At Pratt, we consider photography to be a tool and message for personal and cultural expression. As a student you will develop a deeper understanding of your role within a complex image-based landscape, formulating a dynamic perspective in order to make a wide array of meaningful contributions to the field.
The Photography curriculum provides an extensive photographic education through a series of core classes that promote students’ technical and conceptual development.
Students are expected to establish their photographic practices through the study of analog and digital processes within a deeper understanding of the histories and theories of the medium. Given the central role that images play in our lives, demonstrating literacy in photography has taken on new meaning, new urgency, and new forms.
Student Work
Look at these bodies of work that our current Photography students are producing. Through concentrated learning about photographic processes, critical discourse, and exposure to contemporary art, you’ll develop your own visual language and artistic voice.
Our photographic production spaces are at the core of your educational experience at Pratt. The digital labs, analog darkrooms, and lighting studio are creative environments that foster community and function as an extension of the classroom. The atmosphere and culture of these spaces are centralized around promoting skill-building, creativity, and the exploration of materials and processes. Students are encouraged to expand upon what they learn in class, experiment with both concept and form, and question the boundaries of the photographic medium.
Labs and Facilities
At Pratt, our labs and facilities are capable of supporting a wide range of photographic practices. Our darkrooms can accommodate negative formats ranging from 35mm to 4×5 sheet film. They also provide areas for print finishing. Our digital labs feature state-of-the-art Apple computers, Epson printers, film digitization stations, and a Risograph Digital Duplicator for independent book publications. In the department’s lighting studio, Profoto and Lowell lighting equipment, stands, dollies and seamless backdrops make learning about studio shoots an important part of the professional experience.
Students have the opportunity to explore different sectors of the field through their choice of internships at various art institutions, galleries, and studios such as the Whitney Museum of Art, Conveyor Arts, Distributed Art Publishers (D.A.P.), David LaChapelle Studio, and Diverse Works to name a few. An internship provides students with real-world work experience. During their course of study, students have the option to complete an internship for program credit. A Pratt faculty advisor guides each student until their learning objectives are met.
Study Abroad
Immersing yourself in another culture is an incredible experience that can extend the boundaries of creativity. Study abroad programs are an integral part of the college experience, and Pratt has deep connections with university partners around the world. In addition to partnering with universities abroad, Pratt Photography has abroad opportunities as part of Pratt Berlin, a semester-long program where students will take Pratt course offerings with Pratt faculty while living in Berlin, Germany. Similarly, the Photography Department has elective courses with short-term travel components embedded into the curriculum, which include opportunities to travel and study during spring break in Havana, Cuba, or San Juan, Puerto Rico. See where you can go.
Learning Resources
We develop disciplinary fluency in our program of study and we celebrate the interdisciplinary nature of design critical to address the plurality and complexity of the environments in which we operate. Learning resources.
Our Faculty
At Pratt, the Photography Department’s faculty members are distinguished artists and creative professionals who are committed to developing and nurturing the creative potential of each individual student. The faculty come from diverse professional and educational backgrounds representing the intersectional nature of the photographic arts. This plurality of experiences and approaches creates a singular education experience tailored to the unique needs of the student body. See the full list of faculty and administrative staff here.
Our Alumni
Pratt’s distinguished alumni are leading diverse and thriving careers, creating and expanding upon the visual culture of our present-day world.
Where They Work
Programs Manager, Baxter St. Camera Club of New York
Assistant Collections Manager, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Founder, Blue Hour Press
Editor-In-Chief, The Daring
Commissioned Photographer, The New York Times Magazine
Join us at Pratt. Learn more about admissions requirements, plan your visit, talk to a counselor, and start your application. Take the next step.
You’ll find yourself at home at Pratt. Learn more about our residence halls, student organizations, athletics, gallery exhibitions, events, the amazing City of New York and our Brooklyn neighborhood communities. Check us out.
Opening this Sunday! Pratt Photo Professor Patrice Aphrodite Helmar’s “Polaris” ✨
June 30 - August 18, 2024
Opening Sunday, June 30, 5-7pm
New location
116 Elizabeth Street, floor one
NY NY 10013 bottom buzzer for entry
Hours
Wednesday-Sunday, noon-7pm
Image: Patrice Aphrodite Helmar, Dolly Beach, 2020, gelatin silver print, 20 × 24 inches. [A black and white, square format photograph of the artist, wearing a black puffy coat and a light colored balaclava, with their small dog, sitting near a fallen tree on a beach.]
@prattinstitute @soartpratt @patricehelmar
Opening TONIGHT @ Pratt Manhattan Gallery!
To Live in the Imagination
Pratt Photography MFA Alumni Exhibition
June 28–August 31, 2024
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 27, 2024, 6–8pm
Organized by Sara VanDerBeek
Featured Artists:
Stephanie Espinoza
Rachel Handlin
Katharina Kiefert
Ethan Li
Megan Mack in collaboration with Abby Waters
Kristina Naso
Chloe Scout Nix
Erin O’Flynn
Jan Rattia
Kunwar Prithvi Singh Rathore
Lena Smart
Baillie Vensel
Jingge Zhang
@prattinstitute @soartpratt #prattexhibits
There are TWO more days to catch this week’s Senior Thesis Exhibition, “Fifty-One Fifty” by Declan Mulligan.
