Virginia Beach Digital Photography Program

Pursue your vision of a full-time photography career with a BFA in Digital Photography

In our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Photography degree program in Virginia Beach, you can develop the creative instincts and technical knowledge of the subject matter required to capture the world as only you see it. With our digital photography courses, you’ll be equipped to pursue a career in the fine arts doing what you love. You’ll be surrounded and inspired by other talented, creatively driven students

At The Art Institute of Virginia Beach, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, you’ll join a creative community like no other.

Virginia Beach and the city of Norfolk are part of a vibrant creative community including the broader area of Hampton Roads VA. The area provides a variety of settings to explore creativity and the arts including museums, restaurants and nightlife, the beach and the boardwalk. Outside the classroom, you can join student organizations, participate in industry events, and draw inspiration from the many other talented, creative thinkers throughout the school and the Virginia Beach community.

Digital Photography, 2015 (BFA) Alumnus Zuhair Ali | The Art Institute of Virginia Beach:

“When I first started, I kind of had that mindset that the only way to make money in photography was doing events but as I kind of progressed, I realized that there was just more opportunities. The field is just so much bigger than it actually seemed.”

“The thing that I found more unique about this school than most others was it's dedicated to not only the the artsy aspect of it but learning how to make what you enjoy doing part of your future.”

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Photography

Quarter Credit Hours:

180

Timeframe:

12 Quarters

View Academic Catalog

Meet our Alumni

Caleb Lambert

Media Arts & Animation , 2015

"[In school], I learned that time management and deadlines are priority number one."
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Caleb Lambert

Visual Effects Artist for DuPont Sustainable Solutions

Caleb Lambert is a visual effects artist for DuPont Sustainable Solutions in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He creates computer imagery for clients, utilizing animation, 3D modeling, particle systems, lighting, texturing, and compositing. “My career doesn’t feel like a job. I would be doing this at home in my free time because I enjoy it,” he says.

Caleb is proud to have earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Arts & Animation. “During [my time in school], I not only learned about software and skillsets, but I leaned about myself and my potential.” He adds that his inspiration is Georges Méliès. “I can’t even sum up how much he has inspired me. The man is a legend, and the father of visual effects.” Caleb believes that 3D printing will continue to impact the industry. “[It] has really taken hold of the imaginations of millions of people, and with that comes advances in 3D scanning equipment and software. I see 3D scanning becoming the standard for capturing the geometry of assets to be utilized for post-production purposes—whether it is a film set, and actor, or a prop.”

Caleb, who in 2015 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Arts & Animation from The Art Institute of Virginia Beach, says that his education taught him time management and how to deal with tight deadlines. “You can come into a job and not know too much about this or that program and that’s ok. But if you do not have the skills to deliver the work when it’s needed, [you will not succeed].” He recommends that current students stay focused and “go hard or go home. This industry is highly competitive and highly stressful. If you want to remain on top of the food chain, keep learning new software and techniques.”

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Chad Krikorian

General Education , 2013

"[The school provided] me with the best instructors and access to professionals in the field."
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Chad Krikorian

Interior Designer for Cox, Kliewer & Co.

As an interior designer for Cox, Kliewer & Co., Chad Krikorian is responsible for maintaining the sample library, designing in AutoCAD, and assisting the architects. He states that his work is busy and exciting—and focused on designing residential and commercial spaces.

Chad notes that he was named Homearama’s “Future Design Star” in the fall of 2011, a designation presented by Tidewater Building Association. Homearama is a 16-day display held in Virginia for fully landscaped customized homes. Since then he’s kept up with interior design trends by staying on top of technology, materials, and finishes, and he recommends that current interior design students do the same.

Chad, who in 2013 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from The Art Institute of Virginia Beach, says that his education helped to prepare him for a creative career. “[The school provided] me with the best instructors and access to professionals in the field.” He adds that the opportunity to learn alongside these professionals* provided insight that’s been beneficial in his transition to the working world.

*Credentials and experience levels vary by faculty and instructors.

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Harlen D. Capen

Digital Photography , 2015

"Photography is an extremely fast-paced career when it comes to new technology."
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Harlen D. Capen

Scientific and Technical Photographer for NASA

Harlen Capen is a scientific and technical photographer for NASA at the Langley Research Center in Virginia. His photography assignments range from portraiture to secret tests in wind tunnels. “One of my favorite moments from this past year was when I was chosen to shoot the cover for the August 31, 2015 edition of Aviation Week Magazine,” he says.

Harlen adds that he’s enjoying watching the evolution of NASA technology. “My photography has been a part of testing for Boeing and some of my photographs [were used to help] researchers to decide what materials to use as windows in the Orion Space Capsule,” he says.

