C1M Photography in Amherst has officially changed its name to C1M Academy to reflect the company's growth from a photography business into a school. Courtesy photo/C1M Academy

AMHERST – C1M Photography has officially changed its name to C1M Academy.

The change reflects the company’s evolution from a photography-focused business into a school, licensed by the state Department of Education, offering certification programs and an expanding curriculum.

C1M Academy is one of the few DOE-licensed photography schools in the state, offering a Certified Professional Photographer program alongside courses in photography, photo editing, and new for this year, artificial intelligence.

Founded by Walter Schnecker more than 20 years ago, C1M has taught more than 2,000 students. The school runs free Introduction to Digital Photography workshops, a six-week Photography-1 course and a monthly Photo Explorers group, all based in Amherst.

“The name needed to catch up with what we’d already become,” said Schnecker. “We’re not just teaching people how to use a camera anymore. We’re a school.”

The artificial intelligence curriculum includes an Introduction to Artificial Intelligence workshop and a three-course sequence leading to a Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence.

For more information or to register for upcoming classes, visit www.c1mpa.com.