Every photograph is a comment on contemporary culture. Exploring that comment is a primary focus of most photography program. Aesthetics, technique, and composition are discussed primarily in context of what the image communicates.

Students begin by using film and making black and white prints in a traditional darkroom. Guided by a faculty whose interests range from landscape photography to digital book arts and video, they proceed to courses in digital, color, large-format, lighting, and professional practices. But in all courses, the focus is on the content of individual photographs --and the photographer's intent.