Photography Major
Capture striking images that reflect your perspective as you gain critical experience in the field and build a standout portfolio.
Photography at Moore gives you the tools to document life through your own creative lens and tell stories that stick. You’ll explore everything from analog darkroom processes to digital editing suites, mastering lighting and composition through captivating imagery. On your educational journey, you’ll use state-of-the-art professional equipment to define your artistic voice and communicate ideas through fine art photography, portraiture, street photography, photojournalism, drone photography and more.
You’ll also take your work into the real world through a paid internship and optional co-op, connecting with seasoned imagemakers in practical settings. At your fingertips you’ll find opportunities to photograph events on campus and throughout Philadelphia, assist photographers on set and submit work to professional publications—including those where Moore alumni have been featured, like Vogue and The New York Times. As a graduate, you can draw inspiration from Liz Wuillermin ’82 and exhibit your work in commercial spaces like Dock Street Brewing, founded and owned by Moore alumna Rosemarie Certo ’78.
Internships That Launch Careers
Every Photography student pursues a guaranteed paid $1,000 internship between their junior and senior years. Moore puts you in the field early, allowing you to grow your toolkit and make connections that lead to career opportunities.
Photography students and alumni have landed internships and jobs at places like...
Love Me Do Photography
National Portrait Gallery
Philadelphia Fashion Incubator
TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image
Petah Coyne
Carrie Mae Weems
Zoe Strauss
Hank Willis Thomas
Network with Industry Leaders
Through special events, you’ll meet guest speakers and critics who’ve walked the path you’re on. Ask questions, gain valuable feedback and build relationships that open doors in photography. Here’s a glimpse of some of our recent visitors:
Alex Da Corte
Da Corte is a Venezuelan-American artist based in Philadelphia who creates vibrant and immersive large-scale installations that include wall-based works, sculptures, and videos. He has exhibited at the Whitney Biennial, the Venice Biennale, the Hammer Museum, MASS MoCA and elsewhere.
Naomieh Jovin ’17
Jovin is a first-generation Haitian-American, a photographic artist, and a Moore alum. Her work has been featured in The Nation, Vogue and Buzzfeed, and she’s photographed for the New York Times and Vogue Italia.
Gab Bonghi
Bonghi has worked with clients like Universal Music Group, Starr Restaurants, and Philadelphia Distilling Company, and her work has been featured in EATER, Philadelphia Inquirer, NYLON, and elsewhere.
IN OUR OWN WORDS
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“Moore has taught me what it means to be a photographer and how to be taken seriously as a photographer. My skills have evolved exponentially—I’ve tried macro, fashion and studio photography, and I’ve strengthened my knowledge of professional lighting!"
Photography Major Student Work
Our students use their lenses to challenge perception and invite viewers to see from a new point of view.
Elizabeth Heath ’24.
Zaire Hart Hodges '23.
Sydney Kazansky '22.
Emily Morton ’22.
Claudia Rubio ’24.
Technology and Creative Spaces
Explore advanced tools and workspaces for Photography students, including a wet darkroom and professional shooting studio.Photography Core Curriculum
Year 1
- 2D Design
- 3D Design
- Photography Core
- Foundation Drawing I
- Color Theory
- Visual Thinking
- Creative Design OR Drawing for Visual Communication
- Writing Workshop I & II
- Art History I & II
Year 2
- Digital Photography I & II
- History of Photography
- Studio & Location Lighting
- Video Core
- Photography Elective
- Modern Art History Course
- Non-Western Art History
- Gender, Race, Class & Power
- Studio Electives
Year 3
- Photography Junior Studio I & II
- Video Projects
- Photography Elective
- Theory, Criticism & Aesthetics
- Professional Development I
- Humanities and Studio Electives
Year 4
- Senior Studio
- Contemporary Issues in Photography
- Senior Thesis
- Professional Development II (Internship)
- Theory, Criticism & Aesthetics
- Creative & Critical Studies Electives
- Photo Elective
- Electives
Choose from electives like...
- Fashion, Editorial and Lifestyle Photography
- Drone Photography & Video
- Photojournalism & Documentary Photograph
- The Photo Book
- Animating the Image