Advice for MFA Photography

[GoPack89]

Hey guys, I am new here and just need some help. I graduated earlier this year with my BS in Visual Communication (with a 3.6 gpa) and am looking at grad photography programs. I tried last year (for fall 2012) applying to UGA, RIT, UNM, and RISD, but failed to get in to any. I figured I just aimed to high, and now I'm looking to apply fall of 2013 to the following schools (which either offer an MFA in Photography or MFA in Studio Art with a concentration in photography): Syracuse, UW-Madison, U of Minnesota, SCAD, LSU, Indiana U, Ohio U, and VCU.

My questions are, 1.) I do both photojournalism work (I have worked for papers since I was 15) and fine art (which I sent last time), so I am thinking of going with my photojournalism work; so will schools still look at me serious if I send my photojournalism work in? 2.) Does anyone have any advice or tips on any of the schools I listed in bold above (ie what they prefer, chances of getting in, etc).

Help is much appreciated guys

Edited September 10, 2012 by GoPack89

[michaelwebster]

Schools will not look at you seriously if you say you are a photojournalist. They may love the images, but they are looking for artists, not photojournalists.

Do you have both portfolios online somehwere? I could give you some feedback if you would like. I am actually from NC too.

[GoPack89]

Schools will not look at you seriously if you say you are a photojournalist. They may love the images, but they are looking for artists, not photojournalists.

Do you have both portfolios online somehwere? I could give you some feedback if you would like. I am actually from NC too.

Thanks for the tidbit, here is my flickr (which I have not updated recently, but will when I have the time)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38341050@N02/

[christophinoz]

Well it depends which program you're applying for and I know little about those schools listed. I got into a top program with a photojournalistic portfolio but have since drifted to the conceptual side.

A brief look at your Flickr tells me:

1. You need to put together a body of work around one concept - mine was kinda loose though. Most applicants can take great pics but they're looking for the ones that can think too

2. Too many of those pics have been photoshopped to death

3. Find someone that's been though an MFA program to help put your portfolio together