Short photography programs

Professional Photography Fundamentals – 5 months

  • Campus: Paris
  • Next session: 25 January - 25 June 2027

The Professional Photography Fundamentals program is a lighter version of the Spéos program and covers a duration of 5 months. This program takes place once a year in Paris, with intake in January.
It is aimed for students who wish to gain an overview of the skills to master to become a professional photographer.

I apply! Campus visits
Nola Desvergnes Shenk - Spéos 2022
© Nola Desvergnes Shenk – Spéos 2022

Objectives, pre-requisites, careers opportunities

Objectives

The Professional Photography Fundamentals program aims to acquire the fundamental technical and creative skills required for a career in photography, both in the studio and in a photojournalism setting.
It provides a comprehensive overview of the key skills needed to pursue a professional career in the photography industry.

Pre-requisites

This program is open to anyone with a high school diploma (or equivalent, or higher), regardless of their academic track (general, vocational, or technical), or who has documented experience in the field of visual arts.

Students whose native language is not French or English must demonstrate language proficiency through a French or English test at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

Career Opportunities

Sectors: Photography-related professions such as photo coordinator at an agency, magazine, or photo studio; assistant to a commercial photographer or portrait photographer
Status: Self-employed/freelance, employee, artist-author

Diploma

Spéos School Certificate

Course description of the Professional Photography Fundamentals program in 5 months

3 hours/week

This course is dedicated to the acquisition of the techniques essential to studio shooting, as well as to the treatment of digital images.

Students are initiated to the Stop-System, different types of lighting, the general principles of balanced light sources, as well as different types of cameras, from 35mm to the large format.

An introduction to the “Style and Composition” class will initiate the students to the notions of style and composition in professional photography.

1h30/week (during 14 weeks)

This course is dedicated to the acquisition of techniques essential to the practice of professional photography. Combining theory and practical exercises, it allows students to:
– learn and practice the Stop-System, the global learning method of light control in photography, a method developed by Spéos,
– understand and know how to define its settings when taking pictures,
– understand the techniques inherent in shooting and to anticipate post-production,
– understand the operation of different types of cameras, including the large-format camera.

The elements covered will allow students to make relevant technical choices according to the desired result. Whatever the situation, in studio or on location, indoors or outdoors, this course will enable them to deal with the possible constraints encountered when taking pictures.

3 hours/week

The course is designed to give an overview of photo reportage, focusing on 3 main areas – place, event and theme.

Assignments include the coverage of events in Paris and a long-term documentary project on a local neighborhood.

2 to 3 hours/week

In line with the acquisition of studio shooting techniques, this course gives participants an overview of the different digital post-production techniques allowing them to process and enhance their images.

It aims to:
– understand what the main parameters and formats of digital images are,
– learn how to process Raw files in a professional way with Adobe Lightroom Classic CC development tool,
– deepen the participants post-production skills with Adobe Photoshop CC: non-destructive work flow through adjustment layers, knowledge of layer masks and selections, basic retouch.

1h30 to 3 hours/week

Firstly this course will help photographers to manage their image stock with guidance on how to caption a picture, to assign the right key-words, to fill in the IPTC data. All of these are essential for any photographer to locate their pictures and to have them published.

Then the course will cover the following topics:
– add value to a photo stock with a good knowledge of captioning and keyword management,
– find sources of information for photographers,
– know the photo market,
– develop your visibility on the Internet, design an online portfolio, know how to use social network for photographers.

2 hours/week (during 20 weeks)

This course explores the history of photography from its origins to the present, presenting the major periods and key moments that have made photography an essential means of communication.

The works and careers of photographers who have left their mark on history will be presented, particularly those who have elevated reportage and documentary photography to the status of art.

The great names of advertising and fashion photography will also be explored, highlighting the evolution of the field through technological advances.

A 3-hour session at the end of the course

This 3-hour course is designed to help you understand color, calibrate your monitor, and choose the right paper to produce high-quality digital prints.

