Photography Courses | New York Film Academy

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.