Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Photography Schools in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Sterling Heights, and Warren city.
Looking to sharpen your photography skills in Michigan?
Our guide to the best photography schools in Michigan highlights programs offering top-notch education, state-of-the-art facilities, and expert faculty. Whether you’re aiming for fine arts or commercial photography, find the right program to elevate your craft.
UM-Dearborn – Digital Photography and Design Certificate
The UM-Dearborn Digital Photography and Design Certificate equips students with essential skills in digital photography and design, making it an excellent choice among Photography Schools in Michigan.
Program Overview:
- Focus: This program covers creative and technical skills for personal, artistic, and commercial photography.
- Structure: The certificate comprises four courses – a foundational course and three electives.
- Foundation Course: ART 220: Introduction to Digital Photography (3 credits).
- Electives: Options include ART 320: Intermediate Digital Photo, ART 325: The Art of Animation, ART 330: Introduction to Graphic Design, and more.
Key Features:
- Skills Developed: Learn to use professional-quality cameras, lighting, and editing software.
- Historical Insight: Study the evolution and societal impact of photography.
- Professional Practices: Understand copyright, licensing, and image publication issues.
- Portfolio Creation: Build a portfolio showcasing your talent for artistic or commercial use.
The program is open to both UM-Dearborn students and non-degree-seeking individuals who meet the requirements. Maintaining a 3.0 GPA and completing the coursework lays a strong foundation for further training or career opportunities in the field.
Eastern Michigan University – Photography Program
The Photography Program at Eastern Michigan University stands out with its diverse offerings and extensive facilities, making it a top choice for aspiring photographers seeking Photography Schools in Michigan.
Program Highlights:
- Access to Facilities: Darkroom and digital collections, including Imacon film scanners and a range of professional printers.
- Degrees: Offers both undergraduate (BFA) and graduate (MFA) degrees with concentrations in Photo/New Media.
Course Offerings:
- Darkroom Processing: Includes dedicated film processing areas and individual darkrooms with advanced enlargers.
- Digital Tools: Access Nikon and Imacon film scanners for small and large scale output.
- Studio Experience: Work with lighting, composition, and advanced photographic techniques.
Faculty Expertise:
- Faculty members like Jason DeMarte and Danny Kline offer invaluable mentorship, providing guidance based on their expertise and experience.
This robust program prepares students for diverse career paths, offering a solid grounding in both traditional and digital photography techniques.
Northern Michigan University – Photography Program
Looking for a versatile program that offers various undergraduate degrees? Northern Michigan University’s Photography Program could be the right fit, placing it prominently among the best Photography Schools in Michigan.
Degree Options:
- Degrees Available: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Associate of Applied Arts.
Facility Features:
- Computer Labs: Four Mac-based labs shared with related disciplines, aiding interdisciplinary learning.
- Lending Services: Equipment like digital SLR cameras and portable strobes available for student use.
- Wet Labs: For traditional processes, including black-and-white printing and historic techniques.
- Lighting Studio: Equipped with ProFoto strobes and advanced cameras.
Curriculum Insights:
- Initial Courses: Photography: Foundations and Methods and Techniques.
- Advanced Studies: Thematic Directions, Contemporary Practices, and Professional Practices.
Students are encouraged to pursue the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, which offers more studio credit hours. This program blends traditional and digital techniques to prepare students for various photography careers.
Michigan State University – Photography Program
The Photography Program at Michigan State University emphasizes individuality and self-expression, setting it apart among Photography Schools in Michigan.
Program Goals:
- Creative Focus: Develop a unique visual style and approach.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Digital photo lab with Canon Pro-1 printers, Epson scanners, and a professionally equipped lighting studio.
Resources:
- Darkroom: Facilities for large-format film processing.
- Equipment Access: Advanced digital cameras, view cameras, and industry-standard lighting.
- Additional Facilities: Access to woodshop, visual resource library, digital labs, and Broad Art Museum.
Degree Options:
- Degrees Offered: BA and BFA.
Career Outcomes:
Graduates often succeed in fine arts, advertising, fashion, and magazine/editorial photography, with some pursuing MFA degrees or teaching positions.
The strong combination of expert instruction, advanced facilities, and creative focus makes this program a compelling choice.
Great Lakes Institute of Photography – Portraiture Awakening
For specialized training, Great Lakes Institute of Photography (GLIP) offers a range of courses taught by experienced instructors, earning its place among the top Photography Schools in Michigan.
Notable Courses:
- Portraiture Awakening: Led by Kelly & Kalina Schneider, focusing on enhancing portrait photography skills.
