European Master of Professional Photography in 1 year

This program allows students to master the photographic technique in all its artistic and technical dimensions. They are able to produce their own portfolio for professional use.

The European Master of Professional Photography in 1 year comprises 3 phases:
– The Professional Photography in 1 year Program, from September to May.
– The Expert Modules, in June and July.
– The planning and elaboration of the Professional Project, from June to September.

Top-level professionals hold the courses and monitor the students’ individual acquisition of skills. Outside of class, students independently organize their shooting sessions and post-production, with the continual guidance of their supervisors. Particular attention is paid to the synchronization of subject matters taught in the different courses.

So as to obtain the credits necessary to validate the European Master, students need to have a Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS, in any subject, not necessarily photography) and need to pass a foreign language test at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
As for the language tests accepted: TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge exams for non-native English speakers; for English natives any official language diploma at B2 level in a European language that is not their mother tongue.

Next session: September 2021-July 2022
Campus: Paris or London (the Expert Modules are taught in Paris only)
Language of instruction: English
Tuition:
– France, UK, EU nationals: €25,000
– International students: €25,000

Double degree:
– European Master of Professional Photography certified by E.A.B.H.E.S, European Accreditation Board of Higher Education Schools
– Title of Photographer RNCP level 7 – code NSF 323 t
This title is registered in the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles (RNCP) by decree of 25 February 2016 – published in the Journal Officiel of March 17th, 2016.

The first step is the Professional Photography in 1 year Program, which runs from September to May (intensive 32-week program). Students will acquire all current skills and techniques within professional photography and put them into practice: photo reportage, studio photography, fashion photography, corporate photography, image management and publication.

The Expert Modules (held in English only) aim at deepening the students’ previous knowledge and skills in those areas that are most demanded by the professional market. Each module takes place over several weeks, in June and July.

Courses and conferences are taught by experienced and recognized professionals who share their experience and know-how from their respective fields of expertise. These speakers emphasize the practical ownership of these skills and offer students valuable experience gain for their own personal projects.
See the list of lecturers year by year.

In July, the students equally participate for several days at the Rencontres d’Arles — a major international photography event, during which they visit exhibitions, present their portfolios and start networking.

The third step is the Professional Project, during which students reflect on their position at the beginning of their career and write their business plan. This stage runs in parallel with the Expert Modules, from June to September.

From September to May
See the complete and detailed information of the Professional Photography in 1 year Program.

June-July
Expert Modules can only be followed once the Professional Photography in 1 year Program has been completed. Students can enroll immediately after completing the program, or return to Spéos to complement their training in the following year(s).

The Expert Modules deal with the business of photography (management, commercial approach and publication of photos). Students also follow the Expert Module of their specialty:
– Advanced Studio for studio specialization,
– Advanced Photo Reportage for photo reportage specialization.

Expert Module: the Photo Business 
Duration: 5 weeks in 2 parts
Different experts present the business management of all kinds of activities linked to professional photography. The module gives an overview of the photographic professions and the market, copyright legislation, marketing, accounting and financial management within the field of photography.
This module also allows students to deepen their knowledge in the domains of image management and publication, which are presented from the point of view of independent photographers, photo agencies and image banks. Students also encounter picture researchers/image buyers working for publishing houses and advertising agencies, art directors and photo agents. Throughout the module, they acquire in-depth knowledge about the various possibilities to syndicate their own image stocks. And – last but not least – they get a practical overview of how to efficiently use social media for photographers.

Expert Module: Advanced Studio Photography — Professional Portfolio Development
Duration: 3 weeks (takes place at the same time as the Expert Module Advanced Photo Reportage)
Participants focus on developing their portfolio in professional work situations which correspond to their individual intentions and chosen specialisation, including fashion, portrait, advertising, and fine art photography. Numerous partnerships with luxury and fashion brands (Lacoste, Longchamp, Issey Miyake, Bulgari, etc.) allow for a complete, hands-on understanding of the production process from start to finish, including direct feedback from the client and the possibility for publication. The module also includes an intensive week of CGI (computer generated imaging) to create an immersive imaging experience.

Expert Module: Advanced Photo Reportage
Duration: 3 weeks (takes place at the same time as the Expert Module Advanced Studio)
Photo reportage is analyzed from the point of view of agencies, dailies, magazines, and independent photographers. Participants meet professionals working in the fields of image purchase, sales and editing within various kinds of media (print and web). Through these exchanges, they learn how to position them selves and to efficiently prepare their entry into the professional world. Several meetings will be held at professionals’ workplaces.

Rencontres d’Arles – International Photo Festival
In July, the students participate for several days at the Rencontres d’Arles — a major international photography event in the south-east of France. They attend the events organized for the profession during the opening week and can visit exhibitions. They are most of all encouraged to present their portfolios to professionals and start networking.

Céline: « It was quite intense but a lovely experience »