Best Photography Courses To Start A Career

17 Best photography courses to turn your passion into a solid skill

Photography is a fun way to express your creativity. But if you have the right techniques up your sleeves, it can be an extremely rewarding activity opening the doors to several career avenues. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate photographer, we’ve rounded up the 17 best photography courses to help you brush up your skills or even start a business. 

Photography Courses – Overview & Benefits

Photography helps us capture the fleeting moments of life the way we want. Anyone can pick up a camera and snap their heart out. But serious photography calls for certain techniques to help you reach your camera’s full potential and churn out beautiful photos. 

These concepts range from composition, depth, motion, lighting or posing to mastering perspective, angles and the exposure triangle. While you can read up on all these things on the internet, the information is often overwhelming and you can quickly lose direction.

Benefits – On the other hand, photography courses take a step-by-step approach and cover all the basics and advanced techniques in a way that you can easily follow. Moreover, the best photography courses are usually delivered by field experts who love sharing their experience and knowledge. It feels more like an apprenticeship where you get to gobble up all the secrets of image creation from the comfort of your home. 

Genres – In addition to all the essential concepts, these online photography courses also teach you the best practices when it comes to different genres, including portrait, street, landscape, and travel photography. You can learn all about post-production, eventually enabling yourself to use photography to earn money. 

Many e-learning platforms offer such classes, and we’ve curated the best photography courses for you. The courses are sorted by provider, which makes it easy to explore one or more classes from each platform. Let’s take a detailed look at each one:

Best Photography Courses 2021 – Top Providers

Note: Photography courses are sorted by provider. Use the Table of Contents for navigation.

Best Photography Courses – Skillshare 

1. Fundamentals of DSLR Photography 

Owning a DSLR doesn’t make you a photographer in a true sense. To turn your passion into a solid skill, you need to dive deep into the world of digital photography and have all the core concepts at your fingertips. Fundamentals of DSLR Photography will teach you exactly this.

The course provides 12 lessons with each one dedicated to a core concept. You will learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and how to balance the exposure triangle, followed by a studio demonstration to understand sharpness and depth of field.

The course takes an interactive approach and logical structure to impart all the useful information without feeling intimidating. If you are someone with no technical knowledge of DSLR cameras, this photography course gives you a real leg up on learning and help you take your photography up a notch.

Instructor: Justin Bridges | Level: Beginner | Video Lectures: 12
Class Projects: 218 | User Review: ★★★★☆
Price: from $8.99/month annually. Try course with the 14-day Premium trial.

2. Street Photography: Capture the Life of Your City  

Street photography is incredibly dynamic and diverse. It lets you explore different ideas and bring out your subject’s candid emotions or unique perspective of the cityscape. However, to make your photography look alive, you will need certain tricks and techniques. Street Photography: Capture the Life of Your City is a comprehensive course for both beginner and intermediate level photographers who are enthusiastic about this genre. 

The 16-lesson course is delivered with clarity using helpful tips and practical examples. It covers four major aspects of street photography and teaches about motion shots, authentic candids, angles for look-up shots, and night photography. The assignments and discussions with other students make this photography course all the more engaging. 

Mastering street photography can add diversity to your portfolio and help you commission gigs from brands. You can also pursue photojournalism after refining your skills.

Instructor: trashhand, VSCO | Level: All levels | Video Lectures: 16
Class Projects: 371 | User Review: ★★★★☆
Price: from $8.99/month annually. Try course with the 14-day Premium trial.

3. Documentary Photography: Capturing Places and People 

Documentary photography is all about celebrating and capturing the everyday life of people. It helps you connect with your subject and revel in the surreal beauty they offer. This course delivered by photographer and filmmaker Ami Vitale focuses on best practices of documentary photography.

From observation and patience to equipment and perspective, Ami touches on all the aspects that help you master this challenging form of art. Her class provides a solid learning experience for aspiring photojournalists and photographers who are looking for inspiration to document the world around them.

Instructor: Ami Vital, National Geographic| Level: All levels | Video Lectures: 7
Class Projects: 88 | User Review: ★★★★★
Price: from $8.99/month annually. Try course with the 14-day Premium trial.

Best Photography Courses Online – Udemy 

4. Photography Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Photography

This is one of the most cost-effective, comprehensive and best photography courses available online with 180K+ students enrolled. Aimed at both beginners and advanced photographers, this photography course starts by teaching about camera gear and all the necessary equipment. Composition, exposure, lighting, and shooting modes are discussed in detail with practical demonstrations and real-world shoots. 

The course also delivers instructions on applying these concepts in different photography styles, including street, sports, portrait, landscape, wildlife, night photography, and more. Unlike some other courses with limited scope, this masterclass also tells you how to make money with photography.

Instructor: Phil Ebiner, William Carnahan | Level: All levels
Lectures: 343 | Video: 22 hours | User Rating: ★★★★☆
Price: from $11.99. Up to 95% off. View website.

5. Night Photography: You Can Shoot Stunning Night Photos

Night photography offers a unique perspective and colors that can’t be captured in the daylight but it can be tricky, particularly for beginners. This course will help you manage the challenges you face when shooting at night. Experts shed light on everything that makes your photos shine including the right gear, camera settings, composition, and editing.

By the end of this class, you will understand how to balance the exposure triangle when shooting at night and use bulb mode with shutter release to get long exposure. Capturing motion and shooting trail light photos is also taught. 

Whether you are a hobbyist or aspiring to be a professional photographer, this is among the best photography courses online that will broaden your portfolio and arm you with the right techniques to establish yourself as a photojournalist.

