If you are passionate about photography and want to expand your knowledge and skills, then choose one of the options below for a Bachelor of Photography and take the next step!
The art of photography is one that will never grow old. Even as the technology changes from pinhole, to film, to digital, to whatever comes next, photography will always play an important role in day-to-day life. A Bachelor of Photography can foster an artist’s talent and teach the skills necessary to be a professional photographer.
Bachelor of Photography programs combine academics with real photography experience, provided by qualified and established professionals in the field. With a Bachelor of Photography program, coursework options teach skills through studio work as well as design theory, history, and cultural studies. Most graduates with a Bachelor of Photography go on to work in fields such as advertising, fashion, museums, galleries, film, television, video production, or editorial photography.
What is B.A. Photography?
Photography is both a science and an art; an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen or the paintbrush. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous job opportunities. With the boom in advertising, media and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option to many Indian youths. Students looking to build a career in this field need to start by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in photography. Bachelor of arts in photography is a three-year undergraduate degree programme. The programme is offered in a full-time mode by various institutes offering this programme. After completing the programme aspiring candidates can find themselves working as different photographers according to their specialisations.
B.A. Photography Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for the programme varies from college to college. So candidates are advised to read the complete criteria before applying in any college. Mentioned below are common criteria for most of the colleges providing the bachelor of arts in photography programme:
- In order to pursue this course, a candidate must have cleared class 12 from a recognised school/institution.
- Candidates from any stream in class 12 can pursue this course.
- There are no specific subjects required in class 12 to study the course.
- No specifications for the minimum aggregate required in class 12 to join the course.
B.A. Photography Skills Required
With the knowledge of the course, a candidate must be aware of the skill sets required in order to succeed in life. Mentioned below are a few skills required in order to become a photographer after completing the course:
Creative skill: Although some photographers are born creative, however, this is a skill that to a great extent can be learned and constantly improved upon. There are several ways by which one can inculcate this ability. Few of them are to follow the works of successful photographers and attend workshops and shoots.
Composition: Composition is the artistic dimension of photography that helps in understanding how and what is required in an image to look beautiful. The aspect of composition is simply the photographer’s taste and creativity. Candidates have to learn how to think deliberately and intelligently about what looks good in a frame and why. There are certain universal principles that candidates should learn, rather than reinventing them through trial and error methods.
Business skills: Not all the photographers work independently however many of them do work independently. Working as a freelancer or selling prints requires photographers to their own business manager. Photographers must handle everything from shooting to marketing their product. So photographers must have business skills to survive in this field.
Hardware and software skills: To be a successful photographer these days, photographers need to know the latest technologies. This includes improvement in both hardware and software. Hardware, in this case, refers to cameras, lenses, tripods, lights, and all the other physical equipment a photographer might use. Softwares are the applications used by the photographers to edit an image. Some of the equipment is extremely complicated to use until and unless a photographer masters it.
An eye for detail: To be successful in this profession, photographers need to deliver pure perfection, meaning that everything before, during and after the shot has to be flawless. An eye to detail helps photographers to ensure that all elements within the photo such as the lighting, the composition, the subject, and everything else are in proper proportion to convey the right vision or message.
Patience: This is a field where things just won’t go photographers’ way at times, for example, the lighting won’t cooperate, models or clients will be exceptionally difficult, or when their camera just won’t give them the desired results. So photographers must have the patience to handle any situation with ease and help them to grow in this field.
B.A. Photography Subject List
The syllabus or subjects in a course varies from college to college depending on their study pattern. The subjects in the course differ from college to college but the core of the course does not change. Mentioned below are the subjects taught in The Symbiosis School of Photography;
Year I
- Visual Literacy
- Fundamentals of photography
- History of Art and Photography
- Darkroom Practice
- Visual Art appreciation
- Culture and Society
- Fundamentals of lighting
Year II
- Aesthetics of Portraiture
- Aesthetics of Architecture and Interior Photography
- Fine- Art Photography
- Life & Culture- PJ
- Art Design and Production Design
- Wildlife photography
- Printing and Publishing
- Aesthetics of Advertising photography
- Aesthetics of Automobile photography
- Aesthetics of Fashion Photography
Year III
- Photography project I
- Photography Project II
- Digital filmmaking
- Visual Effects
- Visual Communication
B.A. Photography Admission
There are different ways by which candidates can get enrolled in the B.A. Photography offered by various institutions/colleges. Colleges use different methods for selecting candidates to enrol in the bachelor’s courses offered by them. Along with knowledge of the course, candidates must know the various methods by which they can get admissions into the colleges to pursue a bachelor’s degree in photography courses.
