The Marist photography course primarily emphasizes learning the fundamentals of the black and white, 35 mm format. Our belief is that just as drawing is the basis to the painting, sculpture, and ceramics courses, black and white photography trains the student in the essential skills of the medium. These skills include the technical controls of the camera, the elements and principals of design, and the habits of a strong work ethic in the dark room. We start with the most basic of all cameras, the pinhole. One quarter of the term is devoted to teaching the basics of digital photography and software available for image manipulation. These skills are taught in the new digital media lab, named in honor of Ben Seibert ’07, a Marist graduate of extraordinary vision. 

Marist School offers an introduction to photography course which is open to all juniors and seniors. Independent study opportunities can be arranged for those students who wish to continue their work in photography in college. Several Marist students have continued their work in photography by receiving degrees in photography, becoming teachers of photography, and working as commercial photographers.