Frame Your Future.
Capture breathtaking moments that inspire action.
With visual content dominating every platform, photographers who can transform everyday moments into breathtaking art are in high demand. The Commercial Photography, AAS curriculum at Owens spans darkroom, digital and fine art while emphasizing contemporary visual literacy.
You’ll develop traditional and digital photography skills while mastering visual storytelling and lighting in our state-of-the-art darkroom and digital labs. You’ll graduate with real-world internship experience and a professional-grade portfolio—ready to work in studios, media or marketing—or launch your own photography business.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
At Owens, you will have a team of dedicated, experienced professionals guiding you. In turn, your faculty will be supported by an Advisory Committee of local professionals.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Department
Department of Creative Arts and Media
Required Credit Hours
61-64
Tangible Results
#23
National ranking for best value in commercial photography
10-15
Students in specialized lab and studio classes—emphasis on hands-on learning
5
Students completed the program in the inaugural class in 2024
Capture Your Vision. Create Your Portfolio.
Turn your passion for photography into a career with this associate degree. Our curriculum starts with the fundamentals and advances to a real-world internship. We’ll help you discover your unique creative voice while developing the visual literacy that will set your work apart.
Over two intensive years, you’ll build expertise across digital, darkroom and studio photography. Your coursework will span lighting design, visual storytelling and composition while covering essential business skills for creative professionals—from marketing strategies to licensing fundamentals.
Career Outcomes
Owens’ commercial photography degree opens doors to diverse creative careers. You might begin as a photographer’s assistant or photo technician, gaining hands-on experience with equipment and studio operations. Or, you might choose to establish your own photo studio. Whether you specialize in portraits, corporate campaigns or editorial work, the career and advancement possibilities are extensive.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“The professors I had did such a good job of adapting to a hybrid system. They worked really hard so that we had the same quality of instruction that we did in the classroom.”
Michael Desanto, Creative Arts and Media, ’21
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.