ABOUT the FOTOfactory
LOGIN
- the FOTOfactory Amsterdam
- Bethanienstraat 5-B
- 1012 BZ Amsterdam
- the Netherlands
- +31 (0) 20-7766766
International Institute of Photography the FOTOfactory is the most prestigious private educational Institute in the Netherlands, with English spoken photography courses and workshops. Our students are coming from all over the world to study photography at different levels. Our courses are presented in a relaxed atmosphere where student involvement is encouraged, feedback is important, and the instructors are always available to answer questions. We would like to tell you more about the ideas behind our way of teaching and our vision on photography.
GALLERY SPACE
Our gallery space is not only used for the Graduation Show. That is our annual presentation of the work that our graduates made as part of their portfolio and that they presented to our assessment committee. Together with the thesis, this will determine if they passed the third year. But furthermore it is possible to rent our studio for personal exhibitions, diners, or other activities. Just ask for all the options.
FOOD & FOTO
Twice per year we organise the FOOD & FOTO. The idea is that everybody brings some food, starters or main dishes or desserts. We combine all, present it on the tables and than have a diner all together. A sort of buffet, created by all of you. After the diner we look at the movies that all of you made of your. Those movies should show the photography you have been doing last year. Because all the students are invited there will be a big diversity of movies, BPC, first & sec & third Year. A social gathering and a change to meet all kinds of different students from other years.
MAGAZINES & BOOKS
Although internet is extremely useful medium for research and inspiration , the importance of photobooks and images seen as print is very important. Decisions made about size, presentation, sequence and type of paper will even raise the quality of your work even more. That is why we still value our library so much. For all students the library is always open to read or take a look at our books. Furthermore we have several subscriptions on different magazines, technical ones and conceptual ones.
OUR BUILDING
OUR LOCATION
We are located in the heart of Red Light district. Originally a working-class neighbourhood, the oldest city center has become one of the most expensive, upscale locations in the Netherlands. It is home to many art galleries, particularly for modern art, and is also dotted with speciality shops and restaurants. Markets are held daily at Nieuwmarkt and at the Waterlooplein. Maximum 5 minute walk from the Central Station or 1 minute walk from Metro stop Nieuwmarkt.
EXCURSIONS
VISIT FAIRS
Every year we visit several photography fairs. It can be an eyeopener, to see so many different photographers and their work. Inspiriting, overwhelming, a big ‘wow’ factor are often words used by students. The diversity makes it sometimes hard to understand the presented images, but seeing the importance photography has for so many people, will help you in your search. Repeatedly visiting fairs also makes you aware of your own growth and of what kind of influence presentation has on an image.
DARKROOM
LOUNGE
When you want to join our Darkroom Lounge you need to have a bit of experience with analogue printing. Also you need to bring your own analogue B&W negatives to the Lounge. We provide the paper, chemicals, [13x18cm] enlargers, trays & tongs. The membership is for one evening and the size per evening is max. 2 people. So there is enough personal attention to make good analogue prints that will shine on your wall! Our 3 hour training costs 150 euro per person. See you!
INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS
The way we will look at an image is defined by your history, knowledge, but also by your cultural background. Being a student at an International school, means that you will learn not only from the teachers but also from your fellow students. It is refreshing to see photography through the eyes of someone with a different cultural background. You will become more aware of the difficulty and options of the ‘visual’ language.
STUDIO
LOUNGE
The Studio Lounge is also extracurricular and the place to meet if you are into studio photography. A great opportunity to work on your own projects in a relaxed atmosphere. Once per month students come to school to make portraits, try new ideas or even finish or improve the quality of assignments they earlier made. Skills are practiced and contacts are made again often combined with a good glass of wine.
STUDENT
CARD
Being a student at our school has its benefits. Not only are you a part of our small community and make friends for life, but being a Dutch school we have to talk about the discounts that you get when you use our student card. Musea, shops, stores, photo labs, even being a member of a gym or health club.
Read more
