At RISD photography is seen as an ever-changing set of technical, conceptual and aesthetic conditions that exist within a broad social and cultural context. Our students develop visual and critical expertise through course work, seminars, independent studio investigations and critiques.
RISD's Photography professors are accomplished working artists, scholars and educators with a passion for both teaching and their own studio work. Visiting artists, curators, critics and gallery directors also regularly critique student work and/or make presentations, and state-of-the-art facilities allow for the exploration of film-based and digital photography, digital video and multimedia production.
current enrollment
graduate students: 14
undergraduates: 59
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- Are you looking for a particular "RISD style" in MFA candidates?
No. We're not so much concerned with a particular style or technique as with creative and imaginative approaches to visual and critical problem solving. We're looking for students who show a solid working knowledge (both technical and critical) of their medium(s), a coherent body of visual work and future promise.
- What kind of competition will I face?
We generally receive about 200 applications a year for seven openings, the maximum permitted by our facilities and staffing.
- Who evaluates applications to the graduate program?
Full-time Photography faculty review applicants' materials together, as a group. Current graduate students also participate in the first round of viewing.
- How do you evaluate applications?
Documentation of your visual work is, without doubt, the single most important aspect. After basing the initial round of reviews on visual materials only, we read personal statements, transcripts and letters of reference for candidates who remain in the applicant pool. We then contact accepted candidates immediately and create a waiting list in ranked order.
- How can I put together an effective portfolio?
We ask that you submit 20 images, either digital files of your "stills" in a PowerPoint or Keynote presentation (on a CD), or alternatively, a sheet of 35mm slides. We can't emphasize enough how important well-exposed and edited images are to a successful application. Avoid a random sample of media and styles of expression, and instead focus on conveying the coherence of your work and demonstrating your vision.
- In addition to still images, should I submit videotapes, CDs or DVDs?
Please submit additional time-based media if it is part of your primary form of expression, but don't be concerned if you submit still images only. In fact, sending too much material that is not well selected and competently executed could do more harm than good.
link to general questions on Graduate Studies at RISD
“There's an extraordinarily collaborative atmosphere at RISD and a real commitment to advanced work in the visual arts and design.”
Joe Deal, Professor
Deborah Bright, Department Head / Professor
Eva Sutton, Department Head / Professor
Joe Deal, Professor
Ann Fessler, Graduate Program Coordinator / Professor
Henry Horenstein, Professor
Steven Smith, Assistant Professor
