Thank you for an incredible 35 years!
RMSP Open House

Learn how we train professional photographers

Join us on April 19th, 2024 and learn about our programs firsthand!
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Join us!

For an Exclusive Open House on April 19, 2024
If you or your child is considering attending Rocky Mountain School of Photography, this event is for you!

Visit on April 19th for a behind-the-scenes look into the magic of RMSP
  • Tour our state-of-the-art campus
  • Enjoy a pizza lunch with our current Professional Intensive students
  • Meet our staff and instructors 1-on-1
  • Ask any questions you want!
A student using Profoto studio strobes to take a portrait in the RMSP studio.
The Rocky Mountain School of Photography warehouse.
The streets of Missoula lit by the sun with dramatic clouds.
The best part?

Class will be in session!

So, you can experience firsthand what it's really like to be a student at RMSP. (Spoiler alert: it's pretty awesome.)
Sign up here

get all your questions answered

  • Curious about the RMSP space?
    Spend a day exploring it yourself!
  • Want to know more about student life?
    Sit through a live class and chat with students!
  • Ready to explore Missoula for yourself?
    Visit our restaurants, public lands, & more!
The bright and spacious lobby of Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula, Montana.
"Life changing, that’s the best way to describe my time at RMSP. The spontaneous choice to attend RMSP and move nearly 3,000 miles from home to a city I had never been was a big one, and I would do it again in a heartbeat."
Will Elmore
Professional Intensive Graduate
Photography college students learning food photography in the studio.
Want to join us?

Here's all the info

Schedule of Events

Here is the detailed plan for our Open House day. We'll lead you through the experience of life as a student at RMSP.

Please note: Open House is intended to be attended in person in its entirety. The schedule is subject to change (below is an example schedule), but it will run from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. MDT.

The date of our next Open House is
April 19th, 2024. (Our next Open House will occur in November, 2024.)

  • 9:00 – 9:15 - Kickoff and introduction of the team
  • 9:15 – 10:15 - Summer Intensive (SI) and Professional Intensive (PI) program overview
  • Break
  • 10:30– 11:00 - Tour of RMSP with Bob McGowan
  • 11:00 – Noon – Sit in on a class with the PI students
  • Noon – 1:00 – Pizza Lunch with the "PI" students (gluten free and vegetarian options will be available)
  • 1:00 – 2:00 – Lecture with Rob Gappert
  • Break
  • 2:30 – 3:30 – Critique with Neil Chaput de Saintonge
    If you'd like to participate, please bring three images on a flash drive, memory card, phone, laptop, or any other way you prefer (we will be ready for anything). Note, we might not have time to critique all three images depending on attendance.
  • 3:30 – 3:45 – Closing and next steps
  • 3:45 – 5:00 – One on one meetings with staff (Program questions, Equipment questions, Career questions)
Where to Park

When you arrive at Rocky Mountain School of Photography (301 Expressway, Missoula, Montana 59808), school will be in session, so space in our parking lot will be limited. Street parking around our school is widely available.

Important note: you cannot park along the Southside of Expressway. Look for street parking along Patterson Road and International Drive.

Where to Stay

RMSP is located on Expressway near a major north and south highway corridor called Reserve Street in Missoula. We're also just a couple miles from the local Missoula International Airport.

There are many hotels and extended-stay options located on North Reserve,
less than a mile from the school: the closest being the Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Hilton Garden Inn. Each of these are walking distance from RMSP.

For a more urban experience, the Downtown Missoula area (less than 5 miles from RMSP) has some upscale options such as the Missoula Downtown Residence Inn by Marriott, AC Hotel and The Wren Missoula Hotel.

Where to Eat

During the Open House on Friday, we will provide pizza from The Highlander for all attendees (including som. If you're looking to eat at other amazing Missoula eateries while you're in town, see the list below.

For all things culture, activities, events, eateries, shops, etc., check out the comprehensive tourism website Destination Missoula.

In addition, some of our favorite places to eat are the following:

  • The Highlander
  • Market On Front
  • Zoo Thai
  • Mackenzie River Pizza Company
  • The Top Hat
  • Paul's Pancake Parlor
  • Bridge Pizza
Where to Explore

While you are in Missoula (and Montana), you might want to explore the city, venture into the surrounding areas, and discover the beauty around RMSP!

For all things culture, activities, events, eateries, shops, etc., check out the comprehensive tourism website Destination Missoula.

In addition, some of our favorite places to explore (near & far) are the following:

  • Historic Downtown Missoula
  • Fort Missoula
  • Waterworks Hill Trail
  • Rattlesnake Wilderness Recreation Area
  • Blue Mountain Recreation Area
  • Pattee Canyon
  • Maclay Flats Nature Trail
  • Mount Sentinel (the M trail)
  • Bison Range
  • Glacier National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
Can't Make It This Time?

Watch our virtual open house video

Learn all the details about our programs, our school, and what to expect in "SI" or "PI" from the Chaput de Saintonge family.
It's going to be an awesome day!

sign up to join us!

claim your spot here
Outline graphic depicting hand nurturing a heart

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions about Open House?  Get in touch!