Campus Setting and Photography Program

Transcript

Choosing a college means choosing where you spend your time. Nathalie likes Cypress College for more than its talented faculty and great resources, which have helped her realize her dream of becoming a photographer and giving her a chance to exhibit her work. She loves this campus setting. Nathalie, tell us more.

– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hey everyone. Growing up, I was always a creative type. I knew I had a passion for the arts and using my imagination to create stories but I wasn’t sure how to translate that academically. The Photography Department at Cypress was the first opportunity I got to express myself in a creative space. I had access to talented faculty that helped me navigate unfamiliar medium and equipment. Cypress’s photography classes teach you how to produce various photographic images using processes as well as how to create and develop your own portfolio while learning technical skills needed for professional photos in studios and location environments. The Photography Department holds exhibitions held by current students throughout the semester and you’re able to submit two pieces to the student show. Your work gets displayed for the remainder of the semester and competes in different categories. In the 2023 student show, I won an award in beginner’s digital photography. There’s also a photo club run by photography students to promote workshops, activities, and fun events open to everyone. There are many activities surrounding Cypress and fun places to eat and see. A bustling weekly swap meet held in the campus parking lot, America’s first theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm, Downtown Disney, Downtown Long Beach, and local restaurants within walking distance to visit in between classes to refuel. Overall, being a part of this visual and performing arts division has been amazing. I’ve been in contact with and inspired by many amazingly talented students and faculty during my time here that push me in my creative journey and the tight-knit community built at Cypress is like no other I’ve experienced. That about wraps it up. Take it away, Alex.

– Nathalie, sounds like you are in a great place studying with fellow photo students on campus and taking advantage of the Cypress location on the edge of Los Angeles and Orange Counties. It adds to the college experience to be in such a great location. Thanks for sharing.