College Portfolio Program
at Contact Photo
Make Photographs. Build Your Portfolio. Prepare for College.
A college-oriented photography program for high school students ready to develop their creative voice, build a compelling portfolio, and explore the possibilities of studying photography at the college level.
Through hands-on instruction, individual projects, group critiques, and mentorship from working photographers, students learn to create meaningful work and present it with confidence.
College portfolio preparation, with a potential pathway to college credit through Purchase College, subject to the finalized academic arrangement.
Based in Brooklyn, New York · Open to NYC high school students
More Than a Photography Class
Photography can be a powerful way for young people to explore their surroundings, develop their perspective, and communicate ideas.
At Contact Photo, students learn by making photographs, experimenting with different approaches, and discussing their work with peers and instructors.
As students progress, the emphasis shifts from learning how to operate a camera to developing a personal artistic practice: finding subjects, exploring ideas, editing photographs, and building a cohesive body of work.
Our goal is to help students develop the creative skills, confidence, and portfolio they need to pursue photography and other visual arts at the college level.
Three pillars
01 — Photographic Practice
Learn camera operation, exposure, composition, lighting, editing, and the fundamentals of working with film and digital photography.
02 — Portfolio Development
Develop original projects, participate in critiques, learn to sequence and edit images, and build a cohesive portfolio that reflects your interests and creative perspective.
03 — College Preparation
Explore photography and visual arts programs, understand portfolio expectations, and prepare to present your work to college admissions committees.
Who should apply?
The College Portfolio Program is intended for high school students interested in developing a serious photography practice and preparing for college-level study.
Students may be asked to submit:
Basic application information.
A selection of photographs.
A brief statement about their interest in photography.
Their most recent school transcript, if required by the program.
Students should not necessarily need an extensive portfolio to apply. If the program is designed to develop emerging photographers, you want to assess curiosity, commitment, and potential—not simply reward students who have already had access to private photography education.
Program Details
📍 Location: Contact Photo, 51 Porter Ave, Brooklyn
📅 Schedule: TBD
⏱ Program Length: Spring 2027 Semester
💰 Program Fee: A small semester lab fee is required
🎓 Financial Support: Need-based fee waivers are available
Accepted students must submit parent/guardian forms before participating.
These programs are made possible by the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts, SUNY Purchase College, and KEH Camera.
