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Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
The photography industry is growing at 3.5% annually (2023-2030), creating a high demand for skilled photographers across various fields like media, advertising, fashion, and healthcare. If you’re passionate about photography, a Diploma in Photography can be a great start to a professional career.
Diploma in Photography, a one-year course teaches more than just camera skills—it covers storytelling, lighting techniques, and post-production editing, helping students turn their passion into a profitable career. Specializations include Documentary, Travel, and Nature Photography.
To enroll, students must have completed 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board and have a strong interest in photography. Top institutes offering diploma in photography include Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication, Creative Hut Institute of Photography, Indian Institute of Photography, and Light and Life Academy, Ooty.
The curriculum includes foundations of photography, history of photography, Photoshop basics, and lighting techniques. Additional subjects vary based on specialization. Course fees typically range from INR 65,000 to INR 5,00,000 per year, with Light and Life Academy, Ooty charging around INR 8,70,000.
A Diploma in Photography is a one-year full-time program designed for aspiring photographers. The course is open to students who have completed 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board. Admissions are based on merit, entrance exams, or personal interviews. Students gain hands-on experience in various photography techniques, preparing them for careers in digital media, film, journalism, and commercial photography.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Diploma |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Course Type | Full-Time |
| Eligibility | Passed 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board |
| Admission Process | Merit-Based, Entrance Exam, and Personal Interview |
| Average Course Fee | INR 65,000 – INR 5 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 2 LPA – INR 5 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | National Geographic, Discovery Channel, The Times of India, Flipkart, Amazon |
| Job Roles | Wildlife Photographer, Wedding Photographer, Cinematographer, Videographer, Fashion Photographer, Photojournalist |
| Employment Areas | Digital Media, Film Industry, News & Media, Photography Studios, Wildlife Documentaries |
A Diploma in Photography is a specialized program that provides students with comprehensive knowledge and practical training in various photography fields. The course covers essential aspects like camera techniques, lighting, composition, and different photography styles such as wildlife, fashion, street, and portrait photography. Students start by learning the basics and later choose a specialization based on their interests. This program prepares them for diverse photography careers in media, advertising, journalism, event management, and filmmaking.
Diploma in Photography program bridges the gap between your passion for photography and turning it into a career. It’s all about hands-on learning, giving you practical experience to build your photography skills and confidence.
Your camera is your most essential tool. This course helps you understand how to use it fully. You’ll learn to master manual settings and explore advanced features, giving you complete control to bring your creative ideas to life.
You’ll learn how to work with both natural and artificial light. Whether it’s balancing light for portraits or creating dramatic effects, you’ll learn techniques to level up every shot you take.
Editing brings your photos to life. You’ll learn tools like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, learning how to edit, retouch, and enhance your images. This course helps you create a polished style that reflects your unique vision.
Practice is a big part of this program. You’ll work on actual assignments that help you create a professional portfolio. With guided feedback, you’ll refine your work and develop a collection that showcases your talent.
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Commercial Photography Major
Photography is a versatile field with various diploma courses catering to different interests and career goals. The correct course can help you turn your passion into a fulfilling career. Here’s a look at some of the most popular options:
These courses allow you to pursue your passion in a specific photography niche.
Most programs of a diploma in photography in India require candidates to have completed their 10+2 or an equivalent qualification. This ensures that students have the basic educational foundation needed for higher-level learning. However, some institutes might offer flexibility for candidates with prior experience in photography or related fields.
The admission process for a diploma in photography typically involves several steps, which may vary from one institute to another:
Both government and private institutions in India offer diploma programs in photography. Government institutions are often more affordable and include well-known options like the National Institute of Design (NID) and Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU), which offer courses focused on visual arts and photography.
Admission to a Diploma in Photography often requires candidates to clear entrance exams conducted by various institutes. These exams test basic photography knowledge, camera handling skills, and creative aptitude. Some institutes also conduct personal interviews to assess candidates further.
The cost of a Diploma in Photography in India depends on the institution. Government colleges are more affordable, with fees ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000, while private institutions charge up to ₹5,00,000, often offering better facilities and international exposure.
Beyond tuition, students need to budget for essential photography gear like cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment. Editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom also requires a monthly subscription of ₹2,000 to ₹3,500.
Travel expenses for practical assignments and internships can add to the cost, but government colleges sometimes partner with photography projects to help reduce these expenses.
The course covers photography history, digital techniques, lighting, documentary and commercial photography, photojournalism, creative writing, and portfolio development, preparing students for a successful photography career.
| Semester I | Semester II | Semester III | Semester IV |
|---|---|---|---|
| History of Photography I | History of Photography II | Advanced Lighting Techniques | Commercial Photography |
| Introduction to Image Making | Documentary Photography I | Portraiture: Environmental/Location | Portfolio Production |
| Basics of Digital Photography | Photojournalism | Studio Portraiture | Documentary Photography II |
| Basics of Photoshop | Research: Theory and Practice | Still Life | Documentary Research and Project |
| Street Photography | Writing for Photography | Creative Writing | N/A |
| Basic Lighting and Flash Techniques | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Book Name | Author |
|---|---|
| Understanding Exposure | Bryan Peterson |
| Better Photo Basics: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros | Jim Miotke |
| DSLR Photography for Beginners | Brian Black |
| Photoshop for Photographers | John Slavio |
| Extraordinary Everyday Photography | Brenda Tharp & Jed Manwaring |
| Langford’s Basic Photography | Michael Langford |
| The Art of Photography | Bruce Barnbaum |
| Photography: The Definitive Visual History | Tom Ang |
| College/University | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Light and Life Academy, Ooty | 8,70,000 |
| Creative Hut Institute of Photography, Kottayam | 3,94,000 |
| Indian Institute of Photography, New Delhi | 65,000 |
| Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication, New Delhi | 3,35,000 |
| World University of Design, Sonepat | 1,44,000 |
| Institute for Photography Excellence, Ahmedabad | 8,000 |
| Raviraj Institute of Art and Culture, Coimbatore | 12,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University, Allahabad | 4,900 |
| Asian Academy of Film and Television, Noida | 1,50,000 |
Diploma in Photography govt College provides students with technical knowledge and hands-on training to build a strong foundation in photography and prepare for a professional career in the field.
