student-led group at CCAD is taking the critique process beyond of the classroom — and you’re welcome to join. The Photo Collective offers a safe space for students of all majors and experience levels (from freshman to MFA candidates) to share and develop lens-based work together. Beyond offering each other critiques and support, members also work together to produce off-campus group shows at art galleries around Columbus.
STUDENT VLOGS
TWO AMAZING FACULTY MEMBERS
Professor and Chair of Photography, Interim Chair of Film & Video
For more than two and a half decades, Duncan Snyder, Professor and Chair of Photography at CCAD, has worked with the next generation of talented photographers while continuing to pursue his own practice. He has received individual artist grants from the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Ohio Arts Council and serves on the Upper Arlington Cultural Arts Commission.
Associate Professor of Photography
Hiroshi Hayakawa teaches photography and mentors graduate students at CCAD. While he works principally in photography, Hayakawa also explores graphite, watercolors, paper, sculpture, and other media. Winner of an Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship, Hayakawa has published four papercraft books: Kirigami Menagerie, Paper Pups, Paper Birds, and Paper Monsters and Curious Creatures.
Education
- MFA in Photography, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
- BFA in Photography, Columbus College of Art & Design
Current Practice
I recently collaborated with the Franklin Park Conservatory to produce work for and curate a photography show.
On Columbus
I remember when Columbus’ only tall building was the LeVeque Tower. Now it’s a gastronomical mecca, and our art scene is world-class.
Inspiration
I’m a photographic gatherer. I’ll walk 30,000 steps and photograph what’s around and turn what I find into collages or other additive works.
Find him Online
Education
- MFA in Photography, Cranbrook Academy of Art
- BA in French Literature, Keio University
- BFA in Photography, Columbus College of Art & Design
Current Practice
I’m developing a body of work around the theme of “vanitas” — a style of 17th century Dutch art often focused on death and change — in drawings and in photography.
On Columbus
Despite its growth, Columbus still holds a small-town quirkiness and unique charm that I enjoy.
Inspiration
Lately, I’ve found inspiration in my native Japanese culture, particularly its aesthetics and philosophy.
Find him Online
DOWNLOADS
Want to grab these images for your computer or phone? Go for it!
