BFA in Photography
Image by Ofir Avita, BFA Photography
Complete your BFA in Photography!
Applications for Fall 2026 are closed. Check back in September to apply for Fall 2027!
PCA’s BFA in Photography degree program balances analog and digital technologies, emphasizing the development of a creative identity and gaining a solid understanding of the image-making process. The program focuses on new types of visual storytelling: still and moving images and multimedia, with a curriculum that emphasizes transdisciplinary skill sets and understands photography as a hybrid and contemporary art form.
The program combines technical knowledge, principles of photography, video, and image-making research and theory.
The curriculum also examines how photographs are presented, discussed, documented, or archived: how they function in today’s image-driven society. The department addresses ethics, questioning the maker’s position, the market, and the audience. Students leave PCA fully prepared for professional life, with a comprehensive knowledge of various production workflows associated with different commercial and artistic objectives. The program also points to understanding the making of editorials, publications, and exhibitions.
In an image-driven society we certainly need brilliant makers, yet at PCA we strive for astonishing visual thinkers!
– Steve Bisson, Chair of Photography Department
Key Features of the BFA in Photography Program
- Cultural Hub of Paris: As a student, you’ll be studying in one of the most iconic cities in the world, known for its rich history in the arts and photography. Paris provides endless inspiration, from its architecture to its vibrant street life, offering a dynamic canvas for your creative exploration.
- Expert Faculty: The program is taught by highly experienced faculty members, who are practicing photographers and artists with extensive industry experience. You’ll benefit from their knowledge, connections, and mentorship as you build your own artistic identity.
- Hands-on Experience & Internships: PCA’s strong links with galleries, museums, and photography studios mean that you’ll have opportunities to gain practical experience and internships with leading professionals in the photography world. This real-world exposure is invaluable for building your portfolio and network.
- Innovative Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to be interdisciplinary, blending traditional photographic techniques with cutting-edge digital technology. You will develop a strong foundation in the technical, conceptual, and historical aspects of photography, while being encouraged to push boundaries and experiment.
- International Community: You’ll be part of a vibrant, diverse community of students from around the world, offering unique perspectives and fostering a global exchange of ideas. This international environment helps broaden your worldview and enhances your creative expression.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Paris College of Art provides students with access to modern photography labs, studios, and equipment, ensuring that you have the tools you need to develop your skills and experiment with different mediums.
- Career Development: The program also focuses on preparing you for the professional world, offering career counseling, portfolio reviews, and opportunities to showcase your work in exhibitions. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to enter the competitive world of photography, whether as fine artists, commercial photographers, or in related fields.
Outcomes and Testimonials
The department actively seeks students with diverse practices, backgrounds, and career goals. The BFA program empowers both practitioners and theorists to explore new frontiers of image-making shaped by technological change, without favoring a specific visual aesthetic. We’re dedicated to nurturing each student’s unique creative path. If you’re passionate about blending technical photography skills with research and theory, this program is for you!
Being at PCA has taught me how to critically think about my intentions as a photographer and what meaning I would like to evoke when putting together a project. I have learnt a lot about making a project as a whole; the presentation, the writing, the people I meet along the way and to take into consideration the viewers emotions towards a project.
– Emma Wright, BFA Photography