Commercial Photography

Also known as: Professional Photography, Applied Photography

A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences, and recording events and people, via digital, film, still and video photography. Includes instruction in specialized camera

Commercial PhotographyAdvertising PhotographyProduct PhotographyEvent PhotographyMarketingVisual CommunicationCreative ArtsDesignTheaterEntertainment

A Week as a Student

Your first class is Digital Photography Techniques, diving deep into DSLR settings and RAW file advantages. Later, in the lab, you struggle with white balance for a product shot, but a classmate helps you calibrate the gray card. Lunch is a quick sandwich with your friends before heading to the campus library. You spend the afternoon researching photographers for your Visual Storytelling project, looking for inspiration on composition.

High School Preparation

Required Subjects

Art/Visual ArtsEnglish/Language ArtsMathematicsMedia Studies

Recommended GPA

2.7-3.5

Advanced Courses (AP/IB/Honors)

AP 2-D Art and Design
IB Visual Arts
AP Computer Science Principles

Core Subjects

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Career Prospects

Stable Study Prospects

Graduates can pursue roles as advertising photographers, product photographers, portrait specialists, fashion photographers, or photojournalists. Many also establish successful freelance careers, offering their services across various commercial sectors.

Impact of AI on this Study

AI is increasingly used in commercial photography for advanced image editing, generative art, background removal, and workflow automation. While it streamlines production and offers new creative tools, photographers must adapt to leverage AI effectively and maintain authenticity.