Via the Eyes of a Longhorn – UT Austin Information

Raised by musician mother and father in Denton, Texas, Dylan Haefner was predisposed to pursue a inventive profession. His mother, an expert harpist, was additionally a professor on the University of North Texas, which taught him to worth studying from inventive people who find themselves completed of their fields. When he determined to pursue images, Haefner knew The University of Texas at Austin was the right place for him to be taught from fellow creatives.

“What interested me in UT was how passionate the faculty are in my department and their emphasis on success in my field,” Haefner stated. “Professors like Eli Durst and Alexander Birchler have been super influential in my time at UT as a photographer. Each one of them has their own hallmark within photography, and I think that’s been very important to experience.”

While on the Forty Acres, Haefner dove headfirst into growing his inventive observe, making it a degree to speak to his professors on a deeper degree exterior of simply project necessities and make an excellent photograph. He traveled to central Italy as a part of the Learning Tuscany program within the College of Fine Arts, the place he took an artwork historical past class and practiced road images. During the autumn of his senior 12 months, he was invited to indicate his images on the Review Santa Fe Photo Symposium, the place he was the youngest artist showcasing work. 

He says his favourite half about being a Longhorn, nonetheless, was all of the individuals and pals he met all through his time on campus, together with numerous hours within the darkroom and photograph lab.

“My friends and my colleagues, I think they’re really important in making things fun, but also enjoying the serious parts,” Haefner stated. “I have a lot of people who I bounce ideas off of … that idea of having collaboration is super important.”

Although he plans on going to graduate faculty for an MFA someday sooner or later, after commencement Haefner plans to work as an artist, together with changing into a grasp printer in images. His time at UT could also be coming to an finish, however its affect on his work will stay.

“UT was always my dream school growing up, and I feel so grateful for the people and opportunities I have received through my program,” Haefner stated. “I will forever be grateful for how passionate and driven the people at UT Austin are. We are a different breed.”