- Lighting for Sales: Taught by Cris Duncan, emphasizing lighting techniques to improve sales.
- Children’s Portraits: Shannon Squires teaches capturing striking children’s portraits.
Additional Features:
- Student Handbook: Detailed information on classes and accommodations.
- Scholarships: Available to make photography education more accessible.
- Professional Affiliations: GLIP is affiliated with the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
Resources and Facilities:
The specific details on pricing and availability may require contacting the institute directly. However, their structured courses and expert-led instruction make GLIP a valuable option for specialized photography education.
Explore these options and take the next step in your photography journey with top-notch programs available in Michigan.
Central Michigan University – Photography Program
Central Michigan University offers a Photography Program designed to equip students with the skills needed for both fine art and commercial photography careers.
Program Overview
The program allows students to delve into various aesthetics, cutting-edge techniques, and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance their craft in both digital and analog photography.
Key Features
- Curriculum Depth: The curriculum exposes students to historic and contemporary styles, encouraging exploration of different concepts, techniques, and presentations.
- Technical Skills: Students can develop their digital photography skills, studio lighting techniques, and alternative photographic processes.
- Facilities: Access to state-of-the-art facilities including computer and graphics labs, a MakerBot Lab, and a drone lab.
- Professional Development: Emphasis on both fine art and commercial photography to offer a broad range of career paths.
Faculty and Staff
Experienced faculty members guide students throughout their educational journey, providing mentorship and support to help them reach their full potential.
Tuition
Central Michigan University offers affordable tuition for all U.S. residents, ensuring quality education without financial strain.
Northwestern Michigan College – Photography Program
At Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), the Photography Program consists of Digital Photography I (ART 174) and Digital Photography II (ART 274) and stands out for its practical, hands-on approach.
Program Highlights
- Technical Skills: Develop technical control over cameras, learn raw image post-processing, and practice studio lighting and image retouching.
- Facilities: Utilizes a fully equipped commercial-grade photography studio and two Apple computer labs with the latest Adobe software.
- Real-Life Scenarios: Offers practical, real-life working scenarios to better prepare students for the industry.
Learning Environment
NMC provides an environment that encourages creative expression while ensuring students gain the technical skills needed to excel in today’s visual world.
Michigan State University – Coursera Photography Basics Specialization
The Michigan State University – Coursera Photography Basics Specialization is an online program perfect for individuals needing flexibility while enhancing their photography skills.
Program Structure
This Specialization consists of five courses designed to cover various essential aspects of photography:
- Cameras, Exposure, and Photography: Introduction to fundamental concepts and techniques.
- Camera Control: Detailed understanding of camera settings and functionalities.
- Principles of Photo Composition and Digital Image Post-Production: Fundamentals of composition and editing.
- Photography Techniques: Light, Content, and Sharing: Advanced techniques in lighting and photo-sharing practices.
- Photography Capstone Project: A comprehensive project to apply and showcase learned skills.
Features and Benefits
- Instructor Expertise: Courses are taught by experienced instructors from Michigan State University.
- Flexibility: Learners can access course materials anytime and work at their own pace.
- Industry Interaction: Opportunity to engage with industry partners through substantial discounts on photography equipment.
Certification
Upon completion, students receive a certificate authorized by Michigan State University, signifying their proficiency in various photography techniques.
Choosing the Right Photography School in Michigan
Selecting the right program involves considering multiple factors to ensure it aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Factors to Consider
- Curriculum Depth:
- Faculty Expertise:
- Facilities and Equipment:
- Hands-On Experience:
- Reputation and Industry Connections:
- Graduates’ Success:
- Location:
- Flexibility:
Tips for Making Your Choice
- List your priorities: Identify what’s most important e.g., flexibility, hands-on experience, faculty expertise.
- Visit campuses: If possible, visit schools to get a feel for the environment and facilities.
- Speak with alumni: Connect with alumni to get firsthand insights into the program.
- Consider cost and financial aid: Evaluate tuition and the availability of financial aid options to ensure affordability.
Choosing the right photography program is crucial for developing skills, gaining knowledge, and establishing a successful career. By considering these factors, you are well on your way to finding the perfect fit among Photography Schools in Michigan.
Photography Schools By State
Conclusion on Photography Schools in Michigan
Choosing a top-notch photography school can set the stage for your artistic and professional success. Michigan offers a variety of programs tailored to diverse needs and goals. From traditional universities like UM-Dearborn and Eastern Michigan University to specialized institutes like the Great Lakes Institute of Photography, the options are abundant. Explore, evaluate, and choose a program that aligns with your aspirations, setting the foundation for a flourishing career in photography.