Light and Life Academy

About Light and Life Academy

Light and Life Academy is an Exclusive Professional Photography Institute in India since 2001. It offers Full-time professional photography courses such as PG Diploma in Professional Photography, Professional Photojournalism, and Professional Travel and Nature Photography Courses.

Iqbal Mohamed and Anuradha founded Light and Life Academy on the day of the equinox. Naturally, it is equal measure teaching and learning. It is the exact balance of a school and a home. It is a synergy of well-structured curriculum and free-willed study. It encourages classroom and corridor learning; theory and practical, just the same.

At Light and Life Academy, the belief is that images are created by what you observe and by what you intuit. The Academy's every Endeavour, therefore, is to go beyond a thorough understanding of the art and science of photography, towards awakening and nurturing each individual's unique vision and inner vision as is symbolized in the logo.

Message from Principal

We strongly believe in the methods of a Modern Gurukul. In order to fully understand photography, one should understand light and life. We believe that the two are strongly intertwined and have a lasting effect on each other. Thus, we encourage the students to grow and develop in all aspects of their life. There is no right or wrong at Light & Life Academy, it is the process of learning and taking fruitful steps towards reaching the end goal.

Light and Life Academy is the first custom designed, full facility institute exclusively for professional photography in India. It was set up with the objective of providing affordable professional photography education of a high standard. Light & Life Academy has been supported by, Kodak India, Eastman Kodak USA, LMW- Coimbatore, Calumet-USA, Photoquip-India, ZenTask-India, Gretag Imaging-Switzerland.

Courses

Photographs are created outside, but images are created within. Hence, developing an inner vision is given just as much importance as observed through the viewfinder. Keeping it simple is the motto that Light & Life Academy strongly advocates, leaving no room for clutter or distractions. The Academy encourages and inspires students to develop their own perspective; their individual way of looking at things. Here, learning doesn't chase a set formula. It pursues a curriculum, but in an organic and flexible form to evolve even as the course progresses. At Light and Life Academy, expressionists are taught the grammar of photography and are then left free to create a language of their own.

The flagship programme of Light and Life Academy is the PG Diploma in Professional Photography. Light and Life Academy also offers a Diploma in Professional Photojournalism and Professional Travel & Nature Photography besides other short-duration workshops on specific areas of Photography, thoughtfully designed for the dedicated hobbyists spread across the course of the academic year.

The Academy also conducts workshops on specific areas of photography, designed on-request for special interest groups.

Professional Photography Courses offered by Light and Life Academy

• PG Diploma in Professional Photography: Course fees: 6,20,000
• Diploma in Professional Photojournalism: Course Fees: 2,10,000
• Professional Travel & Nature Photography: Course fees: 2,70,000

Light and Life Academy Campus Infrastructure

Light and Life Academy has perched on a mountaintop about 7000 ft. above sea level near Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India, with a spectacular view of the Ketti Valley, arguably the second largest inhabited valley in the world. It's a calm, peaceful 40,000 sq ft theater in the lap of Mother Nature with up to three seasons visiting it every day. Custom-designed by one of India's most celebrated architects, Mr. Jaisim (recipient of NDTV award for Lifetime Achievement in Architecture), any part of the campus is a window to the continuously unfolding drama of the sights and sounds of nature.

The quality of light is perfect for students of photography. Besides, as there are few distractions, the learning curve is steep and the students stay focused on photography. When you step out of campus, the locals and officials are not just supportive but welcoming of cameras and photography, unlike most another place. It is truly the most conducive environment to create a picture.

Facilities

• Day Light Studio
• In-Door Games Area
• Classroom
• Equipment Room
• Football Field
• Student Hangout Space
• 4500 sq ft. automobile photography studio
• Cafeteria

Admissions Procedure

The Academy follows an open admission policy. You should have a minimum of 15 years of formal education in any subject with a degree. Exceptions will be made for candidates with work experience or life learning experiences, with a minimum of 12 years of formal education. You should be at least 20 years old. Admission is on a first-come-first-served basis. It is a three-step process:

• Portfolio Review
• Skype Interaction
• Personal interview at the Academy

You have to bring your camera for a test shoot on campus when you come for the interview. The Academy notifies admission status soon after the interview.

Testimonials

An absolutely diving place, scenic and serene! Just the place suited for learning photography in its most professional form.

Colonel. Rajiv Bhatia, DSSC, Wellington

An institute that stands apart for its excellence, beauty, and passion. It feels like it is been driven by true love for an art which is an art itself. Hope this institution continues to attract students from all over the world. Wishing you all the best!

Dilip Zaveri

Words really can’t express what I had learned in LLA. It is definitely the best experience I’ve had. LLA has changed my perspective and the way I see things. More than photography this place and the people have made me learn to become a good human being.

Jacob Joseph, Alumni

We think we have taken the wisest decision as parents by encouraging Akshay to take up the course in Professional Photography offered by Light & Life Academy. As he graduates today we feel that he has gained so much of knowledge in his area of passion. Now that he has equipped himself with the training LLA has given, he has importantly become a complete person and a better human being. Thanks to the values that have been imbibed in him by Mr.Iqbal, Mrs.Anu, faculty, and staff.

Thank you LLA!

Madhavan.K & Beena Madhavan, Parents of Akshay Madhavan, Batch 15

For me, LLA is something which cannot be defined. I am what I am today because of LLA. I Can never forget the times spent here, it was the best year of my life till date. There is so much of inspiration and warmth at this campus. Whether it is Iqbal Sir, Anu ma’am or any other staff.

Fayaz Hawawala, Alumni

Good teachers are absolutely essential, and this photography institution has given us great teachers. I can’t thank the Institution enough for the knowledge and guidance.

Shruti Vijayan, Alumni

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Information compiled from: Light and Life Academy Website