Cinematography School at the New York Film Academy Los Angeles

The beauty of movies lies in their ability to visually capture the world around us in unique and striking ways. It is the role of the cinematographer to develop his or her own original visual language while being able to work with a director to best realize a film or television show’s story through moving images. At the Academy’s top cinematography school, aspiring directors of photography receive intensive hands-on education in the technical and aesthetic demands of shooting with film and digital cameras. Students work directly with essential tools of the craft, shooting with HD cameras, 16mm film, 35mm film, the RED Dragon digital cinema camera, making NYFA one of the best cinematography schools around.


Based in the hub of Hollywood, the Academy’s school of cinematography in Los Angeles offers students the unparalleled opportunity to work with professional cinematographers on a wide range of course work and original student films. To be a top cinematography schools we believe students should gain experience in all facets of filmmaking while honing their abilities as cinematographers. Simply put, the Academy’s commitment to hands-on education, top equipment, and world-class faculty have many considering it one of the best cinematography schools around.

Cinematography Courses LA

After enrolling at the Academy’s cinematography school in LA, student can expect to take a cinematography course load similar to the following.

Form & Function I, II, III	History of Cinematography I, II, III
Fundamentals of Lighting	Introduction to Motion Picture Camera Technique
35mm Cinematography	Master's Camera Technique    * Alexa Workshop    * Crane & Jib Workshop    * Underwater Workshop
Advanced Lighting
Stage Lighting Workshop
Master's Lighting
Cinema Studies	Cinematography Practicum I, II, III, IV
Thesis Development	Post-Production for Cinematographers I, II
Advanced Grip Workshop	Directing for Cinematographers
Production Design	Steadicam & Camera Assistant Seminar
Thesis Production	Advanced Motion Picture Camera Technique
Navigating the Industry	Documentary & Episodic Production
Optics of Lenses & Cameras	Cinematography for Digital Effects

Cinematography Classes LA

Students interested in enrolling in a cinematography class can do so at several points during the year. To learn more about the Academy’s start dates and tuition, please click here.

Cinematography Degrees LA

For aspiring cinematographers aiming to earn a cinematography degree from the Academy’s cinematography school in Los Angeles, we offer the following MFA degree program.

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Cinematography

Cinematography Programs LA

Designed for students who wish to make a year-long commitment to the study and practice of cinematography, the Academy’s school of cinematography in LA offers the following cinematography program.

• One-Year Conservatory Program

Cinematography Faculty LA

As one of the best cinematography schools, NYFA in Los Angeles vaunts a distinguished faculty of professional cinematographers who are active in the field. By studying under experienced directors of photography, students gain up-to-date insight into the real world of cinematography. Students enrolling at the school of cinematography in LA will study under such accomplished faculty members that include the following.

	Anthony Richmond, ASC, BSC, Chair of Cinematography: An accomplished Cinematographer whose career spans well over six decades, Tony Richmond worked as Assistant Cameraman on such films as From Russia with Love, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Truffaut’s Fahrenheit 451 and David Leans’s Dr. Zhivago. The award-winning Cinematographer has had numerous collaborations with Director Nicolas Roeg, lensing five of his films: Don’t Look Now - for which Richmond won the prestigious BAFTA award; The Man Who Fell To Earth; Bad Timing; Heart Of Darkness; and Full Body Massage for Showtime. Some of Richmond’s other credits include: The Sandlot; Candyman; Stardust for Michael Apted; Playing God; Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights; Rough Riders for John Milius; and That’s Life and Sunset for Blake Edwards. Richmond was also responsible for photography on the seminal British music scene of the late 60’s. He shot the Rolling Stones classic, One + One for Jean-Luc Godard, and then collaborated with Michael Lindsey Hogg on The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus and the Beatles’ Let It Be. His other rock and roll credits include: The Who’s The Kids Are Alright, and the documentary Glastonbury Fayre. Richmond’s most recent credits include: Good Luck Chuck; The Comebacks; Legally Blond; Ravenous; Men Of Honor; The Sweetest Thing; Someone Like You; Just Friends; John Tucker Must Die; Autopsy; Sex and Lies in Sin City; The Rocker; Alvin the Squeakquel; Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules; and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul.
	Tommy Maddox-Upshaw: Having earned his MFA in cinematography from AFI, Maddox-Upshaw has served as a camera operator and electrician on such hits as Iron Man 2, Hustle & Flow and Straight Outta Compton and as a cinematographer on numerous feature films, short films, and television shows that include Walk This Way, Ro, Black November, Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland, Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu, and The Perfect Match.
	Suki Medencevic, ASC: MFA in Cinematography, National Film School, Prague; BA, National Film School for Dramatic Arts, Belgrade. He has shot over 15 feature length films and television projects, and numerous commercials and documentaries. In 2010, Suki became a member of American Cinematographers Society. His credits include "American Horror Story: Hotel", "Stuck in the Middle", "The Pixar Story", "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell", and the "Jonas" TV series.
	Jacek Laskus, ASC, PSC: BA in Film/Video Production, Polish National Film School. Member of American Society of Cinematographers and the Polish Society of Cinematographers. Member of IATSE Local 600 Camera Guild. 30 years professional experience including two nominations for ASC Awards for Best Cinematography. His credits include: “The Devil’s Arithmetic”, “The Guardian”, “On the Lot”, “New Jack City”, “Parting Glances”, and “Twilight Zone: Rob Serling’s Lost Classics”.

Cinematography Alumni

Graduates of the Academy’s cinematography school in LA have gone on to work on many notable films and television shows as cinematographers and camera operators. Click here to see some of the many accomplishments that our alumni have achieved. Some examples of our alumni’s noteworthy work and the companies and organizations they have worked for can be seen below.

Please note: NYFA does not represent that these are typical or guaranteed career outcomes. The success of our graduates in any chosen professional pathway depends on multiple factors, and the achievements of NYFA alumni are the result of their hard work, perseverance, talent and circumstances.

Contact Us

To learn more about the Academy’s cinematography school in LA, please call our main office at +1 (818) 333-3558 or click on one of the following links to download a brochure and application.

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