At Rocky Mountain School of Photography, we believe in providing a complete technical photographic education while nurturing creative and personal growth. Our approach is rooted in our passion for photography and the recognition of its ability to transform people’s lives and positively affect communities. We believe that sharing our love for photography in a fun and non-competitive environment allows students to better connect with photography, themselves and the world around them.

The difference in RMSP’s brand of education lies in an intensive curriculum based on the belief that a community of students and instructors focused solely on photography can effectively learn both the technical and the aesthetic in a relatively short period of time. The direct and guided educational style of our instructors ensures that a strong foundation is built and subjects are understood before moving on. Throughout the teaching process we recognize the unique need of individuals, support their goals and provide challenges that are appropriate to their specific skill level.

Our Career Training Program is made up of three distinct, and essential, sessions. Each session builds on the one that precedes it. While each session can be taken independently if prerequisites are met, in order to receive the most comprehensive, well-rounded education a student progresses through the three sessions. Students can begin the program in Summer Intensive with little or no photographic knowledge and experience. They end the program with Advanced Intensive, ready to begin a career working in the photographic field.

Session 1: Summer Intensive A Foundation in Photography (11 weeks)

RMSP believes that growth springs from a solid understanding of basic photographic principles. Our curriculum of courses in Summer Intensive is taught digitally. The instant feedback and sophisticated control capabilities of digital cameras and image editing software make them unbeatable instructional tools. Our Summer Intensive program is dedicated to developing a strong working knowledge of photographic exposure, ambient and artificial light, image management and development, inkjet printing, aesthetics and idea development. We are also committed to being an extensive resource on photography equipment and new technologies.

Session 2: Professional Studies Focus on Your Career Path (a selection of 5-day courses)

Professional Studies courses represent shortened versions of our intensive education. Students are taught by working professionals with "real-life" shoots and critiques focused on marketability. These classes provide students a unique opportunity to learn how to operate in a specific photographic field. The challenge for the instructor is to quickly get the students familiar with the important tools, techniques and business aspects of their particular field.

Session 3: Advanced Intensive Professional Development and New Technologies (6 weeks)

Once the student has mastered the fundamentals of photography and focused on a career path, the next step is to develop a business and marketing plan and learn to work professionally with the latest digital technology. Our commitment to students is that we provide them with an up-to-date look at how digital technologies are used today and teach them the skills they need to enter the marketplace and operate effectively within it.

At RMSP, we believe that all students have something valuable and important to express through their photography. A universal atmosphere of encouragement and support is at the heart of all of our relationships with students and is the hallmark of all our Career Training sessions.