Mentioned below are the different methods by which candidates can get admission into this course;
Merit-based(class 12 result): Most of the colleges/institutions provide admissions to candidates in these courses on the basis of the marks obtained in class 12. The criteria differ from college to college for selecting students on the basis of the merit obtained in class 12. So candidates must go through the details before applying for admission into any of the colleges to avoid any confusion in future.
Direct Admission: Candidates also have an option of direct admission into colleges offering bachelor’s degree in photography courses. The criteria for admission into these courses differ from college to college, so it is advised to candidates to go through the criteria before taking admissions into any of the colleges that are offering direct admission into bachelor’s degree in photography.
The Best Photography Schools in the Philippines
There are many schools offering photography subjects and workshops in the Philippines, but there are only a few schools offering photography as a college degree or a certificate course. Even the best ones are still quite new with programs being a few years old. They have, however, already produced a good number of graduates who are now professionals in the field.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde offers the course Bachelor of Arts in Photography under the School of Design and Arts. Located in a diverse area and a busy commercial district in Manila, Benilde promotes itself as a melting pot of diversity where students are given the facility and training they need to become creative professionals.
This learning institution has one of the most high tech facilities in the country. And it instills in its photography curriculum that such a creative course has already become indispensable to businesses, especially for their product development, corporate communications and marketing efforts. And these guarantee the graduates of Benilde that they are fully equipped to take not just a completely artistic route but also a viable commercial path in their photography endeavors.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts Campus P. Ocampo St. Malate, Manila 1004 Philippines +63-2-536-6752 dls-csb.edu.ph
Philippine Center for Creative Imaging
Located in Makati City, the central business district of the country and home to a number of creative industries, production houses, advertising agencies and photography studios, the Philippine Center for Creative Imaging provides both classroom- and workshop-style courses that cover both the basics and advanced lessons in film and digital photography. This premier training hub for the country’s growing pool of digital artists and photographers offers a wide array of focused photography courses complete with instructional materials to help the students beyond the school premises.
More than lessons in photography fundamentals, a number of classes are specifically programmed according to the needs of the students. Some of these include: Still Life Photography, Architectural Photography, Product Photography, Jewelry Photography, Food Photography, Wedding Photography, Fashion Photography, Fine Art Nude Photography, Portraiture, Photography and Business and Photography Master Classes.
Philippine Center for Creative Imaging 2/F, Kodak Bldg. 2247 Chino Roces Ave. (formerly Pasong Tamo) Makati City Philippines +63-2-759-3087 pcci.com.ph
First Academy of Computer Arts
As more Filipinos become more aware of the prospects of a lucrative career in photography where product shots and marketing collaterals become a top priority of companies, professional photographers have become interestingly in demand in the Philippines. And First Academy of Computer Arts answers to the call of acquiring workshop-type education and certificates in digital arts courses so students can focus on learning what they need in the field, build a good portfolio and start getting photography projects given the country’s growing demand for creative professionals.
As one of the pioneers in digital arts education in the Philippines, this Makati-based school offers basic and advanced digital photography classes with subjects interconnected with other valuable skills to enhance the students’ skills. Aside from the actual photography classes, students are expected to take photo editing and digital storytelling classes as well.
First Academy of Computer Arts 2/F Saville Bldg. 8728 Paseo de Roxas Ave. Makati City, Metro Manila Philippines +63-2-898-2724 firstacademy.net
Career Options after B.A. Photography
With the boom in advertising, media and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option to many individuals. A few years ago people regarded photography as a hobby profession only, but now it has now emerged in a big way. In this modern era, photography is emerging rapidly as it is a popular career choice among all the age groups. Mentioned below are a few of the job profiles:
Graphic Designer: Photographers develop an excellent eye for print layout, so moving into a position as a graphic designer would be a great step. Graphic designers work with clients to create recognisable images such as logos or brochures. They may choose specific colours or fonts to coordinate with the design. They must be comfortable with both physical and digital production of designs. They must also be able to collaborate closely with their clients. They must have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a similar field.
