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Assistant, Associate, Professor of Photography

School of Arts & Humanities

Academic Affairs

Tsaile Campus

Duty Schedule:

Fifteen credit hours (five classes) per semester, and thirty credit hours (ten classes) per academic year. Summer adjunct work is possible.

Summary/Objective of Position:

The photo instructor will teach courses in photo lighting, experimental photo techniques, and darkroom photography. Photography courses at Dine' College include: FA 178 Introduction to Digital Photography; FA 181 Digital Photography and Image Editing I; FA 182 Innovative iPhone Photography; FA 281 Digital Photography and Image Editing II; FA 321 Darkroom Photography I; FA 381 Photography III; FA 481 Photography IV.

Description of Essential Function of the Position

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Design and deliver a curriculum that spans fundamental principles of photography, advanced techniques, and the historical evolution of the medium. This involves preparing lectures, creating assignments, and evaluating student work with a discerning eye. Each class is a blend of theory and practice, where students learn about exposure, composition, and lighting, and then apply these concepts in hands-on projects.

To thrive in this role, a photography instructor must possess a blend of technical prowess and creative insight. They must be adept in both analog and digital photography, comfortable with the operation of traditional cameras and darkroom equipment, as well as modern digital tools and software. This dual expertise allows them to provide comprehensive instruction across various formats.

In an in-person setting, the photography instructor's day is punctuated by time spent in the darkroom, studio, and classroom. They navigate the physical demands of setting up equipment, preparing chemicals, and ensuring the darkroom environment remains conducive to learning. The instructor also engages with students one-on-one, providing personalized guidance and critique.

For remote instruction, the instructor's role shifts to mastering digital platforms and tools. They must be proficient in using online teaching software LMS Canvas, video conferencing via Zoom, and digital portfolio management systems. Creating engaging online content, such as instructional videos and interactive assignments, is essential. This requires a high level of technical skill and the ability to adapt traditional teaching methods to a virtual format.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Minimum:

MFA in visual arts or related fields

Preferred:

MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Photography, often complemented by a robust portfolio that showcase expertise and artistic achievements. Practical experience in the field, such as working as a professional photographer or exhibiting in galleries, is highly valued.

Knowledge:

--preferred practicing photographer with a strong interest in the history of Native American photography and an appreciation for the unique place and identity of Diné College as the tribal college of the Navajo Nation.

--a willingness to demonstrate techniques clearly and work closely with students to develop their skills as photographers.

Skills:

--a clear understanding of lighting and lighting techniques in photography

--a keen awareness of the breadth of photographic techniques: portraiture, commercial, landscape, and documentary

--an appreciation for experimental techniques in photography (for example, cyanotype, photomontage, double exposure, etc.)

Abilities:

--the instructor needs to work closely with students and demonstrate a clear enthusiasm for the topic; the courses need to be structured with clearly defined goals, objectives, and assignments

--the instructor will need to set up the course through Canvas (the lms of Diné College)

--in-person instruction is necessary especially for lighting and dark room courses

Physical Requirements, Work Environment & Travel:

--Diné College has an excellent darkroom and studio space for teaching including photo equipment (cameras, lighting, printing capabilities)

Other Requirement(s):

--May require Face to Face instruction and/or QM certification for remote instruction.