SPC Academy 1 Year Professional Photography Program
Comprehensive photography education
Course Info
Become a professional photographer
SPC Academy 1-Year Professional Development Program
Master the creative, technical, and business aspects of photography in just 1 year, no matter your current level of experience. Thanks to our industry-leading teachers and comprehensive, results-oriented curriculum, we’ll help you achieve your photography goals faster than you thought possible.
The classes take place during the weekdays, usually 3 or 4 days per week. No classes in the weekend or evenings. Total of ~600 hours in group or ~300 hours in private.
Why SPC Academy?
The best teachers in the industry
Our teachers aren't just there to transmit information. They're there to make sure you understand, to answer your questions, to hold you accountable to your own goals, and to inspire you to do more than you ever thought you could.
A curriculum designed to set you up for success
Save yourself the time and hassle of wading through thousands of hours worth of content online. As professional photographers ourselves, we already know from years of experience exactly what skills you need to develop to be successful, including the technical, artistic & business aspects of photography.
From passion to profession in just one year
When the curriculum is laser-focused on results and the teachers are hired specifically for their excellence, you don't need 4 years to learn photography. Fitting such a comprehensive program into only one year is intense, but we are here to help you every step of the way. (By the way--if you're interested in covering the material even faster, we have a 1:1 private option too--arrange your 1:1 consultation now for more information.)
The “All You Need to Know to Go Pro” Guarantee
We guarantee you'll learn everything you need to know to become a professional photographer. If you discover once you start your business that you need info we didn’t teach you, we'll fill in the gaps with up to 8 hours of private lessons for free.
Course Modules
The SPC Academy 1-Year Professional Development Program is designed to create the successful photographers of the future. The program covers all the aspects that you will need to create a high-quality portfolio and a successful business, with the following modules taught by professional photographers:
- Photo 1&2: Master your camera settings, light, rules of composition, studio techniques
- Imaging: Post-processing and library management in Lightroom & Photoshop
- Vision & Style: Develop your own artistic style and personal expression
- Ways of Seeing: Apply the techniques of the masters of photography in your own work
- Videography: Learn how to capture footage and create short videos from a professional filmmaker
- Business of Photography: Mini-MBA covering the skills photographers need: Marketing, finance, legal, & web design
- Shooting Lab: Practice, practice, practice
At the end of your study, you will exhibit your new portfolio at a central gallery to hundreds of visitors.
This standard program includes 600 hours of group instruction, or you may complete private lessons custom-designed for your needs & schedule in as little as 300 hours. Arrange your 1:1 consultation now for more information.
Where, when, and in what language do the courses take place?
In our Geneva location, you may choose to take classes in French or English. In our Zurich location, you may choose between German and English. Remote learning from another location is also possible, with some constraints--please contact us for more information.
With our small class sizes, we are usually able to accommodate most schedules; however, you should plan for at least 25 hours of class time each week, in addition to the time you will spend by yourself shooting and editing. If you require even more flexibility, please note that we offer a private 1:1 option following the same curriculum--please contact us for more details.
The price of CHF 500.- is the deposit, which will be deducted from the price of the course.
What level of photography is required to begin the program?
No prior experience is required. You don’t even need your own camera to begin--you can try out different brands at our studio until you're ready to make your choice.
Many of our SPC Academy students have spent several years trying to learn photography on their own. However, we start everyone from the beginning to make sure all students are working from the same, solid foundation before we progress to more complicated techniques. Many of our more experienced students have said that the foundational classes filled in gaps they didn’t know they had.
How will I be able to prove my credentials as a photographer after the program?
Each student will develop and create a capstone project under the guidance of their teachers and present it at an end-of-year exhibition open to the public. This exhibition not only marks the end of your time at SPC Academy, but also the beginning of your time as a professional photographer.
The photos from your capstone project, along with others taken during the year of hands-on shooting labs, will leave you with a strong and diverse portfolio of beautiful images to use on your website and to show to prospective clients.
Additionally, you will receive a certificate marking your completion of the program, recognized globally.
What financing options are available?
Monthly Instalments:
Swiss residents may choose to pay in up to 12 monthly installments. Payment plans are free of charge for up to 3 installments, then CHF 10.- per month for each additional installment.
The price of CHF 500.- is the deposit, which will be deducted from the price of the course.
