Education

Top Photography Schools With The Best Reputations in The U.S.

PhotographyLearning more about photography by reading up on the subject can be beneficial and enjoyable. But those who want to gain valuable knowledge to take their hobby or photography business to the next level should consider taking courses at a photography school.

In addition to learning more about camera equipment and photography techniques, students in photography schools benefit from the expertise of the teachers. A chance to work with someone who's producing the quality and kinds of photos an individual aspires to create can help increase skill level, enthusiasm, and provide fresh inspiration.

Before enrolling in photography school, it's wise to look into the school's reputation. Likewise, photography schools that want to increase awareness of their stellar reputation can gain effective help from reputation management services companies.

Here are the top photography institutions with the best reputations in the United States of America.

The Rocky Mountain School of Photography (RMSP). Imagine learning more about photography in a setting as beautiful as the Rocky Mountain area. This photography school is ideal for the student who's short on time but wants to learn more about digital technology or professional-level photography.

Intensive courses with one-month timeframes are available on many topics, for students of various levels who come to study and photograph the scenic surroundings.

Art Institute of Chicago (AIC). Students can learn and hone their craft in the photography program ranked second by US News & World Report. Whether taking a few courses or seeking a degree, photography lovers will enjoy the inspiration and opportunities that await them in this city.

From the Magnificent Mile to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, photography students at the Art Institute of Chicago never run out of inspiration, or video and photo opportunities.

The New York Institute of Photography (NYIP). The oldest photography school in the United States and the largest in the world, the New York Institute of Photography is a highly reputed learning institution for anyone serious about photography.

This school offers a range of resident programs. It also offers the convenience of learning remotely for students who want to take advantage of the New York Institute's outstanding program but can't relocate to New York.

Arizona State University (ASU). The highly regarded Arizona State Herberger Institute School of Art isn't easy to get into, but those lucky enough to do so are in for the education of a lifetime.

With a faculty of six full-time members and the acceptance of no more than several dozen students per year, the person who gets into this program can look forward to a stellar learning experience and the opportunity to work closely with a variety of artists.

The Oklahoma School of Photography (OSP). The Oklahoma School of Photography offers specific courses for professionals, such as photo restoration and lab techniques. For students who want to immerse themselves in a short but intense learning program such as digital imaging, this well-known school offers a variety of 36-week courses.

SchoolProgram CostStudent-Teacher RatioFilm Programs?Lighting Programs?Medium Format?Studio AccessNotable Grads
RMSP$1500-75008:1NoYesYesYesUnsure
AIC$37,00012:1YesYesYesYesVictor Skrebneski
NYIP$650 - 1000 / classHome-StudyNoYesYesNoRichard Weede
ASU$442 - 482 / credit hour24:1YesYesYesYesUnsure
OSP$11,0008:1NoYesYesYesUnsure


Discovering New Ways to Enjoy the Art of Photography

Whether a person takes a 10-week course or pursues a degree in photography, the knowledge and skills gained can open up new avenues and opportunities.

Note that for all the courses mentioned in the article, the students must supply their own equipment and gear.

Photography courses are a great idea for any individual who aspires to take better pictures or wants to learn specific skills, ranging from how to use lighting properly to how to teach others about the art of photography.

No matter how photography fits into a person's life, becoming more immersed in this visual art can be an enriching experience.

Published on behalf of Ms. Mary Ylisela, writing on the topics of business, travel, and education for companies including Reputation.com.

9 Comments

  1. So very awesome finding this article online this morning. Thanks lerablog.org for including Rocky Mountain School of Photography in this list. We are honored. And proud!!

    Andy @ RMSP
    [email protected]

  2. I’m an alumni of RMSP, and I’ll certainly vouch for the amazing quality of education that is provided, as well as the incredible and unbeatable experience that you gain from spending a summer in MT around amazing creative people who share your interest. One of the best things I’ve ever done!

  3. Hi!

    Do you know The School of Visual Arts’ reputation? I’m searching for a good photography school, but many say that SVA’s not good and only want to make money. I really admire their photography program (they work with Vogue magazine, the Rolling Stone magazine, Annie Leibovitz photography, etc.) What’s your opinion on this school?

    Thanks,
    Anna Cab

    • Anna Cab,

      Hi there. I just received a notification saying that you posted a question to this thread. While I can’t answer your immediate question about SVA, I can say that the school I work for – Rocky Mountain School of Photography – is excellent. I would be more than happy to spend some time on the phone with you answering any questions you have. I can also get you in touch with some of our graduates so you can pick their brains as well.

      Thanks in advance,

      Andy @ RMSP
      800-394-7677

  4. Hi,

    I am from Belgium and I am looking for a good photography school in USA where I want to move.
    My dream is to work with magazines like National Geographic.
    I read a lot of things about NYIP but is there any residential program nowadays? Or is it just online courses? Because I don’t want to stay in Belgium doing online courses… But I don’t know which school I should choose.

    Can someone gives me some advices please?

    • Timothy,
      Hello. I just saw your comment here on this post and thought i’d speak up. My name is Andy Kemmis. I work for the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula, Montana. We have a residential program which may be of interest to you. It is our Career Training program, which lasts 11 weeks on up to 5 months depending on how much you decide to take. Here is a link to that page on our site:
      https://www.rmsp.com/career

      Summer Intensive is where I would encourage you to begin your research.

      If you need any assistance or would like to speak to me in order to have some of your questions answered, I am happy to talk to you. My email is [email protected]. You can call our offices at 1-800-394-7677.

      Thanks in advance. I hope this helps you on your search for a photography school.

      Take care,

      Andy

  5. Hi Andy,

    Thank you. I’ve already seen the website but the tuition (of the summer intensive) is too expensive for me. And the dates don’t suit me.

    I was looking for other school like New York Film Academy, Brooks Institue, Hallmark Institute, International Center of Photography, School of Visual Arts, but they are all too expensive for me. I searched for reviews about the New York Institute of Photography and I think it may be the best choice, even if there isn’t any residential program.

    • Timothy,

      Thank you for the response and am glad you checked out our site. Also glad you found a solution that might work for you. Please keep us in mind in the future.

      Good luck and happy holidays!

      Andy

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