Program Overview

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Photography

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Photography at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) provides students with a comprehensive education in the fields of commercial, fine art, fashion, and documentary photography. Throughout the program, students take a series of academically rigorous classes in photography to challenge them creatively, as well as liberal arts courses to provide students with a well-rounded education.

Program Overview

The BFA in Photography is a full-time, eight-semester program that immerses students in all aspects of photographic study. Many students choose the accelerated BFA program, allowing students to finish in three years and enter their field of choice as soon as possible. NYFA makes this accelerated schedule possible by creating an extended academic year, allowing students to complete three full-length semesters in each calendar year.

Curriculum

The first two semesters of the BFA Photography program are foundational, technical, and historical. During semesters three through eight, students have the freedom to choose classes best suited for them. Through this approach, the BFA program offers a curriculum that enables NYFA students to explore their preferred photographic style, which includes:

• Technical, theoretical, and creative courses which vary by semester, but may include Deconstructing the Body: Exploring the New Beautiful in Fashion, Photography and Social Media: Breaking Through The 'Gram, Graphics and Social Movements, and Truth and Fiction in Photoshop
• Liberal arts and arts and humanities classes that align with photography subject matter such as Critical Film Studies and History & Aesthetics of Photography
• Expert photography faculty and staff who are actively working in commercial or fine art photography
• Hands-on experience working with professional photo equipment in our photo studio and access to NYFA's world-class equipment library of cameras and lighting kits
• Ongoing guest lectures from influential photographers, curators, and artist representatives

Degree Details

• The BFA in Photography is offered at NYFA's Los Angeles campus.
• The program starts in August 2026 and ends in August 2029.
• Tuition is $19,500 per semester.
• Additional fees include:
  • Departmental Program Fee: $1,000 per semester
  • Technology Fee: $80 per semester
  • Wellness Services & Programming Fee: $145 per semester
  • Activity Fee: $125 per semester
  • Orientation Fee: $150 (domestic students), $200 (international students)
  • Graduation Fee: $100
  • International Student Fee: $200 (first semester), $120 (subsequent semesters)

Locations

Students interested in pursuing a BFA in Photography attend NYFA's Photography School in Los Angeles.

Faculty Highlights

The program features expert photography faculty and staff who are actively working in commercial or fine art photography. Notable faculty members include Naomi White, who has given interviews discussing her approach to photography education.

Alumni

NYFA photography alumni have gone on to achieve success in the field, with notable examples including Joseph Ford, who has photographed prominent figures, and Lotta Lemetti, who has been featured in Float Magazine.

Student Projects

The BFA Photography program culminates in a group exhibition where invited peers, family, and industry professionals attend. This event is an opportunity for students to exhibit their thesis work and to develop their creative network. Students work on various projects throughout the program, including those related to fine art, commercial, and documentary photography.

Liberal Arts and Sciences

In addition to photography classes, BFA students also take required Liberal Arts and Sciences coursework that closely relates to the discipline. This includes classes such as Critical Film Studies and History & Aesthetics of Photography.

International Pathway Program

Non-native English-speaking students who meet all admissions requirements for a NYFA degree program, except for English proficiency, can apply to the International Pathway Program. This program is designed to help students improve their English skills while pursuing their degree.