Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Photography Schools in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Des Moines.
Ever wondered which are the best photography schools in Iowa? Finding the right school is crucial to unlocking your creative potential.
This guide covers the top photography programs in Iowa, offering insights into what each school provides, from curriculum focus to career opportunities.
Discover the perfect fit for your artistic journey.
Iowa Central – Photography Program
The Photography Program at Iowa Central is designed to prepare you for a successful career in the photography industry. This program offers a curriculum that encompasses:
- Commercial photography: Learn to create impactful images for advertising and marketing.
- Fine art photography: Discover how to express your artistic vision.
- Photojournalism: Develop your skills in capturing real-life events.
- Portraiture: Master the techniques of personal and group portrait photography.
You will gain hands-on experience in both digital and analog photography, studio lighting, black-and-white processing, basic video production, and alternative processes. This comprehensive approach ensures you develop the technical skills and artistic design necessary to succeed in various photography fields.
The program emphasizes:
- Technical skills development: Become proficient with modern photographic technologies.
- Artistic design: Enhance your ability to create visually pleasing and compelling compositions.
- Critical thinking: Improve your analytical skills to solve complex visual problems.
- Personal style: Cultivate your unique photographic voice.
- Career goals: Set and achieve your professional aspirations.
Graduates from Iowa Central often find opportunities as commercial photographers, photojournalists, digital photo editors, videographers, and educators. The program offers scholarship opportunities and has a strong alumni network to support your career advancement.
Hawkeye Community College – Professional Photography Program
The Professional Photography Program at Hawkeye Community College provides a robust education, recognized by the Professional Photographers of America and the Professional Photographers of Iowa. The curriculum includes both fundamental and advanced techniques, with a strong focus on:
- Portrait photography: Specializing in families, children, pets, weddings, seniors, sports, and events.
- Hands-on experience: Through field trips, a darkroom, a photo imaging lab, and fully equipped studios.
- Two-year Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) degree: Providing a solid foundation in photography.
- Transfer opportunities: Seamless transition to the University of Northern Iowa’s Technology Management Bachelor of Arts degree.
You will have the opportunity to build a strong portfolio while learning from industry professionals. This program prepares you for diverse career paths, whether you aim to work in a studio or start your own business. The cost of tuition should be verified directly with the college for precise information.
The University of Iowa – Photography Program
At The University of Iowa, the photography program offers a multidisciplinary approach that includes digital and black-and-white film photography. The program is known for:
- Experienced faculty: Professors who exhibit their work internationally.
- Guest lectures: Opportunities to learn from established photographers.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Equipped with the latest technology.
- Visiting artists: Featuring photographers like Pao Houa Her and Carmen Winant.
You are encouraged to contact the School of Art and Art History for detailed information about specific facilities and tuition. This program ensures you receive a well-rounded education in both the technical and creative aspects of photography.
Des Moines Area Community College – Photography Degree Program
The Photography Degree Program at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) is designed to prepare you for careers in commercial and portrait photography. The curriculum includes:
- Digital and film photography: Covering essential techniques for both mediums.
- Portrait and commercial photography: Specialized training for various professional fields.
- Architectural photography: Techniques for capturing stunning architectural images.
- Photojournalism: Skills for documenting events and telling stories through photographs.
You can earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, an Advanced Certificate, a Basic Certificate, or a Certificate in Photography for Social Media. The program integrates:
- Customer communication skills: Essential for professional success.
- Social and environmental awareness: Critical for modern photographers.
DMACC provides flexible learning options and comprehensive training to prepare you for a variety of job opportunities.
University of Northern Iowa – Studio Art Photography Program
The Studio Art Photography Program at the University of Northern Iowa covers the latest digital techniques as well as historic nineteenth-century processes. This unique blend encourages you to experiment with different methods, producing a broad range of work, from traditional prints to contemporary installations.
The program features:
- In-depth technical training: Using tools like manual digital cameras and Adobe Lightroom.
- Creative thinking: Encouraging experimentation and innovation.
- Exhibitions: Opportunities to showcase your work to a broader audience.
- Low student-to-faculty ratio (14:1): Ensuring personalized instruction and mentorship.
With scholarship opportunities and a supportive learning environment, the Studio Art Photography Program helps you achieve both your professional and artistic goals.
Morningside University – Undergraduate Photography Program
The Undergraduate Photography Program at Morningside University focuses on fostering your artistic vision, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities. The program offers:
- Modern facilities: Including darkrooms and studios equipped with the latest technology.
