With so many online courses out there to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are actually the top courses. That becomes even more apparent when we are looking for a course on a specific topic like Photography.
That’s where we have stepped in and put together the very Best Online Photography Courses for you to learn with. Whether, you’re a complete newbie to photography, a holiday shooter or you want to know more about setting up your camera for the perfect photo. We have rounded up the best photography courses from top platforms like Masterclass or Skillshare and many more.
To answer all these questions and help you choose the Best Online Photography Course. I’ve created this in-depth guide.
Featured Partners for Photography Learning
I believe there are many platforms available for photography courses, but in my experience, Skillshare and Masterclass are particularly inspiring choices.
The 8 Best Online Photography Courses
- Best Overall: Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography – Masterclass
- Best for Beginners : Fundamentals of DSLR Photography – Skillshare
- Best for Portrait Photography: Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography – MasterClass
- Best for Landscape Photography: Learn Landscape Photography – Udemy
- Alternative Photography: iPhone Photography: How to Take Pro Photos On Your iPhone – Skillshare
- Best Value for Money Photography: Photography Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Photography – Udemy
- iPhone Photography: iPhone Landscape Mastery – iPhone Photography School
- Best Free Photography: Introductory Photography Course – Udemy
Best Courses for Beginners
Introduction to Photography
LinkedIn Learning brings you the course Introduction to Photography taught by Ben Long, a photographer and teacher. This course is designed strictly for beginners, providing you with a solid set of skills and tools to explore the world of photography.
This course is made up of a 1h 52 mins video broken up into 8 chapters along with an introduction and conclusion. The introduction and some parts of chapter 1 are available for you to watch for free. The video chapters range from Cameras and Lenses, Exposure and Light Meters to Portrait basics and more. Along with the video lessons are chapter quizzes and you will earn a certificate of completion when you finish the course.
Price: $29.99 (+VAT) or a Monthly Subscription: $29.98 or Yearly Subscription: $19.99
Duration: 8 video chapters plus introduction and conclusion (1h 52 mins)
Pros
- Designed strictly for beginners
- Access on tablet and phone
- Certificate of completion
Cons
- Course released in 2015 may be outdated for some
- Course may seem a little expensive to buy individually
- No feedback from the teacher
Other Photography classes worth checking out at LinkedIn Learning:
- Photography: First Steps
- The Practicing Photographer
- Photography Foundations: Exposure (part 1)
Fundamentals of DSLR Photography
Skillshare brings you this course Fundamentals of DSLR Photography taught by photographer Justin Bridges teaching an introductory photography class to learn how to manually balance shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to achieve perfect exposure.
This course is 1hr 19 m and consists of 12 lessons with an introduction video to watch for free. The video lessons range from preparing to shoot, studio demonstration to editing tips & tricks.
Price: $29 (discounted off original price $199)
Duration: 12 lessons (1hr 19 m)
Pros
- Easy to follow
- Clear and simple instructions for beginners
- The instructor has an engaging and inviting personality
Cons
- Feels a little short
- A little expensive (if just to do the one course)
- Lacking teaching structure
Other Photography classes worth checking out at Skillshare:
- DSLR Photography II: Understanding Lenses, Focal Length & Shooting
- Fundamentals of Photo Editing
- Photography Fundamentals
Fundamentals of Photography
CreativeLive brings you this course with John Greengo to help you master the technical basics of the camera and form an understanding of the kind of equipment you need. The course has an emphasis on quality visuals and experiential learning.
This course consists of 107 video lessons (24h 30 m) with a trailer, introduction and the first 2 lessons you can watch for free. The video lessons range from camera types, lens system, shutter system to exposure modes, camera movement and much more. You will also have 12 PDFs of class material which will accompany the video content.
Price: $79 (discounted from original price of $199) or you can buy the creator pass ($39 monthly or $129 annually)
Duration: 107 video lessons (24h 30 m)
Pros
- Ideal for beginners
- The course covers so many topics
- Engaging instructor
Cons
- Commitment of time
- More expensive compared to other courses
- It could be overwhelming with the number of topics covered in this course
Other Photography related classes worth checking out with CreativeLive:
- 28 days of Portrait Photography
- Adobe Photoshop CC: The Complete Guide
- How to Start a Photography Business
Photography Essentials – Understanding the Basics
Skillshare brings you this course Photography Essentials – Understanding the Basics taught by Sean Dalton, a Travel and Lifestyle Photographer. This course focuses on all the essential information you need to know to capture the perfect shoot. You will be able to take away tips and tricks to establish yourself as a proficient photographer.
The course is 1h 30 mins consisting of 13 lessons. The video lessons have a free introduction and then move to the paid part of the course consisting of camera setting, focus, composition, lighting, photo editing tips and much more.
