The UARK Photography Area at the School of Art empowers students through creative inquiry — helping them understand themselves and the world more deeply, preparing them to graduate as critically engaged artists.
Program Overview
The UARK Photography Area offers a rigorous foundation in both film and digital processes — from 35mm and large-format film, darkroom printing, and alternative processes, to digital capture, image editing, and printing. Students explore photography's expanded field, working across installation, performance, collage, the archive, and book-making practices. Rooted in research, conceptual thinking, and critical dialogue, the program challenges students to develop visual literacy and pursue photography as a means of investigating themselves and the world.
Students work closely with faculty who are active, exhibiting artists, in a collaborative, intimate environment where experimentation is encouraged and ideas and materialities are rigorously explored.
The Photography Area regularly invites artists, scholars, and professionals into direct conversation with students, and benefits from a robust Visiting Lecture Series facilitated by the School of Art, alongside visiting artists hosted by other areas within the School of Art.
Situated within a Land-Grant, Research One university, students are encouraged to engage with the broader academic resources of the University of Arkansas — connecting their practice to wider intellectual and interdisciplinary conversations.
The Photography Area is home to new facilities at the School of Art, including three black and white darkrooms, color film processing facilities, photography studio with cyclorama walls, a bindery and finishing room, and a digital lab with a full range of digital inkjet printers and scanners. The School of Art offers an extensive equipment lending program providing UARK Photography Area students access to a wide range of film and digital photography, video, audio, and new media equipment. Students are encouraged to work across materials and disciplines, engaging with the Wood, Metal, Advanced Technology Two-Dimensional (AT2D) and Advanced Technology Three-Dimensional (AT3D) Labs — all supported by dedicated technicians.
BFA and MFA students are each offered dedicated studio space. Students have regular opportunities to exhibit their work in gallery spaces on campus — including the High-Vis Gallery, Pit Gallery, and Three Two One Gallery — as well as off-campus at Sugar Gallery.
Facilities
- 1 x Mac desktop for tethered shooting
- 8 x Mac laptops for tethered shooting
- Strobe Lighting: Profoto & Alien Bees
- Continuous Lighting: LED
- Range of colored seamless paper roll backdrops 107in x 36ft
- 10 x Mac desktop computers with Adobe Creative Cloud access1 x Mac Laptop cart
- 4 x V750 & V800 Flatbed Epson scanners
- 1 x Epson P8000 44” inkjet printer
- 1 x Epson P9000 44" inkjet printer
- 1 x Epson P7000 24" inkjet printer
- 1 x Epson P7890 24" inkjet printer
- 1 x Epson P900 17” inkjet printer
- 3 x Epson P800 17” inkjet printers
- 3 x Epson P700 17” inkjet printers
- 1 x Epson 3880 17” inkjet printer
- 1 x Epson 4800 laser printer
- 4 x Epson V750 & V800 Flatbed Scanners
- 1 x Hasselblad Flextight Drum Scanner (35mm, 120mm, & 4x5 compatible)
- Range of inkjet roll papers
- 2 x compressed air units
- 54” Rotatrim
- 2 x large format matte cutters
- 1 x 6ft wall mounted media cutter
- 2 x Wooden book presses
- 1 x coil binder
- 1 x large format guiatine
- 1 x cold press laminator
Beginning Black and White Darkroom
- 16 x Beseler 23CIII-XL Black and White Condenser Enlargers
Advanced Black and White Darkroom
- 5 x Beseler 45 MXT 4x5 Enlarger
- 3 x Omega LPL 4550XLG 4x5 Variable Contrast Enlarger
Film Developing Lab
- Jobo CPE 2 plus color processor
- 2 x large format light boxes
- Large format UV exposure unit
- Commercial 210M-X hot press
- Film drying cabinet
Film Developing Lab
- Four film loading rooms
Alternative Processes Lab
- This flexible, ventilated space supports a variety of alternative and historic photographic processes like cyanotype, van dyke brown, gum bichromate, and tin type along with having 1 x Beseler 45 MXT 4x5 Enlarge
UARK Photography Area encourages students to work across materials and disciplines. The School of Art's shops and labs are a collection of shared resources that support all departments, programs, and students and have full-time technicians to support students, faculty and staff.