When choosing a Diploma in Photography, it’s important to compare colleges and related courses to find the best fit.
Two well-known institutions offering this diploma are World University of Design, Sonepat and Light & Life Academy, Ooty. The World University of Design is among the top private universities in India, offering multiple UG, PG, Diploma, and Diploma in Photography Certificate programs. In contrast, Light & Life Academy is India’s first professional photography institute, founded by a leading photographer.
| Parameters | World University of Design, Sonepat | Light & Life Academy, Ooty |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Sonepat, Haryana | Ooty, Tamil Nadu |
| Eligibility | 10+2 in any stream | Open to graduates in any discipline |
| Admission Process | First-come, first-serve basis | Online application review + Two personal interviews |
| Average Fees | ₹1,44,000 | ₹8,70,000 |
Students can also explore a Diploma in Cinematography if they are interested in filmmaking.
| Parameters | Diploma in Photography | Diploma in Cinematography |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration | 1 year | 1-2 years |
| Focus Area | Camera, lighting, and photography basics | Filmmaking techniques and video production |
| Admission Process | Entrance exam (AAFT GEE), personal interview, or portfolio | Personal interview and merit-based selection |
| Average Course Fee | ₹65,000 – ₹5,00,000 | ₹35,000 – ₹1,25,000 |
| Eligibility | 10+2 in any stream | 10+2 in any stream |
| Job Roles | Wildlife Photographer, Wedding Photographer, Photojournalist, Fashion Photographer | Camera Production Assistant, Motion Control Operator, Camera Operator |
| Average Salary | ₹2 LPA – ₹5 LPA | ₹80,000 – ₹3 LPA |
Both courses offer exciting career opportunities, but a Diploma in Photography focuses on still imagery, while Diploma in Cinematography is more suited for video and film production.
A Diploma in Photography offers various career opportunities, as the photography industry continues to grow rapidly. Graduates can find jobs in multiple sectors, including fashion, media, travel, and wildlife. Many photographers also choose freelance work or specialize in wedding and cinematography photography. Below are some popular job roles, their descriptions, and expected salaries.
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Photographer | Captures images of locations, cultures, and landscapes while traveling. | 3 LPA |
| Wildlife Photographer | Takes photographs of animals and nature for magazines and tourism. | 3.60 LPA |
| Fashion Photographer | Shoots models in designer outfits for magazines, brands, and campaigns. | 3.84 LPA |
| Photojournalist | Captures news-related images for newspapers, magazines, and digital media. | 3.50 LPA |
| Street Photographer | Documents daily life and people in urban environments for publications. | 3 LPA |
With the right skills and experience, photography can be a highly rewarding career.
Also Read:
How to make Money from Photography
A diploma in photography is a great way to turn your passion into a rewarding career. You’ll learn to master your camera, use advanced lighting techniques, edit photos, and build a professional portfolio. This program gives you the skills to succeed in different photography fields. Whether you want to specialize in fashion, wildlife, or photojournalism, the hands-on experience will help you develop a unique style.
You’ll also enjoy flexible course options and a reasonable fee structure. Plus, many government colleges offer real-world exposure. These can open doors to exciting career opportunities in the growing photography industry.
A diploma in photography program in India requires students to have completed their 10+2. However, some government institutes allow you to join directly after the 10th grade. This option is great if you’re eager to start your photography career early and build a strong foundation in this creative field.
Yes, the demand for skilled photographers in India is growing quickly. Industries like fashion, media, advertising, and wildlife conservation offer plenty of opportunities. Companies need talented photographers to create high-quality visual content as digital media grows. This makes it a great time to get into photography.
Yes, many government photography programs in India offer specialized courses in areas like fashion photography. These courses teach the technical skills and the creative vision needed to succeed in this lucrative field. With the right training, you can build a portfolio that will help you succeed in the competitive world of fashion photography.
A diploma from a well-known government institute gives you a strong start in your photography career. But to stand out, you might want to pursue extra certifications or gain hands-on experience through internships and freelance work. The key to success is practical experience and staying updated with the latest trends in the industry.
Top Diploma Courses in Photography (India)
1. Professional Diploma in the Art of Photography (1 year) – Covers the fundamentals of photography, composition, and editing.
2. Professional Diploma in Wildlife Photography (1 year) – Focuses on capturing nature and wildlife in their natural habitat.
3. Professional Diploma in Travel Photography (1 year) – Teaches techniques for documenting cultures, landscapes, and destinations.
4. Professional Diploma in Fashion Photography (1 year) – Specializes in shooting models, fashion brands, and editorial photography.
5. Professional Diploma in Photojournalism (1 year) – Prepares students for storytelling through images in news and media.
A photography diploma is a professional course that equips students with essential skills and practical training to build a career in photography. It blends theoretical learning with hands-on experience.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
