Your Photography, Your Path

For nearly fifty years, ICP has supported photographers in discovering their voice and advancing their craft. ICP Pathways builds on that legacy, helping you find the courses that align with your goals and guiding you through our wide range of Open Education opportunities.

Each Pathway is a curated series of recommended courses that help you dive into key areas of photography—from darkroom techniques to digital imaging, lighting, portraiture, and storytelling. Whether you’re just beginning your photographic journey or refining your voice as an artist, the Open Education team is here to guide you. Together, we’ll help you identify the right courses and build a personalized approach that aligns with your goals, schedule, and lived experience. 

The following Pathways were created to introduce this initiative. Explore these curated learning journeys or browse the full catalog to discover more courses that match your interests.  As we learn more about your interests, we’ll highlight new courses in your Pathway to keep you inspired and on track toward your goals.

Members also get a discount from 10% to 40% off the tuition on courses over $100.  Join our ICP community and enjoy free public programs, access to exhibition opening nights and other member events.

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Digital Foundations Pathway

Build a solid foundation in digital photography with ICP’s Digital Foundations Pathway. From mastering your DSLR camera to refining your images in Photoshop and Lightroom, this series of courses equips you with the essential technical and creative skills to confidently bring your photographic vision to life.

Recommended Courses:
▪ How to Use Your Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera
▪ Photography I: The Camera
▪ Photography II: Image and Workflow
▪ Photoshop I: The Essentials/Lightroom I: The Essentials
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Advanced Digital Image Pathway

Take your digital photography skills to the next level with ICP’s Advanced Digital Image Pathway. Dive deeper into image editing, fine art digital printing, and advanced photographic techniques to refine your vision and create professional-quality work.

Recommended Courses:
▪ Photoshop II: Advanced Techniques
▪ Lightroom II: Advanced Techniques
▪ Capture One I
▪ Fine Art Digital Printing I
▪ Photography II: Image and Workflow
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Black & White Film Photography Pathway

Step into the world of analog photography with ICP’s Black & White Film Photography Pathway, perfect for beginners or those returning to the darkroom. Learn film camera basics and master black and white printing in a hands-on, immersive experience.

Recommended Courses:
▪ Film Camera Basics
▪ Black-and-White Film Photography I
▪ Black-and-White Film Photography II
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Advanced Analog & Darkroom Practice Pathway

Push the boundaries of analog photography with ICP’s Advanced Analog & Darkroom Practice Pathway, exploring everything from advanced black and white printing to large format and alternative processes for fully realized, creative expression.

Recommended Courses:
▪ Black-and-White Film Photography III
▪ Digital Negatives and Platinum-Palladium Printing
▪ Print-to-Print: Gelatin Silver Printing with Digital Files
▪ Large Format Photography: An introduction to the Technical and Practical
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The Art of Lighting Pathway

From foundational studio setups to environmental portraits and fashion shoots, ICP’s The Art of Lighting Pathway equips you with the skills to use light as a powerful tool for storytelling and artistic expression.

Recommended Courses:
▪ Lighting I: The Essentials
▪ Lighting II: Advanced Techniques

Go further with / specialize with:
▪ Lighting for the Environmental Portrait
▪ Intro to Still Life and Food Photography
▪ Fashion: The Inside Story
▪ The Fashion Portrait: From Street Style to Haute Couture
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ICP’s Project & Practice Pathway

Advance your creative practice with ICP’s Project & Practice Pathway, designed for artists ready to refine their voice and elevate their artistic trajectory. Engage in advanced critique, project development, and editing and sequencing workshops that challenge you to push your work forward and confidently present it to the world.

Recommended Courses:
▪ ICP Crit Labs (Both In-person and Online)
▪ Advancing Your Personal Project (Online)
▪ The Tempos and Tones of Editing and Sequencing: A Primer for Advanced Students (Online)
▪ Finding a Gallery to Represent You (Hybrid)