Find Your Focus in STLCC’s Photography Program
The associate of fine arts (AFA) in photography at St. Louis Community College gives you experience with digital and film photography, darkroom printing, studio techniques and real-world projects. You’ll learn to capture striking images, edit them professionally and develop a style that stands out.
The program builds a foundation for transferring to a four-year university or starting a career in photography, visual arts or creative media. You’ll gain essential skills, create a professional portfolio and explore career paths like studio and event photography, photojournalism or commercial work.
What is Photography at St. Louis Community College?
STLCC's photography program helps students turn creativity into real-world skills. You’ll learn to take professional-quality photos, explore different styles and master both digital and analog photography techniques. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, giving you opportunities to experiment with lighting, composition and visual storytelling while developing your unique creative voice.
You’ll get to explore all aspects of photography, including:
- Shooting and editing digital photos using professional software
- Analog photography and darkroom printing for hands-on experience
- Fieldwork and studio projects to practice real-world skills
- Developing a personal photography style that expresses your vision
- Understanding composition, visual storytelling and photography history
By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to build a professional portfolio, take on freelance or studio work, or continue your studies at a four-year university.
What Can You Do with a Photography Associate in Fine Arts Degree?
By the end of the program, you’ll have a professional-quality portfolio that highlights your creative vision, technical skills and personal style. This foundation prepares you for careers in event photography, photojournalism, portrait or real estate photography, or working as a studio assistant. You’ll also have the skills and coursework to transfer smoothly to a four-year college program and continue building your photography career.
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 $122 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?