Photography is an art in itself and some people are highly passionate about photography. While it is simply a hobby for some people, it is a career choice for others. If you are looking to make the best of the profession, it is recommended to join an online photography class as it offers knowledge about tricks and techniques of photography as well as helps in grooming your existing skills.
These online photography classes are highly flexible and open to all. In few lines to come, we’ll list the 21 best online photography classes. Stay with me!
Can I Learn Photography Online?
With the availability of online photography classes, learning photography in this modern dispensation has been made much easier.
You can learn photography online simply by accessing the courses via available platforms and getting started. While you can learn photography online, practice must be done offline. Learning photography online gives you the convenience and flexibility that enables you to go at your own pace. Furthermore, online photography classes are detailed and direct. Their courses are distilled and broken down into topics and specialties.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro that just wants to level up his/her skill set, there are numerous online photography courses that will help you get started. Lastly, once you start learning never forget the place of practice in the equation.
What Is Taught in an Online Photography Class?
An online photography class generally teaches the following:
- Explore foundations and techniques of photography
- May focus on a type of photography such as digital photography
- Explore other related media such as film
- Learn about the technical aspects of photography
- Learn about lighting
- Study the parts of a camera and how they work
Who Should Take an Online Photography Class?
Though online photography courses are open to all, the idea of taking an online photography course will interest you more if;
- You’re interested in photography as a hobby
- You want to learn about the history of photography
- You want to master the basics of photography
- You’re studying photography and want to take an additional class on the subject
- You work in the photography field
Benefits of Joining An Online Photography Course
Here’s a look at some of the benefits of joining an online photography class:
It gives learners a clear path
An online photography course gives learners a clear path that inspires and sparks creativity. By undertaking a photography course online, you will get a clear insight into the nitty-gritty of the profession and the techniques to adopt. Finding a path keeps your interest intact.
There is an assessment for what you learn
At the end of each module, an assignment is given to the learners to test their understanding of the topic. The assignments are an integral part of the photography curriculum. After the theories have been taught you might need to practicalize them. Only classroom talks can’t give an idea about camera angles and lenses. The theory needs to be put into practice.
You’ll receive feedback after each assignment
At the end of each assessment online, feedbacks are given by the tutor and fellow students. This feedbacks keep the learners in check and helps them improve on their weak points,
Flexibility and convenience
Learning photography online gives room for flexibility. A lot of people find it difficult to obtain more knowledge or further their careers as a result of time constraints. However, with online study, you eliminate the time constraint by working with a learning timeline that suits your schedule to create a balanced life. In other words, when you study online, you aren’t constrained to certain times and days. You are able to study at times that suit you, which can be very convenient for many people.
Thus, it is highly beneficial to enrol yourself in a photography class for your growth as an aspiring photographer.
21 Best Online Photography Classes In 2021
Our list of online photography classes comprises paid and free online photography classes.
#1 Seeing Through Photographs – Coursera
Cost: FREE
In this course you will observe over 100 photographs from the collection of The Museum of Modern Art, going behind the scenes of the Museum and into artist studios through original films and audio interviews. Additionally, you will hear a variety of perspectives on the ways photography has been used throughout its 180-year history: as a means of artistic expression, a tool for science and exploration, an instrument of documentation, a way to tell stories and record histories, and a mode of communication and critique.
By enrolling in this course, you’ll connect with a community of international learners in discussion forums, receive invitations to live and virtual events from the lead instructor, Sarah Meister.
#2 Advanced Digital Photography
Cost: FREE
This free online photography course teaches you about essential aspects of photography, such as bracketing, flash photography, hyperfocal distance, focal length, and perspective. The best photographs are taken with a clear understanding of a few basic photographic concepts and techniques. With the aid of practical examples, diagrams, and histograms, this course teaches you how to properly expose a photograph, and much more.
The course will further improve your post-production skills by discussing the tools and processes in photoshop such as the Clone Stamp, Photoshop filters, and Photoshop file formats.
#3 Beginner Digital Photography – Alison
Cost: FREE
This free online beginner’s photography course will introduce you to the most important functions and techniques of digital photography and your digital camera. Lots of people have digital cameras but few know how to use them. This course will teach you how to operate the various features of your digital camera, and how to take the right shot for every occasion.
