School of Photography
"A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know."
~ Diane Arbus
Great photographers combine vision, style and technical proficiency to creatively illustrate ideas. The School of Photography takes a hands-on approach to teaching students the technique, aesthetics and conceptualization skills needed to create a cohesive body of work that demonstrates their personal signature in every image.
Academy of Art University photography courses are taught by working photographers. This gives students a real world perspective as they are guided in their investigations and development of Art for Commerce, Fine Art and Photojournalism/Documentary tracks of study. Access to working professionals coupled with the emphasis on strong conceptual skills and technical knowledge supports students in becoming leaders in their area of specialization with a portfolio of powerful and conceptually driven imagery.
Courses
The School of Photography course offerings include Fashion, Art for Commerce, Fine Art, Photojournalism/Documentary and many others. See more.
- Advertising Photography
- Alternative Processes
- Architectural Landscape Photography
- Black & White Darkroom
- Color Photography
- Color Theory
- Design & Concept
- Digital Imaging
- Digital Montage
- Digital Photography
- Digital Printing
- Digital Retouching
- Documentary
- Documentary: Environmental Portraiture
- Documentary: Multimedia Reporting
- Documentary: Photo Essay
- Documentary: Shooting for Publication
- Editorial Photography
- Experimental Photography Process
- Fashion Photography
- Fine Art Photography
- Fine Art Portraiture
- Landscape as Fine Art
- Lighting
- Lighting & Large Format Techniques
- Location Lighting
- People Photography
- Photography & Mixed Media
- Photojournalism
- Pinhole & Plastic Cameras
- Photography Concepts
- Portfolio Development
- Portraiture
- Quality of Light
- Self Promotion & Marketing
- Self as Subject
- Still Life
- The Business of Photography
- The Language of Photography
- The Photographer & Photoshop
- Traditional Photo Process
- View Camera/Fine Art Printing
- Visualization
- Website Design for Photographers
- And More!
See All Classes »
Schedule of Classes
View Photography course offerings, read course descriptions and plan your schedule. See All Classes »
Degrees
Academy of Art University offers accredited AA, BFA and MFA Photography degrees. Learn More.
Programs
Study Photography through our undergraduate programs, graduate programs, accredited online program, continuing art education and pre-college scholarship programs.
Featured Faculty
Learn from top industry professionals who work to inspire you and develop your unique talents. Your exposure to these talented photographers is a unique experience that is not often found at any digital photography school. Learn More.
Facilities
Get hands-on experience at a cutting-edge photography school with the latest tools that enable you to create a dynamic body of work that stands out above the rest. Learn More.
News & Success Stories
Find your motivation in the successes of Academy alumni and faculty members. See how they went to the top of the industry and earned the acclaim of their peers. Learn More.
Spring Show Portfolio
Our Photography degree program is like no other. See the student work that can truly be called the best of the best from this year's Spring Show. Learn More.
Professional Opportunities
As a Photography student, you will begin your professional career day one. Learn more.
Firms & Clients Hiring Our Graduates:
Graduates of the School of Photography have gone on to establish their own businesses and work for clients such as Apple, Nike, Porsche, Sony, Universal Studios and many others. See more.
- Azamara Cruise Line
- Apple
- CBS Television
- Clorox
- Conde Naste
- Curve Magazine
- Dwell Magazine
- Elle Magazine
- Harley Davidson
- Hyatt International
- LG
- Los Angeles Times
- National Geographic
- Nylon Magazine
- Oakland Tribune
- Marie Claire Magazine
- Museum of Modern Art
- New York Times
- Pfizer
- Random House
- Redbook Magazine
- Rolling Stone Magazine
- The Tony Awards
- The Wall Street Journal
- Time Warner Studios
- Samsung Electronics
- San Francisco Chronicle
- San Francisco Magazine
- Vogue Magazine
- Wired Magazine
- And More!
Program Learning Outcomes
To learn more about the skills you will acquire in this program, view BFA Program Learning Outcomes and MFA Program Learning Outcomes.
Contact us at 800.544.2787 (U.S. Only) or 415.274.2200.
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