BA/BS in Photography

Programme: General Overview The Photography study programme is designed for creative, visually oriented students interested in the processes of contemporary visual culture and seeking to acquire a solid artistic, technical, and professional education in photography. The programme focuses on understanding photography as a creative, cultural, and professional practice, encompassing both traditional analogue and contemporary digital and interdisciplinary image-making methods. During their studies, students develop the ability to create technically refined, conceptually grounded, and visually compelling photographic projects, work across different genres of photography, analyse images, and cultivate a distinctive creative style. The programme lasts 6 semesters. Why choose the Photography programme? This programme is worth choosing because it combines technical mastery, creative experimentation, and professional preparation. Students systematically learn to control the camera, lighting, composition, laboratory processes, post-production, moving image, and exhibition and professional practice principles. What makes the programme distinctive is its integration of analogue photography traditions, experimental design practices, and contemporary technologies, including digital processing, 3D tools, and the application of AI in creative practice. The studies are oriented not only toward developing an individual creative voice but also toward real conditions of the contemporary creative industries: working with clients, project management, portfolio development, exhibition planning, and preparation for professional activity. What skills will you acquire? Upon completion, students will gain the following key competencies: • ability to professionally operate photographic equipment and work in manual mode; • understanding of photographic composition, image structure, and visual storytelling principles; • ability to work in studio and on location, creatively and technically managing lighting; • knowledge of analogue photography, film development, silver gelatin printing, and advanced darkroom practices; • ability to create documentary, editorial, portrait, fashion, and commercial photography projects; • ability to experiment with mixed media, alternative processes, hybrid techniques, and interdisciplinary methods; • skills in shooting and editing short-form video, combining photography and moving image principles; • ability to perform advanced post-production, colour correction, image optimisation, and creative editing; • ability to plan exhibitions, develop portfolios, write artist statements, and professionally present creative work; • skills in project management, client communication, presenting creative ideas, and independent professional practice. Career opportunities after completing the Photography programme Career opportunities after completing the Photography programme Graduates of the Photography programme will be able to work across various creative and visual communication fields. They will be prepared for professional roles as photographers, visual content creators, editorial and documentary photographers, fashion and portrait specialists, commercial photographers, multimedia content creators, and independent artists. The acquired competencies also enable work in exhibition production, portfolio development, creative project management, and collaboration with agencies, brands, and cultural institutions, as well as freelance practice. The programme also provides a foundation for continuing an individual creative practice, participating in residencies, or pursuing further studies. Objective(s) of a study programme: • To prepare a professional Bachelor in the field of arts who is able to: • understand the fundamental principles, concepts, terminology, historical development trends of photography, and contemporary photographic technologies; apply this knowledge in solving professional tasks while creating photography and visual expression projects, in compliance with occupational safety, intellectual property protection, professional ethics, and environmental requirements; • identify and analyse creative, technological, and communicative challenges in photography; justify the relevance of creative solutions through artistic research, professional practice, and the context of contemporary visual culture; select appropriate tools for image-making, lighting, post-production, and presentation; apply innovative creative practices and techniques; develop photographic projects both independently and in collaboration; and professionally present creative ideas and completed works; • design, organise, and implement photography projects; develop an individual creative practice and professional activity ideas by applying fundamental knowledge of management, project management, and communication; recognise the importance of lifelong learning and professional development; adhere to principles of teamwork, ethics, social responsibility, and professional culture; and communicate professionally in the national language and at least one foreign language in both national and international contexts. Learning outcomes: 1. To understand the fundamental theoretical principles, concepts, terminology, historical development trends of photography, and contemporary photographic technologies, and to apply this knowledge in the creation of photographic projects. 2. To apply acquired knowledge in the implementation of creative photography projects and in developing individual professional practice ideas, in compliance with occupational safety, intellectual property protection, professional ethics, and environmental requirements. 3. To identify and critically evaluate creative, technological, and communicative challenges in photography by analysing phenomena and trends in contemporary photography and visual culture. 