From humble beginnings…to a nationally recognized program.

The Washington School of Photography was founded in 1976, to bring professional photographic education to the Washington, DC/Baltimore metro area. Starting in just two rooms, the workshops and classes quickly grew. In the 1980s, the Professional Photography Program was approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

In the 1990s, the school moved to a larger building in downtown Bethesda, where more classes and an expanded darkroom were added.

Currently, the Washington School of Photography occupies 6,000 square feet, offering students two fully equipped studios, numerous classrooms, darkroom, gallery space, a dedicated digital classroom, library, and finishing room.The state-approved Professional Photography Program gives over 100 students per year the opportunity to realize their dream by offering both daytime and night classes in a one year program, while hundreds of community members enjoy weeknight and weekend workshops covering the basics through high-end wedding and portrait photography.

Teaching by mentoring…demonstrating by example.

Washington School of Photography instructors teach classes and workshops in their specialty fields, where they work every day. Successful portrait photographers teach portrait classes, a veteran New York Times shooter teaches photojournalism, an Emmy winning digital expert teaches PhotoShop classes, and the list goes on. Only by demonstrating mentoring skills and having years of success in the field can instructors qualify to teach even the most basic courses.

Sought out by the best…to become even better.

Washington School of Photography students come from several countries, almost every state, and range in age from 18 to over 70.Every race, religion, and ethnicity you can imagine add to the excitement of seeing the view another person has of the world we share. Students and staff share common ideals despite their varying backgrounds: mutual support of others’ endeavors, honest critique and support of others’ vision, the value of professional networking and continuing education, and encouragement and friendship beyond the classroom. Students have formed business partnerships, hired each other for freelance jobs, and continued friendships for decades. Most students graduate into freelance careers in wedding photography, portraiture, or commercial work.

Giving back to the community….a priority for staff and students.

Starting with donations to the Editorial Photographer’s September 11th Fund for families of 23 deceased and injured photographers, Washington School of Photography staff and students raised hundreds of dollars. For two years staff and students have assisted children in the National Building Museum’s summer photography camp for inner city kids, providing darkroom space and help in finalizing images for their gallery show. Every six months excess equipment and supplies are sent to a Balkan photography school, which operates with one enlarger in space lacking heat and air conditioning.Each December, students and instructors team up at Pet Smart with the Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals staff for Holiday Pet Photos with Santa – with all proceeds going to the animal rescue organization. In November 2003, Washington School of Photography hosted a gallery show to kick off and benefit the Thanksgiving Hunger Drive of Manna Food Center, a Montgomery County food bank.

Community members have given generously of their money, resources, equipment, and time and students and staff believe in giving back to that community as much as possible.

Gallery Shows…with a purpose.

Washington School of Photography sponsors one national and one regional gallery show per year, giving hundreds of photographers in both the mid-Atlantic and the nation the chance to show and sell their work.Student shows for school professional program students are held twice per year as well, with tuition awards and sales opportunities. Each year a local charity is chosen for a themed gallery show, with all net proceeds donated to that group. Manna Food Center in Rockville, Maryland was the first recipient of this show in 2003, with a Thanksgiving Hunger Drive benefit themed “Hunger in Focus”.

Scholarships and Financial Aid…so everyone has a chance to see their dream come true.

Washington School of Photography staff and administration provide one full scholarship per year to a student in need. With Sallie Mae student loans, an in-house tuition payment program, full Veteran’s Benefit acceptance, and working beside grant and foundation funders, every effort is made to make sure each person’s desire to achieve in photography is possible.

Join our community….even if you’re not a photographer.

Volunteers staff weekend darkroom hours for students, provide computer expertise in the office, and help on field trips. With or without photography training, you can put your skills to use for the benefit of students.

Washington School of Photography is a 501-C-3 nonprofit, which means donations are tax deductible. Generous donations from the National Gallery of Art, Best Medical International, Heart of America, FujiFilm USA, Penn Camera, Ilford Imaging, and many other corporations have allowed growth to continue.

Donations of funds and equipment from individuals, estates, and families have allowed needy students to receive equipment, provided darkroom hardware, and allowed additional expansion as the school grew. Your tax deductible donation of cash, stock, or equipment is always welcome, and comes with pick up of large items!