Price: Monthly Subscription: $15 or Yearly Subscription: $99
Duration: 13 lessons (1h 30mins)
Pros
- Clear and simple view on foundations of photography
- Perfect intro for beginners
- Great examples of everything that was taught
Cons
- Courses to stay updated with the newest iPhones
- Commit to the subscription (monthly or yearly)
- A little basic as course is less than 1 hour
Other Photography related classes worth checking out at Skillshare:
- Fundamentals of DSLR Photography
- How to Create a Cohesive Instagram Feed I Using Adobe Lightroom
- iPhone Photography: How to take pro photos on your iPhone
Beginner Nikon Digital SLR (DSLR) Photography
Udemy brings you this course Beginner Nikon Digital SLR (DSLR) Photography to learn how all those buttons and dials work on your Nikon DSLR. You will begin to learn how to see your images in a more sophisticated way, like a professional photographer.
The course includes 1 hour of on demand video with 1 downloadable resource and you will earn a certificate of completion. The introduction and exposure video lessons you will be able to access for free. The video lessons range from the aperture exercise, the mode dial and the shutter speed exercise. This course is for absolute beginners and someone who has some knowledge of how a camera works.
Price: $29.99
Duration: 1 hour of on-demand video
Pros
- Ideal for beginners
- Intuitive learning instead of memorizing
- Clear instructions and advice
Cons
- Feels like it is cut short
- Expecting more for the money
- Could cover more features of the camera
Other Photography classes worth checking out with Udemy:
- Digital Photography for Beginners with DSLR
- Photography – Become a Better Photographer – Part 1
- Beginner Photography Composition Course
Photography Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Photography
Udemy brings you this course Photography Masterclass: A complete Guide to Photography to take amazing photos for beginners and advanced photographers. You will learn how to photograph in different scenarios like portraits, landscapes, wildlife and much more.
The course includes 22 hours of on demand videos with 63 articles and 1 downloadable resources and a certificate of completion. The video lessons range from exposure and composition to lighting and flash photography. You will have assignments to complete along the way and a full lifetime access to the course so you can go back and rewatch the course material as many times as you like. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
Price: $14.99 (86% discount off original price $104.99 )
Duration: 22 hours on-demand video
Pros
- Live demonstrations
- Learn photo editing
- Affordable price
Cons
- A little basic if you have photography experience
- Course feels a little short
- Completion certificate isn’t accredited
Other Photography classes worth checking out at Udemy:
- Beginner Nikon Digital SLR (DSLR) Photography0
- The Complete Video Production Bootcamp
- Food Photography: Capturing Food in Your Kitchen
Best Courses for Portrait Photography
Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography
Masterclass brings you this course by Annie Leibovitz who teaches you her philosophy: how to develop concepts, work with subjects, shoot with natural light, and bring images to life in post-production.
The course consists of 15 video lessons (3h 4m) with a class trailer and sample of the course you can watch for free. The video lessons range from portrait photography, studio vs. location to the technical side of photography. A downloadable workbook accompanies the video classes with lesson recaps, assignment and additional resources. You will also have access to the Hub which is a social forum for you to network with other learners, where you can send your work in for critique and ask questions.
Price: $180 annual subscription (All-Access Pass) or $15 a month for the subscription
Duration: 15 video lessons (3h 4m)
Pros
- Well renowned teacher
- Engaging video content
- Focus on portrait photography
Cons
- Not very technical
- Skills and techniques are described vaguely
- At times feels more like an interview than a learning course
Other design related classes worth checking out with Masterclass:
- Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography
- Will Wright: Teaches Game Design and Theory
- Marc Jacobs: Teaches Fashion Design
28 Days of Portrait Photography
CreativeLive brings you this course by Sue Bryce that is the all-in-one portrait photography class that teaches you posing, shooting, marketing, selling and everything else you need to know to run a successful contemporary portrait photography business.
This course consists of 85 video lessons (58h 35mins) with a trailer to watch for free. The video lessons range from Year One in Business, Posing Couples to Shooting into the Backlight. All content can be accessed offline with lifetime access all which you can view with your iPhone or iPad.
Price: $29 (discounted off original price $199) or you can buy the creator pass ($39 monthly or $129 annually)
Duration: 85 video lessons (58h 35m)
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Accompanying resources to the video classes
- Passionate and inspiring course instructor
Cons
- Commitment of time
- Video content feels a little outdated
- Some comparisons of photos isn’t clear
Other Photography classes worth checking out with CreativeLive:
- Fundamentals of Photography
- Capturing Story in Portrait Photography
- Newborn Photography Bootcamp
Best Courses for Landscape Photography
Learn Landscape Photography
Udemy brings you this course Learn Landscape Photography by Ray Salisbury that looks at landscapes and teaches you how to plan and implement coastal landscape shoots. It will help you learn to go on location with more confidence and knowledge to capture beautiful scenes.