Pedagogical approach

Teaching method

The teaching method is essentially based on real-life practice, an essential element of learning.

Classes are held in small groups to ensure a personalised, continuous approach, allowing students to develop their own style and sensitivity (excellent student/teacher ratio).

The school has developed its own teaching method: the Stop-System, a global learning method for controlling light in photography.

The courses are taught by recognised professionals and creatives who ensure that students acquire the knowledge they need.

Teaching resources

The school has a number of spacious studios, all very well equipped: Phase One back rooms, Foba column stands, the best brands of flashes, projectors, lights and a wide range of accessories to style every shot.

The school’s computer rooms are equipped with Apple computers, Eizo calibrated screens and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

Students can also borrow photographic equipment on a daily basis: the school lends out a large number of flash kits, sound kits, video kits and telephoto lenses for working outdoors, evenings and weekends included.

Assessment methods

  • Continuous assessment.
  • Tests at the beginning and end of the semester, to assess students’ acquisition of knowledge.
  • Examinations in the form of graded exercises.

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

Yes. A short, intensive course can serve as a genuine springboard toward professionalization:

  • rapid acquisition of essential technical foundations,
  • understanding of professional market standards,
  • hands-on practice in real-world conditions,
  • initial work suitable for inclusion in a portfolio.

It provides a concrete understanding of the profession and establishes solid foundations to either begin working or continue into a longer academic program.

Credits earned during this preparatory course allow students wishing to professionalize to continue into long-term programs by entering directly into the second year of the following two-year courses:
– Professional Photography,
– Photographer Entrepreneur – 2-year program (RNCP Level 6 – certification RNCP39859 registered on 28/11/2024, awarded by Spéos).

For further information, please contact Spéos.

An intensive course is particularly suitable for:

  • motivated beginners who want to learn quickly and seriously,
  • self-taught amateurs seeking to structure their knowledge,
  • career changers looking for full professional immersion.

Motivation, consistency, and personal commitment matter more than initial technical level.

Self-teaching encourages personal experimentation but may lack structure and methodology.

A structured program provides:

It saves time and helps avoid common mistakes.

The program develops essential professional practices:

  • shoot preparation,
  • equipment organization,
  • time management and meeting deadlines,
  • adapting to technical and human constraints,
  • rigorous editing and post-production workflows.

These habits enable faster integration into professional environments.

Yes. It often represents an ideal first step to test your career plan:

  • first-hand discovery of a photographer’s day-to-day work,
  • evaluation of your motivation and affinity with the profession,
  • acquisition of fundamental skills before committing to a longer curriculum.

Credits earned during this preparatory course allow students wishing to professionalize to continue into long-term programs by entering directly into the second year of the following two-year courses:
– Professional Photography,
– Photographer Entrepreneur – 2-year program (RNCP Level 6 – certification RNCP39859 registered on 28/11/2024, awarded by Spéos).

For further information, please contact Spéos.

The course exposes students to real-world conditions:

  • quality standards expected by clients,
  • common types of assignments,
  • budgetary and logistical constraints,
  • the importance of professionalism and reliability.

Students learn to produce images designed for practical, commercial use — not solely artistic purposes.

Student photo galleries can be viewed here.

Beyond technical expertise, the program develops the following skills:

  • autonomy and organizational ability,
  • communication and teamwork,
  • analytical skills and critical thinking,
  • project management,
  • adaptability.

These competencies are valuable across all creative professions.

Training beforehand allows you to approach your first clients with greater credibility and efficiency:

  • sufficient technical mastery to deliver reliable results,
  • understanding of professional expectations,
  • increased confidence in your practice.

This facilitates securing initial contracts and reduces the risk of costly mistakes at the start of your career.

Practical information

Professional Photography Fundamentals – 5 months

  • Next session: 25 January - 25 June 2027
  • Language of instruction: English, French
  • Tuition fees:
    – France, European Union nationals: €8,950
    – International students: €11,150
I apply! Open House Days

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