Updated on Apr 1, 2022 06:46 IST
Anshuman Singh

Anshuman SinghSenior Executive - Content

The number of students aspiring to take photography courses in India is constantly increasing. It is important for a student to first pursue a basic course in Photography and then choose a specialisation to become a professional photographer. Photography courses are offered by many colleges in India. The courses in this domain are mainly offered at UG, Diploma, Online and Certificate level. Aspirants looking for a professional career in Photography should take up an undergraduate course as this is a skill-based course focused on digital photography, image making etc. Candidates get to learn the technicalities as well as the skills needed to be a professional photographer. Some of the top specialisations in photography are Fashion Photography, Wildlife Photography, Wedding & Event Photography, Scroll down to know more details about Photography courses.

Types of Photography Courses- UG & PG

Types of Photography courses can be categorised based on the mode of study and the specialisation. Here is a comprehensive guide for choosing the Photography course after Class 12 based on the mode of study and credentials imparted after the course.

Full Time Photography Courses: This is a classroom-based undergraduate degree course that has a three-year course duration. After completing the course candidates can pursue PG degree or PG diploma courses in Photography.

Photography Certificate Courses: These are the short duration courses offered by the colleges. Candidates willing to pursue short term courses focused on a particular specialisation or area can opt for such courses. There are also photography courses conducted by imaging products' brands such as Nikon, Canon etc.

Popular Photography Courses - UG & PG

The popular UG and PG level Photography courses are given below: 

Popular Undergraduate Photography Courses 

Popular Postgraduate Photography Courses

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Photography

BA in Photography Master of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Visual Arts PG Diploma in Photography

Photography Degree Courses – UG

UG courses in Photography can be pursued after 10+2. Check the details of the UG Photography courses below:

Duration of the course

3 years

Eligibility Criteria

10+2 from a recognised board with minimum aggregate marks in any stream

Admission Process

Admissions are granted on the basis of personal interviews or portfolio of photographs taken by the candidate, depending on the college requirements for admission. Some institutes also conduct entrance exams.

Course Fee

INR 65,000- INR 5 L 

Entrance Exams

What after Undergraduate Course

Candidates can pursue PG or Certificate specialisations in Photography or can start work in the field as Freelance photographer

The undergraduate courses in Photography are tabulated below:

Undergraduate Photography Courses 
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) BA in Photography
Bachelor of Visual Arts BFA in Applied Arts
B.A. in Visual Arts and Photography B.A. (Hons) Communication Design - Photography
BSc in Photography Bachelor of Film and Television Production Cinematography
BA in Still Photography BA (Hons) Photojournalism
BSc Film & Photography B.A. (Hons.) (Commercial Photography)

Photography Diploma Courses-UG

Diploma courses in Photography are very popular choice among the candidates. The duration of such courses ranges from three months to one year. The eligibility criteria for Diploma courses is 10+2 passed in any stream. Usually there is no entrance test conducted for admission to diploma courses. Admission is given on a first come first serve basis. The Diploma courses in Photography are tabulated below:

UG Diploma Courses in Photography
Diploma in Photojournalism Diploma in Fashion Photography
Diploma in Photography Diploma in Wedding Photography
Diploma in Professional Photography Diploma in Digital Photography
Diploma in Still Photography Diploma in Wildlife Photography
Professional Diploma in Art of Photography Diploma in Tabletop Photography

Diploma in Travel and Nature Photography

Diploma in Photography & Videography
Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging --

Photography Certificate Courses-UG

A certificate is also a short term course. A candidate who wishes to pursue a short term or certificate course can opt for below mentioned courses:

Certificate Courses in Photography
Basic Course in Photography Still Photography Course Professional Certificate in Professional Photography, wedding photography, Fashion Photography, Contemporary photography Foundation Course in Photography
Certificate in Advanced Photography and Photojournalism Certificate in Photography Certificate in Digital Photography Certificate in Professional Photography
Certificate in Camera and Photography Black & White Photography Workshop with Iqbal Mohamed Wildlife Photography Workshop Certificate in Still Photography
Professional Travel and Nature Photography Advanced certificate in Photography    

Photography Degree Courses – PG

PG courses in Photography can be pursued after completion of a UG course in Fine Arts or Photography. The details are tabulated below:

Duration of the course

2 Years

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate degree or diploma in Fine Arts or Photography from a recognized university with minimum aggregate marks

Admission Process

Admissions are granted on the basis of personal interviews or portfolio of photographs taken by the candidate, depending on the college requirements for admission. Some institutes also conduct entrance exams.

