Photography Courses

At a time when just about anyone with a phone can classify themselves as a photographer, those that seek to embark on a career in photography require an education that will cover both the artistry of the medium along with the vast technical challenges every photographer will encounter. The New York Film Academy’s Photography School offers up a wide variety of photography courses that will not only educate students in the techniques, history, and practice of digital and analog photography, but also prepare them for a life after school. Covering the essential disciplines students will receive a diverse and in-depth education in photojournalism, commercial photography, documentary photography, outdoor photography, fine art photography and much more while also learning the history and theory of photography and crucial digital imaging skills.

Upon completing the New York Film Academy’s photography courses, students are equipped with a portfolio of extraordinary images, technical know-how, refined artistic awareness, and a real world understanding of the photography industry. Learn more about our photography courses below and enroll today in New York City, South Beach, or Los Angeles.

SEARCH OUR PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES BY PROGRAM

Course Title	Description	Program/Workshop	Learning Goals
Photo I	This course is a combination of lectures, demonstrations, shooting assignments on location and in the studio, and critique.	Four-Week, Eight-Week, Twelve-Week, One-Year, Two-Year	Students obtain a working knowledge of cameras, lenses, modern SLR cameras, and light.
Imaging I	This course is an introduction to Adobe Lightroom as a RAW editor and Photoshop to achieve complex imaging needs.	Four-Week, Eight-Week, Twelve-Week, One-Year, Two-Year	Students are familiarized with digital workflow and digital editing
Vision & Style I	Students learn how to apply their technical skills to formulating their own unique style.	Four-Week, Eight-Week, Twelve-Week, One-Year, Two-Year	Students’ develop individual artistic voices and styles.
Shooting Lab	Students go on two field trips to develop real-time photography skills on location with instructor feedback.	Four-Week, Eight-Week, Twelve Week, One-Year, Two-Year	Students apply what they have learned in the classroom to real world situations.
Ways of Seeing I	This course includes intensive study, analysis, and re-creation of the work of master photographers.	Four-Week, Eight-Week, One-Year, Two-Year	Students acquire the ability to apply past work to their own work
Gallery/Museum Tour	Students go on weekly guided tours of current gallery and museum exhibitions of photo-based work and studio visits.	Four-Week, Eight-Week, One-Year, Two Year	Students learn the process of exhibiting photography and the working process of current artists.
Photo II	This course teaches students the advanced lighting, filmmaking, and camera techniques needed to execute their commercial and personal assignments.	One-Year, Two-Year	Students master different facets of photography to prepare them for a professional career.
Imaging II	Students learn how to transcend the limitations of any camera through the use of dynamic range extensions and multi-image compositing to create high-resolution images under any lighting conditions.	One-Year, Two Year	Students develop a personal style through a masterful orchestration of tone and color.
Ways of Seeing II	Students study iconic masterworks from the history of the photographic and moving image mediums from 1960 through today.	One-Year, Two-Year	Students learn to apply famous visual approaches to their own work.
Applied Photography	This comprehensive course trains students in the business and production side of photography.	One-Year, Two-Year	Students gain the know-how to effectively run a photography practice.
Vision & Style II	This course guides students through the development of a cohesive body of personal work.	One-Year, Two-Year	Students develop a personal style that they will pursue after graduation.
Production Lab	Students apply their knowledge of lighting, photography, and filmmaking to a series of location shoots.	One-Year, Two Year	Students prepare their portfolios and participate in an exhibition of their work.
Moving Image I	A hands-on introduction to the craft of the moving image from a photographer’s perspective.	Two-Year	Students achieve a working foundation in the core aspects of filmmaking craft.
Film Photography	A hands-on introduction to medium and large-format photography, exposure, and photochemical printing.	Two-Year	Students gain experience in black and white printing and develop their own creative vision.
Imaging II	A workshop encompassing advanced printing techniques, capture software, web design, and moving image application.	Two-Year	A mastery of skills required in printing, software, web design, and moving image production that students can apply to their own work.
Ways of Seeing III	This course explores the fluidity of media in photography and art, and their rich exchange.	Two-Year	Students learn to apply a broader range of historical and contemporary tools to their own projects to the re-creation of iconic images.
Personal Vision I	Students are guided through the development of a graduating exhibition of personal work based around a single concept.	Two-Year	Students learn the best business practices of fine art photography and how to set up an exhibition of their work.