4. To collect, analyse, systematise, and interpret information, data, and research findings necessary for solving creative photographic problems, and to use them in the development of creative ideas. 5. To appropriately select and apply artistic expression tools, analogue and digital technologies, as well as lighting, shooting, laboratory, and post-production methods in photographic practice. 6. To develop ideas for photography projects, and to plan, organise, implement, and evaluate them independently and in professional and interdisciplinary collaboration. 7. To professionally present creative ideas and photography projects using contemporary visual communication and information technologies in both national and international contexts. 8. To develop an individual creative practice and experiment with different forms of photography and visual expression, integrating historical, ethical, and conceptual contexts. 9. To communicate professionally in the national language and at least one foreign language, adhering to principles of professional ethics, social responsibility, and teamwork. 10. To learn and work independently and responsibly, striving for continuous professional development, creatively solving professional challenges, and taking responsibility for the outcomes of one’s work. Activities of teaching and learning: During the studies, activities are organised using a variety of teaching and learning methods, combining theoretical lectures, practical sessions, creative workshops, and individual as well as group assignments. During theoretical classes, students are introduced to the fundamental principles of photography, key concepts, historical development trends, and the basics of visual storytelling, composition, lighting, analogue and digital photography, post-production, and contemporary visual practices. The analysis of photographic phenomena and creative challenges involves methods such as discussions, case studies, brainstorming, reflection, and critical review. A significant part of the programme consists of practical sessions, during which students carry out tasks related to shooting, lighting control, studio and on-location work, laboratory processes, experimental creative practices, video production, and post-production. Practical work is conducted both under the guidance of instructors and independently, systematically developing technical, creative, and professional skills. Some practical sessions are based on project reviews, error analysis, discussions of creative solutions, and individual feedback. Throughout their studies, students systematically build a body of creative and practical work, including photographic series, experimental projects, video assignments, research materials, post-production outcomes, and other visual works. By the end of the programme, this body of work becomes an essential part of their portfolio, exhibition, or final project. By applying problem-solving, creative research, and project-based learning methods, students develop individual and group projects, participate in reviews, presentations, seminars, and discussions, and analyse relevant issues in photography, visual culture, and professional practice. In this way, the study process fosters students’ independence, critical thinking, creative responsibility, ability to reflect on their work, and capacity to professionally present their creative outcomes. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: Student achievement is assessed using a cumulative assessment approach; therefore, final grades for each study module are based on a combination of interim and final assessments. The following methods are used for interim assessment within study modules: written tests, independent practical work, individual projects, seminars, presentations, market analysis presentations of design projects, presentations of datasets, problem solutions, developed layouts, prototypes and products, KPI-based evaluation presentations, group project presentations with assessment of individual contributions, self-reflection, and self-assessment based on defined criteria. The following methods are applied for final assessment: • for study modules – an examination; • for professional practice – preparation of a report and its defence; • for the final project – submission and presentation of the completed project report; • for the final professional bachelor’s thesis – preparation of the thesis and its public defence. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: Subjects: • Communication Skills (Presentation and Writing in English) (3 ECTS), Design and Culture Studies (Art, Design and Photography) (3 ECTS), Design Methods I (3 ECTS), Drawing and Visualisation I (3 ECTS), Colour Theory, Composition and Form (3 ECTS), Digital Tools I (3 ECTS), Experimental Design Practice I (3 ECTS), Human-Centred Design and Sustainability (3 ECTS), Drawing and Visualisation II: Illustration and Stylisation (3 ECTS), Design and Culture Studies (Art, Design and Photography) (6 ECTS), Visual Media Practice (3 ECTS), Creative Practice Laboratory (6 ECTS), Photography I (Camera and Composition) (6 ECTS), Laboratory Techniques I (3 ECTS), Photography II (Studio and Lighting) (6 ECTS), Laboratory Techniques II (3 ECTS). • Intellectual Property Law (3 ECTS), Analytical and Continental Philosophy (3 ECTS), Branding and Identity (3 ECTS), 3D Composition and 3D Graphics (3 ECTS), Principles of Management (3 ECTS), Social Media, Analytics and Strategy / User Research Methods (3 ECTS), Collaboration Skills: Teamwork and Project Management (3 ECTS), Experimental Design Practice II (3 ECTS), Digital Futures: AI Tools and Emerging Technologies (3 ECTS), Design Research Methods (Interdisciplinary Seminar) (3 ECTS), Creative Professional Practice in Industry (6 ECTS), Photography III (Documentary and Editorial Photography) (6 ECTS), Lighting Techniques and On-Location Work (3 ECTS), Visual Storytelling and Composition (3 ECTS), Photography IV (Fashion, Portrait and Commercial