COVID-19 Campus Updates and Resources: Wearing a face mask and practicing physical distancing are required. Visit our Stay Healthy, Stay Safe. Navigating COVID-19 Together website for more information.

Beginning November 16, most lecture-based classes are moved to an online format through the end of the semester. See full announcement

Attention MET Transit riders: MET Transit has made some adjustments to Route 10 Hawkeye due to COVID-19. In order to get a ride to or from Hawkeye Community College you will need to contact Dispatch. See full announcement.

Search Menu

Professional Photography

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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 $19,000 $31,000 $37,000

Source: 2018 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
Back to top