Professional Photography

Courses Careers Program Admission Program Contacts All Programs >>

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

Equipment Checkout: Hawkeye offers a large selection of lenses and photography equipment including light kits, backgrounds, props, furniture, and more for you to check out at no cost.
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.
Photo Studios: Work in one of Hawkeye's five fully-equipped photography studios to complete assignments and build a portfolio.
Portfolio: You will develop print and digital photography portfolios. You will have the opportunity to have your portfolio reviewed by industry professionals.
Field Trips: During our annual professional trip we travel all over Iowa and to neighboring states to visit portrait studios, commercial studios, and cultural centers. Students get a first hand view of what it's like working in the industry and learn how their 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

The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Applied Engineering and Technical Management has a documented pathway between Hawkeye's Professional Photography AAA degree program and UNI's Technology Management Bachelor of Arts degree. Check out UNI's transfer guide to learn more.

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

At A Glance
Award	Associate of Applied Arts
Length of Study	2 years

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 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

Alumni Testimonials

"Before attending Hawkeye, I had no idea who I wanted to be. The possibilities were limitless, but I couldn't find that one thing that stuck. While attending as a Liberal Arts major, I took a class that changed the course of my life. I joined the Professional Photography program in 2018, and since then, I have made lifelong friends in both my peers and instructors, fostered positive industry connections, and garnered the tools I need to be successful in my career for years to come."

Shelby Davis, Professional Portrait Photographer (Owner of SRD Photography LLC, specializing in HS Senior photography), class of 2020

"What is the definition of success? suc·cess /s?k'ses/ noun: the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. I believe it would be accurate to say that no two people have the exact same definition of what success means to them. For me it means to have the ability to support and nurture important relationships in my life by making a living doing something I feel passionate about. I have been a professional photographer and business owner since graduating from the HCC photo program 15 years ago and I am proud to say that I am, in fact, successful. As defined by the dictionary and by my own personal standards. Hawkeye set me up with the skills and knowledge to build and sustain two photography businesses without financial assistance but more importantly left me with life long friendships and priceless memories."

Jaimy Ellis, M. Photog, owner/operator, class of 2006

"The Hawkeye photography program gave me the technical foundation I needed to succeed at professional photography. My instructors (which I’m still in contact with to this day), the state of the art equipment and facilities and the relationships I created are all so valuable to my photographic journey."

Heidi Eiffert, M. Photog., Cr., CPP, Portrait Studio Owner and Photographer, class of 2022

Program Pathway

Professional Photography Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) degree

The first year of the Professional Photography program 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.

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)
Credits	66
Program Start	Fall
Number of Terms	4
Time to Complete	2 years
Admissions Application	Select Academic Program: Professional Photography – AAA See Program Admission

Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost

Program Courses

Term 1

Camera I
Introduction to Image Editing
Photo Design I
Print I

Term 2

Basic Commercial Photography
Basic Portraiture
Camera II
Intermediate Electronic Imaging
Print II

Term 3

Intermediate Portraiture
Intermediate Commercial
Portrait Business
Commercial Business
Portrait Image Editing
Commercial Image Editing

Term 4

Advanced Portrait Image Editing
Advanced Commercial Image Editing
Portrait Production and Portfolio
Commercial Production and Portfolio

Electives — Term 3

Art Direction
Commercial Business
Commercial Image Editing
Intermediate Commercial
Intermediate Portraiture
Portrait Business
Portrait Image Editing
Visual Communication

Electives — Term 4

Advanced Commercial Image Editing
Advanced Commercial Lighting
Advanced Portrait Image Editing
Audio Visual Presentations
Commercial Production and Portfolio
Fine Art Photography
History of Photography
Portrait Production and Portfolio
Wedding Photography

You have completed the Professional Photography Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) degree program. Check out the Computers and Technology continuing education courses to keep up to date in your profession.

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	$20,410	$36,040	$41,970

Source: 2023 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development — Statewide Wages

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

Program Admission

You can check the status of your application by logging into your Admissions Account.

Hawkeye's Equal Opportunity Statement

Program Contacts
Admissions		Email Admissions	319-296-4000	Hawkeye Center 114
Academic/College Success Advisor	Honey Lynn	Email Honey Lynn	319-296-4014 ext.1083	Hawkeye Center 208E
Faculty Advisor Last Names A – M	Molly Long	Email Molly Long	319-296-2329 ext.1292	Black Hawk Hall 183B
Faculty Advisor Last Names N – Z	Adam Hunter	Email Adam Hunter	319-296-2329 ext.1293	Black Hawk Hall 181A

Take a closer look. Learn the fun side of college.

Check out what Hawkeye has to offer you!

Request Info Visit Hawkeye Apply Now

Your Program / Major

Academic Records

Classes

Student Resources

Information for Students

Student Activities, Athletics, and Recreation