Start with those big-named schools. Stanford’s Art and Art History Department aims both to train students in the technique of the art as well as to instill in them a sense of meaning and purpose behind what they're doing with the camera. Berkeley specializes in courses in photojournalism, both for beginners and advanced artists, and gives photography students opportunities to work closely with journalism students to foster a sense of professional teamwork on assignments. Meanwhile, smaller schools in San Francisco offer both training in the fine-arts side of photography as well as the practicalities of a commercial marketplace. Look for coursework at the Academy of Art University and the San Francisco Art Institute.
The San Francisco photography scene is full steam ahead in terms of employment. Through 2012, every year at least 261 new jobs should be opening in advertising, 543 in arts and design fields, 33 for multimedia artists, and 16 for photographers. According to government estimates there were just shy of 500 photographers employed full-time in San Francisco, so if that number is on the rise then it's definitely a healthy employment market – and these numbers don't even begin to represent the freelance and/or part-time photography job opportunity situation in the area.
Photography Schools, Programs & Courses
in San Francisco
Subjects listed are highlights of programs
and/or courses offered.
Why San Francisco is a Great Place to Study Photography
L.A. may have all the glitz and glamour when it comes to the entertainment and media world, but San Francisco, California, has the heart and soul. It’s also got some of the best schools that an eager young photographer might wish attend. Saying Berkeley or Stanford says it all. Then there are the high-culture media outlets, the magazines, the newspaper, and art museums with some of the finest artistic photography on the West Coast, or East for that matter.
Other Resources for Photography Education and Careers in San Francisco
Start with those big-named schools. Stanford’s Art and Art History Department aims both to train students in the technique of the art as well as to instill in them a sense of meaning and purpose behind what they're doing with the camera. Berkeley specializes in courses in photojournalism, both for beginners and advanced artists, and gives photography students opportunities to work closely with journalism students to foster a sense of professional teamwork on assignments. Meanwhile, smaller schools in San Francisco offer both training in the fine-arts side of photography as well as the practicalities of a commercial marketplace. Look for coursework at the Academy of Art University and the San Francisco Art Institute.