Hawkeye Community College Professional Photography Program

United States — University Courses

1501 East Orange Road
Waterloo, IA 50704

Phone: +1 (319) 296-2320

Instagram: @HawkeyeCollege

The Professional Photography Program at Hawkeye Community College is designed to prepare students for successful careers in the ever-evolving photography industry. Recognized as one of the finest programs in the Midwest, it offers a balanced curriculum that merges technical training, creative exploration, and real-world experience. Students gain a solid foundation in camera operations, lighting, composition, and digital editing while developing the artistic sensibility needed to produce compelling visual stories.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning and provides access to professional-grade studios and equipment that mirror industry standards. Students work on projects across diverse photographic genres, including commercial, photojournalism, and portraiture, preparing them for a range of professional opportunities. Courses in business practices and client relations ensure that graduates are not only skilled photographers but also confident entrepreneurs ready to manage their own studios or freelance careers.

Accredited by the Professional Photographers of America, the program reflects a high standard of educational excellence and industry relevance. This recognition ensures that students are trained under nationally respected guidelines and are prepared to meet the expectations of today’s competitive photography market. In addition, Hawkeye’s articulation agreements with Upper Iowa University and Mount Mercy University allow graduates to transfer seamlessly into bachelor’s degree programs with junior standing, facilitating continued academic and professional growth.

The faculty, composed of working professionals and experienced educators, bring firsthand industry insights into the classroom. They encourage students to refine their personal style while maintaining a professional approach to assignments and client projects. By the time they graduate, students leave Hawkeye with an impressive portfolio, real-world experience, and a deep understanding of both the creative and business sides of photography. The program’s blend of artistry, technology, and professionalism makes it a leader in photographic education across the Midwest.

expand_circle_rightHawkeye Community College Professional Photography Program Website

expand_circle_rightWhere Photography Happens

Griffin Museum of Photography

United States
Winchester, MA

The Griffin Museum of Photography, located in Winchester, Massachusetts, is an institution devoted entirely to the celebration and exploration of photographic art. Founded with the mission of advancing the appreciation of photography in all its forms, the museum has become a vibrant cultural hub where established masters and emerging voices share space and spark dialogue. Through its exhibitions, programs, and lectures, the Griffin Museum offers opportunities for audiences to engage deeply with

Portland Art Museum

United States
Portland, OR

The Portland Art Museum holds one of the most significant photography collections in the Pacific Northwest, a legacy built over decades of vision, gifts, and curatorial care. In 2005, the museum underscored this commitment with the opening of a dedicated 2,200–square–foot gallery on the mezzanine level of the Jubitz Center for Modern and Contemporary Art, the largest permanent space for photography in the region. This gallery presents rotating exhibitions drawn from the museum’s permanent collec

National Portrait Gallery Smithsonian Institution

United States
Washington, DC

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to telling the story of America through the individuals who have shaped its history and culture. Established by Congress in 1962, the museum was created to acquire and display portraits of those whose achievements have left a lasting impact on the nation. From artists and inventors to activists, performers, and presidents, the Portrait Gallery offers a rich and diverse narrative of American identity, capturing the comp

MMPA - Maine Museum of Photographic Arts

United States
Portland, ME

The Maine Museum of Photographic Arts (MMPA) is a prominent institution dedicated to the celebration and exploration of photography as an art form. Located in Portland, Maine, the museum offers a vibrant space for both established and emerging photographers to showcase their work, providing visitors with an opportunity to engage with diverse photographic practices that reflect the world’s rich visual landscape. Founded with the mission to promote and preserve the cultural significance of phot

George Eastman Museum

United States
Rochester, NY

The George Eastman Museum, located in Rochester, New York, stands as one of the world’s premier institutions dedicated to the history and art of photography. Its photography collection, unparalleled in scope and significance, encompasses more than 400,000 photographs and negatives, charting the medium’s journey from its invention in the early 19th century to the innovations of today. This vast archive showcases photography not only as a technological achievement but also as a powerful tool for s

ICP - International Center of Photography

United States
New York, NY

The International Center of Photography (ICP), founded in 1974 by Cornell Capa, stands as a vital cultural institution devoted to the understanding and advancement of photography and visual storytelling. Rooted in the belief that images possess the power to inspire awareness and social change, ICP emerged with a mission to promote “concerned photography”—work that engages deeply with the political, social, and human dimensions of the world. Located in New York City, ICP functions as both muse

MIA - Minneapolis Institute of Arts

United States
Minneapolis, MN

The Minneapolis Institute of Art, known simply as MIA, is a cornerstone of cultural life in the Twin Cities and a museum of international stature. Among its many treasures, the Department of Photography & New Media stands out as a dynamic area of growth and innovation, offering visitors an expansive view of photography’s history and its evolving role in contemporary art. The museum began assembling its photography collection in 1973, and today it includes over 11,500 works by more than 800 ph

