Do you want to learn photography skills, or would you like to improve your existing creative and technical abilities? Look no further!
You will find here the best online photography courses for 2023 that will take you into the world of professional photography.
The type of camera and lens are important components to capturing quality images, what happens when exposure is varied, how do factors like light metering, composition, and focus affect image quality, and so much more.
With these skills, you’ll be able to start your own professional career and capture the infinite beauty that exists in this world. So, let’s get started!
Table of contents
- Top 10 Best Online Photography Courses In 2023
- 1. Fundamentals of DSLR Photography (Skillshare)
- 2. Fundamentals of Photography (CreativeLive)
- 3. Outdoor Photography: Shooting at Sunset, Sunrise, and Night (Skillshare)
- 4. Introduction to Photography (LinkedIn Learning)
- 5. Street Photography: Capture the Life of Your City (Skillshare)
- 6. Photography 101 (LinkedIn Learning)
- 7. Photography Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Photography (Udemy)
- 8. iPhone Photography: How to Take Pro Photos On Your iPhone (Skillshare)
- 9. Digital Photography for Beginners with DSLR cameras (Udemy)
- 10. Lifestyle Photography: Capturing Inspiring Visual Stories (Skillshare)
- 11. Mastering Architecture and Real Estate Photography (Udemy)
- 12. Food Photography: Capturing Food in Your Kitchen (Udemy)
- How to Find a Photography Class Near You?
- Is Going to School for Photography Worth It?
- Summary
- References.
- Recommendations
Top 10 Best Online Photography Courses In 2023
A top-rated online photography course that has been taken by over 80,000 students is first up! This course aims to introduce you to the basics of photography so you can take unforgettable and incredible pictures.
The instructor of this course will be Justin Bridges, a New York-based fashion and portrait photographer.
Justin will guide students through an in-depth series of online lessons in just over an hour. Precise exposure will be achieved by balancing shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, playing with motion through shutter speed, editing photos quickly, and much more!
Hosted on Skillshare, the global online learning platform, this course is a great introduction to the photography skills you’re looking for! You’ll gain access to more than 27,000 other courses on the platform, a 2-week free trial, and access to over 200 student projects.
- Beginner level
- 1 ¼ hour long
- Taught by a renowned professional photographer
- Free 2-month trial of Skillshare Premium
2. Fundamentals of Photography (CreativeLive)
Despite its simplicity, photography is a complex art form. No matter where you are in your photography journey, this online photography course is an excellent choice!
This photography class will be taught by John Greengo, a veteran photographer with over 30 years of experience in the field. Known for his passion for travel and outdoor photography, John brings an immense amount of knowledge to his online courses.
Throughout this course, students will be taken through fundamental concepts from the simplest to the most advanced.
Photographic characteristics, camera types, the shutter system’s work, exposure balance, and much more will be discussed.
Courses such as this are available at CreativeLive, a platform for online education. You’ll get access to all the courses on the platform, plus a lot more if you purchase the Creator Pass (available with a 20% discount).
- Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced level
- 24 ½ hours long
- Taught by a photographer with 30+ years of experience
- 50% off on the Creator Pass
Lighting plays a significant role in elevating photos to a professional level. So if you want to explore the basics of lighting and learn how to take good pictures at any time of the day, this course can’t be missed!
Chris Burkard, a self-taught Staff Photographer at Surfer Magazine, will be your instructor for this workshop. Chris is also a well-known wildlife and adventure photographer with a Skillshare following of over 15,000 students.
Students will learn how to take stunning photographs in a variety of lighting conditions through 14 video lessons, with Chris providing expert guidance on topics such as how to photograph at sunrise, sunset, and night, how to choose between different cameras, how to take long-exposure photographs, and much more.
Skillshare provides you with access to the whole course content as well as a certificate of completion once you’ve completed it. Not only that, but you can try it out for free for two weeks! Overall, this is a fantastic photography school for honing your talents!
- Intermediate level
- 1 hour long
- Taught by an experienced adventure photographer
- Free 2-month trial of Skillshare Premium
Read this: 21 Best Free Graphic Design Classes Online | Beginners & Experts 2023
4. Introduction to Photography (LinkedIn Learning)
If you’re having trouble navigating all of the different DSLR camera settings for the first time, our popular beginner-level photography course will clear things up and show you how to shoot like a pro!
Ben Long, a photographer and senior editor at Macworld magazine, will teach this online course. Ben has worked for industry heavyweights like 20th Century Fox and Blue Note Records and has written over two dozen photography books, so you’re in good hands!
Ben will begin by teaching students about the importance of choosing the right camera and lens before moving on to topics like how to set the right exposure for each photograph, how to work with autofocus, how to shoot excellent portraits, how to use form and geometry, and much more during this 2-hour photography course.