- Advanced Technology Two-Dimensional Lab (AT2D), Shane Richey, prichey@uark.edu
- Advanced Technology Three-Dimensional Lab (AT3D), Vincent Edwards vincente@uark.edu
- Wood and Metal Shop, Chase Young, cry003@uark.edu
The UARK Photography & Print Areas share gallery spaces on the third floor of the Studio and Design Center, supporting student and faculty exhibitions throughout the academic year.
Hi-Vis Gallery, SDCR 300
SDCR 322
The Pit Gallery, SDCR 327
Gallery Three Two One, SDCR 321
The UARK Photography area regularly hosts exhibitions and supports students to exhibit within the broader North West Arkansas community, some spaces students have exhibited include:
Poplar Street Pumphouse, Fayetteville (Relative Rubbish, curated by Forrest Frederick)
The Creamery, Rogers (no place but here, Dillon Bryant)
The Momentary (curated by George P. Perez)
Equipment
The School of Art runs a school-wide Equipment Checkout program that offers students, faculty and staff access to a wide range of professional tools — including cameras, cinema systems, lenses, audio equipment, lighting, projectors, monitors, and support equipment.
Equipment Checkout, SDCR 218
Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.|
Andy Blackwell, School of Art Equipment Technician, ablackwell@uark.edu
Flagship Inventory Items
Equipment Checkout supports both digital and analog image-making, from introductory photography and documentation to cinema, installation, and advanced studio work.
- Nikon Z5 mirrorless cameras, 10
- Nikon ZR cinema cameras, 9
- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K systems, 6
- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, 1
- RED Komodo 6K camera, 1
- Sony A7R mirrorless camera, 1
- Canon EOS R8 mirrorless cameras, 2
- Canon EOS RP mirrorless cameras, 2
- Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera, 1
- Canon 5D Mark III DSLR cameras, 2
- Canon Rebel DSLR cameras, including T3, T5, T6, and T7 models
- DJI Osmo 3 Pocket cameras, 1
- Pentax K1000 35mm film cameras, 26
- Bronica SQ 6x6 medium format cameras, 3
- Intrepid 4x5 view cameras, 2
- Cambo and Calumet large-format cameras and systems
The lens inventory supports a wide range of focal lengths, formats, and working methods, including portraiture, documentation, macro work, cinema, and low-light production.
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S lenses, 8
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S lenses, 5
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S lenses, 2
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S lenses, 2
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S lens
- Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro lens
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 lenses, 2
- Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro lens
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L lens
- Canon EF 75-300mm f/4L lenses, 3
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L lens
- Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L lens
- Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L lens
- Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens
- Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens
- Voigtländer Nokton fast prime lenses
- Zhongyi Speedmaster fast prime lenses
- Bronica medium-format lenses
- Sigma macro and zoom lenses
Projection and display equipment supports critique, classroom presentation, installation, performance, and exhibition needs.
- Panasonic PT-VMZ62 laser projectors, 4
- NEC M323W projectors, 4
- Optoma GT1080 short-throw projectors, 3
- Casio and NEC projectors
- Panasonic 75-inch 4K display,2
- Vizio E-Series 24-inch display
- ASUS ZenScreen 16-inch portable monitors, 3
- Videotel 4K media players, including VP72, VP90, and VP92+ models
- Wacom Intuos Pro pen tablet
The audio inventory supports field recording, interviews, podcasts, video production, sound documentation, live events, and classroom presentations.
- RØDE NTG2 shotgun microphone with blimp
- RØDE NTG3B shotgun microphones, 3
- RØDE VideoMic Pro and VideoMic Pro+ microphones
- RØDE Lavalier GO microphones, 3
- RØDE SmartLav+, iOS VideoMic, and i-XY stereo microphones
- RØDE NT5 small-diaphragm condenser microphone set
- RØDE PodMic and podcasting microphones
- Sennheiser XSW-D wireless XLR transmitter and receiver
- Sennheiser E-825s handheld microphones, 2
- Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones
- Shure SM57 microphones, 2
- Shure SM58 vocal microphone
- Shure Unidyne 55SH vocal microphone
- MOTU M4 and MOTU Ultralite-AVB audio interfaces
- MOTU AVB Switch
- Tentacle Track E timecode audio recorders, 4
- Tentacle Sync E MK2 timecode generators, 3
- Zoom H1, 6
- Zoom H1 XLR, 6
- Zoom H2, 4
- Zoom H3-VR ambisonic microphone
- RØDE SoundField Pro ambisonic microphone
- Fender Passport Conference Series 2 PA system
- Pyle Pro PA system with Bluetooth
- Pyle wireless microphone system
- Genelec 8010A studio monitors, 8
Equipment Checkout maintains lighting tools for studio photography, documentation, video production, and experimental image-making. Available lighting equipment includes Alien Bees studio strobes, Amaran LED mat lights, Amaran RGB tube lights, Yongnuo speedlights, Matthews light stands, Gossen light meters, Sekonic light meters, and NiSi neutral-density filters.