The teachings will further expose you to the different types of camera lenses, the structure of lenses, and what they are used for. You will also learn about light – how the eye and camera react to different types of light.
Take this free online course today to supercharge your digital photography skills.
#4 Professional Diploma in Photography – Shaw Academy
Cost: FREE
This free online photography class will give you the skills you need to become a professional photographer. It has complete training from beginner to advanced photography techniques.
This class begins with a detailed overview of photography in the modern era down to styles of lighting commonly used in studio photography.
#5 Exposing Digital Photography – Classcentral
Cost: FREE
This free online course in photography sponsored by Harvard University explores the artistic aspects, scientific foundations, and techniques of digital photography. A knowledge of these will enable the student to expand their knowledge of photography as an art. Many concepts of photography such as film and video will be treated thoroughly.
Upon successful completion of the course, students can expect to take photographs with an intuition of the camera’s behavior, and its limitations, and an ability to think critically about light and the resulting appearance of a photograph.
#6 Diploma in Digital Photography – Alison
Cost: Free
This free online Diploma in Digital Photography teaches you about the advanced features of your camera, and how to perfect the art of taking great photographs.
This course will give you simple, effective explanations of your camera’s features, and get you to take fantastic photographs in no time at all.
Advanced concepts such as bracketing, flash photography, hyperfocal distance, and focal length will be well explained in the course.
Take this free online course today to learn your way around one!
#7 Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization – Coursera
Cost: Free
Whether your camera is a Smartphone or DSLR, a Compact or Mirrorless model, this online course will help you gain control of exposure and understand fundamentals of composition, while exploring documentary and creative concepts to make the kinds of photographs you have always wanted.
This specialization covers a broad range of fundamental principles in photography, from camera control to principles of composition and creativity, providing you with a foundation for growth in making photographs you’ll be proud to share.
In addition to the awarding of a Certificate of Specialization from Michigan State University at the end of the course, each Learner who subscribes to and completes the entire Specialization, including Capstone, will receive substantial discounts on equipment, accessories, and membership benefits through Industry Partners from among the premier manufacturers of photography equipment: Fracture, Gary Fong, Gyst, Lensbaby, LensPen, Lume Cube, Photo District News, PhotoVideoEdu.com, Pixsy, and Think Tank.
#8 Introduction to Digital Photography – Alison
Cost: Free
This free online digital photography course will introduce you to the most important functions and techniques of digital photography and your digital camera. Lots of people have digital cameras but few know how to use them. This course will teach you how to operate the various features of your digital camera, and how to take the right shot for every occasion.
Furthermore, this free online photography course will teach you everything you need to know to unlock your camera. You will be guided through different styles and techniques of photography such as landscape photography, street photography, wildlife photography, and other styles of photography.
Take this free online course today to supercharge your digital photography skills.
#9 Introduction to Photography Course – Udemy
Cost: Free
This photography course is aimed at beginners who are keen on photography. It is taught in a very easy-to-understand language. At the end of the course, you’ll learn everything from the basics of how your camera works and correct technique through to setting your AF mode, AF points, resolution. You will also gain a better understanding of what makes photos come out brighter or darker.
#10 Stanford University Photography Lectures
Cost: Free
The Stanford University Photography Lectures consist of 18 videos that are available on YouTube. Each lecture is presented by a professor from Stanford University and is about 60 minutes in duration.
A couple of the subjects are explained carefully in simple terms. This course is aimed more at intermediate and advanced photographers.
#11 Photography Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Photography – Udemy
Cost: $94.99
This online photography class is designed to you all you need to know about photography. Here, you will learn how the camera works, master the act of shooting, know the right equipment to use for each circumstance, learn how to use composition, lighting, and proper settings, how to edit photos professionally, and a whole lot more.
This online photography course further explains different styles of photography. Generally, this course is aimed at teaching photographers what it takes to improve their techniques to earn more money.
#12 Beginner Canon Digital SLR (DSLR) Photography – Udemy
Cost: $29.99
This course is for beginners and people with some knowledge of how their cameras work but who haven’t yet put all the puzzle pieces together to work together. In this online photography course, you’ll learn how all those buttons and dials work on your Canon DSLR. Including the exercises, this course will take you about 2.5 hours.
