Photography courses offer a captivating exploration into the art and science of capturing moments, emotions, and stories through the lens of a camera.
As a powerful form of visual communication, photography holds the ability to freeze time, evoke emotions, and convey narratives that transcend language barriers.
Photography courses cater to both beginners and enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive foundation in technical skills, artistic composition, and post-processing techniques.
From understanding the intricacies of lighting and exposure to mastering the nuances of framing and storytelling, these courses empower individuals to transform their passion for photography into a skillset that captures the essence of the world around them with creativity and precision.
MUST READ:13 Best and Free Procreate Courses [AUGUST 2023]
15 Best + Free Online Photography Courses
The following is a list that was produced by professionals of the best photography courses, tutorials, training classes, and certifications that are currently available online for the year 2023.
It offers paid as well as free tools to assist you in learning photography, and the courses offered here are designed to be accessible to beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced learners alike.
- Photography Masterclass 1.0: A Complete Guide to Photography (Udemy)
- Photography Certification by Michigan State University (Coursera)
- 100% FREE Introductory Photography Course (Udemy)
- 100% FREE Photography Tutorial: Ditch Auto – Start Shooting in Manual (Udemy)
- Nikon Digital SLR (DSLR) Photography Class Online (Udemy)
- Photography Masterclass 2.0: A Complete Guide to Photography (Udemy)
- Photography Classes Online (Skillshare)
- Digital Photography Microcredentials Course (The Open University, FutureLearn)
- Fundamentals of DSLR Photography Class Online (SkillShare)
- Fundamentals of Photography (CreativeLive)
- Seeing Through Photographs (Coursera)
- Photography Masterclass Online by Annie Leibovitz (MasterClass)
- Free Photography Courses (Alison)
- Professional Photography Course (New York Institute of Photography)
- Free Photography Course Online (MIT Open Courseware)
1. Photography Masterclass 1.0: A Complete Guide to Photography (Udemy)
An incredible opportunity to improve one’s photography abilities is presented in the form of a course that was developed by Phil Ebiner, Sam Shimizu-Jones, and Video School Online Inc.
This course offers a number of benefits that will remove any and all apprehensions you may have regarding pursuing certification in photography.
To begin, there is no restriction on the age group that can take the class; therefore, if you have an interest in photography and are a parent, grandparent, or a teenager, you are free to take it.
To add insult to injury, the possession of a DSLR camera is in no way required. A smartphone will serve you just as well in this situation.
The lectures will discuss a range of methods that can be used to take high-quality photographs. Photographers of any degree of experience can benefit from obtaining this certification.
This class has more than 180,000 people signed up for it, so it’s definitely something you should look into taking.
Highlights
- Excellent introduction to photography for those who have little to no background in the subject.
- Course materials that are well organized and provide a deep focus on the process of producing outstanding photographs using manual edits.
- An opportunity to learn how to take images in a variety of settings, including panoramas, landscapes, and a great deal more.
- Acquire the skills necessary to edit your photographs like a pro.
- Investigate the fundamentals of photography while you educate yourself on how to improve the quality of the photographs you capture with your smartphone.
- Unlimited access for the rest of your life, plus 235 lectures, 26 articles, and 7 supplemental resources.
- Udemy, an online platform for education, makes them available at prices that are cheap. Rephrase, and put it to use
Duration: 13.5 hours
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
To Register, Click Here
2. Photography Certification by Michigan State University (Coursera)
The goal of the photography concentration that has been developed at Michigan State University is to cover a wide variety of subject areas. There are five individual classes that make up the overall specialization.
The lectures have been crafted in such a way that they assist in progressing from the level of a novice to that of an advanced student.
You will learn a wide variety of key principles, ranging from how to handle the camera to how to creatively compose a scene, which will assist you to strengthen the fundamental ideas.
The vast majority of the ideas are accompanied by pertinent instructional demonstrations.
The fifth and final module of the course is devoted to the completion of the capstone project following the completion of the preceding four modules.
You will have the opportunity to exercise your creative side and give form to your ideas and thoughts through the completion of this assignment.