Come by the Pratt Photography Gallery, open from 11am-5pm today and tomorrow, to see the show! ✨
This is the final photo exhibition of the school year—congratulations to everyone on such an exciting and successful season!
@prattinstitute @soartpratt @0xdeclanmulligan
The blowing of the steam whistle concluding the Commencement Ceremony this afternoon! Congratulations again to the class of 2024!!👏🎓🥂
@prattinstitute @soartpratt #PrattGrad24
CONGRATS to all of the photo students graduating today! 🎓🎉🥳👏📸💐
We hope you all enjoy a well-deserved celebration and wish you all the best of luck moving forward—you’ll be missed!!!
@prattinstitute @soartpratt #PrattGrad24
Opening TODAY! Our final week of BFA Thesis Exhibitions begins today, with “Fifty-One Fifty” by Declan Mulligan.
The opening reception will be held from 5 - 8PM in the Pratt Photography Gallery.
Also open Tuesday - Friday from 11AM - 5PM.
We look forward to seeing you there—congratulations Declan!
@prattinstitute @soartpratt @0xdeclanmulligan
MFA Photo students featured in an Art Review from Hyperallergic this week!
Today is the last day to catch this exhibition, so come by the Photography Gallery from 11am—5pm.
And read the full article @ hyperallergic.com/912412/pratt-mfa-photographers-turn-landscapes-into-critiques-of-power/ (Link in bio)!
Congratulations to Ethan, Erin, and Prithvi!
@prattinstitute @soartpratt @hyperallergic
There are TWO more days to catch this week’s MFA Thesis Exhibitions by Ethan Li, Erin O’Flynn, and Kunwar Prithvi Singh Rathore.
Come by the Pratt Photography Gallery, open from 11am-5pm today and tomorrow, to see the show!✨
@prattinstitute @soartpratt
The Department of Photography is committed to the education of artists and professionals who have acquired a comprehensive understanding of the artistic and professional opportunities in the field. The curriculum provides an extensive photographic education through a series of core classes that promote students’ technical and conceptual development. Photography majors move from a highly structured program in their freshman and sophomore years to a more flexible program in their junior and senior years in which students choose from a variety of electives in photography, other studio disciplines, and in the humanities. This approach is intended to facilitate the transition from student to independent artist and professional. Completion of the curriculum culminates with an exhibition in the Pratt Photography Gallery, as well as a group show in a New York City gallery, and a collaborative photography publication. Small class sizes help to promote a strong sense of community in the intimate setting of Pratt’s Brooklyn campus. Students are given opportunities to meet artists and critics through the Pratt Photography Lectures, visiting critiques, and artist studio and museum visits. This access can help students build contacts and relationships with influential professionals in the field. Like a small town within a big city, we look to give students their own voice, so they can employ it in whichever direction they choose.
Undergraduates establish strong photographic practices and discourses through the study of analog and digital processes, the history and theory of photography, and the development of critical thinking and writing skills through required and elective courses in photography, other creative disciplines, and the liberal arts. Participating in this experience prepares students to actively contribute to culture and society as leaders in the photographic arts and applied industries, as well as to pursue graduate studies in related fields. Graduates are expected to demonstrate excellence in artistic vision, professional skills, innovation, and a contextual understanding of their work in contemporary culture.
Upon completion of the program:
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the broad range of possibilities available in analog and digital photographic materials.
• Students will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the aesthetic principles of photography.
• Students will articulate a broad knowledge of photographic and relevant cultural histories and an in-depth understanding of contemporary issues in photography pertinent to their practices.
• Students will create a cohesive body of photographic work in which an artistic vision and contextual awareness of their work is evident.
• Students will apply the technical skills and professional practices necessary to pursue careers or graduate studies in the photographic arts and applied industries.
![Opening this Sunday! Pratt Photo Professor Patrice Aphrodite Helmar’s “Polaris” ✨
June 30 - August 18, 2024
Opening Sunday, June 30, 5-7pm
New location
116 Elizabeth Street, floor one
NY NY 10013 bottom buzzer for entry
Hours
Wednesday-Sunday, noon-7pm
Image: Patrice Aphrodite Helmar, Dolly Beach, 2020, gelatin silver print, 20 × 24 inches. [A black and white, square format photograph of the artist, wearing a black puffy coat and a light colored balaclava, with their small dog, sitting near a fallen tree on a beach.]
@prattinstitute @soartpratt @patricehelmar](https://www.pratt.edu/art/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/449518456_3548757878768384_3523628128894076376_n-640x533.jpg)
![Opening this Sunday! Pratt Photo Professor Patrice Aphrodite Helmar’s “Polaris” ✨
June 30 - August 18, 2024
Opening Sunday, June 30, 5-7pm
New location
116 Elizabeth Street, floor one
NY NY 10013 bottom buzzer for entry
Hours
Wednesday-Sunday, noon-7pm
Image: Patrice Aphrodite Helmar, Dolly Beach, 2020, gelatin silver print, 20 × 24 inches. [A black and white, square format photograph of the artist, wearing a black puffy coat and a light colored balaclava, with their small dog, sitting near a fallen tree on a beach.]
@prattinstitute @soartpratt @patricehelmar](https://www.pratt.edu/art/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/449518456_3548757878768384_3523628128894076376_n.jpg)
