Expert in Digital Visual Creation: Photography, AI, Video, 3D

Campus: Paris
Next session: September 2026 – May 2027

The “Expert in Digital Visual Creation: Photography, AI, Video, 3D” program trains professionals capable of designing and producing high-quality images using the most advanced tools in digital creation.
Combining photography, artificial intelligence (AI), video and 3D, this comprehensive program enables students to acquire technical, artistic, and strategic expertise aligned with industry expectations (visual communication, luxury, advertising, digital content). Students develop a personal visual language while mastering current professional workflows.

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Objectives, Target Audience, Entry Requirements, Equipment

Objectives

The objectives of the program are as follows:

Integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the creative process, mastering generative tools (MidJourney, DALL·E, Runway, etc.) to produce innovative images, videos, and narrative content.
Understand the complete video production process, from pre-production to post-production, to create professional content tailored to various broadcast formats.
Refine high-end photo retouching, with a specialization in the luxury sector’s standards (jewelry, cosmetics, watchmaking, etc.).
Develop advanced expertise in 3D, including modeling, lighting, rendering, and composing digital images for creative and commercial purposes.
Develop a strong artistic vision, a critical approach to imagery, and the ability to manage a creative project from start to finish, in line with current digital visual issues.

Due to the constant evolution of artificial intelligence, the course content may be adjusted during the year (additions and updates).

Target Audience

Professional photographers (advertising, event, portrait, corporate…).
Creatives, graphic designers, retouchers, videographers looking to broaden their skillset.

Entry Level

Proficiency in photography (shooting, retouching, workflow).
Good level of Photoshop required (minimum intermediate level).
No prior skills in video, 3D, or artificial intelligence are required — everything is introduced progressively.
Non-native speakers of French or English must provide certified language test results at B2 level in either French or English.

Equipment

Participants are encouraged to bring their own computers so they can familiarize themselves with the software directly in their own work environment. However, computers will be available at the school for those who wish to use them. Trainees whose computers do not have an Ethernet port must bring a compatible adapter.

Important: Students are directly responsible for the cost of the software used during the training.

Diploma

Diploma: Spéos Certificate

Course Descriptions: Expert in Digital Visual Creation

Semesters I & II: 6 hours/week

This course aims to teach participants all stages of the video production process. It covers the technical skills and know-how required of a videographer for commissioned work—from client briefing to final delivery. Theory and practice go hand in hand to enable the completion of a professional-quality video project.

Covered topics:

Pre-production / Production
How to plan and prepare for a shoot, ensuring smooth project execution. Includes:
– Writing a script/storyboard/shot list
– Location scouting and obtaining permissions
– Building a team
– Budgeting, quoting, and staying within the budget
– Planning the production
– Managing shooting locations
– Choosing equipment
– Casting (if necessary)

Shooting with video tools
Covers the knowledge required to select proper tools, formats, and settings for professional video. Students will learn to:
– Choose appropriate video formats/settings
– Use various types of cameras
– Work with accessories: lenses, stabilizers, audio gear, focus systems, recorders, lights, power, storage, and backups

Post-production Workflow
Focus on:
– Building an editing and post-production setup (computer, storage, monitors, audio)
– Importing and managing footage
– Editing on DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro
– Sound editing/mixing
– Using music, sound, stock images
– Adding titles/subtitles
– Understanding and managing color spaces
– Color correction/grading/LUTs
– Exporting in proper formats (web, social media, broadcast)

Semesters I & II: 3 hours/week

This course introduces participants to using 3D in both photography and digital image creation. Future “image makers” will build solid foundations in modeling, material creation/editing, lighting, rendering, composition, and integration.

Semester I:
Topics related to the fundamentals of digital image creation via computer tools.
Students will:
– Learn to create digital “hard surface” models
– Understand lighting and rendering (Redshift)
– Learn image-making and post-production techniques
– Explore various tools and their purposes
Participants will gain the ability to make relevant technical decisions for various outcomes, such as camera angle research, set creation, material addition.

Semester II:
Students deepen their skills:
– Advanced modeling, textures, lighting, scenes, effects
– Procedural material creation
– Fluid simulations
– Digital sculpting
– Visual programming
– Short animation creation

Semester I: 3 hours/week

Designed for students who are already proficient in Lightroom and Photoshop, this advanced Photoshop course offers rigorous training focused on high-end photo retouching, specifically tailored to the demands of the luxury market: jewelry, watchmaking, leather goods, cosmetics, and other exclusive sectors.

