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Professional Photography

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Program Overview

The Professional Photography program prepares you to start a career as a professional photographer. In today’s market, it takes more to be a professional photographer than just taking a pretty picture. Taught by experienced industry professionals, you will learn the foundational concepts, techniques, and processes that have been used by photographers from the earliest days of photography through today. You will also learn and explore the art, craft, and business of photography.

Hawkeye’s Professional Photography program is recognized as one of the best in the Midwest.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

  • Photo Studios and Equipment Checkout: Work in one of Hawkeye's six fully-equipped photography studios using industry standard computer software, lighting, backdrops, props, and more to develop your photography skills. Hawkeye offers the largest selection of lenses and photography equipment in the state for you to check out.

  • Darkroom: Learn to develop analog photography from 35mm up to 8" x 10" images.

  • Photo Imaging Lab: Develop photography production and editing skills using industry standard software, including Adobe Photoshop.

  • Computer Lab: In our high end computer labs you will learn on software that the professionals are using.

  • Portfolio: You will develop print and digital photography portfolios. You will have the opportunity to have your portfolio reviewed by industry professionals.

  • Field Trips: Visit commercial and portrait studios and meet with past graduates to learn how your skills and knowledge can be applied in a variety of work environments.

  • Professional Conventions: Students have the opportunity to attend the Professional Photographers of Iowa Winter Convention. Attend presentations from industry experts and make valuable contacts with professionals. Students can also participate in the photo competition to be judged right along with the professionals.

  • Photography Club: As a part of this student organization you can learn from a variety of real-world experiences while giving back to the community.

Professional Affiliation

Our program is the only program in Iowa recognized by the Professional Photographers of America and the Professional Photographers of Iowa. Graduates earn three merits towards their Master Photographer designation from the Professional Photographers of America.

Transfer Information

An articulation agreement allows you to transfer your Professional Photography coursework to the Technology Management program at the University of Northern Iowa.

If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

Scholarship for Success

This program qualifies for the Scholarship for Success, a Hawkeye scholarship awarded to students who have excelled academically at the high school or HiSET level and will pay $250 per semester towards your tuition!

Faculty Spotlight

All of our instructors have worked in the real world of photography. In fact, they have over 100 years of combined experience in the field! Not all photo schools are equal; experience matters!

See our bios to learn more about us!

Adam Hunter Doug Benton Molly Long

Video Overview

Professional Photography Program at Hawkeye Community College

Prepare for a career in professional photography with Hawkeye's award-winning program. You'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cameras with hundreds of lenses, a wide array of lighting, and more. Plus, you'll get out of the classroom with valuable field trips, conferences, and more. Check out the video to learn more!

See More Video

Courses

First Year Core Courses: Learn the Basics

Every first year photography student will take the same courses. This course of study is designed to teach you the basics of photographing, printing, and finishing your photos. It will also give you a sample of all three of the specializations available during your second year.

  • Photo Design I
  • Camera I and Camera II
  • Print I and Print II
  • Introduction to Image Editing
  • Basic Portraiture
  • Basic Commercial Photography
  • Intermediate Electronic Imaging

Second Year Core Courses: Choose Your Specialty

Second year students can choose a specialty or a combination of specialties. Specialize in Portrait Photography, Commercial Photography, and/or Digital Technician.

Portrait Photographer

Specializes in families, children, pets, weddings, seniors, sports, and event photography. You will learn advanced posing and lighting in studio and on location. Many graduates have gone on to have very successful studios!

Commercial Photographer

Create images for magazines, catalogs, advertising, and products. You will learn advanced tabletop studio lighting and much more. You can choose to travel or work from a home studio anywhere!

Digital Technician

The computer specialists of the photo industry. Learn how to finish photos to perfection using Photoshop and beyond! Skills include advanced retouch, digital printing, compositing, and creating collages and posters.

Program Details

Award: Associate of Applied Arts (AAA)
Required number of credits: 66
Program Start: Fall

View Suggested Sequence of Study & Course Cost

Careers

Positions

Graduates find jobs in professional photography studios and color labs, corporate photography departments, and advertising agencies. Many graduates also go on to start their own photography business or do freelance work.

Example Careers and Average Wages
Entry Average Experienced
Photographers $19,500 $33,500 $40,600

Source: 2020 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development

Independent contractors and business owner salaries may be higher based on graduate and advisory member surveys.

Employers

The following is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:
Business Location
DC Shoes, Inc. Huntington Beach, CA
John Deere Moline, IL
Meredith Corporation Des Moines, IA
Read Photography Cedar Rapids, IA
Stalzer Photography Marshalltown, IA

Contact Us
Admissions Email Admissions 319-296-4000 Hawkeye Center 114
Academic/College Success Advisor Student Services Email Student Services 319-296-4014 Hawkeye Center 208
Program Advisor Doug Benton Email Doug Benton 319-296-2329 ext.1438 Black Hawk Hall 181A
Program Advisor Adam Hunter Email Adam Hunter 319-296-2329 ext.1293 Black Hawk Hall 183A
Administrative Assistant Kate Childers Email Kate Childers 319-296-4007 Black Hawk Hall 258
Dean Catharine Freeman Email Catharine Freeman 319-296-4041 Black Hawk Hall 258

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