Coursework
ARTS 18033 Photography for Non-Majors
Photography for Non-Majors is an undergraduate course open to all majors that explores photography's role in visual culture, examining its relationship to art and society and its evolution as a medium. Through a variety of tools and techniques, students develop skills in composition and digital manipulation while considering the role of intention in making art.
Photo by Ada Pipkins
ARTS 38003 Photo I: Darkroom
Photography I: Darkroom introduces the basics of camera operation and exposure, analog black and white film and print processing, and photographic technique and theory. An emphasis on how to communicate through photographs is pursued in assignments, critiques, lectures, and demonstrations.
Photo by Theavan Saitang
ARTS 38103 Photo I: Digital
Photo I: Digital introduces digital SLR photography, Adobe Lightroom editing, file management, and printing, with an emphasis on composition, light, and color. Students develop skills in photographic seeing and image interpretation, and learn to communicate ideas effectively through photographs while building the critical vocabulary to discuss work analytically, formally, and conceptually.
Photo by John Stoll
ARTS 38203 Alternative Photographic Methods
Alternative Photographic Methods focuses on the study and practice of alternative and historic photographic processes with a special interest in how materiality influences the content of a photograph. A heavy influence is placed on experimentation as the course explores the hybridization of analog chemical processes with digital technology and contemporary content.
Photo by Jacob Kuchar
ARTS 48203 Advanced Digital: The Constructed Image
Advanced Digital: The Constructed Image explores processes and concepts related to creating photographs that are staged, manipulated, or constructed in some manner both through digital processing and fabricating images for the camera. Emphasis will be placed on a questioning of photographic truth and how to communicate effectively through a series of photographs.
Photo by Shelby-Jane Holleman, Oriah Freeman, Jacob Kuchar
ARTS 48303 Large Format Photography
Large Format Photography introduces students to the 4x5 view camera and the technical processes of larger film formats. Advanced darkroom work and digital process are combined to explore professional printmaking. Projects allow students to explore concepts in depth and relate the large format camera to contemporary photographic practice.
Photo by Josiah Gill
ARTS 38303 Documentary Photography
Documentary Photography introduces students to the methods, concepts, and technical skills of documentary practice, with a focus on developing extended projects that explore subjects in depth. Throughout the semester, students examine photography's complex and contested relationship with objectivity.
ARTS 38403 Studio Light
Studio Light explores the technical, creative, and professional possibilities of studio and location lighting, examining how photographers have used controlled light throughout history and its continuing role in contemporary practice.
Photo by Jonathan Terrazas
ARTS 38503 The Photobook
The Photobook examines the photobook as an art object, tracing its historical roots and contemporary relevance. Students explore all aspects of production — from generating content and designing structure to fine art inkjet printing, case-binding, and book construction.
Photo by Rose Cunningham
ARTS 4950V Special Topics
Special Topics is a rotating course that shifts focus each time it is offered, the course invites undergraduate students to explore problems, theory, materialities, and form that cut across artistic disciplines — shaped by the interests and expertise of individual faculty. A recent offering was The Lecture Performance: Playing with Knowledge.
Photo by Dakota Stewart
ARTS 5840V Special Problems in Photography
Special Problems in Photography is a rotating course that shifts focus each time it is offered, inviting undergraduate students to explore problems, theory, and approaches in contemporary photography — shaped by the interests and expertise of individual faculty. A recent offering was Archival Translations: The Image as Knowledge & Power.
Photo by Marjorie-Ann Templeton
ARTS 48903 Advanced Projects in Photography
Emphasizes diverse aspects of recognizing and fostering individualized creative processes, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to create a sustainable and professional studio practice.
