Diploma in Photography: A diploma in photography is a 1-year, career-focused program designed to teach students the creative and technical skills needed to become professional photographers. It mainly focuses on hands-on practical training to master lighting, composition, camera operation, and post-production. The core syllabus is divided into advanced practical techniques, foundation theory, diverse shooting genres, and post-production software. The admission window is currently open for the academic year 2026-27 for Diploma in Photography courses at top institutions like Subharti, Manglayatan, IMTS, and Dr Preeti Global.
To get admission in these courses, students must have completed their 12th education from a certified board (CBSE/ICSE or other recognized board). Photography course fee generally ranges from INR 20,000 to INR 60,000 for a full course. Applicants interested in enrolling in the Diploma course of Photography can visit the official website of the selected university or institute. The last date to fill the application form is 19th July 2026*. For more detailed information related to photography courses, students can read the article below.
Diploma in Photography Admission: Latest Update
- IMTS Institute started the admission process for the Diploma in Photography course for the academic year 2026-27. The application window will be open till 19 July 2026.
- Candidates can take admission in the Diploma in Photography program for the 2026-27 session. The admission window of Subharti University is open until 18 July 2026.
Diploma in Photography Admission Highlights
| Course Name | Diploma in Photography |
| Eligibility | 10th Passed or Equivalent |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Approved By | UGC |
| Level | Diploma |
| Fees | INR 20,000 to INR 60,000 |
| Offered By | IMTS Institute |
What is a Diploma in Photography Course?
This is a 1-year career-oriented professional course that focuses on providing hands-on training in creative composition and editing. Thisc course includes the science, art, application, and practice of generating durable images by means of light or other electromagnetic energy, either electronically by the input of an image sensor, or chemically by the input of a light-sensitive physical medium such as photographic film.
Classically, a lens is used to focus the light reflected or emitted from objects into a real image on the light-sensitive surface of a camera during a timed exposure. A microelectronic image sensor produces an electrical charge at each pixel, which is electronically processed and stored in a digital image file for subsequent display or processing. The Diploma in Photography course provides students with technical and creative skills in photography and editing. This program emphasises hands-on training in diverse genres like Fashion, Commercial, Photo Journalism, and Wildlife photography.
Diploma in Photography Key Points
Candidates looking to build a career with a well-paying job in a short period of time can enrol in this course. The following are important points for candidates to know before enrolling:
Duration: This course is a 1-year course that students can pursue after completing 12th grade.
Eligibility: To be eligible for the course, students must have passed 12th grade with a minimum of 50% marks from any stream. There is no age limit for enrolling in the program.
Fees: The course fees range from around Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 60,000 for the full program.
Curriculum: Students will learn various aspects of photography, including the use of cameras, editing software, and different styles of photography.
Job Opportunities: Product photographer, wildlife photographer, fashion photographer
Salary: Starting Rs. 2 lakhs per year, very experienced can get Rs. 5 lakhs per year
Some Famous Colleges: Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT), Delhi School of Photography
Companies that Hire: E-commerce firms like Amazon and Flipkart; Media firms like Discovery, Pepperfry, etc.
Diploma in Photography Course Details
A Diploma in Photography course is a one-year program. Students who want to pursue this Diploma can complete class 12th from a recognised board, and also those who have passed 10th can do this one-year photography course. Photography is the art of capturing images in a way that makes them suitable for visual displays.
In this course, students practice taking pictures of a variety of subjects from different perspectives with knowledge of camera angles and shots. A combination of theory and practical practice is included in the curriculum to help students develop their photography skills. Various aspects of photography are involved, including camera, lighting, subject, and perspective.
Diploma in Photography Admission
The registration portal is open for applicants who want to make a career in Photography. Top institutions like Subharti, Manglayatan, IMTS, and Dr Preeti Global are accepting admission for Diploma in Photography for the academic session 2026-27. To be qualified for a diploma in photography admission, students must have completed 12th from a recognized board with aggregate marks of 45 to 50%. Some institutes offer 5% relaxation to reserved category (SC/ST/OBC) students. After completing a Diploma in photography, students will explore roles such as wildlife photographer, wedding photographer, fashion photographer, and commercial photographer. Last date to fill the registration form is 19th July 2026*.
Why the Photography Profession is Leading in the Market?
