The PG Diploma in Professional Photography Course is arguably the best photography course in India. The course enables students to practice photography as a language and a craft that transcends genres and engages with all areas and branches of image-making. The curriculum focuses on technical and aesthetic expertise; intellectual, conceptual, and contextual papers, like philosophy, history, politics and research; and professional development skills. Through a variety of teaching methods, students are trained to not just create better images, but they are also enabled to articulate ideas, read photographs and write about them. The course, widely acknowledged as the best photography course in India, stresses upon the ability to create new meaningful bodies of photographic work that are socio-culturally and historically informed, and works that can contribute to the development of the art and practice of photography. The course provides students with knowledge and skills to work as professional photographers in diverse genres like journalism, documentary, editorial, fashion or advertising, and equips students with abilities to launch their photographic practice and careers.

The photography course at Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication is designed in a way that recognises thought to be as important to photography as technique. Unique among professional photography colleges in Delhi it is built around a solid core of human interest and documentary photography. Lectures, discussions and expert visits combine with workshops and projects to create a photography curriculum that helps nascent photographers develop purpose and discipline into a professional practice. Equal emphasis is laid on developing personal projects and acquiring skills to be successful in the business of photography. The students also get an opportunity to be part of special guided tours of exhibitions across museums and galleries in Delhi, which provide opportunities to interact with artists and curators.

The 12 months PG Diploma in Professional Photography Course is spread across four semesters as below:

Semester I

• Introduction to Image Making
• Basics of Digital Photography
• Basics of Post-Production
• Street Photography
• Basic Lighting and Flash techniques
• Analog Photography
• Approaches in Lens-Based Media Practices in South Asia

Semester II

• Documentary Photography I
• Moving Images
• Photojournalism
• Research: Theory and Practice
• Library and Photobooks
• Approaches in Lens-Based Media Practices in South Asia

Semester III

• Advanced Lighting Techniques
• Portraiture: Environmental/Location
• Studio Portraiture
• Studio Portraiture I
• Library and Photobooks
• Advanced Post Production
• Approaches in Lens-Based Media Practices in South Asia

Semester IV

• Studio Photography II
• Documentary Photography II
• Project and Grant Writing
• Bookmaking
• Documentary Research Project OR Commercial Project Production

The course is taught through a mixture of formal lectures, practical classes, fieldwork, film screenings, group and individual exercises, guided assignments, presentations and workshops.

Field Research & Photography Workshop

The photography course at SACAC offers a field research & photography workshop that makes it stand out among photography schools in India. Every year the students travel to a particular destination, away from the dictates of the classroom to immerse themselves into their craft. This program provides the students with opportunities to ideate, conceptualise, investigate and execute a project within a short span under the guidance of a professional photographer.

Jury Review

The last semester of the course allows the students using all the skills acquired during the course to focus on a photo project or portfolio that best defines their understanding of the photographic art form. The students may choose any genre that they feel can best express their ideas. They are required to write a detailed proposal and submit it for approval. Once approved, the students are guided to complete the project/portfolio. The photography course then culminates with a Jury Review of this project or portfolio. The jurors evaluate the photographic work produced by the students. The review gives the students an opportunity to showcase their work in an ‘artist talk’ format to a panel of jurors. During the review, their work is screened with a projector. After the presentation, the jurors engage in dialogues and critiques giving the student photographers sufficient time to explain the work presented. The panel of jurors includes professionals with varying backgrounds in photography, art education, history, curation, and aesthetics.

Eligibility:

Educational Qualification: Graduation Other Criteria: 20-35 years of age Additional educational qualifications or work experience will be taken into consideration during the admission process Candidates from all educational backgrounds, including certificate programmes from private institutions are welcome Working professionals Students in their final year of graduation

Desired Attributes

A creative and innovative bent of mind Passion and curiosity for the visual media and its aesthetics Motivation and persistence to meet one’s goals Knowledge of basic computer operations

Note: The Professional Photography Course demands complete dedication towards the curriculum and practice. Students who are admitted into the programme will NOT BE ALLOWED to undertake any other courses, activity, or job unrelated to SACAC during the course period.

What does the curriculum of the Professional Photography Course at Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts & Communication, Delhi consist of?

The Professional Photography Course at SACAC is a 12 months program designed for students interested in making images with a special focus on the documentary genre. It is spread over four semesters, each dedicated to learning about and practicing different forms of image making —street photography, photojournalism, documentary photography and studio photography. The students extensively practice using cameras, lenses, lights, flash and reflectors in outdoor and indoor situations. Basics of Photoshop and printing are also taught. The last semester focuses almost exclusively on the students’ final photo project and portfolio building. For a detailed understanding of the photography course curriculum, please look at the Curriculum section.

What genres of Photography are covered and not covered in this course?

Our courses at SACAC are built on the premise of storytelling through photographs. With a focus on documentary, art and commercial photography, the course is rigorous and has modules on Street Photography, Photojournalism, Studio Practices, Fashion and Advertisement Photography, amongst others. Please refer to the Course Overview for more information on the various modules that are taught.

