In September 2025, the Magnum x Spéos program will celebrate its 10th anniversary
Spéos is proud to celebrate in September 2025 the 10th anniversary of its documentary photography program developed in partnership with the renowned Magnum Photos agency.
Since its creation in 2015, this one-year program has become a reference for photographers seeking to develop an engaged, personal, and professional approach to documentary storytelling.
Applications open for 2025–2026: join the 10th cohort!
Join this exceptional program to celebrate its 10th anniversary and give a decisive boost to your documentary photography career. Applications are now open!
The next session will start in September 2025 and end in July 2026. Applications are accepted throughout the year, subject to availability.
- Language of instruction: English
- Duration: 1 year (September to July)
- Audience: Open to international, European, and French students
- Location: Paris – Spéos & Magnum Photos
- Tuition fee 2025–2026: €30,950
> Learn more about the Creative Documentary Program by Magnum Photos & Spéos
A decade of photographic excellence
This intensive program, taught entirely in English, has welcomed students from all over the world over the years. They develop a long-term personal documentary project, guided weekly by Magnum photographers, internationally acclaimed for their journalistic rigor and artistic commitment.
Organized over two semesters, this professional photography program combines:
– technical and editorial courses taught by Spéos instructors,
– weekly Magnum mentorship sessions, held in the agency’s offices in Paris,
– access to Spéos’ professional facilities: photo studios, post-production equipment, shooting gear, and more.
Students benefit from an immersive working environment designed to prepare them as closely as possible for real-world field conditions, building coherent narratives, and understanding the challenges of distributing a photographic project.
A stepping stone into the professional world
The program culminates in the production of an ambitious personal project, showcased at two key events: a group exhibition held at Magnum Photos’ premises or partner galleries, and a final-year exhibition at Spéos, attended by image professionals. The program leads to the RNCP Level 6 Photographer Entrepreneur certification (equivalent to 3–4 years of higher education), officially recognized by the French government and across Europe (EQF Level 6).
Graduates go on to pursue diverse careers in photojournalism, documentary photography, visual production, or cultural institutions.
An international and committed community
Over the past 10 years, dozens of photographers with varied backgrounds have completed the program.
This path is also an intense human experience, enriched by the exchange between students, Magnum photographers, Spéos instructors, and the wider professional network.
This active and supportive community is one of the program’s greatest strengths: many Alumni stay in touch, collaborate, or return to share their experiences with new cohorts.
Thank you to everyone involved
On the occasion of this 10th anniversary, Spéos warmly thanks all Magnum mentor photographers, school instructors, professional contributors, and the students and alumni who have helped bring this program to life. Thanks to them, this program has become a unique space for visual exploration, reflection, and storytelling in the world of documentary photography.
