Students in the photography minor develop technical skills in traditional and digital photographic practice while refining creative and conceptual approaches to the medium. The photography curriculum emphasizes individual artistic development while integrating the history of photography as well as contemporary work and critical theory. Through an exploration of a variety of photographic methods, students are given the tools to create visually compelling photographs that communicate their artistic ideas.
Students who apply for entrance into the photography minor must submit a written statement, a portfolio of images, and unofficial transcript(s) from CU Denver and all previous post-secondary educational institutions. Students who meet the following requirements and are accepted into the minor will be eligible to register for upper-division photography courses.
ELIGIBILITY
University of Colorado Denver students and transfer students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in fine art and art history courses. In order to apply to the photography minor, students must have completed, or be in the process of completing, the following courses::
PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
Students applying to the minor should submit a CD or DVD to the area head of photography, Carol Golemboski, in room 815M of the CU Building. The CD or DVD is due by 5 p.m. on November 1, or on the following business day if the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday. The CD or DVD should include contact information and an email address for notification of the results of the portfolio review. Late submissions will not be accepted.
(NOTE: Portfolio submissions may switch to an online process; please consult Carol Golemboski (carol.golemboski@ucdenver.edu) for details and updates before submitting your portfolio.)
The CD or DVD must include the following:
Portfolio of Images
- The portfolio must include 10 examples of creative work. At least six portfolio images should be photographic (three images from Introduction to Darkroom Photography and three images from Introduction to Digital Photography). Additional examples may be in the form of design, drawing, sculpture, installation, painting and/or video.
- All portfolio images must include a brief explanation of the concept and creative process behind each piece.
- All images should be formatted as JPEGs.
Written Statement
The written statement must address the following in a clear, detailed essay no more than two pages in length.
- The applicant should describe why he or she would like to be in the photography minor and what goals and expectations the applicant has regarding photography as a career. Include any special considerations that would be useful for the committee in making a decision, such as a high GPA, art-related extracurricular activities or relevant professional experience.
- The applicant should reflect on the artists and photographers who have influenced his or her artistic interests. Reference at least two examples of their work, discussing both form and content.
- The applicant should identify his or her creative strengths and areas that need further development.
Course Transcripts
These may be official or unofficial transcripts from CU Denver and previous post-secondary institutions.
The Evaluation Process
- A committee of photography faculty members reviews the portfolio packets. Acceptance into the photography minor is based on the portfolio images, written statement and GPA.
- If not admitted into the photography minor, a student has the choice of attempting the review process again the following year or selecting another minor. Students not admitted into the photography minor are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the area head of photography to learn ways to improve their portfolios for future submissions.
The application is evaluated on the following criteria:
- Presentation - The portfolio should be well crafted and well organized in content and presentation.
- Technical Skill - The portfolio should demonstrate strong knowledge of the fundamental tools of photography including camera functions, analog film development and printing, and digital imaging, as well as an understanding of design, form, composition and color.
- Creativity – The portfolio should demonstrate creative choices in content and aesthetics.
- Conceptual Skills - The portfolio and written statements should reflect analytical thinking and conceptual exploration of the photography medium.
- Written Statement - The statement should outline academic and artistic goals, addressing any potential strengths and weaknesses.
- Academic Performance - The grades must reflect a commitment to learning and growth.
- All required documentation included (images, written statement and transcripts.)
Questions
Please contact CAMadvising@ucdenver.edu for minor and portfolio information, or contact photography area head Carol Golemboski at carol.golemboski@ucdenver.edu
To declare a CAM minor, see the College of Arts & Media’s Office of Advising and Student Services in Arts Building, 177.
Additional Information about the Minor
Students may transfer up to 6 semester hours of non-CU Denver courses toward a minor. All other courses must be taken at CU Denver. Each course must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better. Students may use up to 6 semester hours to fulfill both major and minor requirements; the remaining semester hours for the minor must be taken in addition to the major requirements. Consult an advisor in the College of Arts & Media at CAMadvising@ucdenver.edu for more information.
