Student using a camera in a bright studio environment

Capture Your Vision. Master Your Craft.

Unlock your potential in photography and videography. Helvetia Lichtbild Schule offers expert-led courses for all levels in the heart of Zurich, providing the knowledge, tools, and inspiration you need to excel in the visual arts.

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Exterior view of the Helvetia Lichtbild Schule building in Zurich

About Helvetia Lichtbild Schule

Nestled in the dynamic cultural landscape of Zurich, Helvetia Lichtbild Schule stands as a beacon for aspiring and established visual storytellers alike. Our foundation was built on a passion for light, composition, and narrative, established by a group of seasoned photographers and filmmakers who recognised the need for practical, industry-relevant education in Switzerland.

Since our inception, we have been dedicated to fostering creativity and technical excellence. We offer a meticulously curated selection of programs, ranging from intensive introductory workshops designed to equip beginners with fundamental skills to advanced masterclasses pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and technical mastery. Our philosophy centres on active learning; we believe that the most profound understanding comes not just from theory, but from hands-on experience with the latest equipment and real-world scenarios.

Our state-of-the-art facilities include professional studios, darkrooms (for traditionalists!), editing suites equipped with cutting-edge software, and classroom spaces designed for collaborative learning. The curriculum is a living entity, constantly reviewed and updated to incorporate new technologies, emerging trends, and evolving industry standards, ensuring our students are always ahead of the curve.

Joining Helvetia Lichtbild Schule means becoming part of a vibrant community. It's a place where ideas are shared, techniques are honed, and lifelong creative connections are forged. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds can explore their unique vision and develop a distinctive artistic voice. Our instructors aren't just educators; they are active professionals bringing current industry insights directly into the classroom.

We are more than just a school; we are a launchpad for careers and a catalyst for passion. Whether you dream of becoming a renowned portrait photographer, a cinematic videographer, a meticulous photo editor, or a skilled drone pilot, our courses are designed to transform your aspirations into tangible portfolios and real-world success. We guide you every step of the way, from understanding the basics of exposure to navigating the complexities of post-production and marketing your work. Explore the possibilities that await you here in Zurich and take the decisive step towards mastering your craft.

Our Courses & Workshops

Explore our comprehensive offerings designed for every skill level and interest, helping you navigate the diverse landscape of visual arts.

Student learning camera basics outdoors
Photography Courses (Beginner to Advanced)

Embark on your photographic journey or refine your existing skills. Our courses cover everything from understanding your camera settings and fundamental composition rules to mastering advanced techniques like low-light photography, studio portraiture, and landscape capture. Structured modules ensure a progressive learning curve for all levels.

Videographer filming a scene with a professional camera
Videography Workshops

Dive into the world of motion pictures. These workshops teach you the essentials of video production, including camera operation for video, cinematic composition, capturing clean audio, and understanding narrative flow. Hands-on exercises allow you to practice filming techniques in various environments.

Person editing photos on a computer
Digital Photo Editing

Transform your images from good to exceptional. Learn industry-standard software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance colors, perfect retouching, manage your workflow, and create compelling visual styles. Understand the principles of color grading and image manipulation ethically and effectively.

Video editor working on a timeline on screen
Video Post-Production

Bring your video footage to life through professional editing. This course covers non-linear editing principles, cutting techniques, colour correction, basic visual effects, and preparing your final video for various platforms. Master software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.

Student setting up studio lights for a portrait session
Studio Lighting Techniques

Unlock the power of artificial light. Learn how to use strobes, continuous lights, modifiers (softboxes, umbrellas), and reflectors to shape light and create specific moods for portraiture, product photography, and more. Gain hands-on experience in our fully equipped studio.

Person piloting a drone with a remote control
Drone Photography & Videography Training

Explore perspectives from above. This specialised training covers safe drone operation, aerial composition, capturing stable video footage, and relevant regulations in Switzerland. Learn how to integrate stunning aerials into your photographic and videographic projects.

Person arranging physical prints for a portfolio
Creative Portfolio Development

Showcase your best work effectively. This workshop guides you through selecting, curating, and presenting your photographs or videos to potential clients, employers, or educational institutions. Learn how to define your style and build a compelling narrative around your creative journey.

Film crew setting up a shot on location
Short Film Production Training

From script to screen, learn the fundamentals of independent short film production. This comprehensive course covers screenwriting basics, pre-production planning (storyboarding, shot lists), directing techniques, working with actors, production workflows, and post-production essentials to complete your short film.