Course Fee

INR 65,000- INR 5 L 

Entrance Exams

What after Postgraduate Course

Candidates can can work as a professional photographer 

The postgraduate courses in Photography are tabulated below:

Postgraduate Degree Photography Courses

MFA Applied Arts

MA Commercial Photography and Cinematography

MA in Still Photography

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Master of Visual Arts

MFA Photography (PTPG)

MDes in Photography Design

 

Photography Diploma Courses – PG

PG diploma courses in Photography are the most popular choice among the candidates after degree courses. The eligibility criteria is the same as PG degree courses. The admissions to such courses are mostly on merit basis. Though some institutes may conduct the entrance exam. Some of the PG Diploma courses in Photography are:

PG Diploma Photography Courses

PG Diploma Still Photography Courses

PG Diploma in Professional Photography & Digital Filmmaking

PG Diploma in Travel, Nature & Wildlife Photography and Documentary Filmmaking

PG Diploma Photography

PG Diploma in Still Photography & Visual Communication 

Post Graduate Diploma in Commercial Photography

Advanced Diploma in Photography

 

FAQs on Photography Courses

Q. Which are the most popular courses in Photography?

A. If you are looking for an undergraduate course, you should a pursue Bachelor in Fine Arts (Photography). This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Photography and its aspects.

Q. What is the eligibility criteria for BFA (Photography)?

A. Candidates must pass class 12 in any stream from a recognised board to pursue the BFA (photography) course.

Q. Which are the popular specialisations in Photography?

A. The popular specialisations are Fashion Photography, Nature and Wildlife Photography, Wedding & Event Photography etc.

Q. Is it mandatory to pursue advanced courses in Photography?

A. Photography is a genre in which learning never stops. So always try to sharpen your skills by enrolling in new and advanced level courses.

Q. What is the scope of diploma level courses in Photography?

A. Diploma level courses give you the basic outline of a Photography course. If you aspire to become a professional photographer, you should pursue an internship or work as a freelancer.

Q. Which are the popular colleges in India for a Photography course?

Q. What skills are required for becoming a good photographer?

A. To be a good photographer candidates must know the technique and nuances of Photography, they should have a creative mind, who can draw the best from the viewed object and they must possess a keen eye to observe things and capture them in the lenses.

Q. Which are the important entrance exams for pursuing a photography course?

A. Although many colleges offer students admission on the basis of portfolio review and personal interview, some of the institutes conduct the entrance examination as well. These are:
  • Delhi School of Photography Entrance Exam
  • Andhra University - AU Entrance Exam
  • Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film Entrance Exam

Q. Which topics are mainly covered in the undergraduate photography courses?

A. The topics included in the curriculum are History of Photography, Introduction to Image-Making, Basics of Digital Photography, Basics of Photoshop, Basics of Printing, Street Photography and Photojournalism etc.

Q. Are the internships provided by the institutes in the undergraduate Photography courses?

A. This depends on the institute from which a candidate is pursuing the undergraduate Photography course. Some colleges provide the internships in various media houses whereas some only guide students about how to get hands-on training in this field.

Q. What are the career prospects after pursuing a Photography course?

A. Candidates can work as photojournalists in the print media, digital media, fashion photographer for magazines, video photographer for digital media, wildlife photographer etc.

