Founding directors Phil Block and Tom Bryan established it in 1973 and Jeffrey Hoone has led Light Work since 1982.

[13][14] Notable photographers who have participated in this Artists in Residence program include Amy Jenkins, Yijun Liao, Stuart Rome, Demetrius Oliver, Don Gregorio Antón, Ka-Man Tse, Robert J. Hirsch, Cindy Sherman, Anthony Hernandez, Pao Houa Her,[15] Kris Graves,[15] Carolyn Drake,[15] Stuart Rome, Richard Bruce Snodgrass, and Nancy Floyd.

It also runs workshops and classes covering darkroom and technical foundations of photography to digital workflow and practical professional development.

The Urban Video Project (UVP) is a multi-media public art initiative of Light Work and Syracuse University with technology provided by Time Warner Cable.

Light Work regularly collaborates with the Urban Video Project (UVP), the Everson Museum of Art, and other organizations and galleries in Syracuse.

Satellite exhibitions are occasionally held at the Palitz Gallery at the Syracuse University Lubin House in New York City.