Camera Operator: Photographers gain experience using still cameras to capture images. So this skill helps a photographer to become a camera operator for video events such as television shows, movies, or televised sports. They may work in a broadcast studio, as a cinematographer on a movie set or as a videographer at an event, like a wedding. They use hi-tech cameras and use different types of camera lenses or filters to achieve the desired effects. Camera operators work closely with directors to ensure that their videos meet the needs of the production. Some camera operators edit their work using computer programs.
Art Director: Art directors work with photos, illustrations and other artwork, graphic designs, and other visual elements to create magazine layouts, advertisements, catalogues and more, depending on the employer’s or client’s needs. People skills are important, as art directors typically manage photographers, designers and others who contribute to the finished product. Many times, art directors oversee the visual look of websites as well as print materials. In addition to work as a photographer, art directors need to have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as art or design.
Photography Professor: Photography professor teaches students what various camera settings do, how to take better photographs, artistic theory, how to use photo-editing software and more. Professors should be comfortable speaking in front of a group so that students understand the concept well. They are also responsible for displaying student photos in a gallery or more informal setting. Photography students need at least a master’s degree or a PhD to become a photography professor.
Fashion Photographer: Fashion photographers not only work to capture the photos at that moment of the shoot, but they also do a lot of preparation work. They are always looking for good sites for their shoots, or the right props to use in the setting that they rely on. They need to mix things up depending on the nature of the photoshoot and are therefore responsible for the full set up and the takedown of the shoot itself. They work to ensure that the lighting is just right and that all of the elements are well prepared ahead of time.
Wildlife Photographer: Wildlife photographers click and produce images of animals or plants in their natural environments. Wildlife photographers also understand the importance of designing and displaying the images to best convey the message of their photographs. They may use digital techniques to enhance their images in print, and they may also work on printing the images on the type of surface that best allows the images captured to appear lifelike and natural.
Aerial Photographer: Aerial photographers take pictures of physical features, buildings, and many more from aircraft for news, scientific research, town planning, rural development, cartographic, economic or military purposes. They use various types of photographic and sensory equipment to produce black and white, infra-red, colour and three-dimensional aerial photographs and images for different purposes.
6 Schools and Organizations That Offer Photography Classes in the Metro
HOMEStudy6 Schools and Organizations That Offer Photography Classes in the Metro
Taking pictures is now easier with the advent of smartphones equipped with high-quality cameras and affordable DSLRs. However, one needs to know the basics of photography, to actually take good and meaningful photos.
Well, if you are looking to step up your Instagram game, get a new hobby, or possibly create a business out of taking and processing photos, you can learn the fundamentals and hone your skills by enrolling in photography classes in the following schools and organizations:
Philippine Center for Creative Imaging (PCCI)
Diploma in Photography
The Philippine Center for Creative Imaging (PCCI) has been the leader in providing seminars and workshops for digital creatives, developers, and photographers for almost two decades.
Photography is undoubtedly the expression of creativity of the modern day. It’s never too early or too late to learn how…
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Their Diploma Program in Photography covers from fundamentals to advanced and technical practices in professional photography. Hands-on exercises are conducted after a lecture to ensure that students can apply what they learned in practice.
There are eight different tracks included in the program:
- Photography Essentials
- Fashion & Portrait Photography
- Advertising Photography
- Editorial Photography
- Wedding Photography
- Image Editing and Management
- General Tracks
- TESDA Assessment (Photography NC II)
By the end of the program, students are required to produce a printed portfolio as a final project.
Fee: Php 95,000 (Includes materials, lunch, and snacks)
Address: 2247 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City
Contact: 02-759-3087
Website: pcci.com.ph
Email: inquiry@pcci.com.ph
Facebook: facebook.com/PCCITraining
Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF)Photography Workshops
Learn directly through the veterans of the industry by enrolling in one (or more!) of Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF)’s photography workshops. Whether you are a serious hobbyist, a professional photographer, or a prospective studio owner, there is a workshop for you.