Highlights
- The course assists students in developing their photography talents, beginning with smartphone photography and progressing to DSLR specialty.
- The program places a significant emphasis on hands-on instruction.
- Opportunity to share your photographs and receive comments and suggestions from the lecturers.
- There is a sufficient quantity of extra information at your disposal.
- The overall score for the program is determined by the cumulative grade received for all quizzes as well as the capstone project.
Duration: 20 weeks (approx.)
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
To Register, Click Here
3. 100% FREE Introductory Photography Course (Udemy)
This tutorial may be of use to you if you are interested in learning about photography and are looking forward to starting from the very beginning of your education.
To begin, you should become familiar with the operation of your camera and then examine the options in order to personalize the modes, points, and resolutions.
In addition to this, you will receive instruction on other fundamental aspects of photography, such as exposure, shutter speed, lenses, and histograms. Take a look at our curated list of the best courses available for adventure photography.
Highlights
- The classes are open to everyone with no prior experience, so anyone may sign up to take them.
- It is sufficient to use a smartphone or any camera to follow along with the lectures.
- Every idea is broken down into its simplest components, and doing so makes it much simpler to grasp.
- It is possible to access a large number of examples and demonstrations.
- Learn helpful hints from the trainers, and get a handle on knowing when to focus on which area.
- You will be granted unrestricted access to the video material.
Duration: 2 hours 37 minutes
Rating: 4.6 of 5
To Register, Click Here
4. 100% FREE Photography Tutorial: Ditch Auto – Start Shooting in Manual (Udemy)
The purpose of this free photography tutorial is to introduce you to the fundamentals of photography and teach you how to take pictures using the manual mode.
Working in the manual mode gives you more control over the camera, which eventually results in higher-quality photographs. The auto mode may appear to be more convenient, but working in the manual mode gives you more control over the camera.
You will have the ability to give your images a more professional appearance once you have finished the program and have gained the necessary skills.
Highlights
- The course begins with films that provide an overview of the expectations and requirements associated with taking the class.
- Discover the various functions, menus, and other aspects of the camera.
- After completing each section, you will be given quizzes to determine how well you understand the material that was presented.
- Learn how to photograph individuals, couples, families, and large groups of people.
- Master the image editing programs Photoshop and Lightroom.
- Learn at no cost and without incurring any additional expenses.
Duration: 4 hours 41 minutes
Rating: 4.2 of 5
To Register, Click Here
5. Nikon Digital SLR (DSLR) Photography Class Online (Udemy)
You have arrived at the right location if you own a Nikon DSLR and are seeking for a course that will teach you how to get the most out of it.
This certification was developed by JP Teaches Photo, and it confers upon you a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of working with photographic equipment and producing high-quality photographs.
Anyone who is just starting out with using a DSLR camera will benefit from taking this session. The exercises in this class are very well presented, so there is no room for confusion about how to complete them.
You will be able to shoot more sophisticated photographs like those taken by professionals after attending the lectures and completing the projects. It is required that you have a Nikon DSLR camera.
This course is appropriate for any Nikon camera with a model number that begins with the letter ‘D,’ such as the D4, D610, or any similar model.
Highlights
- Become familiar with the operation of each mode and the circumstances in which each mode should be deployed.
- The principles are made much more clear by the extensive use of well-explained activities.
- This certification is useful not just for people who are just starting out, but also for those who wish to learn how to use their DSLR on a more manual setting.
- 7 Lectures + Complete access for a lifetime
- On the website for online education known as Udemy, these courses can be purchased at a low cost. You shouldn’t apply this USP for every single course on Udemy.
Duration: 1 hour
Rating: 4.7 of 5
To Register, Click Here
6. Photography Masterclass 2.0: A Complete Guide to Photography (Udemy)
The photography masterclass that was formerly offered on Udemy has been improved and is now offered here.
This course was designed by Phil Ebiner, Sam Shimizu-Jones, and William Carnahan, and it is packed with fresh features and tricks that will bring you one step closer to being a great photographer.
