Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Photography Schools in Alexandria, Arlington, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach.
Wondering which photography schools in Virginia can truly refine your craft?
We’ve got you covered. This guide spotlights Virginia’s top programs, highlighting what sets each apart, so you can make an informed choice and advance your photography skills.
From community colleges to renowned universities, explore the best photography education in the state.
Virginia Peninsula Community College – Photography Career Studies Certificate
Load your camera and get ready to fine-tune your photography skills at Virginia Peninsula Community College. This Photography Career Studies Certificate program is tailored for those who wish to enhance their artistic abilities while mastering technical skills essential for a career in photography.
What You’ll Learn:
- Lighting and Imaging: Understand the nuances of light and image correction.
- Graphic Design: Gain valuable knowledge about integrating graphics with photos.
- Hands-on Experience: Practical sessions in the college’s print finishing room.
You’ll have the opportunity to showcase your work in the Visual Arts Gallery, adding an important portfolio component. The program also allows you to specialize in Visual Communications, covering broader areas like typography, desktop publishing, and marketing.
Career Paths:
- Studio Photographer: Step into a commercial studio environment.
- Photography Assistant: Learn the ropes working alongside professional photographers.
- Video Production Assistant: Apply your skills in the booming video industry.
Various scholarships, including the Dr. Rex Evans Scholarship and the Robert B. Smith Scholarship, support students financially, making education accessible and enriching.
Explore how the program’s instructors serve as both teachers and mentors, ensuring students receive a rich and engaging learning experience.
Take the next step in your photography journey by visiting Virginia Peninsula Community College’s Photography page.
VCUarts Photography and Film Department – BFA in Photography
The VCUarts Photography and Film Department offers an immersive Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography program tailored for future multimedia specialists, editorial, and commercial photographers.
Program Highlights:
- Contemporary and Traditional Methods: Courses cover current industry practices as well as classical techniques.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Lab and studio spaces equipped with cutting-edge cameras, lighting, and sound equipment.
- Grants and Internships: Opportunities for financial support and hands-on work experience.
Apart from coursework, the program brings industry professionals and visiting artists to engage with students, providing real-world insights and inspiration. Projects span short films, multimedia, and innovative media projects, offering a blend of theoretical and practical learning experiences.
Gain the skills and knowledge to thrive as a professional artist by checking out VCUarts’ Photography and Film page.
Virginia’s Community Colleges – Photography Courses
Virginia’s Community Colleges (VCCS) offer a wide variety of photography courses suitable for beginners to advanced learners.
Course Features:
- Modes of Learning: Choose from Hybrid – In Person & Web Interactive Classroom, Video, Independent Studies, Print Based, and WWW Online.
- Diverse Topics: Subjects ranging from digital photography to professional practice.
- Practical Experience: Cooperative education opportunities that bridge theoretical learning with on-the-job training.
Courses are designed to cater to various learning styles and needs, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of photography both as an art and a profession. Whether you aim to become a staff photographer or a freelance artist, VCCS equips you with essential skills.
Discover more about the offerings by visiting Virginia’s Community Colleges’ Photography page.
Virginia Commonwealth University – Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Film
The Department of Photography and Film at VCU ensures students are adept at expressive and investigative use of photography and film.
Key Learning Points:
- Hands-on Experience: Courses include basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.
- Diverse Media: Emphasis on both video and photography spanning contemporary and traditional media.
- Cultural Diversity: Education that considers global cultural perspectives.
Courses also cover professional practice including business skills, networking, marketing, and ethical issues, preparing students for various professional fields within art. The program fosters a sense of creative freedom while ensuring a structured understanding of photography’s cultural context.
Embark on this educational journey by exploring VCU’s Photography and Film program.
Northern Virginia Community College – Forensic Photography I
The Forensic Photography I course at Northern Virginia Community College focuses on practical photographic skills crucial for law enforcement and courtroom settings.
Course Highlights:
- Core Skills: Learn exposure, composition, film, filters, and darkroom procedures.
- Hands-on Training: Real-world application in a photography lab or darkroom.
- Focused Learning: Apply photography skills in forensic and legal contexts.
This 3-credit course is ideal for students interested in understanding the application of photography in legal scenarios. The emphasis on practical, hands-on skills helps students build a robust portfolio and gain insights necessary for forensic photography.
