Dare to take the stepPhoto trainingA unique public institution where everyone enjoys human follow-up, active pedagogy and the opportunity to explore his/her career in Paris.creativitywithout financial obstacles. Here, mutual trust between students and teaching team helps to overcome doubts and believe in its artistic fibre, without distinction of career or personal aspirations.
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Brassaï High School in Paris: an accessible and unique professional photo training
Located close to the centre of 15eborough, the Lycée professionnel public Brassaï is now the only Parisian structure dedicated to a complete and free training in photography. Every year, it opens its doors to about 130 passionate profiles, offering concrete learning on the ground and access to a solid professional network, all in a truly privileged human setting.
After a period of uncertainty as to its sustainability in 2023, the high school was able to continue its mission, affirming even more its social and cultural vocation for college students and families seeking a creative career in the Parisian public. It is regularly observed that this retention reassures many young people who could hardly have turned to the private sector to follow this type of route.
Summary of key points
- ✅ Brassaï High School offers a complete and free professional photo training in Paris.
- ✅ It offers a human setting with personalized follow-up and active pedagogy.
- ✅ The maintenance of this public training reassures young people who cannot access the private sector.
Presentation of Brassaï High School: the only public professional high school photo in Paris
Throughout the capital, Brassaï is the only public high school specialized in photography. Anchored for decades in the 15th centurye, this place has gone through many changes, as evidenced by its reputation which is not limited to the neighborhood. With a promotion of about a hundred pupils, Brassaï stands out for its family side: proximity to teachers, group cohesion and true team identity.
The school regularly opens its doors to associations, cultural events and welcomes new audiences (including the announced arrival of students from Drouant High School in September 2025). An anecdote that is readily circulating during the open doors: some parents are themselves ancient "Brassaians"! When one remembers that the site nearly closed in 2023 before being saved in extremis, this fidelity takes on its full meaning.
Partners and cultural outreach
What strikes from the outset is the richness of the network – collaborations with the Jeu de Paume, interventions by recognized photo agencies, internships, exhibitions in the walls... so many concrete opportunities to rub into the professional world from the beginning.
Interviewing some former students, a trainer said that these partnerships make all the difference in their school experience: immersion in the trade is early, and confidence to value its achievements grows from the first year.
Good to know
I recommend that you take advantage of the collaborations with recognized institutions and internship opportunities to strengthen your professional experience from the first year of training.
Training offered: a Bac Pro Photography anchored in reality
In the heart of Brassaï, the Bac Pro Photography structure the entire course. This course teaches both studio technique and field reporting, and advanced digital tools, while integrating the rapid evolution of photo professions.
What attracts you regularly is the hybrid formula and openness to new technologies: modules integrating AI, mobile photo training... without forgetting the practical practice. At Brassai, each student participates in piloted shoots, gets involved in collective projects, and presents his/her achievements to experts in the sector.
From practice to educational innovation
Beyond the technical bases, the teaching team relies on a dynamic pedagogy: experimentation, project management, group work. Some annual projects combine reportage, image editing and reflection on contemporary aesthetics – which quickly frees creativity, even among those who initially doubted their potential!
One last point to remember: the majority of older people retain a desired versatility in the labour market, regardless of the sector afterwards (studio, press, fashion, event...).
School and associative life: much more than technical training
Living in Brassai is not only a step forward in photography. Workshops, events, albums and exhibitions create an inspiring environment where everyone can find their unique place. Classes are never overloaded, allowing listening and accompaniment in decisions about personal orientation or project.
Participation in cross projects, the management of exhibitions or the animation of the high school radio web is regularly recommended. A large number of students regularly mention links to professionals or cultural institutions as real springboards to assert: "This high school plays the role of a bridge to working life, much more than just a school setting."
Projects, events and opening
The school regularly organises associative or national events: mobilisation during the reception of the Olympics (more than500 volunteers engagedof which200 in Paris), participation in Nuit Blanche. These out-of-programme experiences play an important role in building self-confidence, teamwork and personal initiative.
Weekends of exhibitions, internal competitions, internships abroad... It's not obvious to follow everything! Some students also say that their first collective opening was a real moment of exceedance (would you dare to take up the challenge of presenting his clichés in front of the promo?).
Admission procedures: how to reach Brassai?
Admission to Bac Pro Photography is mainly in the Affelnet procedure (after the 3e). Some gateways exist for conversion or application on file; It is recommended that information be sought and anticipated between March and June, during which time places are strongly contested.
In practice, with a maximum capacity of130 students, each integration is valuable. The school also offers a boarding school (often requested by young people from the provinces) and actively supports families in social or financial assistance.
Schedule, criteria and guidance aids
- ✅ File to be transmitted via the college, letter of motivation strongly suggested.
