Technology Recommendations

ULV Department of Photography Technology Requirement

For over 40 years, the University of La Verne’s (ULV) Photography Program has been committed to providing the best and most innovative photographic education possible. ULV seeks to ensure that, when you graduate, you are fully conversant with the tools that technology can provide. In order to ensure an integrated curricular technology and equal access to a wide range of software, technical support, and training, ULV’s Photography Program has instituted a technology requirement consisting of two parts: a department-wide minimum laptop and software requirements.

2020–23 Minimum Distance Learning Requirements

When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technology needed in order to have a successful course. We recommend that you meet the technical requirements below when using the learning management system (LMS) of the University. We also recommend a quiet space with a desk for your participation in synchronous classes.

Note: For additional required hardware or software requirements for your course(s), contact your instructor or refer to the course syllabus for additional information on their requirements.

Hardware

  • A computer (desktop/laptop) or mobile device (smartphone/tablet) that is less than 5 years old will work for accessing WebEx and Blackboard.
    • NOTE: Chromebooks are not recommended and may not be compatible with all third-party tools used in course shells.
  • Speakers/headphones/earbuds for listening to audio or videos presented in courses.
  • Webcam for interacting in course activities that require video feedback from students.
  • A stable Internet connection of 56K or greater is required (however, please note that a 56K connection may degrade the quality of your experience).

Software

2022–23 Laptop Recommendation

The 2022–2023 ULV’s Photography Program recommended model is an Apple MacBook Pro 13″ Retina display with True Tone, Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, 512GB SSD storage, 16 GB unified memory, Magic Keyboard, Touch Bar and Touch ID, Force Touch trackpad, and three-year AppleCare+ for Mac (AppleCare+ needs to be purchased within 60 days of the laptop purchase date). The recommendation that is listed highlights what we think you will need to move seamlessly between departments at ULV and meet all your technology needs during your time here. You can purchase it with a student discount from any Apple Store, or online while in the U.S. by visiting the Apple Store for Education. You may also purchase the MacBook Pro from any Apple-authorized retailer of your choice by bringing your student ID or other proof of enrollment. Since Apple frequently releases new products, we recommend that before you buy, you check for up-to-date information on this page.

Please note: MacBooks and MacBook Airs do NOT meet ULV’s minimum laptop requirement. Tablet computers, netbooks, Chromebooks, etc. that cannot run a full Macintosh Operating System and cannot install regular software will not be adequate. PC laptops have limited support by the Photography Department.

2022–23 Loaner Laptop + Software Program

Currently we are able to offer a limited number of loaner Mac laptops through OIT and the Wilson Library. To request a laptop please use the Academic Technology Support link for the University of La Verne, found at https://laverne.libguides.com/academictechnology. 

Click on Technology Requests > Student Technology Request Form to request your Macbook Pro with the Adobe Creative Cloud.

Direct questions to the library at library@laverne.edu or (909) 448-4300.

2022–23 Software Recommendation

In our studio courses you will need your laptop, a mouse or Wacom tablet and Adobe Creative Cloud, as we will be going over the latest version in our classes. The current version of Adobe’s Creative Cloud is installed on our photography digital lab computers and available from OIT for your personal computers for the term when registered in a studio Photography course.

Please make sure you have downloaded and installed the latest fixes and plug-ins to your Adobe software. It is important that you keep your software up to date. A very easy way to ensure you are up to date is in Photoshop go to Help > Updates and download all available updates. If you have any questions please email our Photography Manager, Lyndsay Bloom at lbloom@laverne.edu.

2022–23 Digital Camera Recommendation

A fully manual, Digital SLR camera, with at least 6 Megapixel or higher is required for entry into our “PHOT130: Introduction to Digital Photography” class. If you are a Photography major or minor, it may be worth investing in a full frame image sensor and a professional DSLR or mirrorless digital camera with all manual controls such as the Nikon D850, D750, D610, Z6, Z7 or the Canon EOS 5D, 6D. We have a wide range of crop and full sensor lenses for both Nikon and Canon cameras available for checkout within our department. Please contact your instructor or refer to the course syllabus for additional information on their specific requirements.

2022–23 Digital Storage Recommendation

Media storage is required for all Photography courses. At minimum please purchase a 1 TB or larger portable Thunderbolt, USB or FireWire external Lacie Rugged hard drive. If you are a Photography major or minor, we suggest 2 TB or larger Lacie Rugged hard drive. In addition to your physical hard drive you may utilize your free ULV Google Drive or other acceptable online media storage sites such as Dropbox. Please contact your instructor or refer to the course syllabus for additional information on their specific requirements.

Textbook Requirements

In addition to textbooks, the Department of Photography uses LinkedIn Learning within our courses. You may gain free access through the LaVerne Portal under LinkedIn Learning under QUICKLINKS.

Laptop Setup Orientation Information

If you are a new incoming first year or transfer student, please register for our new student online orientation, where our Photography Program Manager Lyndsay Bloom (lbloom@laverne.edu) will go over the set up of your laptop, software and general computer and software maintenance to help get your started. Once your laptop has been approved, you will need to attend our Laptop Setup orientation session, which will be held during the New Student Orientation at the end of August and January. To prepare for the session, please make sure your laptop is fully charged, and you have activated your Adobe Creative Cloud account. More information will be sent out on how to register for our Photography Orientation and/or watch the recording of the event before the start of Fall and Spring semesters.

Academic Technology Support

Further Academic Technology Support for the University of La Verne is found at https://laverne.libguides.com/academictechnology.

Zoom Etiquette + Best Practices

  • Prepare for Zoom class meetings as you would for a face-to-face class; come to class physically and mentally as well as practically prepared.
  • Find a quiet space without interruptions or background noise to set up your desk.
  • Use a plain or virtual background.
  • Adjust your camera to be around eye level if possible. Make sure you are not backlit, keep light on your face so you can be seen clearly.
  • Log into My La Verne at least 5 minutes prior to class.
  • Always keep your video on unless you are experiencing connection issues.
  •  Mute your audio while others are talking.
  •  Use the “raise your hand” and “chat” features for pertinent comments and questions only.

Note: Virtual classes, like live classes, are private meetings between instructor and students. Audio or video recording of class sessions, or parts of class sessions, is prohibited without the express permission of the instructor. Guests will be admitted by instructor invitation only.