Documentary filmmaker conducting an interview
Documentary Filmmaking Introduction

Explore the powerful medium of documentary. This introductory course delves into the ethics, research methods, interview techniques, and visual styles unique to documentary filmmaking. Learn how to find compelling stories and craft a factual narrative that resonates with audiences.

Collage of evocative photographs telling a story
Visual Storytelling

Master the art of conveying narratives through images, both still and moving. This course focuses on sequencing, composition, use of light, and character depiction to build compelling stories without relying solely on words. Learn how to evoke emotion and meaning through visual language.

Student Showcase

Witness the creativity, technical skill, and unique perspectives cultivated by our talented students across various disciplines.

This is just a small selection of the diverse and impressive work produced by our students across various courses and skill levels. Their achievements reflect the quality of our instruction and the dedication within our creative community.

Meet Our Expert Instructors

Learn directly from accomplished professionals who bring years of real-world experience, industry insights, and a passion for teaching into every class.

Headshot of Dr. Elara Vogel

Dr. Elara Vogel

Lead Photography Instructor

With a Ph.D. in Visual Arts and a focus on conceptual photography, Dr. Vogel challenges students to explore the deeper meaning behind their images. Her extensive portfolio includes exhibitions across Europe and publications in major art journals. Elara is renowned for her ability to demystify complex photographic theories and guide students in developing their unique artistic voice, particularly in fine art and analogue processes alongside digital techniques.

Headshot of Marco Rossi

Marco Rossi

Senior Videography Instructor

Marco's career spans award-winning documentary filmmaking and commercial cinematography. With over 15 years navigating the fast-paced world of film production, he brings invaluable on-set experience and narrative expertise to his workshops. Marco is passionate about teaching students not just how to operate a camera, but how to craft compelling visual stories that resonate with audiences, covering everything from lighting and composition to sound design and directing.

Headshot of Sofia Khan

Sofia Khan

Digital Post-Production Specialist

A certified expert in the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, After Effects), Sofia is a magician in the digital darkroom and editing bay. She simplifies complex software workflows, teaching students efficient techniques for retouching, color grading, compositing, and video editing that save time without sacrificing quality. Sofia empowers students to polish their raw captures into professional-grade final products ready for print, web, or film.

What Our Students Say

Hear directly from individuals who have transformed their creative skills and careers through their experience at Helvetia Lichtbild Schule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to the most common questions we receive about our courses, facilities, and enrollment process.

We welcome students at every stage of their photographic and videographic journey. Our course catalogue includes comprehensive options for absolute beginners who are just picking up a camera, intermediate modules for those looking to deepen their knowledge, and advanced workshops and masterclasses designed for experienced individuals seeking specialised skills or professional refinement. Whether you're starting from scratch or aiming to elevate your craft, we have a program tailored for you.
Yes, to accommodate our diverse international student body and ensure broad accessibility, all courses, workshops, and instructional materials at Helvetia Lichtbild Schule are conducted entirely in English. Our instructors are fluent English speakers with experience teaching non-native speakers.
While having your own camera, lenses, or computer can be beneficial for practicing outside of class, it is generally not strictly required for participation in many of our introductory courses. We provide access to a range of professional-grade equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting gear, and computers with necessary software, for use during specific course modules, practical sessions, and within our studio facilities. We recommend checking the specific equipment requirements listed for each course description.
We are committed to providing a high-quality, personalised learning experience. Therefore, we intentionally keep our class sizes relatively small. This ensures that each student receives ample individual attention from instructors, has sufficient time for hands-on practice with equipment, and can actively participate in discussions and critiques. Typical class sizes range from 8 to 15 students, depending on the course and subject matter.
Absolutely. We understand that many students have existing commitments. To accommodate diverse schedules, Helvetia Lichtbild Schule offers a variety of course formats including intensive full-time workshops, flexible part-time courses spread over several weeks, and convenient evening classes. We strive to make quality visual arts education accessible, regardless of your current commitments. Check our course schedule for specific timing options.

Get In Touch

Have questions about our programs, facilities, or enrollment? Ready to take the next step in your creative journey? Contact us today; our team is here to help.

Send Us a Message

Contact Information & Location

Address:
56 Brandschenkestrasse, 4th Floor
8002 Zurich, Switzerland

Phone:
+41 (0)44 555 12 34

Email:
info@helvetialichtbildschule.ch

Business Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Find Us on the Map

Map showing location of Helvetia Lichtbild Schule at Brandschenkestrasse 56, Zurich