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Bachelor of Arts

Fine Art: Photography Emphasis (B.A.)

As a student in photography, you will learn technical and creative skills that allow you to develop a portfolio. These skills will also prepare you to take advantage of careers in commercial photography, fine art photography, and small business ownership.
Request more information about the Photography program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

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Fine Art Photography Introduction

This program blends photography coursework with foundational art education training, giving you a strong artistic background alongside the classroom skills needed to teach effectively. As a photography emphasis student, you will:

  • Explore diverse photographic areas, including digital photography, film photography, studio lighting, documentary photography, and location lighting. 
  • Work closely with faculty mentors to strengthen your craft, understand photographic theory, and practice creative problem‑solving. 
  • Develop a professional photography portfolio that supports careers in teaching, commercial work, or fine art.  
  • Prepare for K–12 art education roles by learning methods, curriculum design, and instructional strategies.  

This major also prepares students for a range of creative careers, including photography teacher, small business owner, and commercial/studio photographer.

Highlighted Courses

If you are interested in Photography, start with one of the following major-specific courses
April 10, 2026 08:58 AM
ART 160
April 10, 2026 08:57 AM
ART 307
April 10, 2026 08:53 AM
ART 361
April 10, 2026 08:54 AM
ART 362
April 10, 2026 08:56 AM
ART 366R
March 11, 2026 08:51 AM
ART 392
April 10, 2026 08:56 AM
ART 460R
April 09, 2026 01:37 PM
ART 404
See Example Class Plan

Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Photography have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries

Graduates entering corporate industry roles typically report starting salaries between $45,000 and $55,000 as in house photographers. Those launching freelance careers or small business studios often see initial earnings ranging from $35,000 to $50,000 with significant potential to scale based on their specialization and market reach.

Common Career Paths

You will be prepared for diverse roles such as an in house corporate photographer or a specialized studio owner focusing on weddings, portraits, and commercial product photography. By mastering studio lighting and high end digital editing, you will gain the versatile skill set required to thrive in both commercial industries and the fine art print market.

Preparation for Grad School

This major provides a rigorous artistic foundation for students pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in photography or advanced studies in art history and theory. You will work closely with faculty mentors to develop a sophisticated professional portfolio that demonstrates a unique personal vision and the technical mastery required by top tier graduate programs.

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

AI in Photography
You will learn to master cutting edge AI editing techniques within Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to enhance your creative workflow and image quality. Our curriculum also introduces you to generative AI image making while emphasizing the essential ethical standards and professional integrity required in the modern visual arts industry.
Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness
AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.

Related Majors

Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

Explore how to begin your academic journey at BYU-Idaho by starting your application today.
Learn how to update your academic path with simple instructions for requesting a major change.

Learn More About the Photography Program

Request more information about the Photography program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

Request More Information