FAQ
What types of photography programs does the International Center of Photography offer?
ICP offers a wide range of courses and workshops in digital and analog photography to help you complete an education in photography. Classes span from fundamental principles in image-making to exploring personal visions as you expand your abilities with the knowledge needed to further your practice as a photographer.
ICP offers five One-Year Certificate Programs that combine intensive learning with mentorship from leading photographers. Two are offered in person—Creative Practices and Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism—and three are offered online—Documentary Practice: Visual Storytelling, Curatorial Practice in Photography, and Writing and the Photographic Image.
Where are the classes held at ICP?
Please review the location for courses and workshops, as locations may vary.
On-site photography classes in New York City are held at 84 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002.
More info on how to find us.
What are the Education Office hours?
We are open Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 6 PM. We are also closed New Year’s Day, January 1; Independence Day, July 4; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day, December 25.
What are the library hours?
The library is currently open as a reading room only to ICP students at 84 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002.
How do I enter the building?
Guests are required to sign in at the entrance of the building at the front desk. All registered students enrolled in photography programs will be provided with an ID on the first day of class. The ID will help you gain access to the building. If an ID is not provided, please request one be made for you in the Education Office.
Are gift certificates for classes at ICP available?
No. We do not offer gift certificates for classes. If you are interested in purchasing a photography class as a gift, please contact the Education Office.
Where can I find out if my class is cancelled due to inclement weather?
Please call the ICP weather hotline at 212.857.9777. We suggest you call it before leaving home, as it will announce our decision. We also have this information posted on the website by 7:30 AM on the day of the photography course.
What are the One-Year Certificate Programs?
ICP's five One-Year Certificate Programs are: Creative Practices, Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism, Documentary Practice: Visual Storytelling, Curatorial Practice in Photography, and Writing and the Photographic Image.
ICP’s One-Year Certificate Programs offer immersive study across the spectrum of photographic practice. Creative Practices embraces fine art, editorial, fashion, documentary, and experimental image-making, encouraging students to develop a distinctive artistic voice. Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism and Documentary Practice: Visual Storytelling Online focus on the investigative and technical skills essential to navigating today’s rapidly evolving world of visual journalism. Curatorial Practice in Photography and Writing and the Photographic Image explore how photography professionals select, interpret, and communicate images—through exhibitions, criticism, and the written word.
When do the academic years begin and end?
On-Site Programs run from August to May, with two terms:
Fall Term: August – December
Spring Term: January – May
Online Program runs from January to December, divided into three terms:
Term 1: January – May
Term 2: June – August
Term 3: September – December
What materials and equipment will I need to complete this program?
Students are strongly encouraged to have a digital camera, ideally one with full manual functionality and interchangeable lenses, such as a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Having a personal laptop and external hard drive is also highly recommended for convenience and efficiency. All students will receive access to an Adobe Creative Suite student account.
Onsite Students: Onsite students will have full access to ICP's state-of-the-art facilities, including the Media Lab, Darkroom, and Studio, which can be reserved for use outside of class hours. A wide range of equipment is available for checkout from the ICP equipment room, such as film and digital cameras, lighting gear, laptops, and other production tools. For those unsure about which equipment to purchase, ICP provides opportunities to explore and test various options upon arrival.
Online Students: Online students will also receive access to Adobe Creative Suite. However, they are required to have their own professional camera gear, a computer with a stable internet connection capable of running Adobe software, and an external hard drive for file storage.
What are the degree requirements?
A high school diploma or equivalency is required to apply. One-Year Certificate Programs are not designed for the beginner photographer. These programs are for intermediate to advanced photographers interested in a concentrated program to advance their photographic skills and education.
How do I apply?
Apply online. The following items are required of the applicant: a portfolio, statement of purpose, resume, two letters of recommendation, minimum high school transcript or diploma and $60 application fee. Additionally, international applicants must provide an English language proficiency test result.
How do I get assistance with my online application?
