Diploma in Photography After 12th

Diploma in Photography After 12th

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Rashmi
Rashmi Karan
Manager - Content
Updated on Jun 27, 2025 12:39 IST

If you are passionate about photography and want to turn your interest into a career, taking a photography course is highly recommended and can be fruitful for your career. For students who have completed Class 12, a Diploma in Photography is a popular and practical choice. A diploma in photography will not only help you enhance your existing skills but will also provide an understanding of various camera techniques, lighting, framing, and editing. In the article, we have discussed about the Diploma in Photography after 12th in detail.

Diploma in Photography after 12th
Table of content
  • What is a Diploma in Photography?
  • What Will You Learn in a Diploma in Photography?
  • Photography Courses- Highlights
  • Eligibility Criteria & Requisites: Diploma in Photography
  • Diploma in Photography after 12th: Top Colleges in India
  • Photography Courses
  • Career after Diploma in Photography after 12th
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What is a Diploma in Photography?

A Diploma in Photography is a short-term course that students can take up after completing 10th or 12th grade. The course covers the basics of photography, including how to use camera settings, lighting, angles, and edit photos using basic software tools. It offers hands-on training in various photography styles, including portrait, landscape, fashion, wildlife, and product photography.

Diploma courses can be taken up by anyone who has an interest in taking pictures and wants to turn their passion into a career or a rewarding hobby. It can be a good starting point for students passionate about photography and willing to freelance, start a business, or work with media businesses or creative industries.

What Will You Learn in a Diploma in Photography?

In a typical Diploma in Photography course, you will learn the following - 

  • Using a DSLR or mirrorless camera
  • Training in live streaming and media broadcasting
  • Balancing and controlling cinematic shots
  • Photo editing using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom
  • Different types of photography, such as Portrait Photography, Nature and Wildlife Photography, Product Photography or Event Photography

Photography Courses- Highlights

UG courses in Photography can be pursued after 10+2. Check the details of the UG Photography courses below:

Particulars

Statistics

Eligibility Criteria

10+2 from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate marks in any stream

Admission Process

Admissions are granted based on either a personal interview or a portfolio of photographs submitted by the candidate, depending on the college's admission requirements. Some institutes also conduct entrance exams.

Entrance Exams

·         Delhi School of Photography Entrance Exam

·         Andhra University - AU Entrance Exam

·         Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film Entrance Exam

·         Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test (MAH-AAC-CET)

What is after an Undergraduate Course

Candidates can pursue postgraduate or Certificate specialisations in photography or start work in the field as a Freelance photographer.

Average Photographer Salary in India
Average Photographer Salary in India
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Diploma in Photography in India 2025-26: Top Colleges, Eligibility, Jobs & Salary
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Eligibility Criteria & Requisites: Diploma in Photography

If you are interested in enrolling in a Diploma in Photography program, please check the eligibility criteria and requirements. These criteria may vary depending on the institute; however, the general eligibility criteria are as follows:

1. Educational Qualifications

Requirement

Details

Minimum Academic Qualification

Must have completed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognised board

Preferred Stream

Open to all streams – Arts, Commerce, or Science

Age Limit

Generally, there is no strict age limit. However, some institutes may prefer students above 17 years of age.

2. Entrance Requirements (If Applicable)

A few reputed photography institutes may conduct entrance tests. Some prominent ones are mentioned below -

Institute

Course Offered

Selection Process

Delhi College of Photography

Diploma in Photography (various streams)

Aptitude Test / Personal Interview + Portfolio (optional)

Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication (SACAC), Delhi

Diploma in Photography

Written Test + Interview + Portfolio

Creative Hut Institute of Photography, Kerala

Professional Diploma in Art of Photography

Aptitude Test + Portfolio Submission + Interview

Note: Not all diploma programs require entrance tests. Many offer direct admission based on merit or on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. Personal Traits & Skills (Recommended)

While not mandatory, possessing the following qualities can help students do better in the course:

  • Creativity & visual imagination  
  • Patience & persevearance
  • Excellent observation skills  
  • Basic computer skills
  • Good communication skills  
  • Passion for photography  

4. Helpful Preparations Before Starting

Students can benefit from doing the following before joining a diploma course:

  • Learn basic camera functions (aperture, shutter speed, ISO).
  • Follow the YouTube channels of renowned photographers to gain insight into various photography styles.
  • Start clicking photos regularly and building a small portfolio.
  • Enhance your skills with free photo editing apps.
  • Visit exhibitions or study works of well-known photographers and get inspired.

A Diploma in Photography does not require complex academic qualifications but demands creativity, dedication, and a willingness to learn.

Diploma in Photography after 12th: Top Colleges in India

College Name

Courses

Total Fee

Delhi College of Photography

To be announced

Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication (SACAC), Delhi

INR 3,25,000

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Film, TV and Animation Studies (BVBFTS), Delhi

INR 60,000

Creative Hut Institute of Photography, Kottayam

INR 2,60,000

JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Goa

INR 70,800 + GST

R. K. Films and Media Academy, Delhi

INR 70,700 

Photography Courses

Candidates can refer to the list of Diploma courses in Photography in the table below.

Diploma Courses in Photography

Diploma in Photojournalism

Diploma in Fashion Photography

Diploma in Photography

Diploma in Wedding Photography

Diploma in Professional Photography

Diploma in Digital Photography

Diploma in Still Photography

Diploma in Wildlife Photography

Professional Diploma in Art of Photography

Diploma in Tabletop Photography

Diploma in Travel and Nature Photography

Diploma in Photography & Videography

Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging

--

Career after Diploma in Photography after 12th 

Listed below are the most popular job opportunities after a Diploma in Photography (after 12th), along with their short descriptions and annual salaries -

Job Role

Job Description

Average Salary 

Freelance Photographer

  • Take photos for events, clients, or businesses on a project basis.
  • Need own photography and editing equipment as well as an extensive portfolio.

INR 1.0 - 7.8 LPA

Studio Photographer

  • Work in a photo studio taking portraits, product shots, or ID photos.

INR 2.9 - 3.1 LPA

Event Photographer

  • Cover weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and other social functions.

INR 1.0 - 8.0 LPA (can go higher per event)

Photojournalist

  • Capture newsworthy images for newspapers, magazines, or online media.

INR 1.2 - 5.5 LPA

Fashion Photographer

  • Shoot for fashion shows, clothing brands, and model portfolios.

INR 1.3 - 8.0 LPA

Product Photographer

  • Click high-quality images of products for online stores and advertisements.

INR 1.2 Lakh - INR 6.2 LPA

Wildlife Photographer

  • Click pictures and videos of animals in their natural habitat. 
  • Often requires working on projects or with media agencies.

INR 2.7 LPA - INR 3.5 LPA (project-based)

Photography Assistant

  • Help senior photographers with shoots, lighting, and editing. 
  • It is an entry-level job.

INR 0.3 Lakh to INR 5.3 LPA

Photo Editor

  • Edit and retouch images using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.

INR 1.1 - 6.0 LPA

Social Media Photographer

  • Take creative photos for Instagram, YouTube thumbnails, and digital content.

INR 2.4 - 6.4 LPA

Photography Courses After 12th - Eligibility, Specialisations
Photography Courses After 12th - Eligibility, Specialisations
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Rashmi Karan
Manager - Content

Name: Rashmi Karan

Education: M.Sc. Biotechnology

Expertise: IT & Software Entrance Exams

Rashmi Karan is a Postgraduate in Biotechnology with over 15 years of experience in content writing and editing. She speciali

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