As a Professional Photography institute in Delhi, what kind of facilities does SACAC provide?

Our Photography Studio and Lab are equipped with the following:
• DSLR Cameras and Lenses by Canon
• Swiss made high end lights from Elinchrom Flash Systems with extension rod stands fitted with black, silver and white um
• Color backdrops and props
• High end Inkjet Printer for printing photographic images.

I have a part-time job. Can I continue to work while I pursue this course?

The Professional Photography Course at SACAC is rigorous and demanding. There is a weekly scheduling of classes and a lot of time is dedicated to projects and practical work. Attempting to work alongside takes away from the depth and diligence this course requires. Hence, working, even though part-time, is not permitted. Moreover, maintaining 75% attendance is mandatory.

Am I expected to have some equipment or gadgets of my own?

Students who wish to enrol in the Professional Photography Course at SACAC are expected to have their own Digital SLR camera, with a set of lenses and a flash that they can use for all workshops and assignments. A laptop with requisite softwares and a personal external hard drive of 1TB (minimum) is also a must have.

Will I have some sort of portfolio at the end of the Professional Photography Course at SACAC?

Apart from the technical and aesthetic confidence that you will acquire during the course, your portfolio can be the strongest asset you take away from the course in photography at SACAC. Through a series of short and long term practical assignments, in addition to the final photo project, you will have the opportunity to build a portfolio that can truly showcase your photographic skills across genres. However, the uniqueness of your portfolio will be a direct reflection of the commitment and hard work you put in.

Will there be some sort of job placement on completion of the Professional Photography Course?

The course provides opportunities of interaction with the industry and professionals, and portfolio reviews by photographers and newspaper & magazine editors. SACAC also facilitates access to organisations, with whom our students can interview and network to get assignments and employment. Alumni from the department are working with AFP, PTI, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Barcroft Media, DK Publications, Spacematters, Mango Data, The Helpage India & PhotoInk.

A number of our alumni have their own independent photography and studio practice, and are well established in the industry. Prospective students are encouraged to speak with the course counsellor and alumni to know more about the career opportunities after completing the photography course.

What is the fee for this course?

The tuition fee for the PG Diploma in Professional Photography Course is Rs. 2,78,000/-. However, there are additional costs through the duration of the course. To get a more detailed understanding of expected expenditures, please see Tuition Fee section.

What is the admission and selection procedure?

Admission to the PG Diploma in Professional Photography Course is a multi-step process, which can be viewed in detail on the Admission Process section. The qualification requirements for the course are in the Eligibility section. The admission process aims to screen and identify students who are not only academically suitable for the field, but can demonstrate maturity and creativity in their thought process and attitude and are willing to commit themselves to pursuing excellence in the field of photography. Application forms for the Professional Photography Course at SACAC can be found in the Application Forms section.

Does a University or a government body like the AICTE recognise a SACAC PG Diploma in Professional Photography?

The Diploma conferred at the completion of the PG Diploma in Professional Photography Course is not recognised by any university but is well recognised by the industry. The PG Diploma is an acknowledgement of the skills and knowledge that you acquire during the course and is in sync with what the industry expects of photography professionals.

Jury Review

The last semester of the course allows the students using all the skills acquired during the course to focus on a photo project or portfolio that best defines their understanding of the photographic art form. The students may choose any genre that they feel can best express their ideas.They are required to write a detailed proposal and submit it for approval. Once approved, the students are guided to complete the project/portfolio. The photography course then culminates with a Jury Review of this project or portfolio. The jurors evaluate the photographic work produced by the students. The review gives the students an opportunity to showcase their work in an ‘artist talk’ format to a panel of jurors. During the review, their work is screened with a projector. After the presentation, the jurors engage in dialogues and critiques giving the student photographers sufficient time to explain the work presented. The panel of jurors includes professionals with varying backgrounds in photography, art education, history, curation, and aesthetics.

Field Research & Photography Workshop

The Professional Photography Course at SACAC offers a field research & photography workshop that makes it stand out among photography schools in India. Every year the students travel to a particular destination, away from the dictates of the classroom to immerse themselves into their craft. This program provides the students with opportunities to ideate, conceptualise, investigate and execute a project within a short span under the guidance of a professional photographer.

International Collaborations

At SACAC we strive to help our students gain exposure of the work across the globe in order to expand their horizon. To this end we forge partnerships with outstanding academic institutions, faculty members and photographers who come with experience and knowledge that contributes to the growth of our students both photographically and academically.

In 2019, we collaborated with three international faculty members Colette Veasey-Cullors, Christopher Sims and Max Pinckers.

Colette Veasey-Cullors is the Associate Dean of Design & Media, as well as professor of photography at MICA. Before joining MICA's faculty in 2008, she was a tenured associate professor in the undergraduate program in photography at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Colette received her MFA in photography from Maryland Institute College of Art in 1996 and her BFA in photography from the University of Houston in 1992. Colette Veasey-Cullors' photographic work throughout her career has continually investigated themes pertaining to socio-economics, race, class, education, and identity.

