Photo by: Andrew Fielding

The Shwayder Art Building, located on Asbury near the Ritchie Center, is currently finishing up renovation on a new photo studio in an effort to house more innovative equipment.

Construction on the studio began over the summer as part of the building’s ongoing renovations, which began in 2010. It is scheduled to be completed within the next two weeks.

“There is a lot of anticipation for the new addition and what it will mean for the future of the photography program,” said sophomore Chelsea Ortega, an Art major with a focus in graphic design.

Roddy MacInnes, associate professor of photography at the School of Art and Art History, said he is very excited about the new photography studio.

“All students registered for the photo classes will benefit from the new studio equipment, as they will be given instruction on how to use the equipment and be given assignments incorporating studio lighting,” said MacInnes.

The old studio, located on the third floor, had a dated darkroom and lighting studio.

The replacement studio will offer more equipment with an emphasis on lighting and design. 

“I think that photography is one of the most cutting-edge courses that we offer and it’s really important to stay up-to-date with the technology and innovations that will help the students,” said Jennie Tischler, coordinator of Budget and Operations at the School of Art and Art History.

With the new studio and a brand-new course on Creative Cell Phone Photography, which will be offered later this year, students in the School of Art and Art History will have many opportunities to expand their skills in the 21st century.

“I’m really excited to start taking more advanced classes in photography, especially with the new studio,” said Ortega.