Professor Frank Ward, Photography

Degree and from where it was received:
MFA in Photography from Bard College, New York.
BA in Educational Media from the University of Massachusetts.

Courses you teach:
Basic Still Photography, Advanced Photography, Photojournalism,
Women in Photography, Introduction to Digital Fine Art Photography, Alternative Photographic Processes.

Accomplishments (personal or professional):
I take great pleasure and pride in teaching. I get the most joy from a classroom of students who are discovering their personal power and exploring their creative possibilities with photography.

My career in photography has been very rewarding. I have traveled all over the world and have received many grants and awards. I will have a book of natural history photographs published in 2006. My photography can be viewed online at several sites including:
http://www.culturalvisions.com
http://www.photoeye.com/frankward
http://www.amherst.edu/magazine/issues/05fall/king_prints/luminous/index.html

Favorite thing about teaching:
Teaching is a learning process for both the students and the professor. I find inspiration in seeing student work and participating in the creative process. Teaching art is like teaching empowerment; students learn to see their own lives with a new perspective and they see other lives with a new respect.

Memorable moment at HCC:
There are special moments in every class. My favorite experience is being there when a student "gets it." These are times when everything a student has been learning, seeing and doing comes together and makes perfect sense. In Zen Buddhism, the moment is called satori. It is a transcendental instant when all you have experienced becomes clear. Sometimes it can be verbally articulated, but most often I see the results of individual clarity in the beautiful work that students produce.

Teaching philosophy:
My approach to teaching is formulated with the individual student in mind. I like to connect with my students and foster a relationship that will last beyond the semester. I provide access to knowledge, materials and inspiration; and give students permission to experiment, discover and create.

Meet the Faculty