Photography & Cinematography
The Photography and Cinematography program (Digital) at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts nurtures well-rounded artists skilled in photography and cinematography. In this program, students will gain hands-on experience, essential tools, and develop creative solutions to complex visual challenges. If you have a passion for photography or video creation, this program be perfect for you! Coursework is designed to prepare students for college or careers in these fields, covering topics such as the foundations of and creativity, art history, camera operation, relevant software, artistic intent and communication, as well as project and idea development. By the end their senior year, students can earn certification in either Photoshop or Premiere Pro.
OUR PROGRAM
The Photography & Cinematography Program was established in 2020 at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts known as Photo & Cinema for short. This 4-year program offers thorough and extensive study of photography and cinematography through the use of industry standard technology, the history and current directions of each medium. Students in the program work hands-on in both mediums during their coursework and eventually develop their own focused pathway by senior year, building their own unique portfolio for college and career ready submission.
After completing the 4 years, students will receive a Career Technology Education (CTE) Graduation Dual Completer from the State of Maryland, have the opportunity to receive Adobe Photoshop Certification, receive paid apprenticeship opportunity and credit for one HCC Course (Photography I, Web 101, 2D Animation and Interactive Design) if they complete all four years of the program.
Students at BISFA can also work toward an Associate's Degree through HCC while enrolled in the program.
Coursework in Photo & Cinema emphasizes the endless boundaries of storytelling through the use of a camera in a diverse variety of situations in order to prepare creative, well versed, professional artists for the field.
INTERESTED AT
PHOTOGRAPHY OR
CINEMA AT BISFA?
Applications for the
2026-2027 school
year are now being
accepted now!
(accepting applications through 12/6/2025)
Before you apply –
learn more about the application process...
UPCOMING EVENTS
Coming Soon!
(our school year just got started)
The BISFA Photography & Cinematography Experience
Students will gain invaluable industry exposure through events like artist talks, master classes, and film festivals. These opportunities will foster connections with renowned artists and professionals, providing a strong foundation for future careers.
COURSE OF STUDY
FRESHMAN
Intro to Photographic Concepts
This foundation course focuses on the art of digital photography and the basics of video production. It provides an overview of the creative media industry. Students demonstrate competencies that include being well-rounded artists and professionals, creative problem-solving skills, camera mechanics, rules of composition, copyright laws plus numerous other topics related to the art of digital photography. Students will explore the workspace and functions of Adobe Photoshop, Premiere and Lightroom.
SOPHOMORES
Cinematography and Film Production
This course is designed to immerse students in the field of cinematography and film production. Topics include refresher in still photography, camera equipment, exposure, frame rate, resolution, file types, copyright for music and stock footage, camera operation and movement, recording and syncing audio, the moving image as art, the art of story creation and scriptwriting for film. Students create short films individually and as teams while practicing soft skills important to the career field. Students will explore the workspace and functions of Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop and Lightroom. Available at BISFA.
Prerequisite:
Intro to Photographic Concepts
JUNIORS
Advanced Photography and Cinematography
This course provides students an extensive exploration of digital photography and cinematography. Students will learn the creative process and procedures involved in preparing a professional product. Advanced photographic topics will be explored such as deconstructing the photograph, creativity strategies for concepts, social documentary photography and advanced color photography. Students will also focus on creating several short films with given prompts or development of their own personal ideas. Preparation for portfolios begins for college and career recruitment. Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and Premiere Pro techniques will progress throughout the course.
SENIORS
Photography and Cinematography Capstone
Students will complete a program related capstone project by using personal video or photographic work for portfolio development. Other video topics include documentary and narrative filmmaking, creative lighting in cinematography, video as art, sound design for film, color grading and self promotion as an artist. Photographic work will include large-scale photography, contemporary use of photography, socially engaged photography, professional strategies working in the field and the foundations of presenting work for display. The Capstone Portfolio Project will be presented to a panel that will include industry personnel, administration, and post high school educators. Students will be made aware of the importance of workplace etiquette, proper use of social media, and networking as well as other soft skills. Students will complete the Adobe Photoshop or Premiere Pro Certification Test.
ENSEMBLE
This course is used for year long department collaboration projects, honing in on time management strategies and checking out equipment. All students, from all grade levels in the department report back to be together at this time and get to work with different grade level on various assignments. The collaborative nature of these projects fosters community engagement, professional development, and the creation of outstanding content for some of our larger events during the year.
