<p>Bard seems to have an amazing Photography program but I’m wondering if there’s a lot of competition just to get into the photography courses. How hard is it to get into photography 101 (or whatever it’s called)? What is the vibe like in the department? How hard is it to moderate into photography?</p>
<p>My daughter is a Bard '12 alum with majors in photography and literature. The photo department is among the best in the country, and it is very, very competitive. D experienced competition getting into the first semester classes, but they offer multiple sections for intended photo majors plus a more general class for people who are simply interested in photography. Make sure you get into the registration line early, though!</p>
<p>Every semester after that, some people were cut from the program, mostly due to limited space in the darkrooms/editing labs. If you make it through moderation and senior project, you can be confident that you are among the top photo students out there.</p>
<p>The vibe is very positive, although of course D preferred some professors to others. Since the classes are small, sometimes the entire class will pile into a prof’s car to go to a gallery or out to dinner. </p>
<p>D made the effort to enter some shows and competitions and do a photo internship in NY while a student, and that has paid off with a job as a photo editor following graduation.</p>
<p>Great to hear about your daughter’s job, Stradmom!</p>
<p>Thanks, Spirit! She’s loving living in the city (turned down a dream job because of the location recently - not sure I agree with that decision…) and is hoping to get an apartment with a couple of Bard alums soon. Right now, she’s renting a room from a charming middle aged woman whose grown son has left her with some extra space, and her landlady gives her some TLC that I really appreciate. </p>
<p>Apparently, half of the Bard graduating class last year is in NY!</p>
@stradmom I’m serious about pursuing photo at Bard- I feel as though I am a very qualified photographer focusing on 19th century fine art processing, but your description of people being continually cut scares me. If a student worked very hard and possessed talent, would this still be an issue?