Develop Your Photography Skills with an Associate Degree
The associate of fine arts (AFA) in photography at St. Louis Community College provides a strong foundation in digital and film photography, studio techniques, darkroom printing and visual storytelling. You’ll learn how to capture compelling images, refine your editing skills and develop your own creative style through coursework and hands-on projects.
With online course options available, you can complete select classes in a flexible format while building the technical and creative skills needed in the field. The program helps you create a professional portfolio and prepare for transfer to a four-year university or opportunities in photography, visual arts and creative media.
What is Photography at St. Louis Community College?
STLCC’s photography program helps you develop the technical skills and creative perspective needed to create meaningful images. You’ll explore digital and analog photography while learning how composition, lighting and visual storytelling shape the way images communicate ideas.
Through coursework and studio experiences, you’ll build skills in areas such as:
- Shooting and editing digital photographs using professional software.
- Developing film and creating darkroom prints.
- Applying lighting, composition and creative techniques.
- Completing fieldwork and studio projects that reflect real-world photography practices.
- Building a personal style and professional portfolio.
The program combines artistic exploration with technical training to help you strengthen your photography skills and prepare for opportunities in creative media.
What Can You Do with a Photography Associate Degree?
A photography AFA degree from STLCC helps you develop the creative and technical skills needed for further education or entry-level opportunities in photography and visual media. Throughout the program, you’ll build a professional-quality portfolio that showcases your artistic vision, photography techniques and personal style.
Graduates may pursue opportunities in areas such as event photography, photojournalism, portrait photography, real estate photography and studio assistance. The skills you gain in composition, lighting, editing and visual storytelling can help you contribute to a variety of creative projects and professional settings.
The AFA also provides a strong foundation for transfer to a four-year college or university, allowing you to continue developing your photography skills and pursue advanced study in photography, visual arts or related creative fields.
AFA in Photography
- Degree offered: Associate in fine arts
- Locations: Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec, Online
- Hours to complete: 60-61
- Florissant Valley program contact: Christine Giancola, cgiancola1@stlcc.edu
- Forest Park program contact: Jamie Kreher, jkreher@stlcc.edu
- Meramec program contact: David Hanlon, dhanlon@stlcc.edu
Tuition for district residents is $127 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Accreditation
Institutional art and design programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD): Florissant Valley and Meramec.
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Photography Program
Schedules Built for Your Busy Life
Fitting a quality education into your busy life is easy with the flexibility STLCC offers, including day and evening classes, in-person and live virtual lectures, as well as online and hybrid options.
Multiple Locations Near You
With four campuses and multiple education centers, STLCC has locations around the St. Louis metropolitan area that are close to your home or work, which makes for an easy commute.
Graduate with Little or No Debt
We believe cost should never be a barrier to achieving your potential. Save over $4,700 per year with tuition that's one-third less than other local institutions.
Hands-on Learning
You'll have access to professional-level studios and equipment to learn the latest techniques in photography.
STLCC. What's your reason?