Raipur [Chhattisgarh], August 26:  What makes a professional photographer? It is not just owning a good camera. It is the skill to see light, tell a story, and deliver images that clients want. A good photography course in India should build all of these skills, and AAFT University Raipur is designed to do exactly that.

Here, students shoot from the very first semester. They work in professional studios and on real field shoots, not just in a classroom. For anyone serious about a photography course after 12th, this hands-on training is the difference.

The B.A. (Photography) is taught at the AAFT University Raipur campus in Chhattisgarh, through the School of Still Photography. Admissions for the 2026 batch are now open.

Is Photography a Good Career in India?

Yes. Brands, media, fashion and e-commerce all need strong images every day. Social media and digital content have made this demand even bigger. So trained photographers are in demand today.

A few figures show the scale:

• India's media and entertainment sector is set to reach about US$36 billion by 2027 (FICCI-EY).

• Digital media and advertising are among the fastest-growing parts of this sector (FICCI-EY).

• E-commerce and social media keep creating new demand for photographers and visual content.

What Kind of Photography Will You Do?

Photography is a wide field. This course prepares you for many kinds of professional work.

This range means you can build a career in commercial photography, fashion, journalism, fine art or digital media.

How Does AAFT Raipur Train Pro Photographers?

The course is built around real shooting, not just theory. Students train in professional studios with camera and lighting equipment, plus editing labs for post-production.

They also go on field shoots and work on live projects with real briefs. Industry mentors guide them through commercial, editorial and creative work. By the end, every student has a strong portfolio and real shooting experience, which is what employers and clients look for.

Which Photography Degrees Can You Study?

AAFT University Raipur offers full degrees, not short courses. Whether you want a photography course after school or a postgraduate route, there is a clear path. Students from any stream can apply. The B.A. in Photography is the main entry point.

Eligibility is a 10+2 pass with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Admission is through the AAFT Global Entrance Exam (AAFT GEE).

What Will You Learn and Master?

The course covers the full craft of photography. You learn visual literacy, composition and exposure. You also master studio lighting for portrait, fashion and product work.

On the technical side, you learn digital imaging and post-production with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. You also build a professional portfolio across commercial, editorial and creative photography. This blend of craft and visual storytelling is what makes graduates job-ready.

What Jobs and Salary Can You Expect?

Photography graduates work as commercial, fashion, editorial and fine-art photographers, and pay grows with your portfolio and skills. Junior roles usually start around ₹3 to 5 LPA. This rises to ₹6 to 10 LPA with experience, and higher for senior and freelance photographers. Many also build their own studios. These are industry estimates, not figures promised by AAFT University.

Who Leads the School of Still Photography?

The School's Industry Dean is Rohit Chawla, one of India's most celebrated photographers. He is known for his striking portrait, fashion and conceptual work across leading magazines and campaigns. His mentorship connects students to real industry standards.

The teaching team is made up of working commercial photographers and photojournalists. They bring real assignments and industry insight into the classroom, so students learn how the profession actually works.

In Their Own Words

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder, AAFT University, said: “A photographer is not made by theory. They are made behind the camera, on real shoots, telling real stories. That is why our Raipur students shoot from the first semester, in professional studios and out in the field. With a celebrated photographer like Rohit Chawla guiding the school, they learn from the very best. They leave with a strong portfolio and the skills to work as professionals. That is how we train pro photographers in Central India.”

Placements and Industry Connect

A dedicated Career Resource Cell works with students from the start. Through live projects, field shoots and industry mentorship, students build the skills and contacts that lead to real work. Many also gain experience through internships and assignments during the course.

As part of the AAFT group, the university connects students to a 30,000+ alumni network across India and abroad. This makes it a strong choice for the best photography college in Chhattisgarh, and a leading option for a photography course in Raipur.

Admissions Open for 2026

Students who have finished 10+2 from any stream and any recognised board can apply for the B.A. in Photography. Graduates can apply for the M.A. Applicants need at least 50% marks in 10+2 (45% for reserved categories) and must clear the AAFT Global Entrance Exam (AAFT GEE). No prior photography experience is needed.

Seats are limited for the 2026 batch. Students can apply at admissions.aaft.edu.in or visit the AAFT University Raipur campus for a studio tour and a free counselling session.

About AAFT University Raipur

AAFT University of Media and Arts is a UGC-approved private university in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. It was founded in 1993 by Dr. Sandeep Marwah and is part of the AAFT group's 33-year legacy in media and arts education.

The university runs 100+ programmes across 15 schools from a 27-acre campus in Raipur. It is ranked among the top 10 globally in media education, with a 30,000+ alumni network worldwide. Its School of Still Photography has professional studios, camera and lighting equipment and editing labs, so students train in a real photography setup.

For Admission and Media Inquiries, Contact:

AAFT University, Raipur

Campus: Vill. Manth, Kharora, District Raipur, Chhattisgarh - 493225

Admission Office: GF-18, Shyam Plaza, Pandri, Raipur, Chhattisgarh - 492001

Phone: +91-9109112078 / +91-8064057209

Website: www.aaft.edu.in

Apply: admissions.aaft.edu.in