Applied Photography II	Students complete five major projects using medium and large format film and digital camera systems.	Two-Year	Students broaden their professional portfolios
Moving Image II	Students execute two sync-sound video project using modern DSLR cameras.	Two-Year	Students gain a working understanding of the many demands of film production.
Self-Promotion	Students analyze the state of the business and develop a sound business plan.	Two-Year	Students complete a written business plan, business cards with a personal logo, a marketing strategy, and a complete live website.
Imaging IV	This course helps students edit and output projects assigned in Moving Image II.	Two-Year	Produce a final exhibition, portfolio prints, and a self-published book containing images of the student’s work.
Ways of Seeing IV	This course focuses on the interface between the artist and the world with whom he or she wishes to communicate.	Two-Year	Students learn about photography communities, digital media, self-publishing, and much more about the intricacies of the photography industry.
Personal Vision II	Students learn the many facets of putting together a photography exhibition.	Two-Year	Students shape their work into an exhibition, catalog, book, website, and portfolio.
Applied Photography III	This guides students through the execution of large-scale conceptual projects that present formidable technical and creative challenges, and involve specialized techniques and equipment.	Two-Year	Students learn to execute assignments at a professional level and produce work that will help students find employment.
Introduction to Lighting	Students develop and apply the key skills needed to effectively control and manipulate available light in a variety of situations.	Two-Year	Student obtain an understanding of available light, continuous lighting, grip equipment, and portable electronics.
Photo Foundations I	This course covers the tools, techniques, and aesthetics of digital photography to using Lightroom as an organizational tool.	BFA	Students learn to explore photography as a visual language.
History & Aesthetics of Photography I	Students study, analyze and critique the work of master photographers from the birth of photography in the 19th century right up until 1960.	BFA	Students examine master photographers’ techniques, aesthetics, and approaches and how these apply to their own work.
Intermediate Lighting	This course expands the core skills of Introduction to Lighting with a focus on studio lighting.	BFA	Students gain a mastery of the basics of studio lighting.
Photo Foundations II	Students expand their skills with Lightroom and experiment with digital printing techniques.	BFA	Students gain a familiarity with a wide spectrum of digital color concepts alongside a working knowledge of digital printing techniques.
History & Aesthetics of Photography II	Students resume their study of photography from 1960 to the present.	BFA	Students learn how electronic media influences the way contemporary society reads images.
Advanced Lighting	Students experiment with location lighting and practice trouble-shooting strategies to solve a range of specific lighting challenges.	BFA	Develop an understanding of and ability to control various qualities of light in any environment.
Capture to Print I	Investigating the current practices from camera to print.	BFA	Practice working with adjustment layers, manipulating the basic density, contrast, and color of a digital image as well as learn the basics of digital printing using Photoshop.
Concepts in Photography	A practical course which exposes students to all the permutations of professional photography.	BFA	Students finish the course better informed about the options open to them following graduation.
Applied Photography Practices I	An immersive introduction to medium and large format black and white film techniques allowing students to apply acquired theories of light in a controlled studio environment.	BFA	Students practice and perfect the lighting skills they have learned in previous courses.
Capture to Print II	Students further develop their digital imaging skills with a focus on scanning images and using Photoshop to process the images.	BFA	Fine-tune printing abilities through scanning the film they shoot and explore their output options.
The Moving Image I	A practical course introducing students to the craft of the moving image.	BFA	Students acquire and practice core skills in cinematography, directing, screenwriting, location sound recording, directing actors, producing, and non-linear editing.
Processes & Cultures of Photography	Students are introduced to the key histories and theories underpinning the cultural, historical, and social context in which photographs are produced and distributed.	BFA	Students learn to add depth and context to their work through analytical thinking.
Applied Photography Practices II	Students embark on a series of shooting assignments in studio and/or location.	BFA	Students receive extensive practice shooting in the style and genre that they are the most interested in.
Capture to Print III	Students extend their existing Photoshop skills and begin to recognize the individual elements that comprise an image.	BFA	Students experiment with alternative digital processes and fine-tune their printing skills along the way.
Intermediate Imaging	Students refine their Photoshop and Lightroom skills through mentored instruction.	BFA	Students gain proficiency in digital inkjet printing.
Applied Photography Practices III	Students take stock of their current skill set and further develop their professional objectives.	BFA	Students address areas of weakness and gain a greater sense of independence to prepare them for their future careers.
Business Practices for Photographers	This course prepares students to enter the business of professional photography.	BFA	Students develop their portfolio, self-promotion strategies, and learn essential business practices.
