We all relate to the world through (photographic) images and as a photographer you contribute to how we see and understand the world. At WdKA you look at how photography is used in our contemporary visual culture. You will develop your vision and learn how to use photography as a medium and art form.
We approach photography in the broadest sense, it can be the point of departure and an end result. You can create, collect and curate images, working purely with photography or through mixed media. We encourage our students to explore both traditional analogue techniques as well as AI. You can also choose to work autonomously, socially or commercially according to your own interests and drive. The bottom line is, you decide how you want to engage with photography to create new, meaningful work for the future. We provide a lot of freedom but consequently we also expect you to be proactive.
When studying photography with us you will start with experimenting, playing and investigating the medium of photography. You will move into developing your own projects and form your vision. During your studies, you will position yourself as a professional maker and connect with your future professional context. You do this through projects both inside and outside of school.
Throughout your studies you will continuously develop your technical, research and practical skills. You will be trained to function as an individual photographer but also learn to function as part of a team and with external partners. We emphasise collaborative methods and interdisciplinary working forms to prepare you for continuously changing professional practices.
Today everyone is able to capture their own lives and publish their results on their own personal platforms (social media, blogs). The photographer remains a professional with the ability to oversee, critically reflect upon and engage with this field.
Cover project: Shame on Me by Sterre Fenna van der Waals
Open Days & Recruitment activities
Want to know more about life at the Willem de Kooning Academy?
Check out our extended programme, full of (online) activities and interaction with student ambassadors and tutors via this link.
Knowledge & skills
- Concept development
- Knowledge of photography as a medium and a message
- Analogue and digital techniques, both within and outside the studio
- Conducting research
- Working within and outside the studio
- Working collaboratively with artists from different disciplines
- ...and more
Career opportunities
- Artist/photographer
- Researcher
- ...and more
Next to 13 majors and three Practices WdKA offers its students high-tech meeting interdisciplinary spaces - Stations. Stations are the place for creating prototypes, experimenting, remixing and improving your ideas. All of the Willem de Kooning Academy’s students and staff members are welcome to work in our Stations, regardless of their major specialisation, minor, elective module or study year. The Stations are where you can explore the viability of your ideas and find out how to turn them into fully-functioning creations.
Dual Degree programme
Do you have an artistic or a musical talent, as well as a hunger for academic knowledge? You can now mix arts and academia in metropolitan Rotterdam. Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), Willem de Kooning Academy (WdKA) and Codarts offer you the possibility to combine theory and practice in a five-year Dual Degree programme.
