Quick News: The amazing photographer and even more amazing person (the way it should be) Amy stein posted a little something something about aphotostudent on her blog. Amy is an SVA MFA alum AND she has an upcoming show on Sept 10th at ClampArt in New York (Info to come in a few days). Thanks Amy and big congrats!
Orientation starts up on Monday and I haven’t even picked out what to wear! It’s been 9 years since I last had a first day at a new school. It’s exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. As an undergraduate, I took some photo classes as electives. The stakes weren’t as high as they are now. The success of an MFA for a guy like me is going to depend upon my willingness to be open and to really push myself . I’m sure my preschool anxiety will subside once I walk through the front door, but it’s still a bit daunting when I consider that I have a schedule for the next two years. The past five years have been a bit amorphous: irregular hours and assignments, travel to random places. An emerging freelance photographer’s schedule is not the most structured. Structure will be good.
Monday: is going to be a day of general information and introduction but there’s also a lecture by photographer Jeff Weiss.
Tuesday: we get to learn a little about the computing facilities, the studio, the equipment cage. Then…PIZZA LUNCH. After lunch we break into smaller groups for practice critiques. 10-15 images and a 2-3 minute statement about the work. I have a few projects that are in infancy. I’ll show some of that work and some of my older work from last year to give an idea of me and the direction i’m going in.
Wednesday: is more in the computer lab and a lecture by video faculty member Mary Patierno. I know so little about video it’s embarrassing but I’m looking forward to learning.
Thursday: is a day of financial aid meetings and also a lecture by Jeff Liao. Jeff is an SVA MFA graduate. He made a name for himself with his large format composite images documenting the 7 line of New York’s Subway system. Coincidentally, I once sold Jeff a used camera of mine on ebay.
The week concludes with a graduate student reception.
That’s Orientation. I can’t wait to meet the other students and the teachers and get going.
James,
i wanted to thank you for the summer reading post. After i do not have formal photog education myself, so far it was rather guessing than knowing what stuff to read on the topic.
I was recently applying for a scholarship for an mfa program in the u.s. as well. didnt get it though. However, when looking through the various opportunities, i was thinking that a blog like this would be a good idea, and i was surprised that there was none so far.
i wish you all the best with you undertaking, i hope you keep posting some recommended readings. fr.
Hi,
Happy to share it. I just hope you leave some time to keep reading the blog!
best,
j
Hi James,
The cost of SVA’s MFA Program is about 30K and then there is a $1200 departmental fee. There are various student loans, grants and scholarships out there to make paying for graduate school easier. Is it a lot of money? Yes. Is it worth it? I think so and that’s why I’ve enrolled. I hope I feel the same in two years. I don’t know anybody who has regretted spending the time and money getting an MFA but I know people who wish that they had one. It’s a personal decision. As far as “general and photo costs” I’m not sure what you mean. I’ll still be shooting kodak 4×5 and scanning it. I won’t have to pay $50/hour to scan anymore as the school has scanners. I’m sure the question of money will be discussed more in the future, but right now I’m getting ready for the first day of school tomorrow. Feel free to email through my website if you have any other questions.
best,
James
if you don’t mind me asking,
how much is it really to go to SVA? i’ve read up that most are around 30k to attend. but what’s your expectation for just general and photo costs?