This course, which is hosted on LinkedIn’s online learning platform, includes CEUs, downloadable resources, and a certificate of completion. This essential online photography course will teach you all the technical skills and tricks you’ll need to get started!
- Beginner level
- 2 hours long
- Taught by a veteran professional photographer
- Certificate of completion
- Free access for new LinkedIn users
Are you want to photograph your city at night in a way that does it justice? This fantastic online photography course, created in conjunction with VSCO, is not to be missed.
You’ll also be joining a group of more than 35,000 students who have already taken this popular course. This intermediate-level course will be taught by ‘Trashhand,’ an itinerant photographer based in Chicago.
Trashand specializes in photographing urban landscapes, and his star-studded client list includes Google, Adidas, Prada, and Timberland, and he brings all of that experience to this online course.
Trashhand will walk his students through his strategies to make breathtaking images of Chicago’s cityscape and nightlife in a 12-hour video session.
Students will learn how to take genuine candid photos, use blur to show motion, find spectacular angles, photograph at night, and much more.
This online photography course is available through Skillshare, which offers new customers a one-week free trial (cancel at any time) that includes all class materials, on-demand video lessons, and access to over 27,000 other classes!
- Intermediate level
- 1 ½ hour long
- Taught by an expert professional photographer
- Free 2-month trial of Skillshare Premium
- Community of 35,000+ students with 370+ projects
6. Photography 101 (LinkedIn Learning)
Next, there’s a comprehensive online photography course that’s ideal for beginners who want to learn how to use all of the DSLR buttons and settings.
Joseph ‘PhotoJoseph’ Linaschke, an accomplished photographer with over 20 years of expertise, will be your instructor for this course. Joseph worked as the main photographer at Apple for 8 years before venturing into the world of freelance employment, so you’ll be acquiring plenty of industry knowledge.
During this 2-hour online session, Joseph will walk students through the insides of a DSLR, explaining the fundamentals behind settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, as well as tips on how to handle a camera properly, how to use autofocus effectively, and more.
Overall, a fantastic first lesson that will provide you with the knowledge you need to improve your photography talents!
- Beginner level
- 2 hours long
- Taught by a photographer with 20+ years of experience
- Free access for new LinkedIn users
- Certificate of completion
7. Photography Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Photography (Udemy)
This comprehensive photography course can’t be missed if you’re searching for a comprehensive masterclass that will teach you all you need to know about photography and get you shooting in no time!
This workshop will be taught by the trio of filmmaker Phil Ebiner, freelance photographer William Carnahan, and photographer Sam Shimizu-Jones (photographer and filmmaker). They’ve taught over 3 million students on Udemy together, so you’ll be in good hands!
Udemy is one of the most prominent online learning platforms, with over 150,000 on-demand courses, including several similar acupressure courses. Overall, this is one of the most in-depth online photography courses accessible.
- Beginner level
- 22 ½ hours long
- Taught by a trio of experienced photographers/filmmakers
- Full lifetime access
- Certificate of completion
Did you realize that your iPhone can shoot professional photos? This online photography course will teach you that you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a high-end professional camera when an iPhone, with the correct amount of talent, can provide the same results!
In terms of your instructor, this course will be taught by renowned photographer Dale McManus. Dale has over 7 years of expertise in the sector and is a master at taking professional-quality shots with iPhones, ensuring that anyone can create high-quality photos.
Dale demonstrates to his students how to use shot composition to capture amazing photos, which iPhone camera settings to employ to bring out the best in photos, how to add depth to a portfolio, how to use the unique capabilities of lighting, and much more in a 1-hour on-demand session.
Overall, this is an excellent lesson for anyone interested in learning photography without having to invest in expensive equipment.
- Beginner level
- 1 hour long
- Taught by photographer expert at using iPhone
- Free 2-month trial of Skillshare Premium
- Community of 87,000+ students
9. Digital Photography for Beginners with DSLR cameras (Udemy)
This online photography course is a wonderful choice if you’ve invested in a DSLR and want to maximize its capabilities.
This online course will be taught by Villiers Steyn, a professional photographer, and proprietor of Vision Photography. Villiers is a freelance travel, event, and wildlife photographer with a master’s degree in nature conservation.
Villiers will teach students many vital topics about DSLRs, including how to handle the camera equipment, which settings to play with and how to master them, the function of lighting in photography.
Also, how to create the correct composition, and much more, in two hours of on-demand video lectures.
Overall, this was an excellent introduction to photography, with a certificate of completion at the end.
- Beginner level
- 2 hours long
- Taught by a professional photographer who has presented on Nat Geo Wild
- Full lifetime access
- Certificate of completion
The technical components of photography are just as important as having the aesthetic vision and creative thought to make compelling visual stories, which is exactly what this photography class intends to accomplish!
Marte Marie Forsberg, a self-taught lifestyle and culinary photographer located in Norway, will be your instructor for this course.