The course is is 1 hour long that consists of 7 short lessons with a preview video of the course. The video lessons consist of introduction, camera gear and settings, composition and resources.
Price: $12.99 (discounted by 35% from $19.99 )
Duration: 7 short lessons (1hr)
Pros
- Learn the basics of photography
- Affordable course
- Video lessons are short and digestible
Cons
- Lacks practical knowledge
- Explanations aren’t always clear
- To basic if you have experience
Other Photography classes worth checking out at Udemy:
- The Ultimate Photography Course For Beginners
- Complete Photography: 21 Courses in 1 (Beginner to Expert)
- EasyDSLR Digital Photography Course for Beginners
The Practicing Photographer
LinkedIn Learning brings you this course The Practicing Photographer taught by Ben Long photographer and teacher. Each instalment focuses on a photographic shooting scenario, a piece of gear, or software technique. After watching a video instalment you are inspired to pick up your camera (mouse or smartphone) and try out a technique.
This course is currently (38h 11mins) with numerous video instalments. I say currently as this course is a little different from others as it is an ongoing series that is constantly being added to. Current instalments include Choosing a camera, shooting without a memory-card, working with reflections and many many more. Instead of viewing this as a course it is more like a resource that you can keep referring back to and picking up the instalments that are relevant to you.
Price: Monthly Subscription: $29.98 or Yearly Subscription: $19.99
Duration: Currently (38h 11mins) Ongoing series
Pros
- Highly recognised instructor
- Wide range of topics covered
- Focus is for you to try out the technique after watching
Cons
- If you wanted an individual course with a start and end this is not it
- You can’t buy the course individually
- No certificate of completion
Alternative Photography Courses
Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography
Masterclass brings you this course by Jimmy Chin who takes you on location to teach you techniques for capturing breathtaking shots. You will learn different creative approaches for commercial shoots and editorial spreads.
The course consists of 20 video lessons (4h 10m) with a class trailer and sample you can watch for free. The video lessons range from On location climbing photoshoot, portraits and natural light to gear: camera, lenses, power and storage. A downloadable workbook accompanies the video classes with lesson recaps, assignment and additional resources
Price: $180 annual (All-Access Pass) or $15 a month for the subscription
Duration: 20 video lessons (4h 10m)
Pros
- Breathtaking scenery
- Learn about adventure photography
- Inspiring watch on his professional journey
Cons
- Lack of technical training
- A little expensive (if just to do the one course)
- Lacking teaching structure
Other design related classes worth checking out with Masterclass:
- Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography
- Will Wright: Teaches Game Design and Theory
- Marc Jacobs: Teaches Fashion Design
Night Photography: You Can Shoot Stunning Night Photos
Udemy brings you this course Night Photography: You Can Shoot Stunning Night Photos to learn how to shoot amazing night photos. The course is created by 3 experienced photographers Phil Ebiner, William Carnahan and Sam Shimizu-Jones. You will learn how to shoot light trail photos with the equipment needed. You will also learn how to edit night photos to make them look even better.
The course includes 2 hours off on-demand video with 11 downloadable resources and full lifetime access. The welcome and explanation to the course is free to access, so you can get a taste of what is to come. The on-demand video lessons range from night photography demonstration to editing night photos. The course is created for beginners but can also be a good follow up from Photography Masterclass: A complete Guide to Photography.
Price: $99.99
Duration: 2 hour of on-demand videos
Pros
- Knowledgeable instructors
- Variety of techniques and editing stages
- Digestible classes
Cons
- A little pricey
- Lacking in content
- Big focus on editing the photos with Lightroom and Photoshop
Other Photography classes worth checking out at Udemy:
- Photography Masterclass: A complete Guide to Photography
- Night Photography MASTERCLASS:Capture Stunning Night Photos
- Long Exposure Photography: Shoot Your Own Stunning Photos
iPhone Photography: How to take Pro Photos On Your iPhone
Skillshare brings you this course iPhone Photography: How to take pro photos on your iPhone taught by Dale McManus that teaches you everything you need to be a professional digital photographer with nothing more than an iPhone You will learn how to take stunning photos by utilizing shot composition and how to create depth in your photography.
The course is 51 minutes long with 19 digestible video lessons consisting of a free introduction which then moves to the setup to shot composition and editing of your photos. This course will help you if you want to develop an impressive portfolio or social media account (i.e. instagram).