This intensive course enables participants to optimize their workflow, hone their skills in advanced techniques (masking and retouching), and enhance their visuals to achieve a level of quality that perfectly aligns with the standards of luxury brands.

Through hands-on exercises and an approach grounded in professional methods, students develop their precision, efficiency, and artistic sensibility to bring ambitious creative projects to life.

This course also offers a natural transition to using the artificial intelligence (AI) tools now integrated into Photoshop, particularly the generative features that open up new possibilities for automation, experimentation, and expanding the creative scope.

Semester I: 3 workshops, each lasting 6 hours, followed by 2-hour classes once a week

Building on the Advanced Photoshop course (see above), this introductory course on AI offers an intense and creative immersion into the world of artificial intelligence, designed specifically for the photographers and visual creators of tomorrow.

This introductory AI course is structured as follows: students first participate in 3 workshops, each lasting 6 hours, to learn how to transition from studio photography to producing their work with the help of AI. Following these workshops, weekly 2-hour classes are scheduled.

Using MidJourney and Discord, students learn to collaborate with AI to create impactful visuals.

Topics covered:
– Introduction to AI and machine learning
– Legal and ethical issues in AI-generated visual content
– Full use of MidJourney and Discord
– Advanced prompts: style, light, mood, references
– Creating complex images: hyper-realistic portraits, still lifes, commercial/artistic visuals
– Producing short videos and animated GIFs from generated images

Students learn to:
– Build strong visual storytelling
– Create recurring characters
– Develop a cohesive aesthetic
– Integrate AI into their photographic language By the end, they will have a creative/technical AI toolkit and a mini-portfolio of images, GIFs, and videos.

Semester II: 3 hours/week

This course provides professional, creative, and critical training in generative AI for photography, advertising images, and visual storytelling.

Students gain hands-on expertise in major platforms (Midjourney, Runway, DALL·E, Pika, Magnific, Pimento, Kling, Starlight), advanced prompt engineering, and workflow integration (Photoshop, Canva, After Effects).

Focus areas:
– Legal and ethical considerations
– Artistic direction skills
– Rigorous documentation for intellectual property claims
– Using AI as a creative partner

By the end, students can produce professional-standard AI images, develop stylistic variations, create consistent series, and critically analyze their output—while mastering industry tools in luxury and visual communication.

Semester I & II: 2 one-hour individual sessions per student per semester

These one-on-one coaching sessions provide personalized guidance from the school’s president, Pierre-Yves Mahé, supporting each student in shaping their professional development throughout the year.

Conceived as dedicated moments for dialogue, these meetings offer an in-depth exploration of the challenges unique to each student's path, whether it’s refining a distinctive visual identity, portfolio coherence, market positioning, or career direction.

Through critical analysis, expert advice, and a clear understanding of industry expectations (luxury, advertising, and digital creation), students refine their perspective, affirm their unique voice, and develop greater creative maturity.

These sessions are an essential tool for:
– building a cohesive and impactful professional portfolio,
– receiving expert feedback on ongoing projects,
– anticipating career opportunities and developing a strategy for entering the creative industries.

Semester II: 3 hours/week (for 4 weeks)

This course offers an immersive experience in black-and-white printing, grounded in the technical and aesthetic fundamentals of photography.

Students work with the Stop-System method, developed and taught at Spéos for over 40 years.
This structured approach teaches students to read light, understand exposure, and align artistic intent with technical choices. Students learn to analyze lighting conditions (intensity, contrast, direction) and master the relationships between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to anticipate the final image result.

Applied in the black-and-white darkroom, this method enables students to:
– precisely control the contrasts and densities of the image,
– interpret negatives or digital files with intention,
– refine their sensitivity to shadow and highlight areas,
– achieve a deliberate and controlled final print.

Through hands-on laboratory work and guided exercises, students deepen their understanding of light, while developing a more nuanced and intentional visual language.

Ultimately, this course offers a rare opportunity to slow down the creative process, reconnect with the essence of the photographic image, and strengthen the technical foundations essential to any practice, whether analog or digital.

