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 Epic digital video 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 while also making connections that will last long after graduation. Unlike other top cinematography schools, students gain experience in all facets of filmmaking while honing their abilities as cinematographers to prepare them to find employment upon graduating. Simply put, the Academy’s commitment to hands-on education, top equipment, and world-class faculty have many considering it the best cinematography school 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 realities of working as a professional cinematographer and the technical and business skills they require to realize their goals. 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, Sympathy For The Devil 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; and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.
	Michael Pessah: A highly sought after cinematographer, Pessah has served as the cinematographer on over fifty films, shorts, television shows, and commercials for such clients as AT&T, Red Bull, Anheuser-Busch, and Pfizer. Pessah’s cinematography work on the documentary Viva la Causa, was placed on the Academy Award shortlist. Pessah remains extremely active as a cinematographer with multiple movies currently in post-production.
	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 and Hustle & Flow and as a cinematographer on numerous feature films, short films, and television shows that include Walk This Way, Ro, and Black November.

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.

Career Opportunities

After graduating from the Academy’s school of cinematography in Los Angeles, aspiring cinematographers have a number of career options to pursue that can help them to realize their professional goals. Our alumni has gone to work in many of the following positions in addition to working for many notable companies and organizations.

Cinematographer	Camera Operator	Camera Assistant
Digital Imaging Technician	Gaffer	Set Lighting Technician
Key Grip	Dolly Grip	2nd Unit Director of Photography
Videographer	Colorist	Editor

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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