Contact us at [email protected].
When will the schedule for courses and workshops be available?
New online courses and workshops are announced four times a year, and are posted three to four weeks in advance of the January, Spring, Summer, and Fall terms. Join our mailing list to get notifications on our upcoming photography opportunities.
How do I register?
Review the course information online and determine if you meet the prerequisites for the course. If so, registration can be done online through your student account. If you have questions about the course, please email [email protected].
What is the deadline for registration?
Registration for photography courses is on a first-come-first-serve basis. As long as a class is open, students are welcome to register up until the start date of the course. Applicants curious about these photography opportunities are welcome to register for classes as soon as each term's course catalog becomes available. To ensure your placement in the class of your choice, we recommend that you take advantage of early registration.
What is a prerequisite?
A prerequisite before registering for photography courses at ICP is the level of proficiency or technical ability needed to participate in a class. Prerequisites are dependent on the level of classes offered and are in place to help ensure that students are appropriately prepared for the type of work to be done in class.
What is a portfolio?
A portfolio consists of 10–15 images of your work (digital and print formats accepted) that best represents your current photographic skill level. These images will help ICP determine which class will be the best fit.
Will I need to buy a camera for my class?
With the exception of Large Format Photography (4x5) courses, you will need your own camera equipment.
What is the typical class size during ICP's courses in photography?
Class size is limited to 15 students unless otherwise noted.
Are courses and workshops accredited?
Courses and workshops offered at ICP are non-accredited, and no grades are given.
What is the refund policy?
Please refer to our refund policy.
Is there financial aid or payment plans for courses and workshops?
No. There are no financial aid or payment plans available for courses and workshops. To be registered for a class, each student must pay the full tuition price at the time of registration. Note: Members of ICP enjoy discounts on the photography course prices, lectures, and public programs. To become a member, email [email protected] or call 212.857.0003.
Is there any way to receive a discount on classes?
ICP members enjoy discounts of 10-40% on tuition for all Open Education classes priced over $100, in addition to many other exclusive benefits. Learn how you can become a member.
Complimentary memberships are not eligible for course discounts. Note: Membership must be purchased before Education course discounts can be applied. Discounts are not valid on prior purchases
What are acceptable payment methods for ICP's education programs?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.
Where can I find out more about what I need to have prepared for the first day of class?
Class preparation details are listed on the Class Prep tab on each course page. Additionally, the information will be included the email confirmation received after registration has been completed.
Does ICP offer classes for high school students?
Yes, we offer photography opportunities just for teens. ICP’s Teen Academy program offers a range of opportunities for teenagers to develop their knowledge of photography. In-class sessions range from ten-week classes to a yearlong intensive program focusing on professional applications called Imagemakers.
What is the Imagemakers Program, and how is it different from the 10-week Teen Academy courses?
The Imagemakers program is a year-long, advanced-level photography program providing high school students the opportunity to explore their creativity and learn the technical and professional skills necessary to pursue higher education or a career in photography. The 10-week classes are for beginner and intermediate photographers who are getting started in photography and would like to develop their skills. These classes are excellent opportunities for students to learn the ins and outs of digital and analog photography and build wide-ranging portfolios of their work for future opportunities or Imagemakers application.
What ages are Teen Academy programs open to?
Teens ages 14-19 are eligible to participate in Teen Academy programs.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. A limited number of need-based scholarships for teens interested in photography are available before the start of each term.
When can I register?
Registration typically begins around three months prior to classes start. Registration information for ICP's photography programs are available here and registration is only available online. For assistance, please email [email protected] or call 212-857-0011.
Is there a summer program for teens?
Yes, there are summer courses available through Teen Academy. These consist of week-long, two week-long, and once-weekly courses exploring a myriad of topics in digital and analog mediums.
Do I need my own equipment?
No. You may use your own equipment, but ICP has cameras available for Teen Academy students to use for the duration of their course, if needed.