Photo by Amelia Lee
ARTS 58303 Advanced Black and White Photography
Advanced black and white theory, practice and techniques including Zone System, large format camera and studio lighting.
ARTS 68303 Graduate Photography Studio
Graduate Photography Studio is taken every semester in years one and two of the MFA program. This seminar is centered on supporting graduate student’s creative practice. Structure is set by the specific faculty, but usually consists of multiple rounds of critiques, readings, lectures and visiting artists, scholars, and professionals centered on contemporary issues in photography.
ARTS 6950V Special Topics
Special Topics is a rotating course that shifts focus each time it is offered, and invites graduate students to explore problems, theory, materialities and form that cut across artistic disciplines — shaped by the interests and expertise of individual faculty. A recent offering was The Lecture Performance: Playing with Knowledge.
ARTS 6820V Graduate Photography
Graduate Photography offers students the opportunity to pursue independent study —
focused research or creative work outside of regular coursework developed in close
collaboration with a faculty mentor. Projects are student-initiated, allowing for
deep exploration of their own artistic and intellectual interests.
VISITING ARTISTS, SCHOLARS & PROFESSIONALS
The UARK Photography Area regularly hosts visiting artists, scholars, and professionals who offer lectures, discussions, and studio visits — exposing students to a wide range of conversations shaping contemporary photography and the broader art worlds and connecting them with practitioners across the field. The UARK Photography Area additionally benefits from a robust Visiting Lecture Series facilitated by the School of Art, alongside visiting artists hosted by other areas within the School of Art.
- Laura Larson, virtual
- Ryan Peter, virtual
- Luis Vasquez La Roche, in-person
- Garrett Hansen, in-person
- Gregory Harris, virtual
- Jennifer Murray, virtual
- Richard McCabe, virtual
- Daniel Park & Obvious Agency, in-person
- Molly Rideout, in-person
- Akeem Davis, in-person
- Marcus Xavier Chormicle, virtual
- Tryst Reid, virtual
- Vann T. Powell, virtual
- Rashod Taylor, in-person
- Guadalupe Rosales, virtual
- Latipa (Michelle Dizon), virtual
- Carmen Winant, virtual
- Dipti Desai, virtual
- Alexandra Bell, virtual
- Rotem Rozental, virtual
- Bryan Ortiz, in-person
- Sebastián Hidalgo, virtual
- Drew Leventhal, virtual
- Esther Nooner, virtual
- Rachel Youn, virtual
- Lilly McElroy, virtual
- Emily Margarit Mason, virtual
- Chase Castor, virtual
- Rachel Cox, virtual
Alumni Achievements
The UARK Photography Area has a strong record of preparing students for careers across the arts.
Undergraduate alumni have been accepted to graduate programs at leading institutions, including Parsons School of Art & Design, Paris College of Art, Washington University, the University of Iowa, Indiana University, and the University of Nebraska Lincoln.
Alumni pursuing teaching and professional careers have joined the faculty and staff of institutions including Lamar University, the University of Kansas, Tulane University, the University of Wisconsin Madison, Augustana College, and Georgia College & State University, as well as serving in roles such as Workshop Program Manager and Studio Coordinator for Photography and New Media at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and Post-Graduate Accelerator Fellow at the University of Arkansas.
Alumni have exhibited and published nationally and internationally, with work shown at Filter Photo, CICA Museum, LUX Center for the Arts, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and The Momentary, and featured in the New York Times, The Atlantic, among others.
Students and alumni have received grants, fellowships, and awards including the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Sturgis International Fellowship, the Windgate Accelerator Grant, the Artist 360 Grant, and the Society for Photographic Education's Student Innovations in Imaging Award.
Students and alumni have completed residencies at the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture, the New York Studio School, the Vermont Studio Center, the Center for Photography at Woodstock, and with the National Parks Arts Foundation
Faculty
Rebecca Drolen, Area Representative, Associate Professor of Photography and Co-Program Director in Studio Art
Calista Lyon, Assistant Professor of Photography & Expanded Media
CC Calloway, Visiting Assistant Professor of Photography
Dillon Bryant, Post-Graduate Fellow in Studio Art
George P. Perez, Instructor of Studio Art
Micah McCoy, Adjunct Instructor
Community
