The Practicum gives students access to a hands-on experience with a non-profit organization working to make a difference. Based on the premise that media matters, the Practicum is designed to empower students to complete a real-world project, while developing a network and a portfolio that will serve them professionally.

CDIA’s Digital Photography Practicum allows the student to work in a professional capacity with a non-profit organization. This dynamic opportunity allows the photographer to see a project through to completion.

Students work closely with advisors to develop a final portfolio of digital images for their client organization, and will have the opportunity to present their work at the Practicum Screening. The Practicum gives Digital Photography students the opportunity to get their work published and exhibited.

The Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University is committed to creating a real-world work environment where students use digital media to enrich the community. CDIA’s Digital Photography students have partnered with dozens of organizations in Greater Boston and beyond.

Featured Partner Projects

Dana-Farber/Children’s Hospital Cancer Care

CDIA has partnered with Dana Farber/Children’s Hospital to publish, Faces of Hope, a book to encourage and inspire children and adolescents who have cancer. Using the powerful images of 46 pediatric cancer patients captured during the Practicum by CDIA students Denise Ethier and Rebekah Butcher, Faces of Hope will offer compelling stories shared by patients and families of what gives them encouragement, inspiration and hope as they are dealing with an illness. CDIA’s Graphic Design department is currently producing the layout for the book, which will be circulated nationwide.

ZUMIX

ZUMIX was founded a musician’s studio in 1991, near Maverick Square in East Boston–a neighborhood of high risks and instability. The motivating idea was “to build community through the arts”. CDIA partnered with Zumix to provide digital photography, and a short documentary video. In September 2006, CDIA co-hosted a Zumix fundraiser at Boston’s Cloud Place to premiere the film and present an exhibition of Alumni Chris Shelley’s photography. For more information visit www.zumix.org.