Christopher Sims was born in Michigan and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He has an undergraduate degree in history from Duke University, a master’s degree in visual communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a M.F.A. in studio art from the Maryland Institute College of Art. He worked as a photo archivist at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. and currently is the Undergraduate Education Director at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University. At Duke he also teaches in the Duke-in-Berlin summer program and in the MFA in Experimental and Documentary Arts graduate program.

Max Pinckers (b.1988, BE) is an artist based in Brussels, Belgium. His oeuvre explores visual strategies in documentary photography. Not believing in the possibility of sheer objectivity or neutrality, Pinckers advocates a manifest subjective approach, which is made visible through the explicit use of theatrical lighting, stage directions or extras. Extensive research and diligent technical preparation are combined with improvisation to obtain lively, unexpected, critical, simultaneously poetic and documentary images. His work takes shape as self-published artist books and exhibition installations.

In a world plagued with political and religious conflict, environmental tragedies and grave socio-economic disparity, the genre of social documentary photography is more relevant than ever before. Each country is facing its own set of challenges and issues that need to be chronicled. Rather than simply accepting problems, stepping over them, or averting our eyes, solutions can be discussed and strategies formulated when they are acknowledged. It is paramount for all of us as world citizens to spur into action and create work that reflects our concerns. With this objective in mind, The MurthyNAYAK Foundation (MNF), in association with Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communications (SACAC), has initiated two grants of INR 2,00,000 and INR 1,00,000 to be given to two photographers under the age of 35 years working on a socially relevant theme.

Some of the possible concerns for submissions to this grant could be environmental/ecological disasters, political and religious conflict, socio-economic disparity, agrarian distress, gender & LGBTQ issues, displacement, migration etc. The grant will be given to further ongoing projects. Ideally, the grant should be utilised to add more layers/chapters to the existing project while attempting to diversify, investigate further, and present new reasoning, evidence or arguments.

For more details about the Social Documentary Photography Grant and to know about the previous grantees please click here.

The admission process for PG Diploma in Professional Photography Course is a simple 3-step procedure:

• Submit duly filled Application Form with all the relevant documents and applicable fee
• Appear for the first round of interview
• Appear for the final round of interview

Note: Shortlisted candidates will be intimated via phone and email.

The procedure for accessing and submitting the application form for Diploma programme is as follows:

Click on the link to download the Application Form in PDF format. Click here to apply online Complete all sections of the form accurately, sign the declaration and submit.Please submit a printed copy at the SACAC office, either in person or through mail. A Fee of Rs. 10,000 is applicable with each submitted application form. You can pay this amount by cheque or online. Rs. 3,000 is a non-refundable application registration fee deducted by the institute. Rs. 7,000 is the application processing fee (3 rounds of interview). If you receive an offer of admission and accept it, Rs. 7,000 will be adjusted in the course fees. If your application is declined, Rs. 7,000 will revert to your bank account within 7 working days. If you choose to decline the admission offer, there will be no refund of application processing fee.

Note: We cannot process application forms that are incomplete or without submission of the Processing Fee..

TERMS & CONDITIONS

An application form once sold/issued in the name of a candidate cannot be returned and/or transferred. SACAC reserves the right to call applicants for interview. An application form should be complete in all respects. Rights to admission are reserved with SACAC. Fees, once paid, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Delhi courts.

Tuition Fee
Professional Photography Course	12 Months	Rs. 2,78,000/-

Note:

• Applicable GST additional
• Students need to pay an additional refundable caution deposit of Rs. 10,000/-

Payment Structure
The payment of course fees has been broken into three installments for convenience during the course.
At the time of admission	1st Installment	40%
After completion of 2 months	2nd Installment	30%
After completion of 4 months	3rd Installment	30%

Terms & Conditions
Fees, once paid, are non-refundable and non-transferable.
A fine of Rs. 50/- per day will be charged for the first 30 days, post which the student may be barred from attending classes.
Students failing to clear their dues will not be allowed to participate in final diploma project.
Photography students need to have a DSLR Camera, flash and other accessories, HDD of 1 TB (minimum).
The course require the students to go on study tours, film festivals, exhibitions, etc. The students are expected to bear the expenses of necessary transport, lodging and boarding.

At the successful fulfilment of the PG Diploma in Professional Photography Course from Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts & Communication, the students will be awarded a Diploma. While the focus of the Diploma is on documentary, the course will instill in students a deep understanding of photography, impart skills and open up multiple approaches to making images. While some students will become assistants to senior photographers, at least early in their careers, some will become freelance photographers and some will acquire permanent positions. Varied career options will open out to them in the following fields:

• Photojournalism
• Advertising / Studio Photography
• Documentary Photography
• Fine Art
• Photo Editors
• Researchers
• Archivists
• Curators

The course will equip students to move into professional practice and make significant contributions. However, it is passion, commitment, perseverance and originality in the thought process that will enable one to make a place in the field of photography.