LACP - Los Angeles Center of Photography

United States
Los Angeles, CA

The Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP) serves as a vibrant hub for creative exploration, education, and connection through the lens of photography. Located in Downtown Los Angeles, LACP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing visual storytellers at every stage of their artistic journey. For over twenty years, it has empowered photographers to discover their voice, sharpen their skills, and participate in a thriving artistic community that reflects the rich cultural fabric of Los

Blue Sky Gallery

United States
Portland, OR

Blue Sky Gallery, founded in 1975 as the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, has grown from a small collective of five young photographers into one of the most respected venues for contemporary photography in the United States. From its earliest years, Blue Sky championed local talent while quickly broadening its reach to national and international photographers, many of whom were exhibited at the gallery early in their careers. This long-standing commitment to discovery and innovation has

J. Paul Getty Museum

United States
Los Angeles, CA

The J. Paul Getty Museum of Photography is a cornerstone of one of the world’s most influential cultural institutions dedicated to the visual arts. Established through the vision and generosity of businessman and art collector J. Paul Getty, the museum reflects a profound commitment to preserving and sharing humanity’s artistic legacy. Getty believed that art had the power to elevate and educate society, and his legacy lives on through the many branches of the Getty Trust. Housed within the G

Cincinnati Art Museum

United States
Cincinnati, OH

The Cincinnati Art Museum stands as one of the nation’s oldest art institutions, often referred to in its early years as the “Art Palace of the West.” Its creation in the late nineteenth century reflected the city’s growing reputation as a cultural center of the Midwest. Spearheaded by the Women’s Art Museum Association and brought to life through public subscription, the museum opened its doors in 1886 in Eden Park, marking the first purpose-built art museum west of the Allegheny Mountains. Fro

CAAM - California African American Museum at Art + Practice

United States
Los Angeles, CA

Art + Practice (A+P) has established a distinctive model that combines contemporary art with meaningful social engagement. Located in the historic Leimert Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles, the nonprofit foundation operates at the intersection of culture, education, and community support. Since its founding, A+P has sought to demonstrate how art institutions can play an active role in addressing social challenges while remaining committed to presenting ambitious contemporary exhibitions. Th

Fenimore Art Museum

United States
Cooperstown, NY

Nestled along the shores of Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York, the Fenimore Art Museum offers a distinctive blend of American art, history, and culture in a serene and inspiring setting. Housed in a stately 1930s neo-Georgian mansion that was once the home of Edward Severin Clark, the museum provides a deeply personal and immersive experience that reflects the richness of American heritage. The Fenimore Art Museum is particularly renowned for its outstanding collections of American folk ar

National Gallery of Art

United States
Washington, DC

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions, welcoming millions of visitors each year to engage with art across centuries and continents. Founded in 1937 as a gift to the American people, the museum embodies a commitment to accessibility and learning, offering free admission to its West and East Buildings, the Sculpture Garden, and all exhibitions and public programs. Its mission extends beyond preserving masterpieces—it is dedicated to fo

MoMA - The Museum of Modern Art

United States
New York, NY

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City has been a leading force in recognizing photography as a vital form of modern and contemporary art. Its commitment to the medium began in 1930, when it first started acquiring photographs, and was solidified a decade later with the creation of a dedicated photography department in 1940. Today, MoMA’s photography collection has grown to encompass more than 25,000 works, making it one of the most significant and influential collections in the world.

Peter Fetterman Gallery

United States
Los Angeles, CA

Peter Fetterman Gallery is a renowned fine art photography gallery based in Santa Monica, California. Established by Peter Fetterman, a passionate collector and advocate of photographic art, the gallery has become one of the leading spaces for classic and contemporary photography. With a strong focus on black-and-white and documentary-style imagery, the gallery houses an extensive collection of some of the most influential and celebrated photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries. The gal

SFMOMA - San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

United States
San Francisco, CA

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a leading cultural institution dedicated to modern and contemporary art, located in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Founded in 1935, SFMOMA was the first museum on the West Coast devoted solely to 20th-century art. Today, it continues to serve as a dynamic platform for innovative visual expression, offering a rich and diverse program that reflects the evolving narratives of modern art. With more than 170,000 square feet of gallery space,

East Window

United States
Boulder, CO

East Window emerges as an intimate yet powerful platform for contemporary artistic expression, rooted in a spirit of accessibility and social engagement. Founded in 2020 by photographer and filmmaker Todd Edward Herman, the space begins as a simple yet inventive response to a moment of global isolation. A single street-facing window becomes a site of encounter, allowing art to remain visible and alive when traditional galleries close their doors. This modest gesture quickly evolves into a dynami

Howard Greenberg Gallery

United States
New York, NY

For over four decades, the Howard Greenberg Gallery has been a cornerstone in the world of fine art photography, recognized for its pioneering role in shaping the market and public appreciation of the medium. Established in 1981 by Howard Greenberg—himself a photographer and founder of The Center for Photography in Woodstock—the gallery has continually championed photography as a vital form of artistic expression. The gallery’s expansive collection represents a living history of photography,