Photography is a subject that requires no theoretical study, as everything a student needs to learn is on a DSLR camera. Basic Tools are very easy to learn – Practicing the techniques to click photos enhances the quality of becoming a professional photographer.
Once the concept is clear, students are all set for industrial exposure and can learn both Outdoor and indoor shoots by just practicing. Leading professionals are at top companies that are hiring photographers and paying a handsome amount.
Freelancing is the most popular way of getting known; students can start their career by taking small projects for the task and slowly can grow and do large projects.
Diploma in Photography in India
This is the art offered in various institutions and universities of India in the form of a Diploma in Photography, which is the most perfect example. Moreover, it is the best way to grab hold of the rare possibilities of work as a photographer for the movie industry in Bollywood. Besides, Indian photographers like to capture scenes of wildlife and aquatic life.
Those are the two favorite topics in most cases. Photography diploma fees in India last from INR 20,000 to INR 60,000 on average. The student who successfully finishes this can start his/her career in the film industry of India with a basic annual package of INR 4-5 lakh.
Diploma in Photography in Mumbai
This photography diploma course is very popular among students who want to establish their careers as professional photographers. The course is being offered by many universities in Mumbai. The city is also known as Bollywood City. It is India’s biggest film Industry. The scope for such students is very broad.
Diploma in Photography in Lucknow
A diploma in Photography course is also available for students of Lucknow. This course is suitable for students interested in this course and wanted to make a career around portraits, landscapes, and photography. The admission process is ongoing at IMTS and interested students can apply. After completing this course, students can work as a professional photographer in part-time, full time or as a freelancer and can make good earnings.
Diploma in Photography Course Syllabus
Two semesters can be divided into the Diploma in Photography syllabus. A variety of aspects of photography are covered, including the camera and light, as well as subject matter and perspective, so you can practice different techniques with different subjects and perspectives.
The syllabus of the program is given below. Candidates can get an idea of the course by seeing the syllabus of the program.
| Part I | |
| Sr. No. | Subjects of Study |
| 1 | Film Cameras & Processing |
| 2 | History of Photography: early experiments and later developments |
| 3 | Cameras‐ old and new: a) Different parts of a camera |
| 4 | Photographic optics: a) Light-character |
| 5 | Lenses‐ wide, zoom, tele, macro, fisheye |
| 6 | Shutters: Functions |
| 7 | Aperture: Functions |
| 8 | Focusing: Spot, Matrix |
| 9 | Exposures‐ exposure meter functions |
| 10 | International Standard Organization (ISO) |
| 11 | Color filters‐ different kinds |
| 12 | Composition‐ rules of composition |
| 13 | Photographic light sources‐ natural and artificial |
| 14 | Flash |
| Part II | |
| Digital Imaging | |
| 1 | Lightroom, Photoshop |
| 2 | Sensors |
| 3 | Photo Tools |
| 4 | Portrait Photography‐ basic lighting systems |
| 5 | Photo Correction |
| 6 | Photographing headshots, ¼, ½, ¾ |
| 7 | Studio lighting‐ 1/2/3 lights‐ softboxes, snoot, barn doors |
| 8 | Photographing in available light |
| 9 | Wildlife, fashion, and photojournalism |
| 10 | Close‐up: accessories and techniques |
| Part III | |
| Depth of Field Exercises (Practical) | |
| 1 | Preparing full and ¼ portraits under different lighting conditions |
| 2 | Photographing a subject with different lenses |
| 3 | Use of color filters‐ lighting and effects |
| 4 | Group photos and arrangements |
| 5 | Photograph, use of bounce and reflected lights |
| 6 | Selection of shots |
Diploma in Photography: Entrance Exams
Some top universities offer admission for these programs based on the entrance exam. Students have to clear the entrance exam to enrol in this diploma course. The famous entrance exam for admission to the Diploma in Photography is given below.
Asian Academy of Film and Television Global Entrance Exam (AAFT GEE): The AAFT GEE is an online test that evaluates the candidate’s aptitude, followed by an interview.
Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film Entrance Exam: This institute-level exam is required for admission to the Diploma in Photography and other related courses.
Diploma in Photography Course Fee
The course fee is different in many institutes. This course ranges from INR 20,000 to INR 40,000. Additionally, the course fee may cover other expenses such as identity card fees, examination fees, and various activity fees. Factors Influencing Course Fees are Institute Reputation, Course Duration, Location, and whether the course is Online or Offline.