The following are the workshops they are offering with the rates:
- Comprehensive Digital Photography Weekends (P5,000)
- Comprehensive Digital Photography Weekdays (P5,000)
- Lighting Essentials (P3,500)
- Wedding Photography (P3,500)
- DSLR Videography (P3,500)
- Strobist Lighting (P2,500)
- Lightroom (2,500)
- Photoshop for Photographers (P2,500)
- Cruise Ship Photography (P2,500)
- Kiddie Photography (P3,500)
Address: Room 302A FEMII Bldg. A. Soriano cor. Cabildo Sts., Intramuros, Manila
Contact: 02-524-7576, 02-528-0371, and 0916-799-7000
Website: photoworldmanila.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FPPF1987
Instagram: instagram.com/fppfofficial
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
Bachelor of Arts in Photography
If you wish to take up photography for college, look no further than the first and the best.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s photography program is the first degree course in photography in the country. Through the years, they have kept up with global communication standards, technology, and design by having leading practitioners in the industry train the students.
By the end of the nine-trimester program, students must possess an intuitive mastery of light, a deep grounding in technique, and a genuine connection with the subject, which they will need to succeed in the industry as photographers, photojournalists, and photography instructors, among others.
To know about the courses included in the program, click here.
Address: School of Design and Arts Campus, 2544 Taft Ave, Malate Manila
Contact: 02-230-5100 local 1801 to 1803
Email: admissions@benilde.edu.ph
Website: benilde.edu.ph
Facebook: facebook.com/AdmissionsAtBenilde
First Academy of Computer Arts
Basic and Advanced Digital Photography Classes
For beginners who are looking to start learning the basics in photography, the First Academy of Computer Arts has the perfect workshop for you. All you need is a camera and the drive to learn.
Their Junior Digital Photography workshop accepts enrollees from as young as 10 years old. The main objective of the workshop is for the students to have basic knowledge of operating a camera.
Address: 2F Saville Bldg., 8728 Paseo De Roxas cor Buendia, Makati City.
Contact: 02-898-2724 to 26
Email: inquiry@firstacademy.net
Website: firstacademy.net
Facebook: facebook.com/firstacademyofcomputerarts
The Photography Institute
Online Professional Photography Course
If you’re one of those who want to learn photography (but is always busy), then enrolling in an online course to learn in your own time, pace, and space is just right.
The Photography Institute offers a comprehensive online course in photography to those who are not able to physically attend classes due to time or geographical constraints.
Congratulations to #PIGraduate, Dianne Elizabeth Derbyshire, for winning our monthly student & graduate competition with…
With the collaboration of some of the best working photographers in the field, they have designed a course composed of 12 modules and 12 interactive assignments that have to be finished in 24 weeks up to 12 months.
Here is the list of modules included in the course:
- Module 1 – Camera and Lenses
- Module 2 – Shutters, Aperture and Their Relationships
- Module 3 – Exposure & Metering
- Module 4 – The Film and Digital Process
- Modele 5 – Light and Color
- Module 6 – Lighting
- Module 7 – Refining the Image Process
- Module 8 – Equipment and Software
- Module 9 – Retouching, Resolution, and Printing
- Module 10 – Photography Business and Studio Essentials
- Module 11 – How to Construct a Professional Portfolio
- Module 12 – Photo Agents – Picture Agencies – How to Get Work and Keep It
Still reluctant to enroll? The Photography Institute provides you with your personal tutor and a 24/7 support service for when you need assistance.
There is also a Facebook group exclusive for students of the course, where you can interact and share insights. Just in case you are not satisfied or you changed your mind, they also have money back guarantee for seven days.
Fee: Php 29,999
- Php 27,499 – Full payment, save Php 2,500
- Php 4,999.83 – Monthly
- Php 1,249.96 – Weekly
Address: 12/F, Times Plaza Building, United Nations Avenue corner Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Website: thephotographyinstitute.ph
Facebook: facebook.com/PhotographyInstitute
What are you waiting for? Take out your phone or invest in a good camera and en