Back to Photography
Photography — Step-by-Step Roadmap
Your journey, phase by phase
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Phase 1 · Class 10–12 School years: observe and practise Any stream; start with the camera you have.
- Photography is open to students from any stream.
- Practise with a phone or basic camera: composition, light and storytelling.
- Study the work of Indian and world photographers.
- Build a small collection of your best images.
- Streams
- Any
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Phase 2 · After Class 12 Courses and institutes Diplomas, BA/BFA and institute programmes.
- Options include diploma and certificate courses, BFA, BJMC and design degrees with photography majors.
- FTII (cinematography) and SRFTI admit through national entrance tests; NID offers photography design.
- Choose a course with studio, darkroom and digital labs.
- Look at student portfolios before selecting.
- Exams
- FTII JET, SRFTI, NID DAT
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Phase 3 · Months 1–6 Technical foundation Camera, exposure and light.
- Master aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focus; learn composition rules and when to break them.
- Study natural and artificial lighting.
- Learn lenses, flash, tripods and basic gear care.
- Shoot daily and review your images critically.
- Topics
- Exposure, composition, lighting
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Phase 4 · Months 6–12 Editing, genres and specialisation Choose a genre and learn post-production.
- Learn Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for editing and colour management.
- Choose genres such as portrait, wedding, fashion, product, wildlife, travel, photojournalism or documentary.
- Learn basics of video and drone work if relevant.
- Understand image rights, copyright and model/property releases.
- Tools
- Lightroom, Photoshop
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Phase 5 · Year 1–2 Portfolio and professional start Assist, publish and earn.
- Assist an established photographer or studio.
- Publish a portfolio website and social media presence.
- Take freelance assignments, stock photography and competitions.
- Photojournalism and media houses hire through their own selection processes.
- Roles
- Freelance, studio, photojournalist
Verify on the official source
Exam dates, fees, paper patterns and eligibility rules are revised by the regulator from time to time. Treat this roadmap as your map, and confirm the current rules on the official site before you register or pay any fee.