Popular Photography Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Photography Colleges in India. Learn more about these Photography colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1.3 L - 8.4 L
4.35 - 5.5 LPA

Photography Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
4 L
5.56 LPA

Photography Applications open. Apply Now

25 K - 35 K
1 Course
4 L

Photography Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
75.32 K
7.46 LPA

Popular Private Photography Colleges in India

1 Course
4 L

Photography Applications open. Apply Now

4 Courses
5 K - 7.2 L
3.5 LPA
1 Course
1 Course
1.44 L
1.3 L - 8.4 L
4.35 - 5.5 LPA

Photography Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
50 K

Popular Photography UG Courses

Following are the most popular Photography UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Photography PG Courses

Following are the most popular Photography PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Photography Specializations

Following are the most popular Photography Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Photography. Students interested in pursuing a career on Photography, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

2 Jan ' 25 - 1 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process

2 Jan ' 25 - 2 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process Online Fee

Jan '25

MAH AAC CET 2025 Application Form Filling

TENTATIVE

Feb '25

MAH AAC CET 2025 Application Last Date

TENTATIVE

Aug '24

NSD Exam 2024 Workshop cum interview

TENTATIVE

Jun '24 - Jul '24

NSD Entrance Exam Registrations 2024

TENTATIVE

Feb '25 - Mar '25

PUBDET 2025 Applications

TENTATIVE

Jun '25 - Jul '25

PUBDET 2025 Admit Card

TENTATIVE
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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered a month ago

There is no explicit details available at about the ranking of Light and Life Academy as it offers quite unique range of PG Diplomas.  However, in the year 2020, Knowledge Review Magazine identified Life and Light Academy as one of the top 10 fine arts course providers in whole India. 

 

 

7388054
Yash Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

According to some unofficial sources, only 240 students can do PG Diploma in Professional Fashion Photography and Documentary Filmmaking at Light and Life Academy as there are only 240 seats available at Life and Light Academy. 

7388054
Yash Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

You can get admission in Professional Travel, Nature and Fine Art Photography and Documentry Filmaking at Light and Life Academy by applying for these particular course on the application form and directly through the Academy. 

7388054
Yash Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

A photography career can be pursued by anybody who has an underlying passion for it. However, some of the skills that you need in order to be up in the game include:

Technical skills 

  1. Understanding of all the settings and modes of a camera
  2. Understanding the working of different lenses, tripods, coverin

...more

S

Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Some of the major responsibilities of a photographer include:

  1. Communicating with clients to understand their needs
  2. Choosing and setting up locations
  3. Choosing and setting up photography equipment 
  4. Taking photos
  5. Editing photos using different software programs
  6. Selling photos or promoting business in other w

...more

S

Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Types of PhotographyDescription
Abstract PhotographyFocuses on shape, color, pattern, and texture. There are no set rules, allowing for creativity in capturing different elements within the composition.
Art PhotographyCaptures the artist’s perceptions and emotions, aiming to express a personal vision rather than simply what the camera sees.
Architectural PhotographyHighlights the aesthetics of buildings and structures, including diverse forms such as tall buildings, estates, bridges, and warehouses.
Urban PhotographyEncapsulates people in their daily lives, as well as objects, urban landscapes, and surreal moments, capturing a decisive moment or idea.
Portrait PhotographyFocuses on capturing the physical appearance and emotions of a person, often highlighting key facial features or body posture.
Advertising PhotographyAims to market or promote a product or idea, with the goal of generating consumer interest and driving sales.
Aerial PhotographyInvolves capturing scenes from a high vantage point, creating stunning images of various locations.
Underwater PhotographyRequires specialised diving equipment and underwater cameras to capture images below the water’s surface.
Black and White PhotographyUtilizes shades from white to black, excluding color, to focus on contrast, texture, and composition.
Fashion PhotographyCaptures clothing, jewelry, and accessories, often with a vibrant, eye-catching aesthetic that’s hard to ignore.
PhotojournalismUses storytelling techniques to visually convey a story, aiming to capture emotions and moments in time.
Food PhotographyHighlights the appeal of food, often aiming to evoke the desire to taste it, commonly seen on social media.
Minimalist PhotographyEmphasizes simplicity and harmony, using few elements in the composition to create a sense of visual peace.
Astronomical PhotographyAlso known as astrophotography, it captures celestial bodies like planets, comets, and satellites, and is challenging due to technical requirements.
Sports PhotographyA branch of photojournalism focused on capturing critical moments in sports events, highlighting athletes in action.
Lifestyle PhotographyTransforms everyday moments into artistic compositions, often capturing the essence of daily life.

S

Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 9

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