The National Academy of Photography (NAP), based in Kolkata, provides a unique platform for anyone interested in pursuing a career in professional photography or those looking to simply improve their photography skills. This photography academy is the first of its kind in Eastern India. The training techniques at the institute are both innovative and intense and the course curriculum has been drawn out carefully by a distinguished faculty of award winning photographers. Be it fashion photography, glamour, wildlife, portrait, advertising, commercial, journalism or digital imaging– NAP proposes to empower the students with the right techniques and encourage them to bring to the fore their own distinct style.

The institute, a non-trading centre of excellence in the field of photography, aspires to see the medium through an all-new vista. The prime focus at NAP is on creativity and on nurturing the passion within, without which no art is complete. Photography, too, is no static art form and at NAP students are encouraged to view it with an open mind and use their own sensibilities and interpretations to produce great images.

Of the several part time courses offered at the institute, the professional course on Intensive Photography and Dark Room (B&W, Colour) Processing Techniques is perhaps the most popular among amateur and advanced amateur photographers. The four month course covers everything in the realm of photography, starting with the basic principles of photography, darkroom technique, B&W processing, colour printing to the different genres like product photography, still life photography and outdoor shooting.

If you are looking for a more intensive course you can go for the six month part time course on Professional Digital Photography. A certified course like the previous one, this one walks you through all the nerve points of modern day digital photography. The course syllabus covers topics like basic principles of digital photography, film versus digital photography, basic digital camera shooting techniques, portrait photography, fashion photography and empowering images with Photoshop.

Those interested in fashion photography, can try the three month part-time course on Professional Fashion Photography. As interesting as the course sounds, the institute brings in professional award-winning fashion photographers to throw light on composition and lighting techniques, figure shape study, glamour photography and light schemes on different costumes and figures.

The three month certified course on Product and Still Life Photography is also very good which covers technical aspects like frame and picture, shadow, lighting techniques, shooting beers, spirits and wines, jewellery, food, cosmetics and lifestyle. If you are interested in photography but short on time to take up a month long course, then the short 5 Day Workshop on Professional Fashion Photography offered by the institute is another good option.

It is important to note that all these courses are certified and conducted by top professionals and experts in the field of photography.

Photo courtesy National Academy of Photography.

	Quick Read: The National Academy of Photography (NAP), based in Kolkata is the first of its kind in Eastern India. Of the several part time courses offered at the institute, the professional 4 month course on Intensive Photography and Dark Room (B&W, Colour) Processing Techniques is perhaps the most popular among amateur and advanced amateur photographers. The six month part-time course on Professional Digital Photography walks you through all the nerve points of modern day digital photography. Those interested in fashion photography, can try the three month part-time course on Professional Fashion Photography.