- ✅ Doors open every spring, an opportunity to discover the atmosphere of the high school live.
- ✅ possible boarding within the limits ofavailable places, with further educational and cultural support.
- ✅ Specific social assistance schemes to supportsmaller-income families.
For specific information, direct contact with the secretariat or with the ENT remains the fastest way. Some professionals in the sector advise to anticipate as much as possible, and ask for a pre-meeting to customize its registration path.
News and perspectives: Brassai, a protected changing high school
It is noted that 2023 was a disturbing year: the threat of closure worried the families, who feared the disappearance of the only public photo training site in Paris. The decision to maintain the activity has come in extremis, while the establishment is now preparing the reception of300 new studentsDrouant High School in 2025; an important change that extends the mission of the site without ever denying its original vocation.
Through the mobilizations led by both students, educational teams and cultural partners, a strong commitment was expressed: today Brassaï remains a valuable asset for the future of young Parisians and even for some from outside thanks to the boarding school.
Temporary reception and opening
In order to meet local needs, the lycée hosts associations on an ad hoc basis (the last session, between 11 March and 10 April, helped to optimize the use of premises while strengthening the links between education and solidarity). Some professionals believe that, even in difficult times, solidarity and the sense of self-help remain strong markers of the Brassai spirit.
It is regularly observed that every change in the site is seen as an opportunity to rethink offers, broaden the public and preserve the historical mission: to train versatile, committed photographers open to the world.
Good to know
I recommend that you see every evolution of the high school as an opportunity for educational innovation and a wider audience.
Professional opportunities after Bac Pro Photo Brassaï
You have to admit, many ask, "What do we do next?" The good news: more than60% of graduatesBrassaï is relatively quick to enter the pro market, or continue in BTS, photography faculty or image professions. There are many opportunities: independent photographer, retoucher, studio assistant, laboratory technician, digital operator, or even visual communication manager.
Just as Brassai High School values artistic talents, theRegional Conservatory of Versailles Grand Parc: a cultural and educational pillaroffers a framework of excellence to develop its creativity.
Just like theParis-Saclay Departmental Conservatory: Artistic Excellence and Local AnchorThe Brassai High School focuses on creative development at the heart of exceptional training.
Just like theConservatoire Pau-Béarn-Pyrénées the new regional influence of artistic educationThe Brassai High School offers a framework for the development of talents through a unique pedagogical approach.
Some former students say that just two or three years after graduation, they founded their own business or won a CDI in an agency, which is a testament to the real employability of the public, far from certain private ideas.
Testimonials & support to employment
Among the stories received, former students insist on the strength of pro workshops and workshops, which introduce them into the Parisian photo network. Having already exhibited, worked on an ad hoc basis for a media or retouched published images becomes a real accelerator to hiring, even at the very beginning of a career.
Finally, integration preparation workshops (CV, book, maintenance simulations) are included in the training. The individual follow-up provided to each student is regularly cited as an important asset, in comparison with private courses considered by some to be more anonymous.
FAQ and practical resources
To shed light on the admission procedures, the contents of the Bac Pro or the daily in Brassaï, here is a summary of the answers often shared during information meetings or online.
Does Brassai High School still accommodate students?
Yes, the school continues its activities despite the threat to its future in 2023; he is already preparing for the arrival of300 new studentsDrouant High School in 2025, and the photo specialization is well confirmed for the next few years.
What photo trainings are offered?
The main route remains the Bac Pro Photography, enriched by digital modules and internships. A trainer recently mentioned that the teaching team is working to develop new options, including mobile photo and AI.
How to register and when to apply?
Registration starts each year in March (Affelnet or file according to profile). It is wise to anticipate formalities, especially for access to boarding schools or support funds.
Does the school offer a boarding school or help?
Yes, a boarding school exists as long as the capacity is not exceeded a real plus for students outside Paris. Families can form the aid file (grants, social funds) when registering.
What jobs after the Bac Pro Photo?
The outlets are varied: studio photography, digital editing, assistance, post-production, photojournalism or event. Many continue their studies in BTS or specialized universities.
Where to find up-to-date contacts and information?
The official website (lycee-brassai-paris) and the main resources remain to find the intake schedule, ask your questions or download the practical guides.
Public/private comparison and accompanying guides
To rely on Brassai is to avoid the costs of enrollment of private schools (which can climb up to8 000 €/yearin Paris!) while taking advantage of academic recognition and individual follow-up. The public sector inspires trust in many families, including the quality of the diploma and the objectivity of the evaluations.
In case of doubt, it is often useful to ask the teaching team: families have the opportunity to meet with former students and to remove the reluctance. As a mother recently shared, open door exchanges provide a valuable appeasement to choose the right orientation.
Updated on 23 March 2026
