The 4Plus Documentary Photography Center is establishing a 6-month photography school. The paid course has two purposes: to help the center with financial stability, and to train young professionals, with whom it will be possible to work in the future. 

Nazik Armenakyan, the co-founder of the center, says that the course is intended for new specialists who want to enter the field, many of them are entering the field quickly today, but due to lack of institutional experience they are unable to keep up with the pace and establish themselves. 

“We will not only teach photography. The program is very comprehensive, though, at the same time, it is not difficult. We have focused on the development of visual abilities, our task is to help develop visual thinking,” she said. 

The school has the name “Picture,” which is not accidental. Back in 1996, photojournalist and documentary photographer Ruben Mangasaryan created a photo agency of the same name, which, however, did not last long. Between 2004 and 2006 Mangasaryan headed the photo school at the Caucasus Media Institute in cooperation with the World Press Photo International Foundation. Many documentary photographers today, such as the founders and members of 4Plus, are graduates of that school. 

According to Nazik, in today’s rapidly changing world, the role of the image is possible, because it, first of all, becomes history and then becomes a memory. Even if a specialist is photographing commercial events, they need to be educated, get acquainted with the history of photography, and read literature in order to have the opportunity for self-reflection. 

“We used to have free courses, many refused to participate in long-term courses, this time people only those who have made a clear decision to specialize in photography should apply. Readiness is important, because the course is long, consisting of theoretical and practical parts,” she said. 

The main program of the school has been developed and will be managed by 4Plus photographers Nazik Armenakyan, Piruza Khalapyan, and Vaghinak Ghazaryan. Leading specialists in the field and invited lecturers will also be involved in the program. 

“Discussions are also a very important part of the course. We do not accept such discussions at all, we want to form that culture at school, to discuss in groups, to express opinions about each other’s work, etc.” 

Ethical issues will be given a lot of attention, specialists will talk about how to get acquainted with the hero, communicate, get permission to take photos, and build relationships in general. 

Students will learn the history of photography, the visual language of building an image through color, light, composition, and photographic directions, and gain basic technical knowledge. 

As for the demand, Nazik says that a lot depends on the specialists, what they offer to the customer, and how they think. Now, according to her, many companies have understood the power of the image and are ready to pay specialists who offer fresh, creative ideas. 

“We have high hopes that we will help young professionals to appear in the field, create a fresh environment, and eventually contribute to the creation of normal exhibition halls,” said the center’s co-founder. 

Graduates of the “Picture” Documentary Photography School will receive a graduation certificate. The best projects created during the course will be published on 4plus.org, and high-achieving students will be involved in 4Plus programs and exhibitions. 

Gayane Asryan