Photography is a hobby of millions, but passion of a handful. Photography is not a profession or means of livelihood. It is not learning how to operate the best camera ever manufactured. It is not being taught the science of photography. It is an aesthetic experience that has to be self motivated and inspirational. The Photography Colleges in India aim at students' learning theories that have a practical usage. They build up the skills required to be a good photographer without compromising the beauty of the art form. Photography has to be spontaneous and not just clicking; not setting backgrounds and searching for subjects. An eye for detail in combination with a creative mind are the requisites that photography colleges nurture and develop in those driven by it.
The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), in Pune, offers a specialized course in photography - still as well as video. This institute is highly practical oriented and has the best faculty in the country. There is no strict admission criteria, but you have to clear the test and be focused and keen on the course to be a part of FTII. Thus anyone who has passed the 12th standard is eligible to apply for the full time diploma and certificate course in photography.
St. Xavier's Institute of Photography, a component of the St. Xavier's College in Mumbai, is another very good option for students interested in taking up photography as a profession. This college concentrates on intensive training and field work. Any school pass out can apply.
National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmadabad is a premier government institute in India. It is highly professional and competitive. This college lives by the survival of the fittest mantra. Getting through is difficult. It is not meant for those who mug and sit for exams. It tests your aptitude, skill and creativity, how good you are at experimenting and how fearless. The entire course is designed in a fashion that makes you a true professional. NID strives to make every student unique and not just follow the trend. The amateur photographer in you will find real world knowledge here.
Bhopal Vishwavidyalaya comprises of various courses and levels of study. The course on photography forms an integral and important part of it. It is one of the sought after colleges of photography. There is no specific eligibility criteria, and any Class XII pass out can apply for the degree.
In Delhi is a recognized specific photography institute, the India International Photographic Council. The academic requirements for admission is negligible, but the course highly professional and intensive. Jamia Milia Islamia in New Delhi offers a subsidiary course in photography. It is well known for its programs and the training.
A course in photography in Andhra Pradesh is offered by the Sri Venkatesvara University in Chitoor and Tirupati, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad, and Jawaharlal Technological University in Hyderabad.
In Orissa, a degree in photography is granted by the Utkal University, BJB College and the Bhubaneshwar College.
Uttar Pradesh has a number of good photography colleges, the Allahabad University being a pioneer. Also are the Kashi Vidyapeeth in Varanasi, University of Gorakhpur, Deendayal Upadhyay College, National Institute of Design in Allahabad, and Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth.
Kerala houses a couple of institutions for photography learning which are the Maharaja Technological Institute in Thissur and the B.C.L. Institute of Color Photography and Video-graphy in Changanacherry.
Madhya Pradesh photography training institutions are the Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya of Bhopal, Ravi Shankar University in Raipur, and Jiwaji University in Gwalior.
The Academy of Photography in West Bengal is another choice of college available for photography training in India.
Photography does not require learning or formal education. The photography colleges in India do not tutor you, but train you so that the talent in you can be utilized effectively. It polishes the skill that will make you a good photographer. The basics if learnt well will not only give you an edge over others, but also make you more creative, experimental and observational that is the essence of this profession.