Find more about this course on Northern Virginia Community College’s Photography page.
Old Dominion University – Photography and Print Media Program
Looking for a comprehensive educational experience that combines photography with print media? Old Dominion University‘s Photography and Print Media Program might be exactly what you need. This program offers an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to explore both photography and print media.
What Sets It Apart:
- Integrated Curriculum: Courses include digital image processing, print techniques, and the merging of traditional and digital media.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to modern equipment ensures that students are learning with the latest technology.
- Conceptual and Technical Training: Emphasis on developing both technical skills and conceptual understanding of photography and print media.
The program includes courses like Introduction to Digital Photography and Print II: The Hybrid Print, taking place in state-of-the-art facilities. This combination allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of contemporary photography.
Find out more about it by visiting Old Dominion University’s Photography and Print Media Program.
University of Virginia – Studio Art Program
The University of Virginia’s Studio Art Program provides a rigorous professional art education within the context of a liberal arts education. This program is ideal for aspiring professional artists and those planning to enter creative fields.
Program Features:
- Diverse Course Offerings: Includes cinematography, drawing, new media, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.
- Emphasis on Art History: Enrollees gain an enriched understanding of artistic expression across various cultures and periods.
- Advanced Resources: The program boasts visual resources, a 3D printing lab, and the Ruffin Gallery for a well-rounded educational environment.
Students are encouraged to explore different media and techniques, providing a broad and flexible framework for artistic development. This approach not only nurtures creativity but also prepares students for various career paths in the arts.
For more details, visit University of Virginia’s Studio Art Program.
Virginia State University – Photography Minor
Virginia State University offers an engaging Photography Minor through its Department of Art and Design. This 18-credit program covers essential photography skills while providing students the flexibility to tailor their education to fit their interests and career goals.
Highlights:
- Core and Advanced Courses: Includes basic design principles, technical skills, and an understanding of the history of photography.
- Complementary Minors: Students can also choose minors in Studio Arts, Animation, Graphic Design, and Art History.
- Modern Facilities: Resources like a computer lab and the Meredith Art Gallery support students’ artistic endeavors.
The Photography Minor equips students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing them for a diverse range of professions within the creative industry.
Learn more at Virginia State University’s Photography Minor page.
Paul D. Camp Community College – Photography Program
For students seeking a hands-on, community-based learning experience, the Paul D. Camp Community College offers a dynamic Photography Program. Taught by award-winning photographer Shirley Whitenack, this program is ideal for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced.
Program Specifics:
- Interactive Learning: Combines lectures, demonstrations, and on-location photography.
- Field Experience: Students gain direct experience both in the classroom and in real-world settings.
- Community Focus: Located at the Camp Hobbs Suffolk Campus, the program benefits from a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Students will learn essential photography skills, understand their digital cameras better, and gain the confidence to use them effectively in various situations.
Find out more about this engaging program at Paul D. Camp Community College’s Photography Program page.
Tips for Choosing the Right Photography School in Virginia
Choosing the right photography school can shape your career and influence your growth as an artist. Here are tips to help you make an informed decision:
- Accreditation: Ensure the school is recognized by relevant educational bodies. Accreditation is often a marker of quality and credibility.
- Curriculum: Look for programs that cover both technical and artistic aspects of photography. A well-rounded curriculum will equip you with the skills needed in various career paths.
- Faculty Expertise: Investigate the experience and background of the instructors. Teachers with real-world experience can provide invaluable insights and mentorship.
- Facilities: State-of-the-art labs and equipment are crucial. Good facilities offer hands-on opportunities to practice what you learn.
- Internship Opportunities: Practical experience in a professional setting is often more valuable than classroom learning alone. Look for programs that offer internships.
- Alumni Success: Alumni testimonials and their career paths can give you an idea of the program’s effectiveness. Schools with successful alumni can provide good networking opportunities.
Taking these factors into account will help ensure that the program you choose aligns with your career goals and provides a valuable education.
Photography Schools By State
Final Thoughts on Photography Schools in Virginia
Choosing a photography school in Virginia is an important step towards building a successful career in photography. The schools listed offer varied programs and unique opportunities to hone your skills. Take the time to explore each program, consider what best aligns with your career aspirations, and start your journey towards becoming a skilled photographer.