In 2025, Spéos celebrates its 40th anniversary!

In 2025, Spéos will blow out 40 candles! Since its creation in 1985, this one-of-a-kind photography school has welcomed thousands of talents from all over the world, all driven by the same desire: to learn, create, and share their vision of the world.

Forty years of teaching, innovation, and human encounters have made Spéos a key player in professional photography, in France and internationally.

A school in the heart of Paris, open to the world

Located in the heart of Paris, the capital of photography, Spéos serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity. The school offers programs in both French and English, attracting students from over 35 countries each year.

Paris — the city of arts, contrasts, galleries, and major fashion houses — is more than just a setting: it’s a vibrant stage where future photographers find constant inspiration. Here, one encounters festivals, museums, press agencies, fashion studios, luxury brands, and advertising professionals. Spéos connects its students to all of these worlds.

A dynamic teaching approach led by working professionals

Over the years, the school has built a strong reputation thanks to the quality of its education: hands-on learning, small group classes for personalized guidance, and most importantly, a team of active professionals working across various fields of photography.

Learning alongside these experts means diving into the reality of the profession from day one, meeting real-world demands while developing one’s own visual language.

Learning a profession, building a career

Spéos is also a springboard. A place where students learn to conceptualize an image, manage a photo shoot, lead a team, build a project from A to Z, create a visual identity, and take charge of their careers.

The school supports students in mastering technical tools — lighting, composition, retouching, color management — with access to top-tier equipment (studios available year-round, calibrated monitors, professional printers, fully equipped sets…).

A powerful network and prestigious partners

Because no photographer grows alone, Spéos offers a stimulating environment rich in exchange, opportunities, and connections. The school is proud of its partnerships with leading industry players such as Agence France-Presse (AFP), Magnum Photos, and Polka magazine.

Spéos delivers a diploma recognized by the French State (RNCP Level 6 – Photographer Entrepreneur, certification RNCP39859 registered on 28/11/2024, delivered by Spéos) and holds the Qualiopi certification, a mark of excellence and rigor.

A committed global community

Perhaps Spéos’ greatest strength is its community. For 40 years, the school has trained thousands of photographers now active across five continents.

These professionals work in press, fashion, advertising, galleries, or build their own creative worlds. They exhibit, publish, and pass on their knowledge. Spéos is a living, united, and ever-evolving network.

An anniversary exhibition not to be missed

Spéos will celebrate its 40th anniversary with its traditional end-of-year exhibition, held on Wednesday and Thursday, May 21 and 22, 2025, from 5pm to 9pm, at its premises in the 11th arrondissement of Paris (6, 7 and 8 rue Jules Vallès).

A chance to discover current students’ work and experience the diversity of styles, projects, and perspectives — a dive into the future of photography embodied by the next generation.

An ongoing human and artistic adventure

Whether you’re passionate about images, a future professional, or simply curious, come celebrate with us these 40 years of photographic dedication. And maybe, help us write the next chapter of this beautiful adventure. We look forward to seeing many of you!