Professional Photography AAA Degree

PRO-LEVEL GEAR Everything You Need

As a photography student at Hawkeye, you'll have access to the largest collection of gear of any college in Iowa! Check out a wide variety of professional equipment to bring your vision to life. From the newest mirrorless cameras and lenses to a complete take-home studio lighting kit, we've got you covered!

CAMERA KIT FOR YOU Focus on Creating, Not Buying

You don't need to buy anything, we'll provide it all for you! In your first week as a student, you'll receive a tripod and camera kit (which includes a camera, bag, lens, charger, and battery) to use for the entire year at no additional cost to you!

REAL STUDIOS. REAL EXPERIENCE. Portrait Studios

At Hawkeye, you get access to two fully equipped, professional portrait studios designed specifically for photography—not old classrooms trying to pass as studios. These spaces feature high ceilings and plenty of room to move, so you can really dial in your shots. You’ll work with the same gear you’d find in a modern professional studio (and then some), plus hundreds of backdrops, props, and furniture to help you bring any portrait idea to life.

SHOOT LIKE A PRO Commercial Studios

Beyond our portrait studios, you’ll also have access to two professional commercial photography studios built for real-world shoots. These spaces are built specifically for commercial work, and you’ll use industry-standard equipment for product, advertising, and branding photography. That means hands-on experience that feels just like working in a professional studio. These studios help you shoot like a pro.

YOUR EDITING PLAYGROUND Photo Editing Computer Labs

No need to buy a fancy computer—we’ve got you covered! As a Hawkeye student, you can use our Mac and PC labs with the latest editing software. The labs are always open, and your instructors are right there if you need help.

PHOTOGRAPHY JOBS RIGHT HERE IN IOWA Your Photography Career Starts Here

Some of the best photographers in the world are right here in Iowa—and Hawkeye is a big reason why. When you study photography here, you’re opening the door to real career opportunities close to home. Many of Iowa’s largest companies look to Hawkeye first when they need photographers or photo editors, giving you a strong advantage after graduation.

LEARN THE BUSINESS SIDE OF PHOTOGRAPHY Turn Your Passion Into a Business

You’ll take a photography-focused business class taught by a successful studio owner, so you’re ready to make money as soon as you graduate. From pricing and clients to contracts and workflows, you’ll learn what it really takes to run a studio. Hundreds of Hawkeye grads across Iowa are already running successful photography businesses using the skills they learned here.

PPA MASTER PHOTOGRAPHERS Study With the Best

Hawkeye's Photography program is the only school in the state with two Master Photographers certified by the Professional Photographers of America, the largest photography organization in the world.

ONE-ON-ONE INSTRUCTION Learning on Your Own vs. Hawkeye's Program

There's a lot of misinformation online. Our instructors provide our students with curated information that includes the most efficient ways to work, special skills, and tricks of the trade that are seldom covered online. This streamlined curriculum is the fastest way to learn photography instead of slogging through overwhelming amounts of information online.