New

Digital Photography

Capture Your Future in Photography: Creative Skills, Career Ready

Student taking pictures.

Program Overview

Elevate your photography skills and turn your passion into a career with Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø’s (CWI) new Digital Photography program, coming Fall 2025. This program will help you build a strong foundation in photography essentials such as composition and lighting and gain hands-on experience in digital editing and advanced techniques. Classes in video production, web design, and studio lighting will ensure you are well-prepared for a dynamic career in today's creative and commercial industries. 

From portrait, landscape, and event photography to business strategy and personal finance, you will develop a diverse skill set that goes beyond the camera. Skills in audio production and digital publishing will further enhance your multimedia capabilities. Concluding with a capstone project, you will be ready to showcase your artistic and technical skills with confidence, positioning you for success in a variety of professional photography paths. 

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Basic Technical Certificate

Cost

$5,214 – 11,720

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

Primary Location

Student editing photos on a desktop computer at a desk

Learning Opportunities

  • Develop Your Creative Style: Master the art of visual storytelling and learn to compose images that capture attention and communicate powerful narratives. 
  • Capture Stunning Images: Gain hands-on experience with professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras in various types of lighting and environments. 
  • Master Editing Skills: Become proficient in industry-standard photo-editing software to refine and enhance your images into polished, professional-level work.
  • Build a Portfolio: Showcase your skills in a compelling portfolio to attract potential employers and clients. 
  • Prepare for Industry Success: Learn essential skills, from marketing your services to managing products and navigating the business side of photography. 

Areas of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Digital Photography – Associate of Applied Science Degree

2

YEARS

AAS

Cost: $11,720

Digital Photography – Basic Technical Certificate

1

YEAR

BTC

Cost: $5,214

Photographer speaking with a business client.

Career Opportunities

  • Postsecondary Teachers

    192

    Annual Openings*

    $35.10

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $73,008

    Annual Median Salary

    18.28%

    Growth (2025 – 2035)*

  • Photographers

    Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject’s appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

    41

    Annual Openings*

    $20.06

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $41,725

    Annual Median Salary

    9.5%

    Growth (2025 – 2035)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcastâ„¢, a labor market analytics tool, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
New Student Checklist

Request More Information

Interested in learning more about this program or getting started? Fill out the information below to be contacted by a member of our team.

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Connect With Us

Ready to get started? Our team looks forward to assisting you!

Shawna Donahue

shawnadonahue@cwi.edu