Introduction: Learning Photography Online
With the rise of digital education, learning photography has never been more accessible. Whether you’re a beginner looking to master the basics or an advanced photographer wanting to refine your skills, online courses offer a flexible and cost-effective way to improve. Many platforms provide structured lessons, hands-on exercises, and expert insights, allowing students to learn at their own pace. This guide highlights the best online photography courses, both free and paid, covering fundamental techniques, composition, lighting, editing, and specialized photography styles.
1. Best Free Online Photography Courses
Harvard University – Introduction to Digital Photography (Free via Alison)
Harvard offers a beginner-friendly course that covers photography fundamentals, including exposure, lighting, and camera settings. While the course is free, students can purchase a certificate upon completion.
- Best for: Beginners wanting an introduction to photography
- Where to find: Alison.com
Canon Online Learning – Canon’s Photography Basics
Canon provides free tutorials and beginner guides on camera functions, composition, and lighting. The content is especially helpful for those using Canon cameras but is also useful for general photography knowledge.
- Best for: Beginners using Canon cameras
- Where to find: Canon’s official website
Nikon School Online – Free Photography Classes
Nikon occasionally offers free courses that cover camera settings, portrait photography, and video techniques. While some lessons focus on Nikon products, the information is applicable to all cameras.
- Best for: Beginner and intermediate photographers
- Where to find: Nikon USA website
Coursera – Photography Basics and Beyond (by Michigan State University)
This Coursera specialization is a series of courses covering everything from basic camera controls to advanced image editing. While the course is free to audit, a paid option is available for those who want certification.
- Best for: Beginners and intermediate learners
- Where to find: Coursera.org
Stanford University – Digital Photography Course (via YouTube and Open Education)
Stanford offers free lectures on photography covering technical and artistic aspects, including exposure, image processing, and digital workflow.
- Best for: Anyone wanting a university-level photography introduction
- Where to find: Stanford’s Open Education website and YouTube
2. Best Paid Online Photography Courses
MasterClass – Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography
World-renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz shares insights on storytelling, portrait photography, and artistic vision. This course focuses less on technical settings and more on creative thinking.
- Best for: Those interested in professional and artistic photography
- Price: Requires a MasterClass subscription
- Where to find: MasterClass.com
The Great Courses – National Geographic Masters of Photography
This course features 24 professional National Geographic photographers sharing their expertise on landscapes, wildlife, portrait, and travel photography.
- Best for: Photographers wanting real-world industry insights
- Price: One-time purchase or subscription option
- Where to find: The Great Courses website
Domestika – Photography Composition and Storytelling Courses
Domestika offers various photography courses focusing on storytelling, lighting, and creative composition. These courses are available in multiple languages with subtitles.
- Best for: Beginners and creatives looking for visual storytelling skills
- Price: Affordable per-course pricing
- Where to find: Domestika.org
Udemy – The Complete Photography Course for Beginners
Udemy provides an extensive course covering camera functions, composition, lighting, and editing. The course often goes on sale, making it an affordable option.
- Best for: Beginners wanting a structured, self-paced course
- Price: Varies, but often discounted
- Where to find: Udemy.com
Skillshare – Photography Essentials: Understanding Composition and Exposure
Skillshare offers various photography courses, including those focused on composition, lighting, and editing. A subscription gives access to all available classes.
- Best for: Beginners and intermediate photographers wanting bite-sized lessons
- Price: Monthly or annual Skillshare subscription
- Where to find: Skillshare.com
3. Best Online Photography Courses for Editing and Post-Processing
Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for Photographers (LinkedIn Learning)
This course teaches essential post-processing skills using Lightroom and Photoshop, focusing on enhancing colors, sharpening images, and retouching portraits.
- Best for: Beginners and intermediate photographers
- Where to find: LinkedIn Learning
Phlearn – Master Retouching and Photoshop Editing
Phlearn specializes in Photoshop and Lightroom tutorials for photographers wanting professional-level editing skills.
- Best for: Advanced photographers and retouchers
- Where to find: Phlearn.com
Piximperfect – Free Photoshop Tutorials on YouTube
For those looking for free editing courses, Piximperfect provides in-depth Photoshop tutorials on everything from color grading to portrait retouching.
- Best for: Anyone wanting to learn Photoshop for free
- Where to find: YouTube (Piximperfect channel)
4. Best Courses for Specialized Photography Styles
Landscape Photography Masterclass (CreativeLive)
This course covers landscape photography techniques, including composition, lighting, and post-processing.
- Best for: Landscape and travel photographers
- Where to find: CreativeLive.com
The Art of Wildlife Photography (Wildlife Photographer of the Year)
A specialized course featuring award-winning wildlife photographers sharing insights on capturing animals in their natural habitat.
- Best for: Wildlife and nature photographers
- Where to find: Wildlife photography learning platforms
Portrait Photography: Studio Lighting and Natural Light (KelbyOne)
This course teaches how to use studio and natural light for professional-quality portraits.
- Best for: Portrait photographers and studio enthusiasts
- Where to find: KelbyOne.com
5. How to Choose the Best Course for You
Consider Your Skill Level
Beginners should start with courses covering camera basics, exposure settings, and composition. More experienced photographers may benefit from specialized courses in lighting, post-processing, or storytelling.
Check Course Reviews
Reading student reviews can provide insights into course quality, teaching style, and real-world applicability.
Look for Hands-On Assignments
Courses that include practical exercises, assignments, or feedback help reinforce learning.
Compare Free vs. Paid Options
While free courses provide valuable knowledge, paid courses often include structured lessons, certification, and instructor feedback.
Use Trial Periods or Free Audits
Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare offer free trials or the option to audit courses before purchasing.
Conclusion: Investing in Your Photography Skills
Whether you prefer free courses or are willing to invest in a structured program, online photography courses provide an excellent way to learn at your own pace. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, MasterClass, and Domestika offer options for every skill level, covering everything from camera basics to professional editing techniques. The key to improving in photography is practice, so whichever course you choose, be sure to apply the lessons in real-world shooting situations. The more you experiment and refine your skills, the closer you’ll get to mastering the art of photography.