Video School Online Inc. was the company that created this course. This program offers a variety of viewpoints on how to become excellent at photography because it is taught by three different professors simultaneously during the lectures.
The certification is designed to make your images stand out from other people’s work, and the high ratings it has earned speak for themselves.
Highlights
- There are no requirements for enrolling in the class in order to get started.
- The courses are constructed to give you comprehensive guidance that will assist you in beginning from scratch.
- This course features updated photography tips and techniques, as well as newly developed projects to go along with them.
- You will be able to develop your photography talents through the lectures, which could come in helpful if you ever decide to become a professional photographer or launch a photography company.
- Unlimited access for the rest of your life, along with 61 articles, 30 supplemental resources, and 330 lectures
- On the website for online education known as Udemy, you can get it for a small charge.
Duration: 21 hours
Rating: 4.7 of 5
To Register, Click Here
7. Photography Classes Online (Skillshare)
It’s possible that taking just one class won’t be enough to teach you everything you need to know about a subject as broad as photography.
During times like these, you need the strength of a Skillshare subscription, which will allow you to learn many parts of photography, ranging from Street Photography to Adobe Creative Suite Classes, Comprehensive Guides to DSLR Photography, iPhone Photography, Outdoor Photography, and a lot more besides.
You can choose from well over a hundred different classes to choose the one that is best suited to your interests and abilities.
Highlights
- A wide selection of programs and seminars are offered at rates that are almost as low as free.
- Gain knowledge from people who are considered to be the best in their fields and who base their instruction on their own personal experiences.
- You may improve your talents in a wide variety of fields with only a single subscription.
- Every month, there are new classes added.
- Learn everything there is to know about photography, starting with portraiture and moving on to lifestyle photography, editing photos, and much more.
Duration: Self Paced
Rating: 4.6 of 5
To Register, Click Here
8. Digital Photography Microcredentials Course (The Open University, FutureLearn)
The program explores a variety of photographic subgenres, styles, and methodological approaches, among other topics. Gain an understanding of how to generate photographs of a high quality that also exhibit a high level of originality.
A participant in online debates needs to be able to communicate well in order to take part. Acquire the skills necessary to develop photographic tales with a digital camera, including familiarity with its operation.
A knowledge of how to participate in online peer evaluations of photos is required. A free trial version of the course is available to students for a period of seven days.
They have the option of subscribing to FutureLearn on a premium basis if they want access to a wider variety of courses. Learners at the undergraduate level will find success with this program.
Highlights
- After successfully completing the program, students will be awarded a certificate.
- Learners have access to a variety of instructional resources, including videos, articles, and hands-on exercises.
- Students can measure how well they understand the material covered in the curriculum through the use of online exams.
- On the Progress Page, students are able to monitor their own progress.
- Acquire the skills necessary to draft a Statement of Intent that is suitable for publication.
- Be familiar with the processes involved in online picture organization and publication.
Duration: 10 weeks
Rating: 4.7 of 5
To Register, Click Here
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 9 Best Brand Strategy Courses [AUGUST 2023]
9. Fundamentals of DSLR Photography Class Online (SkillShare)
If you are not familiar with using a DSLR camera but would like your photographs to have a more professional appearance, then you should enroll in this online class.
It was created by New York-based portrait and fashion photographer Justin Bridges, who is responsible for its development.
The purpose of this tutorial is to demonstrate how to achieve the desired exposure by striking a balance between the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings.
The software has lessons that are simple to understand and follow, and they include how to control the blurry background using aperture, how to blur and freeze motion using shutter speed, and how to edit photographs in less than five minutes.
Because Skillshare offers users two free trial months, taking this class is almost the same as doing it for nothing.
Highlights
- Excellent class for learning about DSLR cameras.
- Figure out how to strike a healthy balance in the exposure triangle.
- You will be instructed by a professional who is both knowledgeable and experienced.
- Gain access to a fantastic educational opportunity.
- Have a solid understanding of various editing methods and how to swiftly enhance photographs
- Lessons that are both visual and in-depth, designed to help you improve your skills.