- Internships: Real-world experience with regional businesses.
- Clubs: Art and Photography Clubs for enhanced learning and networking opportunities.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, you receive personalized education, which contributes to a high employment rate (99% within six months of graduation). This program prepares you for diverse careers while nurturing your artistic talents.
Iowa State University – Photography Courses
Iowa State University provides a rich assortment of photography courses catering to both traditional film and digital photography enthusiasts. The courses are structured to encourage a thorough understanding and mastery of various photographic techniques. Here’s what you can anticipate:
- Introduction to Creative Digital Photography: This course helps you to master the basics of digital photography, emphasizing Adobe Photoshop skills.
- Advanced Photography: An exploration of sophisticated techniques with film cameras focusing on color use and aesthetics.
- Alternative Materials: Learn creative processes such as stone lithography and eco-friendly practices in your projects.
- Professional Development: Courses designed to prepare you for internships, graduate school, and job opportunities.
Additionally, Iowa State offers study abroad programs and field trips to museums and studios, enhancing your educational experience. This comprehensive curriculum ensures that you are well-prepared to excel in the diverse field of photography.
Kirkwood Community College – Digital Arts Program
The Digital Arts program at Kirkwood Community College is designed to equip you with the skills necessary for a career in various media fields, including television, film, and photography. Kirkwood’s program emphasizes:
- Marketing Strategies: Learn how to market your creative work effectively.
- Digital Photographic Image Creation: Master the art of creating compelling digital images.
- 2D and 3D Digital Art Processes: Gain proficiency in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital art.
- Video Production: Develop your video production skills, which are essential in today’s multimedia landscape.
- Advanced Television Production: Explore the advanced aspects of television production.
The program includes entrepreneurship training to prepare you for running your own photography business. Spanning two years, this program offers scholarships and financial aid options to support your educational journey.
Next Level Portrait – School Portrait Program
Next Level Portrait specializes in providing high-quality, affordable school portraits by merging traditional photography with modern technology. Their services are designed to meet the unique needs of both schools and parents:
- Easy Online Viewing and Purchasing: Convenient options for parents to view and buy portraits.
- Enhanced Services for Schools: Includes school ID cards, yearbook CDs, and school directories.
- Excellent Products and Services: Known for delivering top-notch products and maintaining reasonable prices.
Next Level Portrait ensures a seamless and efficient photography experience for schools and parents across Iowa, making it a trusted choice for school portraits.
University of Iowa – Photography Program
The Photography Program at the University of Iowa is vibrant, with a variety of events featuring visiting artists and exhibitions. The program stands out for several reasons:
- Visiting Artists: Gain insights from artists like Carmen Winant and Rodrigo Valenzuela.
- Invitational Exhibitions: Showcases contemporary works from peer institutions across the country.
- Highly Regarded Jurors: Events juried by renowned curators such as Ariel Pate.
These opportunities provide a rich environment for networking, learning, and showcasing your work, enhancing your growth as a photographer.
How to Choose the Best Photography School in Iowa
Selecting the right photography school is crucial for your career. Consider these factors to make an informed decision:
- Curriculum Focus: Look for programs that offer a curriculum aligning with your interests, whether it’s commercial photography, fine art, or photojournalism.
- Faculty Expertise: Research the qualifications and experience of the faculty to ensure you’ll be learning from industry professionals.
- Facilities: Check if the school has up-to-date facilities and equipment, such as modern studios, darkrooms, and digital labs.
- Tuition Fees and Financial Aid: Consider the cost of tuition and availability of financial aid or scholarships to support your education.
- Career Support Services: Assess the support services provided, including internship opportunities, career counseling, and job placement assistance.
- School Reputation: Look into the school’s reputation, alumni success stories, and reviews from current or former students.
- Specializations: Identify any unique specializations the program offers that align with your career goals.
- Campus Visits: If possible, visit the campus to get a feel for the environment and speak to students and faculty.
By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can select a photography school in Iowa that best suits your ambitions and sets you up for success.
Photography Schools By State
Conclusion
Choosing the best photography school in Iowa requires careful consideration of numerous factors, from curriculum to facilities. The right decision can set the stage for a successful and rewarding career in photography. Explore the programs listed above to find the one that best matches your goals and aspirations. Investing in the right education is the first step towards making your mark in the world of photography.