Price: Monthly Subscription: $15 or Yearly Subscription: $99
Duration: 19 lessons (51mins)
Pros
- Engaging content
- Short and digestible segments
- Great examples to learn from
Cons
- Courses need to be updated with the newest iPhones
- Commit to the subscription (monthly or yearly)
- A little basic as course is less than 1 hour
Other Photography related classes worth checking out at Skillshare:
- Drone Photography I Shoot Professional Photos With Any Drone
- How to Create a Cohesive Instagram Feed I Using Adobe Lightroom
- Photography Essentials – Understanding the Basics
Other Photography Related Courses
Adobe Photoshop CC: The Complete Guide
CreativeLive brings you this course with Ben Willmore to help you master photoshop and use this software to help you edit and enhance your photographs. This course will give you the tools to master adobe photoshop.
This course consists of 21 video lessons (25h 10m) with a trailer and introduction of photoshop to watch for free. The video lessons range from making selections, using layers, colour adjustments, retouching images and much more. As well as video content there are 70 pieces of class material to accompany your learning.
Price: $39 (discounted off original price $99)
Duration: 21 video lessons (25h 10m)
Pros
- Well explained
- Classes flow well
- Compliments well with Fundamentals of Photography course
Cons
- At times overly detailed
- Outdated version of photoshop
- Class resources aren’t always referenced as to when to use in the video lessons
Other Photography related classes worth checking out with CreativeLive:
- Fundamentals of Photography
- Design Trends & Elements in Photoshop
- Adobe Photoshop Mastery: Color & Tone
Photoshop 2020 One-on-One: Fundamentals
LinkedIn Learning brings you this course Photoshop 2020 One-on-One Fundamentals taught by Deke McClelland, a world-renowned Photoshop expert. This course is the first of a three-part series, to help you master the fundamentals of photoshop. This course has been completely updated for Photoshop 2020.
This course is (12h 50mins) of video content that is broken into 15 chapters. The introduction and the first part of chapter 1 is available for you to preview. The video chapters range from cropping and straightening photographs to adjusting brightness and contrast, retouching portraits and much more.
Price: Buy this course $39.99 (+VAT) or a Monthly Subscription: $29.98 or Yearly Subscription: $19.99
Duration: 15 video chapters plus introduction (12h 50mins)
Pros
- Most updated version of Photoshop 2020
- 30-day-refund guarantee if you buy the individual course
- Certificate of completion
Cons
- Time commitment
- Part 1 of 3 video courses (may feel you have to commit to all)
- No feedback from teacher
Free Online Photography Courses
If you aren’t convinced yet by any of the paid Photography courses mentioned in this review, then no worries as I have researched some of the most popular free online photography courses out there.
Introductory Photography Course
Udemybrings you this course Introductory Photography Course with the first 5 chapters of video content for free (the full course consists of 10 chapters). Each video lesson is divided into easy-to-understand explanations from basic camera setup and composition, to aperture, shutter speed and much more.
This course is aimed at beginners all the way through to enthusiasts. As I mentioned before, the first 5 parts of this course are absolutely free. They consist of the following;
- Intro & Background – Photography Course – Part 1 (13:22)
- Basic Photography – Photography Course – Part 2 (12:45)
- Composition – Photography Course – Part 3 (16:50)
- Exposure – Photography Course – Part 4 (20:33)
- Aperture & Depth of Field – Photography Course – Part 5 (17:21)
Keep in mind that with any free courses with Udemy you will only have access to the online video content, which means you cannot direct message the instructor, be involved in the Q&A or receive a certificate of completion.
Note: Something that is worth keeping in mind, is that on all paid Udemy courses have a 30-day money-back guarantee. So if you do financially commit to a course and it isn’t for you, you will still receive a full refund. Check out all of Udemy’s courses here.
CreativeLive CLTV: Photo & Video
CreativeLive offers something a little different from the standard free classes or courses. It has classes which are live streamed that you can access for free. To check out which classes they offer for Photo & Video (see image below) you just need to select this option.
You will be able to see which classes are being offered for the weeks to come, by checking out the Upcoming (see image below). All you will need to do is to RSVP and you will receive a reminder when they’re live on air.
Note: If you can’t find what it is you are looking for in the CLTV live classes. There is always the option to purchase the monthly or annual creator pass and if you aren’t satisfied with the first week you have a 7-day refund policy. This will give you access to CreativeLive’s 1500+ classes.
Final Thoughts: Best Online Photography Courses
Hopefully, this detailed review on the Best Online Photography Courses has answered some of your questions and pointed you in the right direction as to what it is you are looking for. But let me conclude on the most important parts of this review;
Please note that all the prices of these courses are from when I wrote this guide, which can mean prices may change due to different offers and discounts being offered.
Please leave a comment below if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help you out.