Participants have reserved slots in school studios for working on professional projects:
– Weekdays from 4–7pm
– Saturdays from 10am–4 pm

The end of the second semester is dedicated to the set-up of the students’ end-of-the-year exhibition on the school premises – an important event visited by established photographers, picture editors, news and advertising agencies.
The students also have the possibility to exhibit their work online in the web galleries.

Pedagogical approach

Teaching method

The teaching method focuses on real-world practice, essential for skill development.

Courses are taught in small groups for personalized guidance, allowing students to develop their style and artistic sensitivity.

Courses are delivered by renowned professionals and creatives, ensuring strong knowledge acquisition.

Teaching resources

Spéos provides students with access to spacious facilities and high-end photography equipment outside of class hours.

Studios are well-equipped with Phase One backs, Foba columns, top-brand flashes, projectors, lights, and numerous accessories for image styling.

Computer labs include Apple systems, calibrated Eizo monitors, and Adobe Creative Cloud.

Students can borrow equipment daily: flash kits, audio kits, video kits, and telephoto lenses — for outdoor and weekend use.

Assessment methods

Continuous assessment
Knowledge tests at the beginning and end of each semester
Graded semester exams
Creation of a professional portfolio and end-of-year exhibition

Enrollment and Contact

Registrations are open all year round and subject to availability.
Feel free to contact Spéos if you have any questions about this program.
At any time you are most welcome to come and visit the school, just make an appointment!

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FAQ

The program covers all the skills required for contemporary image and visual content creation by combining multiple disciplines:

professional photography,
high-end retouching and post-production,
3D modeling and integration,
video creation and editing,
use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools applied to imagery.

The objective is to train creators capable of designing complex, hybrid, and innovative visuals that meet the current demands of brands, advertising, and luxury markets.

The program targets creative profiles wishing to expand or combine their skill sets:

photographers seeking to move into advanced digital visual creation,
graphic designers or art directors wishing to integrate photography, 3D, or video,
videographers looking to enrich their visual approach, - retouchers and digital image creators.

It is also suitable for individuals undergoing career change with strong visual sensitivity and a coherent professional project.

No. Prior mastery of 3D, video, or AI is not required.

The program is designed to:

strengthen existing image fundamentals,
progressively introduce new digital tools,
enable structured and guided skill development.

However, strong visual culture, creative practice, and high motivation are essential.

The program covers a wide range of professional tools and techniques:

3D modeling and integration into imagery,
advanced retouching and compositing,
video editing and storytelling,
creation of hybrid visual content,
use of generative AI in image creation.

Students learn to select the appropriate tools according to project needs and professional context.

Students have access to the school’s professional facilities:

fully equipped photography studios,
workspaces and post-production areas,
technical equipment used for courses and educational projects.

However, owning a personal computer and equipment is recommended to develop professional autonomy outside class hours.

The program runs over one year and follows an intensive pace similar to professional conditions:

classes several days per week,
supervised practical projects,
regular personal work outside class hours.

The required investment is significant and demands continuous engagement throughout the year.

Upon completion, students produce a portfolio or final project:

integrating photography, 3D, video, and digital tools,
reflecting a coherent personal visual identity,
aligned with creative, advertising, and luxury industry standards.

This portfolio is a key tool for professional integration.

Yes. The program prepares students for direct professional integration into digital visual creation careers. Upon completion, students receive a certification awarded by Spéos, attesting to acquired skills in contemporary visual creation.

Career opportunities are diverse:

freelance visual creator,
photographer specialized in digital imagery,
retoucher or image compositor,
visual content creator for luxury and advertising,
collaborator in creative studios, agencies, or brands.

The program enables adaptation to constantly evolving markets.

This program stands out through:

a cross-disciplinary approach combining photography, 3D, video, and AI,
adaptation to new visual practices and technologies,
orientation toward luxury, advertising, and digital creation markets,
a contemporary vision of the image-maker profession.

It goes beyond traditional photographic training to develop versatile profiles capable of meeting current and future industry demands.

Practical information

Expert in Digital Visual Creation: Photography, 3D, AI, Video

Next session: September 2026 – May 2027
Language of instruction: French, English (subject to a minimum number of enrolled students)
Tuition fees (French program):
– Students from France/EU: €9,400
– International students: €12,600
Tuition fees (English program):
– Students from France/EU: €9,800
– International students: €12,600
Program intensity: 3.5 to 5 days/week depending on the schedule.