Photography) (6 ECTS), Video and Motion (6 ECTS). • Advanced Research Methods and Final Thesis Preparation Practice (6 ECTS), Design Ethics, Global Trends and Intercultural Perspectives (3 ECTS), Creative Entrepreneurship Laboratory (6 ECTS), Career Preparation Practice and Professional Pathways (6 ECTS), Exhibition and Portfolio Presentation (6 ECTS), Final Design Project (9 ECTS), Final Thesis (6 ECTS), Final Design Project I (6 ECTS), Advanced Post-Production (6 ECTS), Exhibition Planning and Curating (6 ECTS). Specialisations: - Optional courses: • A thematic direction for professional practice is chosen depending on the specialization. • The topic of the final thesis is selected. Students have the right to choose a thesis topic that reflects their chosen direction, field of interest, or place of practice. • If a sufficiently international group of students is formed, the option to study in English is selected. Distinctive features of a study programme: The study programme is designed in accordance with the competencies and proficiency levels of photographers defined within the contemporary international context of creative industries and visual culture. Therefore, the programme structure ensures that during the first year of studies, students acquire fundamental knowledge of photography and essential practical skills. The focus in the first year is primarily on camera control, composition, the basics of analogue photography, laboratory techniques, and experimental creative practice. This forms a solid foundation for further professional and creative development. The second year is oriented toward deepening knowledge and expanding professional competencies, with a focus on documentary, editorial, portrait, fashion, and commercial photography, advanced lighting techniques, visual storytelling, on-location work, moving image, and professional creative practice. At this stage, students learn to apply photography not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a professional tool that meets the demands of the contemporary market. The third year focuses on the development of an individual creative direction, the creation of large-scale authorial projects, advanced post-production, curating, exhibition planning, and the professional presentation of creative work. In the final stage of studies, students develop competencies in independent work, research-based creative practice, professional self-presentation, and career planning. Upon successful completion of the programme and public defence of the final project, graduates are prepared to operate independently within the fields of contemporary photography, visual communication, and the creative industries. Throughout the programme, students develop professional and creative competencies that are highly relevant to the labour market, enabling them to integrate more quickly into the professional environment and prepare for careers across photography, visual content creation, creative industries, media, and cultural sectors. The programme is designed to equip graduates to work both as independent creators and as professionals collaborating with clients, agencies, brands, publishing, advertising, and cultural institutions. The programme content is structured around the following main thematic areas: photography theory and history; composition and visual storytelling; analogue and digital photography; laboratory techniques; studio and on-location lighting; experimental creative practices; documentary and commercial photography; video and moving image; advanced post-production; exhibition planning; curating; portfolio development; and professional practice. As the programme is oriented toward contemporary photographic practice, it integrates both traditional analogue methods and the latest digital technologies for image creation, processing, and presentation, alongside innovative creative methods and interdisciplinary approaches. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: Graduates of the Photography study program will be able to work in various fields of creative, cultural, and commercial visual communication. The competencies acquired during the studies will enable them to operate as independent photographers, visual content creators, and specialists in editorial, documentary, portrait, fashion, and commercial photography, as well as creators of multimedia and moving image content. The program prepares students for work in exhibition activities, the development of creative projects, portfolio preparation, and the professional presentation of their work. Graduates will be able to work in creative agencies and in the fields of media, advertising, fashion, publishing, culture, and communication. They may collaborate with brands, editorial teams, galleries, and cultural institutions, or pursue independent creative and professional practice. The professional skills developed during the studies allow graduates to adapt to both artistic and applied photography fields, as well as to interdisciplinary forms of visual creation. According to the Lithuanian Classification of Occupations, graduates who have completed their studies will be able to work as: (216603) Multimedia designers; (343101) Photographer; (343104) Photojournalist; (343102) Photo correspondent. Access to further study: The program provides a foundation for further professional career, the cultivation of an individual creative direction, participation in professional internships, creative projects, and exhibitions, and depending on applicable admission requirements continuation of studies in related fields such as art, design, photography, and media within the creative industries. Studies can be continued by choosing second cycle (Master’s) programs at the Vilnius Academy of Arts, as well as in design, art, and communication fields or to pursue further studies by selecting international design programs taught in English at foreign universities