#13 Become A Better Photographer – Udemy
Cost: $34.99
This online photography course on Udemy is for beginners and intermediate amateur photographers. At the end of this course, you’ll learn to understand the camera settings better, know how to take outdoor photos, show improvements in taking landscape photos, and a whole lot more.
Watch them and see for yourself just how good some of these DSLR photography tips and tricks are.
#14 Long Exposure Photography – Udemy
Cost: $99.99
If you want to learn how to shoot with long exposure shots, this online photography course is for you.
This course teaches you how to shoot long exposure photos with a typical digital camera. You’ll learn the gear, settings, and tips used to shoot beautiful long-exposure photographs. This course also affords learners a live demonstration out in the field while they shoot long exposure photographs. Lastly, they’ll show you how to edit long-exposure photos in Adobe Lightroom.
Enrol now to start taking some amazing photos.
#15 Elevate Your Photography: Master Composition – Udemy
Cost: $74.99
This online photography course is for anybody looking to get foundational knowledge and insights to elevate their photography skills. In this course, you will study 100 great photographs from across the world – to learn the key features that make photographs successful.
At the end of this course, you’ll learn how to create engaging and visually appealing photos and also distinguish great photos from not-so-great ones.
#16 The Ultimate Guide to Using Off-Camera Flash – Udemy
Cost: $34.99
The is one of the best online photography courses. In this course, you will learn the fundamental principles and advanced concepts of using off-camera flash to take stunning portraits. This is a very comprehensive, practical photography course that covers everything you need to know.
The course goes right back to basics but also covers advanced topics. You’ll learn about the camera flash equipment, what to buy and what not to buy if on a tight budget.
#17 The Ultimate Photography Course For Beginners- Udemy
Cost: $94.99
This online course provides you with complete knowledge of the basic things you need to know about photography. You will be taught how to take good photos, organize the photos, how to post-process the photos and all.
The information shared is complete, accurate, and presented in a style that makes it easy to learn. Clear examples and illustrations are used throughout the course which aids and enhances understanding.
#18 Flash Photography For Beginners – Udemy
Cost: $29.99
This online photography course is well suited for a DigitalSLR photographer who wants to master the basics of flash photography.
The course is simple to understand and well detailed. At the end of this course, you will gain boldly know how to use flash on and off camera.
#19 Travel Photography for Beginners: Take EPIC Travel Photos – Udemy
Cost: $94.99
This online photography course gives students insight into what travel and adventure photography are like. Here, you will learn how to keep your photos safe when traveling, how to pay attention to and how to take dramatic photos that capture the moment, how to earn money with travel and adventure photography, and lots more.
This course is for photographers who wish to become specialists in travel and adventure photography.
#20 Portrait Photography Masterclass – Udemy
Cost: $149.99
This course is for anyone looking to grow as a photographer by learning about posing, light, editing, and interacting from behind the lens.
In this course of over 130 lectures and 12 hours, you’ll master the fundamentals of portrait photography and portrait photography editing. This will help you build a strong foundation as a photographer that you can use to break into other disciplines of photography such as street photography or wedding photography.
#21 Complete Photography : 21 Courses in 1 [Beginner to Expert]
Cost: $94.99
In this online photography course, you will learn Portrait Photography, Landscape Photography, Stock Photography, Photography Composition, Black and White, and more.
This course has been broken down to explain some difficult photography lingo and setting into plain easy to understand English and the teacher goes nice and slow so you don’t get overwhelmed.
FAQs On Best Online Photography Classes
You can learn photography online simply by accessing the courses via available platforms and getting started.
In an online photography course, you’ll learn how to; Explore foundations and techniques of photography, may focus on a type of photography such as digital photography, explore other related media such as film, Learn about the technical aspects of photography, Learn about lighting, and Study the parts of a camera and how they work.
An online photography class is open to anyone who is curious about photography.
Online Photography Classes can be very helpful in learning the skill of creating Photography. It is always up to the learner to practice all he/she has learned.
Conclusion
Photography has been popularized in all parts of the world. Before you go out looking for p[photography gigs or jobs, ensure you have proper training around the basics and concepts of photography. This will give you the knowledge and proficiency needed to take quality photographs and impress others.
Nevertheless, studying photography doesn’t mean you can only be a photographer upon completion of your studies. Studying photography can also lead to careers in graphic design, magazine feature editing, television camera operations, etc.