Description

The study of photography is the first step into an exciting and extraordinarily dynamic professional realm where the photographer acts as a visual communicator, creating images that meet commercial and cultural demand or expectations. Becoming effective at this involves mastering technical photographic skills and also, equally as important, developing cultural knowledge, aesthetic sensibility, and intellectual curiosity.

The Intensive Professional Photography Course (IPPC) prepares students to be effective visual communicators by providing comprehensive training of technical skills and theoretical knowledge through an intensive learning process over seven months. Through an optimal balance of theoretical and practical lessons in all the fundamental courses, including photographic technique, portrait, still life, fashion, landscape, post production and more, this comprehensive program provides students with the creative sensibility, personal style and critical vision necessary to translate the trends and values of todays society into images.

What makes this course even more unique is its particular emphasis on Italian strengths like Fashion and Design. By engaging students in lessons and projects during some of the most internationally prestigious events that take place in Milan throughout the year such as Milan Fashion Week and the International Design Fair (Salone di Mobile) students have the opportunity to expand their cultural horizons and interact with innovative thinkers in a global context.

Students finish the course with a portfolio relevant for the commercial or artistic photography market and ready to enter the profession of photography.

Photographic Technique
* Photographic equipment and its use
* Light measurement and exposure
* Digital photography methods (black and white, color)
* Digital file management
* Digital color management
* Studio light and equipment

Visual Communication
* Image composition
* Psychological elements of visual perception
* History of photography
* Critical analysis of images

Photographic Projects
* Project design
* Project research
* Project realization and presentation (projects realized across various courses including portrait, design, fashion and reportage)

Portrait & Self Portrait
* Studio set construction for portraits (lighting and equipment)
* Continuous lighting and flash use for portrait shoots
* Studio set construction for portraits
* Practice the principal technical light schemes for portrait shoots
* Analysis of framing portraits
* Positioning and pose of the subject and his relation to the studio background
* Use of natural light and mixed light in portraits outdoors
* Positioning and pose of the subject and his relation to landscape
* Portrait image research and analysis
* Presentation of self: single image and sequence of images (self-portrait)
* Evaluation of images realized
* Presentation of final images

Still Life
* Use of large format camera with adjustable front and back standards in studio
* Light and composition in photographing objects
* Analysis of the types of still life: advertising, editorial, creative, publications
* Shooting exercises based on layouts and themes, in studio with continuous light and flash

Landscape
* Conceptual and aesthetic elements of landscape images
* Interpreting landscapes
* Critical analysis of images produced

Beauty
* Types of photographic services for beauty
* Make up and hair styling in beauty: cosmetic, fashion, body-painting
* Equipment and materials for studio shoots
* Organized studio shoots for students with models and make up artists
* Analysis of the images realized

Fashion & Photography
* Lighting and exposure used in Fashion, including studio and natural light (on location)
* Fashion shooting techniques in studio and on location
* Conduct fashion shoots in studio and on location
* Fashion styles and trends
* Hair and make-up for fashion
* Structuring, timing and theme development of fashion collections
* Brand charter and what this means for the photographer
* Products and fabrics
* Casting for fashion shoots
* Interaction with industry professionals such as established fashion photographers, fashion designers, make up artists, and magazine personnel
* Project during Milan Fashion Week in February and June

Food Photography
* Composition of food images
* Techniques and lighting for shooting food
* Analysis of types of food photography, advertising and editorial

Reportage
* Overview of various reportage genres
* Storytelling with images
* Techniques and equipment for reportage
* Reportage project with a given theme
* Criteria for choosing images and their presentation

Digital Image Management and Post Production
* File formats and resolution
* Cataloging and image management
* Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
* Photoshop CS5 for photography
* Post production of images for professional use

Professional World
* Preparation and presentation of portfolio
* Organization of photography as a profession
* Internet and self-promotion
* Encounters with various professionals in the industry

Excursions
* Milan Fashion Week shows in February and June
* International Design Fair Salone di Mobile in April
* Mipel: The Bag Show in March
* Designer showroom visits
* Museum and gallery visits

Highlights

Qualification and Outcomes

Professional Photography Level 1 Certificate
Personal magazine showcasing each genre of work in an editorial style context

Duration
7 months, beginning in January and finishing in July (including approximately 675 hours of lessons over 28 weeks)

Attendance
Monday Friday, with an occasional lessons or shoots on Saturday

Lesson duration: 3 hours

As part of the intensive program, students will have approximately 8 lessons per week that take place in the morning, afternoon or evening. Students are expected to participate 100% in classes.

Enrollment Process and Student Visa Application

Enrollment
Students are required to comprehensively complete an enrollment application. This can be done by completing the online enrollment form or by completing a paper form and sending it us through email or fax. If you would like to receive the paper application form, please request one by writing to the course manager at and we will send you the pdf document in email.

The following needs to be submitted with each application by email or post:

* A completed application form
* Application feed paid in full
* Copy of your passport
* Statement of motivation (brief statement describing your interest and goals relative to the course)

Applications processing and decisions normally require two weeks after we have received all of the above information. During holiday periods responses on applications may take longer. We will notify you in email about the outcome of your application.

While there is no strict deadline for applications, we encourage you to apply early as there are a limited number of places on this course and priority is given to students who complete the enrollment process early.

Getting a Student Visa
Depending on your country of origin, you may require a study visa for study in Italy.

EU applicants:Students from the EU do not need a study visa
Non-EU applicants: Students from outside of the EU require a study visa

If you are a non EU student you will need to apply for a study visa prior to entering Italy. Please consult your local Italian consulate or embassy to understand the requirements for obtaining a study visa. The general process for the study visa is as follows:

* Obtain admittance into course after completing course application
* Pay the course tuition fees in full.
* Receive letter confirming your enrollment in the course and full payment of tuition and fees from IIF. IIF will only be able to provide you this letter after your full course tuitions and fees have been paid.
* Take the enrollment confirmation letter to the Italian embassy or consulate as part of your study visa application.
* Send a copy of study visa to us by email or fax once you receive it.
* Apply for Permesso di Soggiorno (permit to stay) at the local police station (questura) after arriving in Milan.
* Provide a copy of your Permesso di Soggiorno (permit to stay)

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education

High School

Subject Areas

• Art/fine Arts
• Arts
• Culture
• Visual Arts

Cost in US$:

11350

Program Fees Include:

The cost of the course includes all application fees, tuition fees, taxes and some excursions.

Experience Required

yes

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS * High school diploma or equivalent * 18 years of age by start of course * Completion and approval of enrollment form EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS * 35mm single lens reflex (SLR) digital camera body, * Lenses compatible with your SLR camera (covering a minimum of 28mm through to 300mm focal lengths) * Memory Card reader ADDITIONAL USEFUL EQUIPMENT * Laptop or personal computer with Photo management and editing programs * Tripod (professional) * Hand-held light meter * Cable or electronic remote shutter release * Flash unit compatible with you SLR Camera

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 3-5

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Job and Internship Network

Istituto Italiano di Fotografia's Mission Statement

Istituto Italiano di Fotografia is a multifunctional school, a highly innovative and experimental space. It is discovery, research, and expression. The school was born aiming to provide a solid preparation, the development of sensitivity, a contemporary photographic language able to cross cultures, frontiers, and markets. It is continuously in search of talent. It is a never-ending will to let yourself be seduced, to astonish, to amaze, to be touched and reached by an image. It is an opportunity to discover a new language and to wise up to new horizons.

Year Founded

1992