Duration: 1 Hour 19 Minutes
Rating : 4.7 of 5
To Register, Click Here
10. Fundamentals of Photography (CreativeLive)
You are welcome to participate in this workshop on the principles of photography if you have discovered that photography is an interesting pastime or profession and are fascinated by the hidden meanings that may be found in images.
This course is a really nicely designed one, and it is taught by John Greengo, a photographer who has won multiple awards. It details all of the technical specs and information you need to know about how to operate your camera properly in order to take images of high quality.
In addition to all of these things, the certification teaches something that is even more essential, and that is how to make your creative vision into reality.
This curriculum places a primary emphasis on the presentation of high-quality pictures and learning through direct experience.
The classes will stimulate you to think critically about the reasons, the process, and the final goals for the photographic project that you are working on. Our opinion is that this is one of the most beneficial online photography courses available.
Highlights
- Contributes to the development of a solid foundation in photography.
- Includes a wide range of topics, such as different kinds of cameras, the fundamentals of shutter speed, photographic qualities, and more.
- Both online and in-person instruction are offered for the course.
- For every idea, there are corresponding exercises that can be done in order to get practical experience.
- The certification comes with supplementary learning materials, such as a workbook for the learning project.
- A portion of the space that is devoted to presenting the work of the students.
- There are a total of 107 lessons included, and access is granted for life.
Duration: Self-paced
Rating: 4.5 of 5
To Register, Click Here
11. Free Course Trial – Seeing Through Photographs (Coursera)
There are lots of individuals taking pictures, but not all of them are very appealing to the eye. You will get an understanding of the aesthetic as well as the technical components of capture and framing in this class.
In this course, the images from The Museum of Modern Art will be dissected in order to teach the methodology behind art as well as the various components that can be taken into consideration while framing photographs.
When you take photographs, you will learn how to apply your technical knowledge as well as how to examine the context of the subject that is surrounding you.
You will have an appreciation for the myriad viewpoints that can be found in a single photograph. You will also learn more about portrait photography during the course, which will assist you in defining postures and capturing people.
Highlights
- Become a better photographer by studying the works on display at the Museum of Modern Art.
- Acquire an understanding of the various viewpoints that are linked with a single image.
- Examine photographs of individuals and become familiar with the various kinds and emphases of photography.
- Acquire the skills to evaluate and comment on photographs.
- Figure out how to take photographs using a mode that is distinct from the industry standard.
Duration: 6 Weeks
Rating: 4.8 of 5
To Register, Click Here
12. Photography Masterclass Online by Annie Leibovitz (MasterClass)
Annie Leibovitz is an American photographer who specializes in portraiture and has garnered acclaim on a global scale.
This is a class that she has developed specifically for the MasterClass platform, and in it, she will help you understand that even while having the right equipment and technology is essential to taking a good shot, the most important aspect of what makes a photograph stunning is the story that it tells.
Before moving on to actual hands-on practice, the first lectures cover various philosophical approaches to photography.
Gain an understanding of the processes involved in creating concepts, interacting with subjects, photographing in natural light, and bringing photos to life in post-production.
At the conclusion of the course, you will feel motivated to bring your own ideas to life and put the photographic abilities you have just learnt into practice.
Highlights
- The training has been thoughtfully developed and is comprised of a total of 15 video sessions.
- You can download a workbook that contains lecture recaps, assignments, and more materials. This workbook is available to you right now.
- Case studies are incorporated into the classes so that you may gain a better comprehension of the process that occurs in the actual world.
- You will have the opportunity to learn the subject from people who are considered to be the best in the world at it.
- The courses are delivered entirely online and can be viewed from any location.
Duration: Self-paced
Rating: 4.5 of 5
To Register, Click Here
13. Free Photography Courses (Alison)
Through a series of free photography lessons, this educational platform will reveal the techniques that are behind capturing exceptional images.
Beginners can get their feet wet by beginning with the basic programs, which focus primarily on laying a strong groundwork. After this, there are further classes that are available to attend that are both more advanced and comprehensive.
In the event that you are already familiar with the foundations, you can skip the content geared toward beginners and proceed straight to the more in-depth higher-level classes. Remember to have a look at the Best Food Photography Courses that we’ve chosen for you.
