About the Program

“I teach my students that photography is a combination of technique, content, and theory. These three intertwined pieces secure the structure of our photography program. We create an environment of collaboration, discussion, and interdisciplinary freedom, which is a unique educational experience for young photographers.”
—Emily Hanako Momohara, faculty

The Photography program's wide breadth of traditional and cutting-edge processes is unique to the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Students learn about 35mm, digital, medium-and large-format cameras, black and white printing, digital output, color shooting, experimental photography and digital video. They have the opportunity (also unique to AAC) to link photographic theory and practice to other artistic disciplines.

The major provides a blend of theoretical and real-world instruction that enables students to build careers as commercial photographers, professional artists, photojournalists, and in other disciplines. Many graduates move on to grad school or pursue careers in the gallery or museum world.

The Lightborne Visiting Artist Program is unique to the Photography Major at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Each year the Art Academy and the Cincinnati Art Museum invites two international artists to work with students and give a public lecture. In the fall, an emerging photographer is invited for a two-week Artist-in-Residence program.  Artists have included Elinor Carucci (www.elinorcarucci.com), Todd Hido (www.toddhido.com) and Hank Willis Thomas (www.hankwillisthomas.com). The students work with the artist during a three-day workshop, benifit from one-on-one critiques and install an exhibition of the photographer's art in the Art Academy Gallery. In the spring, an international artist is invited  for a three day visit, where they perform group and one-on-one critiques with students, as well as give a public lecture. Former artists are Gregory Crewdson, Thomas Demand (www.thomasdemand.de) and Doug Aitken (www.dougaitkenworkshop.com).

View requirements for the Photography major and all majors
Apply to the Art Academy
Schedule a Campus Visit