She recently released The Cottage Kitchen, a cookbook with 100 recipes and gorgeous photographs that she photographed and organized herself.
This compact photography class will teach students the art of telling stories through elegantly shot photographs in just half an hour, with guidance on the concepts of visual storytelling, tips and tricks for achieving this, the fundamentals of dynamic still-life photography, how to work with lighting, focusing on the details, and much more.
Overall, this is an excellent online photography school for beginners! Just remember to take advantage of the free trial period!
- Beginner level
- ½ an hour-long
- Taught by self-taught food and lifestyle photographer
- Free 2-month trial of Skillshare Premium
- Over 250 entries in the project catalog to go through
11. Mastering Architecture and Real Estate Photography (Udemy)
Architects and real estate professionals require high-quality photographs of their work and structures regularly in order to attract clients.
You’ll be ready to start a business offering outstanding interior and exterior photography after finishing this online photography program on Udemy!
Charlie Borland, a professional photographer with over 30 years of experience, will be your instructor in this online program. Charlie has worked for a variety of companies, including Fujitsu, Mentor Graphics, and Texas Instruments, and now brings his expertise to you.
Students will learn how to properly capture buildings inside and out in this intermediate-level online photography course that lasts 13 to 12 hours.
Topics covered include lighting interiors, achieving a good composition, dealing with shadows and highlights, and following the movement.
This course is accessible on the Udemy website, which also offers over 150,000 on-demand online courses for students of all levels, as well as a certificate of completion. Overall, a fantastic online course for honing your photographic talents!
- Intermediate level
- 13 ½ hours long
- Taught by a photographer with 30+ years of experience
- Full lifetime access
- Certificate of completion
12. Food Photography: Capturing Food in Your Kitchen (Udemy)
Topping off my list is a fun online photography course on Udemy, perfect for food bloggers or anyone who enjoys trying new foods. This beginner-level online course, which has been taken by over 90,000 people, will have you snapping better shots of your food in no time.
William Carnahan, a professional photographer with an M.F.A. in Film and Television Production, will teach this online course. He has published 24 courses on Udemy and taught over half a million students; you can now join them!
William will teach students how to capture stunning food shots in this one-hour online photography lesson, including how to choose the perfect location for a shoot, food styling, choosing the right camera settings, editing photos to bring out their brilliance, and much more.
This course is available on Udemy, an online learning site with over 150,000 different online courses to choose from, as well as a certificate of completion at the conclusion. You won’t want to miss out on this fantastic online photography course!
- Beginner level
- 1 hour long
- Taught by a professional photographer and popular Udemy instructor
- Full lifetime access
- Certificate of completion
Also, check this: How To Get A Photography Diploma In 2023 | Schools, Cost, Salary, Career
How to Find a Photography Class Near You?
As the economy recovers following the pandemic, more and more institutions are returning to the classroom. This allows students to get hands-on experience with fundamentals such as shutter speed, aperture, and optimum exposure.
Attending a weekly in-person class will help you reinforce new methods while diving deeper into photography concepts to help you improve your creative vision.
The more you practice photography, the easier it becomes to learn and understand. Signing up for an in-person class is a terrific starting step if you want to improve your photography skills.
When you’re ready to take a class in person, look into community centers, art centers, and independent photography schools in your area.
Beginner photographers will benefit from introductory lessons and the opportunity to work directly with their photography instructors, who can answer questions and troubleshoot problems.
Reach out to local community colleges and other academic institutions if you’re having problems finding a class near you. They can provide you with advice or connect you with a great photography instructor for private instruction.
Is Going to School for Photography Worth It?
In an academic setting, learning photography is easier. Teachers who have taught photography for a long time know how to explain subjects in a way that is easy to understand.
They know how to teach beginners in a way that will help them achieve their artistic ambitions. Using a photography tutor to help you develop your creative eye is a significant step in the correct path.
Professional photography instructors are also skilled in the usage of a wide range of equipment. So whether you have a Nikon, Canon, or other camera, they’ll show you how to set it up and take excellent pictures.
Working with an instructor in a classroom is a significant benefit if you’re interested in studying post-processing and photo editing.
Having a tutor keep track of your progress and provide comments will also assist you in gaining a better understanding of the various strategies. It’s worth the price of admission just for that.
Summary
Udemy is well-stocked with courses for beginner photographers. There’s not quite so much for more advanced photographers looking to challenge themselves – but this professionally presented course is a worthwhile next step for anyone ready to move on from their little pop-up flash
Want to be a better photographer? Of course, you do. And while there’s no substitute for hands-on experience, a little expert assistance never goes amiss – and an online photography course is a great way to get that.
Udemy – the global marketplace for online learning – has more than 65,000 expert-led courses, of which no small number focus on photography.
Need to get started with the more technical elements of snapping? Want to learn about off-camera flash or landscape photography? Udemy has you covered.