Harlen, who in 2015 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Photography from The Art Institute of Virginia Beach, says that his education provided the foundation he needed to focus on a photography career. “When I started my education, I literally knew nothing about photography.” He adds that photography is an extremely fast-paced career that requires lifelong learning. “It is important to learn early on which trends are right for you to follow.”

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What Will I Study?

Show me how to tell stories. One frame at a time.

Photography isn’t a hobby. It’s a craft pursued by hard-working, talented professionals who share not just a curiosity about the world, but a commitment to constantly adapting and improving. The Digital Photography curriculum will sharpen your creative edge and technical skills as you study:

Digital Photography
Color Management
Studio Photography
Location Photography
Portraiture
Digital Darkroom
Natural & Artificial Light
Digital Image Management
Editorial Photography
Documentary Photography
Business of Photography
Studio Techniques

I'm looking for my proving ground.

At The Art Institutes system of schools, creativity is our core, our calling, our culture. Our Digital Photography degree programs are built on that creative foundation. It’s also built on our knowledge that a creative career is not for the faint of heart. It’s a daily struggle to champion your ideas and earn your place among the best in your profession. Because it’s tough out there, it’s tough in here. But we’ll support you along every step of your journey. We provide the mentoring and real-world experience you need to prevail, with faculty* who’ve worked in the field, as well as internship possibilities. You’ll be encouraged and expected to be bold. To take risks. To push yourself and the people around you. It won’t be easy. In fact, it’ll be the hardest thing you’ll ever love.

*Credentials and experience levels vary by faculty and instructors.

Meet our Faculty

Camilo Ruiz

Media Arts & Animation

"Follow your passion no matter the cost, and never give up."
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Camilo Ruiz

Was there a defining moment when you knew you were destined to become a creative professional?

In high school, the only subject I was passionate about was drawing. When I found about media arts as a career—when I learned you could get a degree in animation—I didn’t think twice.

How do you weave your professional background into the classroom experience?

I share my experiences as a way of opening students’ eyes to the challenges and opportunities that await them. In my career, I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. All those anecdotes, both positive and negative, serve as useful guidelines for students.

What class assignment exemplifies your approach to teaching and mentoring?

The creative process can be very intimidating for beginning students, so I break that process down into simple steps through my own artwork. I’ve found that demonstrating a variety of methods and techniques inspires students. And although I provide specific, detailed instructions for class assignments, I make sure to build in plenty of room for creativity

How does collaboration contribute to students’ success?

Teaming up on a project helps students develop the managerial skills they’ll need in the workplace. And when creative minds get together, the work gets better.

What’s the most important thing you impart to students to help them succeed in class and the real world?

Stay productive, never sacrifice quality, and most importantly, persevere. Follow your passion no matter the cost, and never give up.

Anything else you’d like to share?

There’s a big difference between knowing how to do something and teaching it. Teaching is truly an art form unto itself. Teaching animation is a newfound passion that’s tested and pushed my skills, and taught me the importance of helping others reach their goals.

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Teresa Fary

Fashion Marketing & Management

"There's tremendous strength in numbers when creative people pool their talents."
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Teresa Fary

Was there a defining moment when you knew you were destined to become a creative professional?

I honestly can’t remember not being drawn to sales, fashion, marketing and retailing. Teaching those subjects lets me share what I know—and challenges me to keep up in a field that’s constantly changing.

How do you weave your professional background into the classroom experience?

I taught fashion marketing for many years in a secondary school, and spent six years as an independent sales rep for manufacturers. The teaching part stressed the need to relate to all types of people, as well as manage a school boutique. The sales rep part let me to put those experiences into practice and see first-hand many of the issues large retailers and small business owners face. I gained a wealth of knowledge that doesn’t exist in a book or operations manual. And I share all that real-world experience in the classroom to help bring the lessons to life.

What class assignment exemplifies your approach to teaching and mentoring, and how do you inspire students to push themselves beyond their perceived limits?

With every assignment, in every class, my goal is to focus on the objectives of the course. I challenge students to do their best by using industry and peer evaluations. The feedback they get helps give them a realistic expectation of what they’ll encounter in today’s industry.

How does collaboration contribute to students’ success?

I constantly stress the importance of beginning their networking journey here in school. I believe the more they work with others and collaborate on projects, the more successful they’ll be as fashion professionals. There’s tremendous strength in numbers when creative people pool their talents.

What’s the most important thing you impart to students to help them succeed in class and the real world?

Attitude affects altitude. All your talent and all your good work mean nothing if you don’t show up on time and with a positive attitude.

What’s the most critical advice you would offer any student embarking on a creative career?

Having a job is a privilege, not a right. Work hard, have a good attitude, and you can take advantage of all the opportunities out there.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I love my job, and I value the students and professionals that I’m fortunate enough to work with every day.
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