2026-2027 Course Catalog
Photography, AAS
Location(s):
Ankeny
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The Photography AAS program is designed to prepare students for employment as commercial photographers. Students gain basic and advanced knowledge in digital photography, commercial photography, portrait photography, and photojournalism along with advanced editing processes. Students gain a broad understanding of traditional techniques while developing your own personal style. Current industry-standard software and techniques are utilized. Students also learn to communicate with customers and consider social and environmental issues in the context of their work.
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Students may start any semester
Graduation Requirements
To earn a Photography AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Students are required to produce a portfolio of photography work that demonstrates their ability to conceptualize and produce a variety of creative and effective photography. Option 1- Select 3 Credits
Option 2- Select 3 Credits
Total Credits Required to Complete this Degree - 64
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs
| Costs | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Semester 5 | | Books (approx) | 200 | 150 | 250 | 250 | 275 | | Supplies | 150 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | | Equipment | 400 | 200 | 150 | 150 | 150 | | Camera, lenses | 550-1500 |
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| | Portfolio |
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| 300 | 300 |
Approximate total for the program: $18,035-$18,985**
**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate costs. What Kind of Work Will You Do?
- Produce creative images under pressure.
- Produce images using traditional techniques.
- Produce images using electronic techniques.
- Produce images for magazines, advertising, weddings, social media, and posters.
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Use current Lightroom & Photoshop software to produce finished images.
- Be able to take a project from start to finish.
- Work with a diverse group of people.
- Make necessary changes to bring work up to industry standards.
What Else Should I Consider about this Degree?
- Be able to work on more than one project at a time.
- Require hours at work and home to complete projects.
- Produce accurate work with original ideas.
- Will need to update tools as technology changes.
- Average starting salary: $55,396.00
- Other sources for employment and salaries would be the following employers: JCPenney, LifeTouch, Mittera, Grey Dog Media, Meredith Corp, Nordstrom Studio, August Homes Publishing, HyVee, John Deere, Iowa State University, Iowa University, University of Northern Iowa, Drake, Grinnell University.
Program Competencies
- Describe camera equipment and accessories used for commercial photography assignments
- Describe various qualities of light and be able to recognize, produce, and control various lighting conditions including: diffused, direct, direct diffused and back light
- Identify different flash units used in the studio for commercial lighting
- Integrate the multi-step process of “workflow” while working commercial photography assignments
- Demonstrate the appropriate use of the camera controls on a digital camera
- Identify memory devices and file types associated with digital cameras
- Demonstrate the principles of art, design and composition
- Demonstrate understanding of digital image resolution
- Analyze digital images in both a printed and/or electronic format
- Demonstrate On-Location Lighting
- Demonstrate how to prepare a computer to correctly display digital images
- Demonstrate effective communication with customers
- Incorporate social and environmental issues in the context of work
Competencies revised date
AY2026 Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
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