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The Bachelor of Fine Arts or BFA (Photography) is an undergraduate degree program featuring photography as its area of specialization. BFA (Photography) is a four-year course divided into two parts encompassing 8 semesters in total. The elements of the curriculum are aimed at covering technical, arts and craftsmanship of capturing images through photography. The courses provided in BFA (Photography) include those offer specialization in techniques of photography like studio, photojournalism, landscapes, commercial and fashion, digital, camera systems and technology, processing and editing, theory of photography, history of photography and art.
There are certain entrance tests that are widely recognized for seeking admission into BFA (Photography) course amongst the colleges based in India and they include AIEED, JEE Mains, NIFT, NID, SAT, CEED, UGAT and other national and state level entrance tests. Most of the colleges may set their own entrance examinations but many of them follow the results of Class 12 board exams or merit. Other admission requirements that are used by some colleges or universities include the portfolio and aptitude tests. As for the admission criteria, the basic and most common standard for applying for BFA (Photography) is passing the Class 12 examination from any stream; however, marks criteria may differ from one institute to another.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
| Duration | 3 - 4 years (Full-time) |
| Course Level | Undergraduate Degree |
| Eligibility | 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or equivalent qualification from a recognized board. |
1. Should have cleared 10+2 examination in any stream from any recognized board of education with minimum 50 % marks taken together for all subjects.
2. A subject taken from life which shows that the person has strong interest and passion in photography as well as create a portfolio of 10-15 original photographs
3. A sample of basic things to know about cameras and equipment include the following: The photo editing software to be used.
4. Several factors including creativity, ability to perceive things from a different perspective, and composition skills as gauged through entrance test and interview.
5. Due to the nature of the project, strong communication and interpersonal skills will be required to communicate with faculty and work with batchmates.
6. Commitment to the process of building up the style of photography and the corresponding heavy-load practical and theoretical assignments during 3-4 years.
Year
Semester
Subjects (Indicative)
Important Topics
Year 1
Semester 1
* Fundamentals of Photography I * Basic Design Principles * History of Photography I * Digital Photography Workflow * Elective (e.g., Art History, Visual Communication)
* Camera operation, exposure control, composition techniques * Elements and principles of design (line, shape, color, etc.) * Major historical movements and photographers * Digital workflow (image capture, editing, software) * Introduction to a related visual art field
Semester 2
* Fundamentals of Photography II * Studio Lighting I * Introduction to Film Studies * Black & White Photography * Elective (e.g., Digital Storytelling, Introduction to Filmmaking)
* Advanced camera techniques, lighting setups * Artificial lighting techniques and equipment * Film history and analysis * Black & white film photography workflow (shooting, processing, printing) * Exploring visual storytelling techniques
Year 2
Semester 3
* Advanced Photography I * Portrait Photography * History of Photography II * Lightroom & Photoshop for Photographers * Elective (e.g., Documentary Photography, Photojournalism)
* Exploring different photographic genres (portraiture, landscape, etc.) * Portrait lighting techniques and composition * In-depth study of specific historical periods or photographers * Advanced image editing software and techniques * Introduction to documentary and photojournalistic approaches
Semester 4
* Advanced Photography II * Studio Lighting II * Photography Business Practices * Elective (e.g., Advertising Photography, Fashion Photography) * Independent Project I
* Experimentation with creative photography techniques * Advanced lighting setups and effects * Business skills for photographers (marketing, portfolio creation) * Explore specific photography specializations (advertising, fashion) * Develop and complete a self-directed photographic project
Year 3
Semester 5
* Fine Art Photography * Elective (e.g., Alternative Photographic Processes, Photography & Society) * Elective (e.g., Curating Photography Exhibitions, Photography Theory)
* Explore conceptual and fine art approaches in photography * In-depth study of alternative photographic processes (e.g., pinhole, cyanotype) * Explore the social and cultural impact of photography * Learn about curating photography exhibitions and theoretical frameworks
Semester 6
* Portfolio Development * Elective (e.g., Wedding Photography, Advanced Lighting Techniques) * Bachelor of Fine Arts Thesis Project
* Refine and curate a professional photographic portfolio * Explore specific photography applications (wedding, event) * Develop and complete a final thesis project showcasing your unique artistic vision
