Light and Life Academy was established in 2001 is the first custom-designed institute for professional photographers in India. The institute believes in the method of modern Gurukul and has international collaborations with Kodak India, Eastman Kodak USA, LMW- Coimbatore, Calumet-USA, Photoquip-India, ZenTask-India, Gretag Imaging-Switzerland. Light and Life Academy offers PG Diploma in Professional Photography and Digital Production & PG Diploma in Documentary and Corporate Filmmaking. Admission to Light and Life Academy Courses is done on the basis of a first-come-first-serve basis. Admission is granted to eligible candidates through the selection process followed by an interview. 

LLA has been driven by passion from the very beginning, with every aspect of the institution carefully designed - the location, the architecture and facilities. From the outset, it has aimed to balance the positives of a contemporary pedagogy with the ethos of a Gurukul. The approach is to ensure that each individual student learns photography at a conceptual level, at their own pace. The academy lays great emphasis on guiding individuals to develop their vision while nurturing their inner vision. Light and life Academy also provides different facilities to the students, like classrooms, 14 Studios with equipment, a daylight studio, an automobile studio, an auditorium, prop room, an equipment room, a library, a student hangouts space, etc.

Light and Life Academy Campus Tour

Light and Life Academy Key Facts

Over 2 decades since its inception as India’s Premier Professional Photography Institute, LLA launches new programs to meet the needs of the fast-changing communication landscape.

  • LLA Objective: To create a more versatile visual communicator encompassing 4 areas: Professional Photography. Digital Filmmaking. Self-Expression. Social Impact.
  • LLA Faculty: The core faculty members at LLA are aligned with the philosophy of the founder, Iqbal Mohamed: share knowledge and the willingness to work with students who have varying learning curves.The faculty members regularly reinvent the syllabus. Check: Light and Life Academy Faculty
  • LLA Placement: Light & Life Academy has designed the PG Diploma courses for those looking to become freelance professionals. As such, LLA does not offer placements. However, students are offered career counselling opportunities with faculty and alumni.
  •  LLA  New Batch: The new batches begin in the month of September and end in August.

Light and Life Academy Courses 

Light and Life Academy offers 2 diploma-level courses with specializations as tabulated below:

Course Eligibility Duration

Post Graduation Diploma in Documentary and Corporate Filmmaking

 Passed graduation from a recognized university  3 months

Post Graduation Diploma in Professional Photography and Digital Production

 9 months
Check: Light and Life Academy Courses & Fees

Light and Life Academy Admission

Light & Life academy currently offers 2 full-time PG Diploma Courses. Admission is on a first-come-first-served basis and involves a three-step process:

Step 1: Fill the online application form.

Step 2: Complete the online payment of the application fee of INR 1500. 

Step 3: Online or Personal interview with Director(s).

Note: The Academy notifies admission status soon after the interviews.

Light and Life Academy Facilities

Light and Life Academy is perched on a mountaintop about 7000 ft. above sea level near Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India, with a spectacular view of the Ketti Valley, arguably the second largest inhabited valley in the world. The campus is an inspiring 60,000 sq ft theater with up to three seasons visiting it every day. Custom-designed by one of India's most celebrated architects, Mr. Jaisim (recipient of NDTV award for Lifetime Achievement in Architecture), any part of the campus is a window to the continuously unfolding drama of the sights and sounds of nature.

The quality of light is perfect for students of photography. Besides, as there are few distractions, the students stay focused on photography. The locals and officials are not just supportive but welcoming of cameras and photography, unlike most other places. It is a truly conducive environment to create a picture. The facilities offered on campus are as follows:

  • 14 Studios with Equipment
  • 2 Classrooms
  • DayLight Studio
  • 4500 sq ft. Automobile Studio
  • Equipment Room
  • Prop Room
  • Library
  • Reception
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Student Hangout Space
  • Football Ground
  • Games Room: Table Tennis & Carrom

Light and Life Academy FAQs

Ques. What are the minimum requirements to apply for admission at Light and Life Academy?

Ans. Applicants should be more than 20 years of age. Should have completed basic graduation in any stream. Must be familiar with the use of a DSLR/ Mirrorless camera. 

Ques. How is the course curriculam at Light and Life Academy?

Ans. Light and Life Academy offers PG Diploma in Professional Photography & Digital Production and PG Diploma in Documentary & Corporate Filmmaking. The course curriculum is designed to meet the current industry expectations. Detailed are listed below:

PG Diploma in Professional Photography & Digital Production

  • Section A - Professional Photography Part 1
  • Section B - Professional Photography Part 2
  • Section C: Nature Photography
  • Section D – Digital Production
  • Section E - Specialisation
  • Section F - Fine Art Photography
  • Section G – Workshops/Seminars (Compulsory)
  • Section H - Additional Workshops (Optional)
  • Section I - Value Additions
  • Section J: Making Your Portfolio

PG Diploma in Documentary & Corporate Filmmaking

  • Section A - Foundation in Photography
  • Section B: Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking
  • Section C: The Process of Making a Film
  • Section D: Corporate Films
  • Section E: Final Project

Ques. Does Light and Life Academy provide hostel facilities?

Ans. Light & Life Academy does not provide hostel facilities. However, assistance will be provided by the academy in finding appropriate and convenient accommodation in and around Ooty.

Ques. How much is the intake size for each class at Light and Life Academy?

Ans. There are 50 students in each class in total.

Ques. Does Light and Life Academy provide online education?

Ans. For PG Diploma programs and Workshops, students are required to be available in person. However, Light & Life Academy-Online offers a 10-week online course, Get Creative with Photography, available in 10 languages, for those interested in improving their skills as a serious amateur.

Ques. What is the grading system of Light and Life Academy?

Ans. Light & Life Academy Evaluation is done on a continuous basis, on assignments submitted and tests administered. The students are expected to clear every single assignment with a minimum score of 70%.

Ques. What are the career prospects for students enrolled in the post-graduate diploma course of Light and Life Academy?

Ans. Once a student has completed either of our professional courses, you will be fully equipped to pursue a career in professional photography in a field of your choice. The career opportunities ahead of the certificate holder will be vast. All the alumni are professional photographers in different fields of photography, such as underwater, aerial, etc.