Interpreting Visual Culture Through Theory, Essay, and Expression
Writing has accompanied the photographic image almost since the invention of photography in the 1820s. Much of what we think of today as visual culture comprises word-image combinations of various kinds from captions and commentary to essays and scholarly studies.
The Online Writing and the Photographic Image program offers a unique opportunity for students and professionals worldwide to engage in a rigorous course of study tailored for the online environment, spanning a full calendar year (January-December).
Header image by David Campany.
Meet the Team
David Campany
Creative Director, ICP
David Campany has worked worldwide with institutions including MoMA New York, Tate, Whitechapel Gallery London, Centre Pompidou, Le Bal Paris, ICP New York, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, The Photographer’s Gallery London, ParisPhoto, PhotoLondon, The National Portrait Gallery London, Aperture, Steidl, MIT Press, Thames & Hudson, MACK and Frieze. Read More
Alan Huck
Program Lead, Writing and the Photographic Image.
Alan Huck is a photographer, writer, and educator based in Chicago, Huck received his MFA from the University of Hartford’s international low residency program. His debut book, I walk toward the sun which is always going down (MACK, 2019), was shortlisted for the Rencontres d’Arles Photo-Text Book Award and exhibited internationally. Read more
Program Highlights
This intensive program (January–December) blends guided online classroom study with independent work focused on creating a body of writing suitable for publication. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the issues, practicalities and possibilities of writing as it relates to photography in all its forms, enriched by dialogue with a global community of key figures in the field. Students are encouraged to explore both local and global perspectives in their approach.
With guidance, insight and mentorship from a range of world-class writers, publishers and other experts, students of the Writing and the Photographic Image program are supported and encouraged to take writing in their own direction.
The program is open to emerging and established curators, writers, photographers and artists looking to further their understanding, expertise and professional networks. International in scope, the program takes advantage of the online environment to allow students, tutors, and guest lecturers to be based anywhere in the world.
Program Structure
- Term 1 (January-May): Introduces key concepts and research fundamentals with an emphasis on the daily practice of writing and reading.
- Term 2 (June-August): Dedicated to independent work, students develop their body of writing project under mentor guidance, with no group classes scheduled. Collaborative projects between students are possible.
- Term 3 (September-December): Students refine and contextualize their work through collaboration with peers and international faculty, resulting in a cohesive body of writings.
Class Structure
- Class Schedule: Live classes are held in 3-hour sessions from 9 AM to 12 PM or 10 AM to 1 PM EST. Specific days and number of sessions per week are to be determined.
- Program Commitment: Expect a focused and flexible experience, averaging 6–8 hours per week, with a heavier workload during the spring and fall terms.
Key Areas of Study: Course List
- The Core Seminar Includes: Critiques, lectures, close readings, research, short assignments, long project development, writing workshops, and contextualizing of work.
- Key Concepts in Photo Theory
- The essay as form
- Conversations and interviews
- Extended writing on single images
- Image/text practices
- Fiction and the photographic image
- Post-colonial perspectives
- Writing for catalogues and monographs
- Journalism
- Experimental approaches
- Exhibition texts
Program Overview
Tuition and Scholarship
Online Programs
Annual Tuition: $12,500
Application Fee: $60
Total Cost: $12,560
On-Site Programs
Annual Tuition: $36,000 $26,000*
Annual Lab Fee: $1,500
Equipment Insurance Fee: $142
Slideroom Application Fee: $60
Total Cost: $27,702
*Thanks to an extension of a significant gift, ICP will continue offering a $10,000 tuition reduction, covering the 2026–27 academic year for the onsite One-Year Certificate Programs. This will be the final year this tuition reduction is available. Tuition for both the Creative Practices and Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism programs will remain $26,000, plus fees (standard annual tuition for ICP’s One-Year Certificate Programs is $36,000).
Scholarship Opportunities
ICP offers a range of merit-based scholarships and fellowships for both domestic and international students enrolled in our One-Year Certificate Programs. These awards are designed to recognize and support individuals who demonstrate outstanding talent, creativity, and achievement in the field of photography.
All scholarship and fellowship applications are processed through ICP’s Slideroom application portal. Visit icp.slideroom.com to begin your application.
Current Scholarship Opportunities
1. ICP Director’s Fellowship
2. Leica Scholarship at ICP
3. Alberto Contreras Scholarship
4. American Vision Scholarship
5. Jan Mulder-Pacific Scholarship
For more details on all scholarship and fellowship opportunities, please visit here.
How to Apply
Application Deadlines
ONLINE - Priority Deadline for Admission and scholarship consideration is October 18th, 2026. Application will be open on May 1st for the academic year of 2027.
ONSITE - We are currently accepting applications on a rolling admission basis for FALL 2026. Application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with decisions made as space permits. ICP's onsite One-Year Certificate programs start August 24, 2026.
Application Checklist
Writing Sample
Submit one writing sample or up to three—on any topic that demonstrates your writing skills (each no more than 2,000 words).
Statement of Purpose
A one-page Statement of Purpose with less than 500 words describing your reasons for applying to the program and elaborating on the influences on your work, its current direction, and your research interests.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
In addition to the general admission requirements, all international applicants whose primary/native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. Minimum required scores: TOEFL iBT – 86 (or updated score scale: 4.5) | IELTS 6.5 | Duolingo 115
Proof of High School Completion
Copy of Transcript or Diploma from High School, College, University or any equivalent. This document must be in English.
Resume or CV
A summary of education, professional, and other relevant experiences.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit two letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's personal and artistic strengths. Recommenders should be familiar with the applicant's work and may include professionals from any field, such as employers, professors, mentors, or practicing artists—not necessarily limited to photography. Recommenders are encouraged to assess the applicant's academic abilities, creative vision, and potential for success in the program.
Application Fee
$60 Application Fee.
Meet our Faculty
Study with a diverse faculty of top practitioners and professionals in the photography and visual storytelling fields. Explore Our Faculty
Alumni Highlights
ICP’s Alumni Highlights features graduates making an impact in photography, visual culture, and image-making worldwide. Explore