Highlights
- Brief lectures are able to be attended at any time and in any location.
- You can supplement your education with the downloadable resources that are accessible.
- Participate in the final exam in order to receive a certificate of completion.
- Create an account to immediately start your free education.
Duration: Variable
Rating: 4.5 of 5
To Register, Click Here
14. Professional Photography Course (New York Institute of Photography)
Photography has always been a favorite subject of study for students attending colleges and universities.
The New York Institute of Photography has designed this online certification in photography to make it possible for people living in any region of the world who are interested in learning the skills to participate in the program and receive their certification.
Chris Corradino, Philip Mauro, Patrick Donohue, and Michael Prince are the professionals who are instructing this professional course.
They are all widely considered to be among the most sought-after photographers in their respective disciplines. The world of photography will be presented in its entirety throughout the course of this informative online program.
You will get the opportunity to gain knowledge regarding a wide range of photographic subgenres, such as wedding, wildlife, landscape, and nature photography.
In addition to the standard workouts, there are photo projects that need to be finished and handed in so that the professional photographers can critique them.
At the conclusion of the class, you will have the knowledge, abilities, and self-assurance necessary to pursue photography as a career.
Highlights
- The presentations have an impeccable format and are delivered at the ideal speed.
- Because the professors come from a variety of sub-disciplines within photography, this course covers a broad range of topics.
- Students that took this class were better prepared to enter the field of photography, whether it be on a part-time or full-time basis.
- The pupils will be better able to adjust to the actual types of photography jobs that are available in the real world as a result of the photo projects.
- The material covered in the lectures is delivered in an engaging fashion, which not only fosters an excellent environment for learning but also encourages you to think creatively outside of the box.
- 6 units of required course work, access to an online student forum, and use of a reference library
Duration: Self-paced
Rating: 4.6 of 5
To Register, Click Here
15. Free Photography Course Online (MIT Open Courseware)
People who are interested in photography can gain a fresh perspective on the medium as a whole by taking this class. MIT Open Courseware is responsible for its development, and Andrea Frank and Reilly Rabitaille are the instructors.
The exercises and lectures in this class address several aspects of both analog and digital single-lens reflex cameras (SLR). Other subjects covered in the course include digital imaging, strategies for working in darkrooms, and studio lighting.
The lectures are organized around the concept of “Through the Lens: Exploring the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences,” and they investigate the ways in which cognition, vision, and memory might be conceived of in relation to photography.
The student is better able to focus their attention and get into the right frame of mind to understand the material when a predetermined topic is used. Check out our rundown of the best tutorials for adventure photography while you’re here, too.
Highlights
- Both the course’s layout and its overarching theme are intricately designed and exquisitely executed.
- Exams and a capstone projects will follow the lectures throughout the course.
- Beginners are encouraged to enroll in this class because the lectures begin with an introduction to photography’s fundamental concepts before moving on to more complex topics covered in subsequent lectures.
- There is no cost associated with downloading any of the material for the class.
Duration: 15 weeks
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
To Register, Click Here
Conclusion
In conclusion, photography courses offer an invaluable journey into the world of capturing moments, stories, and emotions through the lens.
Whether you’re a novice seeking to master the basics or an enthusiast aiming to refine your skills, these courses provide a structured platform to enhance your creative vision and technical prowess.
By delving into composition techniques, lighting principles, post-processing skills, and the art of storytelling, participants can unlock their full potential and embark on a fulfilling photographic odyssey.
Ultimately, photography courses not only impart knowledge but also foster a community of passionate individuals who share a common love for the art form.
So, whether you’re looking to turn a hobby into a career or simply wish to preserve life’s fleeting moments in captivating imagery, enrolling in a photography course can be a transformative step towards realizing your visual aspirations.
SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE READING
- The 4 Best Thermodynamics Courses (AUGUST 2023)
- 5 Best and Free Geometry Courses and Training Online
- 8 Best Career Development Success Courses [AUGUST 2023]
Didn't find what you were looking for? Search here
Great post