Digital Media Professional Photography & Videography Emphasis (AAS)
Digital Media – Professional Photography & Videography Emphasis
In just two years, Colorado Mountain College prepares you for professional work in photography, video, and digital media
The Digital Media: Photo and Video program emphasizes hands-on production, visual storytelling, and real-world workflows. You’ll develop the technical skills, creative judgment, and professional practices needed to work across today’s media landscape—whether that means shooting on assignment, collaborating on set, or building a freelance or entrepreneurial career.
Students graduate ready to create, adapt, and compete in a field where strong visuals drive communication across platforms.
Our interdisciplinary approach integrates:
- Professional Imaging Tools & Workflow: Master industry-standard tools for photography and video, including Adobe Creative Cloud, with proficiency in camera systems, lighting, color correction/grading, audio fundamentals, and media asset management. See the full Isaacson School Equipment List.
- Diverse Photo & Video Practices: Explore portrait, documentary, commercial, editorial, narrative, and fine art approaches across still and moving images for digital, broadcast, and print platforms.
- Foundations of Visual Storytelling: Develop a strong command of light, composition, exposure, color, movement, pacing, framing, and cinematic continuity.
- From Concept to Production: Translate ideas into compelling photographs and videos through pre-production planning, location scouting, directing, shooting, and post-production finishing.
- Critical & Contextual Awareness: Engage with the cultural, social, political, environmental, and historical contexts of photography and moving-image media.
Preparing You for a Changing Industry
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, photography and media careers increasingly reward adaptability, entrepreneurial thinking, and strong digital skills. Success often depends not only on creative ability, but also on understanding how to market work, manage projects, and build professional relationships.
This program integrates creative practice with professional preparation—so you graduate with both a strong portfolio and the skills to sustain a career.
About Walter Isaacson
Walter Isaacson, a noted author, former CEO of CNN and The Aspen Institute, and managing editor of TIME Magazine, helped found the Isaacson School for Communication, Arts & Media at Colorado Mountain College in 2012 to give students the opportunity to explore the intersection of art and technology. Thanks to Mr. Isaacson’s support, the Isaacson School has flourished and recently added a new Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Media.
CMC students' sports photographs earn international awards
CMC Pro Photography students recognized for outstanding images in the International College Photographer of the Year competition.
Go Beyond
Take your Professional Photography AAS further with content creation, design, communication and marketing strategy.
- Photographer (commercial, editorial, documentary, or fine art)
- Videographer
- Video Editor
- Director of Photography (entry-level/assistant roles)
- Photo or Media Editor
- Content Creator
- Digital Media Producer
- Social Media Photographer / Video Producer
- Digital Content Developer for brands and organizations
Alumni apply their skills in:
- Media and publishing organizations
- Creative agencies and production studios
- Marketing and communications teams
- Nonprofits and public organizations
- Corporate media departments
- Freelance and independent practice
Many graduates choose self-employment, combining creative production with client management, branding, and business strategy.
The Digital Media Professional Photography & Videography Emphasis (AAS) is offered at:
- Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs: Mostly in-person
Related Degrees
Bachelor
Integrated Media (BAS)
Business Administration
Associate
Digital Media Graphic Design Emphasis (AAS)
Art History Emphasis (AA)
Communication Emphasis (AA)
Studio Art Emphasis (AA)
Certificate
Creative Arts Certificate
Outdoor Soft Goods Manufacturing I Certificate
Theatre & Event Production Basics Certificate
About Walter Isaacson
Walter Isaacson, a noted author, former CEO of CNN and The Aspen Institute, and managing editor of TIME Magazine, helped found the Isaacson School for Communication, Arts & Media at Colorado Mountain College in 2012 to give students the opportunity to explore the intersection of art and technology. Thanks to Mr. Isaacson’s support, the Isaacson School has flourished and recently added a new Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Media.