CPW - Center for Photography at Woodstock

United States
Kingston, NY

The Center for Photography at Woodstock (CPW) stands as a vibrant and inclusive cultural institution where photography serves as a powerful lens through which to explore identity, society, and social change. Established as both a community museum and educational hub, CPW fosters dialogue, experimentation, and growth in the photographic arts while remaining deeply rooted in values of equity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, CPW offers a wide array of p

MCA - Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

United States
Chicago, IL

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago stands as a bold and dynamic space where new ideas in art are explored, questioned, and brought to life. Since opening its doors in 1967, the MCA has embraced the ever-evolving nature of contemporary art, serving as both a stage for experimentation and a site for reflection on the world we live in. Unlike traditional museums that preserve the past, the MCA is firmly rooted in the present, showcasing the work of living artists who respond to today's social,

The Anchorage Museum of Art

United States
Anchorage, AK

The Anchorage Museum of Art stands as one of Alaska’s most significant cultural institutions, weaving together art, history, science, and culture to tell the story of the North. Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, the museum is both a world-class exhibition space and a gathering place for dialogue about the past, present, and future of life in the Arctic. Its mission extends beyond traditional museum roles, inviting visitors to engage with complex ideas about identity, environment, and g

Delaware Art Museum

United States
Wilmington, DE

The Delaware Art Museum stands today as a cultural landmark deeply rooted in the legacy of illustration, storytelling, and international art history. Its origins date back to 1912, when a group of Wilmington residents gathered to honor the life and work of Howard Pyle, one of America’s most celebrated illustrators. Pyle’s sudden passing the year before left a void in the artistic community, but his friends and students—among them N. C. Wyeth and Frank Schoonover—ensured that his legacy would end

Princeton University Art Museum

United States
Princeton, NJ

The Princeton University Art Museum holds one of the nation’s most distinguished photography collections, a resource that has become central to its teaching mission and reputation as a premier academic museum. The story begins modestly in 1949, when the museum registered its very first photograph, an image by Alfred Stieglitz. Just over two decades later, the collection was transformed by the extraordinary gift of David Hunter McAlpin, Class of 1920, and his wife, who donated nearly 500 works by

Nevada Museum of Art

United States
Reno, NV

The Nevada Museum of Art, founded in 1931, stands as the state’s only art museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is nationally recognized for its unique focus on the intersection of art and environment. From its earliest years, when it was guided by Dr. James Church and a circle of landscape painters, the museum has explored how human creativity engages with natural and built surroundings. That mission was physically embodied in 2003, when its striking Reno building—designed b

Marc Selwyn Fine Art

United States
Los Angeles, CA

Marc Selwyn Fine Art, founded in 2003, is a distinguished gallery located in Beverly Hills, California, committed to showcasing significant contemporary and postwar art. Housed in a former 1930s synagogue, the gallery offers a unique architectural setting that mirrors its dedication to honoring both historical context and cutting-edge creativity. Over the years, the gallery has cultivated a thoughtful and rigorous program that bridges generations, often placing established artists in dialogue wi

FMoPA - Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

United States
Tampa, FL

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, known as FMoPA, stands as a cultural landmark devoted entirely to the power of photography. Since its beginnings in 2001, the museum has grown into one of Tampa’s most vital artistic institutions, recognized for both its innovative exhibitions and its strong community outreach. Founded by Cynthia L. Flowers, along with Charles J. Levin and Vincent Sorrentino, the museum began as the Tampa Gallery of Photographic Arts, opening with the acclaimed exhibition

Fahey/Klein Gallery

United States
Los Angeles, CA

Fahey/Klein Gallery, based in Los Angeles, stands as a celebrated institution devoted to elevating the medium of photography as a form of fine art. Since its founding, the gallery has carved out a space that honors both the historical legacy and the evolving landscape of photographic expression. With a curatorial approach that spans iconic figures and contemporary innovators, Fahey/Klein has consistently presented exhibitions that showcase the breadth and depth of the photographic form. Over

Philadelphia Museum of Art

United States
Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the nation’s oldest and most celebrated art institutions, stands as a symbol of both tradition and innovation. With a collection that surpasses 200,000 objects, the museum reflects the vision of its founders while embracing the changing currents of global art. Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, its iconic neoclassical building is not only a landmark but also a gateway to centuries of creativity, from European masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary

OSMOS

United States
New York, NY

OSMOS Gallery, with its New York City location in the East Village, stands at the intersection of photography, contemporary art, and critical discourse. Founded in 1997 as a project space in Berlin, OSMOS has evolved into a multifaceted platform that combines exhibitions, publications, and artist estate management, fostering an environment where photographic practice is both celebrated and critically examined. At its East 1st Street location, OSMOS presents curated exhibitions that highlight

expand_circle_rightPhotography Events Ending Soon

From photography exhibitions and photo festivals to art fairs and gallery shows, these events are closing soon and still worth a visit. Whether you're an avid collector, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for cultural inspiration, find the best photography events near you before they end.