How exciting it is to be in your shoes right now and looking at colleges. When I first visited RIT, I was interested in studying international business. I attended an open house at RIT and I went to all of the business program's open house events. Afterwards I dragged - literally, I had to drag - my parents over to the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences (SPAS) to have a quick look around. I pretty much knew I wanted to attend RIT for photography but my parents would NOT send me to college for "art!" I understood their concerns and sought a way to keep them happy while keeping myself happy. When I found the Biomed program it was a like dream come true - it was the perfect combination of science and art. And best of all, I would be employable when I graduated.
The wonderful thing about Biomed is that you learn the technical aspects of photography in the curriculum. You learn to photograph retinas - although I hated ophthalmic photography; you learn how to photograph finger prints - very cool; and anything you dream of exploring using a microscope. For me it was chick embryos! There are so many opportunities in the program to create amazingly beautiful images and the skills you learn are invaluable including web and desktop publishing as well as digital audio and video. Once you understand and become comfortable with the technical side of the equipment and processes, you can really begin to take control and use your skills to solve photographic and visual problems, which will ultimately allow you to create the images you envision. If you aren't a natural problem solver before you enter the program, you will be one when you graduate the program!
Craving new experiences and always wanting to be creative, I chose to take the non-traditional route by taking advertising photography electives. It wasn't until I started taking Ad photo classes that I realized how lucky I was to have had the technical photography background. While many of the advertising students were struggling with learning how to use their cameras and modifying light, I was able to focus on making the photographs I wanted to make. While Ad photo students learned photography with large lights and subjects to photograph, biomed students start in the lab with small lights and small objects. For me, it all began in the biomed lab with two tiny tungsten lights, mirrors, Styrofoam cups, and a pinecone! That day it all clicked. I am someone who has always been fascinated with small things and I found it much easier to explore photography/light at this small level and translate that into a full scale production with larger lights and subjects.
To be honest I didn't necessarily want to be an advertising photographer when I entered the program. I just knew I wanted to use photography as a means to explore the world around me on all levels- big, small, and microscopic. Biomed allowed me the flexibility to explore all of those things and I've been very fortunate to be able to continue to explore my world through photography since graduating RIT.
I've been working as a photo assistant in NYC for the past two years and so far I've used those pinecone lighting skills on set to light Lebron James's shoe in Los Angeles and Barack Obama in the oval office. I've gone from pinecones to the president. Now really, only a Biomed grad can say that!
You will be able to take the scientific/technical approach and problem solving skills you learn in Biomed with you no matter where you end up, even if it isn't photography related. Combined with a good attitude, work ethic, and motivation you'll be well on your way to your chosen destination. I am sure.
One more thing I'd like to add: The program is not as technical as the name might imply but it does require attention to detail in almost all facets of the courses. Becoming aware and paying attention to details has definitely served me well while throughout my advertising photography studies.
Shannon McCook JPHB 2007