Geneva Yearly Training Allowance (CAF | Chèque Annuel de formation)
Those working and/or living in Geneva and meeting certain conditions may apply for Chèque de Formation (CAF) to benefit from a reduction of CHF 750.- off any of the SPC Academy programs. Course references: 5010, 5011, 5012 & 5013. Click here for eligibility information.
Is SPC Academy recognized as an institution of quality by any third party organizations?
Swiss Photo Club is recognized by the following institutions in Switzerland:
REPUBLIQUE ET CANTON DE GENEVE, Département de l’instruction publique, de la formation et de la jeunesse (DIP), Service de l’enseignement privé. Autorisation d’exploiter une école privée de photographie. Rue des Gazomètres 1, 1205 Genève. Tél. +41 (0) 22 546 72 60 | sep@etat.ge.ch
CHÈQUE ANNUEL DE FORMATION (CAF) GENÈVE: SBPE/CAF• CP 428 • 1211 Genève 4. Link to Website.
Can international students join SPC Academy?
Yes. Tuition for international students is CHF 31'000.-
If you intend to move to Switzerland for the duration of the program, depending on your country of origin, you may be required to get a student visa before entering Switzerland. Contact your local Swiss representation at least 3 months before entering Switzerland to begin this process. Please note that it is not allowed to enter Switzerland on a tourist visa and then exchange it for a student visa; the application for the student visa must in principle be submitted from the country of origin.
Whether or not you need a visa, you will need to apply for a Swiss residence permit. Once we receive your initial payment, we will send you the “proof of acceptance” letter which you will need to apply for the permit. (In case your permit is denied, we will refund your initial payment.) Once you arrive in Switzerland, you must file a declaration of arrival with the municipal or cantonal authorities in order to obtain a residence permit for training. It is recommended to do this without delay. Please pay attention to the validity of the permit; you must request an extension before its expiry date if the period of validity is shorter than the duration of your studies.
Please consult the following links for more information:
Studying in Switzerland (in English / Français / Deutsch)
Residency permits for students in Geneva (in French)
List of foreign representations in Switzerland
List of Swiss embassies and diplomatic representations outside Switzerland (> select country)
Course Outline
- Photo I & II: In semester 1, you'll master your camera settings, light, and the rules of composition. In semester 2, you'll learn more advanced techniques across a variety of styles, most notably in the studio for fashion, portrait, and product photography. You'll learn by doing and by regular feedback.
- Imaging I & II: Get comfortable using Lightroom for photo management & organization and Photoshop to turn the photos from your lab sessions into art with high-quality post-production. You'll also learn the basics of printing.
- Vision & Style: Improve your artistry and personal expression. You'll gain the tools you need to objectively analyze your own photos--as well as those of your fellow students--and develop your own "visual signature."
- Shooting Lab: You'll go on field trips or take over the studio to try out new and exciting styles of photography, practicing your skills under the guidance & feedback of your teacher. Past labs have included animal studio portraits, an outdoor wedding, product photography for local brands, and a Christmas market.
- Ways of Seeing: You'll learn about the history of photography and its evolution into current trends. You'll learn from master photographers and recreate their approach, adding your own style. You may also visit local exhibitions where appropriate.
- Business of Photography: Taking pictures is only about 20% of what a photographer does. In this class, you'll learn how to create a sound business plan, cover your bases legally, develop your brand identity, and market your products and services through paid and organic advertising.
- Video for Photographers (semester 2): Understand how videography can help you build your photography career. Learn the basics of video editing and how photographers can use these skills for filmmaking and/or marketing.
- Personal Project (semester 2): Begin work on the personal project you will prepare for your capstone exhibition. In addition, pursuing a personal project ensures that you never lose sight of what made you fall in love with photography in the first place. In addition to class time, you will have up to 10 hours of free studio time to work on this project on your own.
- During your SPC Academy program, and for one month after, we also invite you to join an unlimited number of our practice workshopsfor free. These 2-hour hands-on sessions, open to the public, allow photographers to experiment on a wide variety of themes and push themselves creatively while locking in their theoretical knowledge through practice until it becomes second nature.
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Swiss Quality in Photography Education
Swiss Photo Club is one of the most highly rated photography schools in Europe, with an impressive average rating of 4.95 out of 5 from our students. We offer both short-term and long-term photography education, designed to suit all levels and learning goals. Our standardized curriculum ensures consistency across all our classes and instructors, and is updated annually to stay aligned with the latest trends and techniques. Upon completion of any course, participants receive a certificate recognizing their achievement and progress.
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