Diploma in Photography Scope
In today’s developing world, diploma jobs in photography are very high in demand and have a good job outlook in today’s growing economy. Aside from that, there are so many job opportunities in both the private and public sectors of the economy.
Employment Areas
There are so many job Opportunities available in both private and public sectors. Students can get the jobs in many areas, like the Film Industry or on Television. Students can check more employment areas like mentioned below:-
- Colleges & Universities
- Photography Shops
- Digital Media Houses
- Wildlife Photography/Documentary
- News & Media
Job Types
After completing a this diploma course, Students can apply for various job roles in the relevant fields with a high salary. I have mentioned the types of jobs after completing a Diploma in Photography after 12th.
- Freelance Photographer
- Photo Journalist
- Fashion Photographer
- Still Life Photographer
- Photographer
- Photoshop Editor (More)
Diploma in Photography Salary
The Diploma in Photography salary depends on the recruiter type, job type, job location, work type, etc. The salary of the photographer varies according to their skills, and work experience also. So, there is no proper idea of how much a photographer earns. But, if we give an idea to you then we say a photographer earns approx INR 4 to 5 lakhs at the start of the career.
Diploma in photography after 12th
The admission process for Diploma in Photography courses is ongoing at IMTS Institute for the current academic session of 2026. The duration of this diploma program is 12 months. Students who have completed class 12th from a reputed board are eligible to apply for the Photography diploma course. The selection of the applicants will be based on merit scores.
Diploma in Photography After 10th
A diploma in photography after 10th course focuses on camera technique, lighting, composition, and photo editing, which provides practical training suitable for the industry needs. This course can provide a great pathway for those students who want to become photographers. Students can learn the fundamentals of the craft and develop practical skills.
Career options in Diploma in Photography
There are many types of jobs you can get after the 10th completion. Many people start their career as a photographer. A Diploma in Photography is ideal for those who want to transform their passion for capturing moments into a professional pursuit.
- Photographer
- Commercial Photographer
- Portrait Photographer
- Fashion Photographer
- Photojournalist
Online Diploma in Photography
Students can pursue this photography course online. Many institutions can offer this course online. This Diploma offers Flexible Learning options for photographers. This Diploma course can covers Fundamentals of Photography Principles, camera Technique and many more.
Eligible: Candidates interested in this course must have completed 10+2 (Class 12th) from a recognized board with a minimum of 45-50% marks, but some courses may accept students who have completed grade 10th.
FAQs of Diploma in Photography
Q1: Is photography a future career?
Ans: Yes, Photography is an evolving field where new trends, techniques, and technologies emerge regularly. This allows professionals to continuously learn and improve their craft, making it a career growth opportunity.
Q2: How to become a photographer after 12th?
Ans: To become a photographer after 12th, students should pursue a diploma or certification in photography, build a portfolio and gain some experience under an expert.
Q3: What is a diploma in photography?
Ans: A diploma in photography provides knowledge of sound and practical skills required to perform in the photography industry. The students who are qualified with the ability and apply photography functions within the photography environment.
Q4: What is the highest-paying job in photography?
Ans: Commercial, Fashion, and Real Estate Photography are the most highest paying job in photography.
Q5: Which Diploma is best for photography?
Ans. The best Diploma in photography is Diploma in Art of Photography, Professional Diploma in Wildlife Photography, and Professional Diploma in Travel Photography. Professional Diploma in Fashion Photography, Professional Diploma in Photojournalism.
Q6: Can we do a diploma in photography after 10th?
Ans. Yes, Students can pursue a diploma in Photography after completing class 10th from a recognized board. This course provide a one year program of both theoretical and partical of photography.
Q7: Who is eligible for the photography course?
Ans. The common eligibility for Photography is that students can generally pass class 12th from a recognized board. Some institutes and colleges can require a minimum percentage is 50% to 60%.
Q8: How to get a Diploma in photography?
Ans. Pursuing a diploma in photography, students can complete class 12th from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% to 60% marks. Some colleges can require basic knowledge of photography, like Fine Arts, Visual Arts, or Performing Arts.
Q9: Can I do a photography course online?
Ans. Yes, students can pursue Photography courses online. There are so many online platforms available to pursue Photography courses online.
Q10: What can I do with a photography diploma?
Ans: After completing a diploma in photography, candidate can start their career as professional photographers, such as wedding, commercial, fashion or wildlife photographers.
