Bachelor in Photography: 1-year or 3-year photography courses with Spéos

In a world where images are at the heart of every interaction, where visual communication and culture play a key role in media, advertising, social networks, and art, training in photography has become a strategic step to achieve professional success.

Spéos, one of the most renowned photography schools in France and internationally, offers two bachelor’s programs tailored to individual goals and paces: an accelerated 1-year bachelor’s for rapid skills acquisition, and a comprehensive 3-year bachelor’s for gradual and in-depth immersion. Two programs, one shared objective: to train the professional photographers of tomorrow and prepare them concretely for the professional world.

Two pathways, two complementary visions

At Spéos, teaching is based on hands-on practice, personalized mentoring, and technical mastery. Whether you choose the accelerated bachelor’s or the 3-year course, you benefit from high-level supervision, professional equipment, and real-life scenarios to develop your visual identity and professional skills. Students are trained to execute various projects and express their artistic vision while meeting the demands of the professional world.

The Accelerated Bachelor in Photography (1 year) : a springboard to the professional world

The Accelerated Bachelor in 1 year – The Entrepreneurial Photographer is designed for those wishing to professionalize quickly and realize their career goals. This one-year program provides all necessary skills to work as a photographer, manage, and develop an independent business.

The curriculum covers 4 core modules: project design and preparation, project execution and delivery, business management, and communication/marketing strategy implementation.
This last aspect is particularly crucial in a world where photographers often also serve as entrepreneurs, community managers, salespeople, and project managers.

The bachelor awards a recognized professional certification: “Photographer Entrepreneur” RNCP level 6 title, RNCP39859 certification registered on 28/11/2024, issued by Spéos, CEC6 (European Qualifications Framework) / EQF6 level.

Validated by the French government, this certification ensures credibility and employability.
It is open to candidates holding at least a high school diploma (or equivalent), who are highly motivated and eager to quickly enter the professional world.

Courses are taught in English, in a stimulating international environment.
Every year, the school welcomes students from all over the world, fostering multicultural exchange and international career opportunities.

• Duration: September to July
• Language: English
• Location: Paris

The 3-year Bachelor in Photography: building solid expertise in photography, video, and 3D

For students wishing to gradually deepen their skills and develop their career project, Spéos offers a 3-year Bachelor in Photography/Video/3D.This program allows students to gain advanced technical skills, build a strong professional portfolio, and efficiently prepare for the job market.

The first year focuses on mastering digital photography fundamentals (exposure, composition, retouching, post-processing). From the very first weeks, students dive into post-production, a key element in any professional photographer’s workflow.

In the following years, students specialize according to their interests: video, 3D, studio photography, still life, reportage, commercial or artistic photography. At every stage, students receive guidance to develop their visual identity and refine their expertise.

Spéos stands out for its exceptional facilities. Students have access to professional studios equipped with high-end gear (Phase One, Foba, pro flashes, projectors, etc.), computer rooms with Eizo calibrated monitors, and Adobe Creative Cloud software. Thanks to the equipment loan system, they can also work on projects outside of class, both indoors and outdoors.

The program includes the exclusive Stop-System method, developed by the school to teach light mastery — a crucial skill in all fields of photography, from still life to fashion, portrait, and advertising.

Throughout the program, assessments are based on practical exercises, real-life scenarios, exams, and building a professional portfolio presented at the year-end exhibition before a panel of professionals.

• Duration: 3 years
• Language: French or English (depending on the sessions)
• Location: Paris

A school with international reach

Since its creation in 1985, Spéos has become a leading reference in professional photography education. Located in the heart of Paris, the school welcomes students from over 35 nationalities each year, providing true international exposure.

Spéos has established prestigious partnerships with Magnum Photos, Polka Magazine, and Agence France-Presse. These collaborations give students exclusive masterclasses and privileged access to high-level networks.

Spéos graduates work in various fields: press photography, advertising, fashion, art, still life, events, or art direction. Thanks to a strong Alumni network and dedicated career support, the school successfully guides young photographers towards employment or entrepreneurship.

Which program should you choose?

Choosing between the 1-year intensive bachelor and the 3-year bachelor depends on your learning pace and personal project:

• The accelerated bachelor is ideal for candidates with some photography background and strong work capacity, who wish to quickly enter the workforce.
• The 3-year bachelor is intended for high school graduates or career changers who want to take time to strengthen their skills and build a professional portfolio.

In both programs, students develop skills in digital photography, post-production, and project management, essential to execute diverse professional projects.

Conclusion: choose excellence to unlock your talent

Whether your dream is to capture the world through your lens, tell visual stories, or fully live from your passion, Spéos offers recognized professional certifications, top-tier programs, and privileged access to the professional photography world. Joining Spéos means choosing a photography school that places practice, innovation, and the success of each professional project at the heart of its teaching.