Raised by musician parents in Denton, Texas, Dylan Haefner was predisposed to pursue a creative career. His mom, a professional harpist, was also a professor at the University of North Texas, which taught him to value learning from creative people who are accomplished in their fields. When he decided to pursue photography, Haefner knew The University of Texas at Austin was the perfect place for him to learn 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 said. “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 developing his artistic practice, making it a point to talk to his professors on a deeper level outside of just assignment requirements and how to make a good photo. He traveled to central Italy as part of the Learning Tuscany program in the College of Fine Arts, where he took an art history class and practiced street photography. During the fall of his senior year, he was invited to show his photography at the Review Santa Fe Photo Symposium, where he was the youngest artist showcasing work.
He says his favorite part about being a Longhorn, however, was all the people and friends he met throughout his time on campus, including countless hours in the darkroom and photo lab.
“My friends and my colleagues, I think they’re really important in making things fun, but also enjoying the serious parts,” Haefner said. “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 school for an MFA sometime in the future, after graduation Haefner plans to work as an artist, including becoming a master printer in photography. His time at UT may be coming to an end, but its influence on his work will remain.
“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 said. “I will forever be grateful for how passionate and driven the people at UT Austin are. We are a different breed.”