Portfolio Development	Students are guided through the initial portfolio development process.	BFA	Identify principles to create a market-ready portfolio for their chosen area of the photographic industry.
Theory & Criticism: Contemporary Photography	Students examine the ways in which we read images, both literally and figuratively.	BFA	Students sharpen critical thinking abilities through an analysis of contemporary and historical photography.
Portfolio Development I	Students further refine their portfolio so that are ready to present it to the professional sector in the photography industry.	BFA	Students complete their portfolios with a focus on particular photographic genre.
Final Project	Students complete a senior thesis and produce a body of creative work for their graduate group exhibition.	BFA	Students learn the intricate process of putting together a cohesive body of work, writing an artist’s statement, and learning mounting/framing/hanging techniques.
Photography Essentials	Students investigate concept-driven photography by conceptualizing and producing a body of creative work centered around the themes and iconography that interest them most.	MFA	Students learn and follow current business practices, write an artist statement, and bio to accompany their images.
Contemporary Issues in Photography	This course examines work of art from a diverse range of social and political roots through the study of artists.	MFA	Students gain insight into the theoretical and practical forces that shape photography and learn how these forces impact their own work.
The Critical Eye	This course is designed to help students develop and refine their analytic sensibilities.	MFA	Students apply the issues discussed in this course to the development of their own photography.
Imaging Essentials	This course explores the theory and practice of post-production techniques for still photography.	MFA	Students are trained in digital and analog techniques so they are equipped with all the relevant tools for effective workflow and final high quality output.
Professional Lighting Practices I	Students’ lighting skills are advanced in all aspects of available and artificial lighting.	MFA	Gain a greater understanding of the intricacies and importance has on the photographic process.
Photography Practicum I	Through a series of shooting assignments in studio and/or on location, students receive valuable direction and feedback in photographic techniques and aesthetics.	MFA	Students refine their visual perception skills.
Historical & Critical Perspectives I	Students examine various forms of non-fiction storytelling, both moving and still.	MFA	Students acquire an intimate familiarity with the different forms of visual storytelling.
Professional Methods I	This course explores various topics that effect the professional photographer, from an analysis of the tools used on assignment, contemporary print aesthetics, and the power of the edit.	MFA	Students gain a grasp on the pressing concerns they will face as professional photographers.
Imaging Essentials II	This lab-based course enables students to further their mastery of RAW processing, color management, and workflow practices while developing advanced perceptual skills.	MFA	Students advance their ability to see and orchestrate subtle differences in tone and color with the end goal of developing a unique personal palette and visual style.
Professional Lighting Practices II	This course helps students to advance their knowledge of lighting practices.	MFA	Students refine their lighting practice and produce assignments in their specific areas of interest.
Photography Practicum II	Students get further instruction in digital input and output and master the expert use of Capture One for live digital capture, RAW processing, and shoot management.	MFA	Students refine their skills in medium and large format digital and analog systems.
Professional Methods II	This course expands on students’ knowledge of the professional photography business.	MFA	Topics and learning goals include portfolio development, self-promotion strategies, and essential business practices.
Historical & Critical Perspectives II	The integral and increasingly fluid relationship between the photograph and moving image in contemporary arts practice is explored in this course.	MFA	Students gain invaluable insight into the historical discourses that have shaped cinema and still photography.
Thesis Prep	Students establish a set of objectives and goals to work towards when their studies focus on their graduation project.	MFA	Students thoroughly research their chosen genre, alongside its historical precedents and influences.
Advanced Imaging I	Students learn a variety of printing techniques that include advanced color correction and the use of color RIP systems.	MFA	Students learn to apply advanced printing techniques.
Thesis Project	Students will execute and complete their thesis projects, culminating in an end-of-program group exhibition.	MFA	Students learn the process of planning and designing a group exhibition.
Advanced Imaging II	A practical course where students are guided through their specific projects in specialized techniques such as compositing, advanced workflow, and learning professional masking and high-end retouching.	MFA	Students increase and refine their Photoshop skills for a wide range of applications both in the studio and the workplace.
Navigating the Industry	This course provides practical guidance on the myriad way photographers’ skills are utilized in the industry.	MFA	Students learn from professional photographers how to achieve their career goals.
Digital Printing Methodologies	Students produce exhibition quality prints for the graduation show.	MFA	Students fine-tune the technical controls required for professional level printmaking and workflow.