Delhi is one of India’s most vibrant cultural and creative hubs, attracting aspiring photographers from across the country. A career in photography is not just about taking beautiful pictures — it involves understanding light, composition, technology, storytelling, and building a portfolio that can launch you into the creative industries. To excel professionally, many students choose structured training from reputed photography institutes that offer practical experience, industry exposure, and placement support to help secure jobs or freelance assignments after course completion.
Below is a curated list of the top 10 photography institutes in Delhi that combine creative education with career support:
1. IIP Academy, Delhi / Noida
The IIP Academy is widely regarded as one of the top photography institutes in Delhi/NCR, offering diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s programs in photography and visual arts. Their curriculum blends technical mastery with creative exploration, covering everything from fundamentals to advanced techniques in visual storytelling. The institute boasts 100% placement records with graduates placed across leading brands and creative agencies in India and abroad.
Key Highlights:
- Professional programs: MFA, BFA & Dual Diploma in Photography
- Industry-relevant training with experienced faculty
- Exposure through exhibitions, projects, and real-world assignments
- Dedicated career and placement support
Whether you envision a career in fashion, editorial, documentary, or commercial photography, IIP Academy’s strong industry links help students transition from education to employment smoothly.
2. AAFT School of Still Photography
The Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT) School of Photography is another prestigious institute known for its immersive hands-on photography training. AAFT has a decades-long legacy in creative arts education and provides 100% career assistance through workshops, portfolio building, and industry connections.
Key Highlights:
- One-year diploma program with intensive practical exposure
- Training in diverse genres like fashion, commercial, and editorial photography
- Live projects, assignments, and masterclasses by professionals
- Placement guidance and industry networking opportunities
AAFT’s focus on real-world projects equips students with a competitive edge when entering the job market.
3. Delhi School of Photography (DSP)
Delhi School of Photography (DSP) is a trusted name among Delhi’s photography institutes. DSP’s diploma courses cater to a wide range of photography interests — from basics to advanced studies in various styles and genres. Importantly, the institute provides job placement assistance and internship opportunities where students can work with practicing professionals or secure photography roles post-course.
Key Highlights:
- Dual diploma in photography and cinematography
- Strong focus on building a professional portfolio
- Industry-experienced faculty
- Placement assistance & internships
DSP’s alumni have gone on to work in diverse photography fields, helped by the institute’s industry recognition.
4. Film & Photography Institute of India (FPII)
The Film & Photography Institute of India offers diploma and certification programs designed to make students industry-ready. FPII emphasizes practical skills, hands-on training, and creative development — all core aspects of professional success. The institute provides placement assistance and internship support, aligning students with media houses, creative agencies, and photography studios upon course completion.
Key Highlights:
- Courses tailored to current industry requirements
- Expert faculty and modern facilities
- Portfolio development and career support
- Placement assistance with media partners
FPII is a strong option for those seeking structured professional training combined with career services.
5. Delhi College of Photography (DCOP)
Delhi College of Photography (DCOP) is known for its practical approach to photography education. The institute offers one-year diplomas as well as short-term workshops that help students develop technical prowess and artistic vision. DCOP provides placement support and internship coordination to help students begin their careers in photography.
Key Highlights:
- Diploma and certification courses
- Focus on industry-standard equipment and techniques
- Placement assistance for job seekers and interns
- Opportunities for photo tours and real-world practice
DCOP’s commitment to hands-on learning makes it a popular choice among aspiring photographers.
6. Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts & Communication (SACAC)
SACAC is a creative institution offering comprehensive photography programs that blend artistic theory with technical skills. While SACAC’s primary aim is creative education, students also benefit from industry exposure, networking opportunities, and career interactions with leading creative professionals.
Key Highlights:
- Professional photography diploma with practical training
- Strong emphasis on creative exploration and visual literacy
- Interaction with industry editors and photographers
- Opportunities to build portfolios and seek internships
Though focused primarily on creative excellence, SACAC equips students with the skills they need to pursue professional success.
7. Pixel Photography Institute
Pixel Photography Institute is a Delhi-based creative training hub that connects students to the world of professional photography and videography. While not a traditional academic institution, Pixel offers practical training, portfolio development guidance, and freelance/placement support to help learners find work or client opportunities after completing training.
Key Highlights:
- Comprehensive training in photography and videography
- Real-world projects and outdoor sessions
- Support for portfolio creation and freelance career strategies
- Guidance on finding first clients or job opportunities
This institute is great for creative professionals who want a flexible yet grounded approach to entering the photography industry.
8. National Institute of Photography (Suggested)
While not strictly Delhi-based, the National Institute of Photography (NIP) is frequently mentioned among top photography training centers in India and is worth considering due to its strong foundational programs and connections in the media world. Many students from Delhi travel to NIP for advanced training and career opportunities.
Key Highlights:
- Basic to advanced photography courses
- Professional training recognized across the industry
- Portfolio support and placement pointers
- Alumni working in diverse sectors of photography
9. Raghu Rai Center for Photography
Though not a mainstream academic institute, the Raghu Rai Center for Photography has garnered attention among photography enthusiasts and professionals. It is known for its diploma program focused on documentary and fine art photography — rich experiences that often lead to exhibitions, freelance opportunities, and industry exposure.
Key Highlights:
- Diploma program from a reputed photography name
- Focus on visual aesthetics and documentary storytelling
- Networking with professionals and alumni community
- Pathway to professional opportunities and exhibitions
10. AJK Mass Communication Research Centre (Jamia Millia Islamia)
While this is primarily a mass communication institute, AJK MCRC offers postgraduate programs with photography components (especially in visual communication and documentary production). The strong academic reputation and industry connections of Jamia Millia Islamia mean significant placement visibility in media houses and creative industries.
Key Highlights:
- Postgraduate programs with visual communication emphasis
- Strong academic and industry links
- Alumni working in respected media organizations
- Career opportunities through university placement networks
How These Institutes Help With Placement
Placement support in photography isn’t the same as in traditional corporate fields like engineering or management. It typically includes:
✔ Internship coordination with studios, event photographers, and media houses
✔ Portfolio preparation help to showcase your best work
✔ Career counselling and interview preparation
✔ Job referrals and connections to freelance opportunities
✔ Workshops and industry meetups for networking
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right photography institute should be based on your career goals. If you want a career as a professional photographer — either as an employee or freelancer — look for programs with practical training, portfolio development, and strong industry exposure. Institutions like IIP Academy, AAFT, DSP, FPII, and DCOP offer structured learning with placement support that helps launch your career in the competitive creative industries of Delhi and beyond.
Whether you aspire to work in fashion photography, documentary, commercial shoots, wedding photography, or visual content creation, the right institute can make all the difference in shaping your path from student to successful professional.