Speos

Speos was founded in 1985 by Pierre-Yves Mahé, a passionate photographer and educator who envisioned a photography school that would combine rigorous technical training with artistic development. The school was established in Paris' 11th arrondissement, a vibrant artistic district that continues to house its main campus. From its founding, Speos distinguished itself by focusing exclusively on professional photography education and maintaining close ties with the industry. In the 1990s, Speos expanded its facilities and began attracting an increasingly international student body. The school pioneered its unique "Stop-System" pedagogical method for teaching light control in photography, which remains a cornerstone of its curriculum. The early 2000s marked a period of significant growth in international partnerships and recognition. In 2010, Speos established its groundbreaking partnership with Agence France-Presse (AFP) to offer an exclusive photojournalism program, followed by partnerships with Magnum Photos for creative documentary and Polka Magazine. In 2021, Speos received the Qualiopi certification, affirming its commitment to training excellence. In December 2024, the school renewed its RNCP level 6 certification (registration number RNCP39859), valid through November 2029. Today, Speos maintains a network of over 4,000 professional photography alumni working in more than 50 countries. The school continues to evolve with the industry, offering programs in fashion, luxury, advertising, documentary, and fine art photography while maintaining its founding commitment to hands-on, practice-based learning in small groups.