Arts & Humanities

Master of Fine Arts in Photography

Quinn Jacobson
Photographer, Artist, and Educator

Quinn Jacobson has worked in photography for more than 25 years, in which, along with respected photographer, he has become an accomplished author, professor, and Web designer. In 1993, he earned a Bachelor of Integrated Studies in Photography, Communication, and Visual Art from Weber State University. He then advanced his education and earned a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from Goddard College in 2007. A true connoisseur of the art of photography, Jacobson specializes in daguerreotypes, calotypes, and the wet plate collodion process. Currently, he serves as a photographer, artist, and educator at StudioQ, where he teaches others about historic photographic processes and continues creating inspiring works of art through the fine art of photography.

Why did you choose to major in photography?

I grew up around photography. Both of my parents were avid image makers. I also served in the U.S. military as a combat photographer in the 1980s. It made sense to pursue it as a career.

What did you like/dislike about majoring in photography?

I enjoyed all of it. However, I’m not sure I could say that today with everything being digital. Photography can be a great way to learn about so many other subjects, it’s a major that allows you to do a lot of exploration.

How has your major impacted your career or influenced your career path?

I have bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Integrated Studies) in photography and a Master of Fine Arts degree (MFA) in photography. It has been the rudder for my career. We live in such a visual world. Photography opens up a lot of possibilities for employment if you’re passionate and creative.

What knowledge/skills did you obtain from majoring in photography that you still put to use in your current position?

My passion is making art. I have a gallery in Paris, France that represents me, and I teach historic photographic processes when I’m not making work. Photography is what I breathe, think, eat, and live every day. There’s very little in my life that that photography doesn’t touch on a day-to-day basis.

What advice would you give to students thinking about majoring in photography?

Truly evaluate what you want to do. Find your passion and pursue it. The world is changing and careers aren’t what they once were. For me, photography has been a tool that’s allowed me to explore my own ideas, questions, and concerns. It opens so many doors for me to get to know other people and connect in ways nothing else can. If you know that making photographs is your calling, pursue with everything you have. It will reciprocate.