Instructor: Phil Ebiner, William Carnahan
Level: All levels | Lectures: 27 | Video: 2 hours | User Rating: ★★★★★
Price: from $11.99. Up to 95% off. View website.

Best Photography Courses – LinkedIn Learning 

6. Become a Photographer

Become a Photographer on LinkedIn Learning is a learning path that consists of multiple courses to equip you with the fundamental concepts and techniques needed in the post-production process. The courses in this 19-hour incredibly detailed and expert-created learning path touch everything, including shutter speed, aperture, ISO setting, composition, shooting modes, focus, motion, lighting, Photoshop, and Lightroom.  

The best thing about this learning path is that it has everything in one place and you can choose any one course or a combination of photography courses to take your skills to the next level. Each course addresses a specific subject, with some of them covering all the basics. Instead of being confined to a classroom or a studio, the experts give creative instructions in real environments making the classes more realistic and beneficial. 

If you’re an aspiring photographer, this learning path can point you in the right direction and help you transition into a professional one. Photojournalism, portrait photography, and freelance photography are some of the career avenues that these online photography courses can open for you.

Instructors: Jum Heid, Ben Long, Natalie Fobes, Erin Manning
Level: Beginner, Intermediates
Items: Learning path. 11 Courses | Content: 19 hours
Subscription: $29.99/month or $17.99/month annually. Try with Free Trial.

7. Introduction to Photography

Delivered by award-winning photographer Ben Long, this 2-hour course is the perfect starting point for beginners. Introduction to Photography tells you everything you need to know about your camera gear and how to use it to take stunning photos. 

Ben Long sets the groundwork by describing different cameras, lenses, and configurations that yield the best results. He then walks the audience through exposure and composition basics while taking it to the field. This approach turns this photography course into an interactive study where you virtually accompany the instructor and learn about lighting meters, autofocus, portraiture, and best shooting practices.  

By the end of the course, you will know all the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography and finally, find yourself on the path to becoming a professional photographer.

Instructors: Ben Long | Level: Beginner | Items: 8
Price: $9.99 Individual. $29.99/month or $17.99/month annually. Try with Free Trial.

8. Become a Portrait Photographer

If your passion lies with portrait photography, Become a Portrait Photographer has got you covered. Focus, lighting, posing, and capturing the subject’s authenticity are the most important aspects of portrait photography. This thorough learning path provides expert insight into all of these fundamentals.

There are 11 best photography courses in total. Some are independent, while others are a part of elaborate series. The classes begin by shedding light on the characteristics of a story-filled portrait and the best portrait lenses to achieve the results you want while also tapping into the tools and techniques needed for business, family, studio, and outdoor portraits. Elements, including location, lighting, composition, angle, and exposure are discussed in depth. 

All these theoretical concepts are put into practice when experts take it to streets, parks, and studios for live-demonstration shoots to show you how the magic is done. Portrait photography is the most dynamic and highest paying form of photography and this path will equip you with all the tools and knowledge you need to turn your passion into profit.

Instructors: Chris Orwig, Robert Vanelli, Natalie Fobes, David Hobby
Level: Beginner | Items: 11 | Content: 13 hours
Subscription: $29.99/month or $17.99/month annually. Try with Free Trial.

Best Photography Courses – CreativeLive 

9. How to Start a Photography Business

Every budding photographer dreams of turning their skills into a source of income but it takes more than talent and a good camera. This 15-hour course focuses on all the secrets to launch a successful photography business. It’s a step-by-step class that teaches you all the ins and outs right from making a business plan to securing your first client. 

It is perfect for intermediate and professional level photographers armed with all the essentials and now looking to build an independent business. It tells you where to start, what to do and how to do it. The whole thing can easily feel too overwhelming which is why the course lets you tackle each task a day in the form of a 12-week plan.

The areas covered include strategy, planning, mind mapping, competitor analysis, pricing, marketing, and every other thing that helps position your brand uniquely. This is certainly one of the best photography courses online and misses absolutely nothing when it comes to selling yourself as a photographer. You don’t have to rush through the process. Follow your own pace and get ready to build a photography business from the ground up.

Instructor: Pye Jirsa
Level: All levels | Duration: 12 Weeks | Lessons: 87 | Video: 15 hours
Price: On Demand. Or $13/Month Annual Pass | User Rating: ★★★★★

10. Adobe Photoshop CC: The Complete Guide

If you are a serious photographer, you will need Adobe Photoshop to visually improve your photos and correct some common problems. This 25-hour course provides an exhaustive guide to master Photoshop. Retouching, masking, compositing, troubleshooting, and manipulating are some of the photography techniques taught in this course. 

For a beginner, Photoshop can feel pretty intimidating but this course will walk you through each tool and make the whole process of editing your photos easy for you. By the end of the class, you will know the usage and application of layer masks, blending modes, smart objects, and how to make adjustments like contrast, hue, saturation, and lightness. 

This photography course has so much depth that it’s not only perfect for beginners but also intermediate and advanced Adobe Photoshop users. The only shortcoming we found is that the training is provided on the 2015 version of Photoshop. Students with the latest version could find this bit a little disappointing.

Instructor: Ben Willmore
Level: All levels | Lessons: 21 | Video: 25 hours
Price: On Demand. Or $13/Month Annual Pass | User Rating: ★★★★★

11. Adobe Lightroom Classic CC: The Complete Guide

A great lens and a knack for photography are important, but a few tweaks in Lightroom can turn a photo into a remarkable piece of art. This complete guide on Adobe Lightroom teaches you how to streamline your workflow and edit photos to wow your clients. All the tools and features are explained in detail with many illustrative examples of concepts.

Ben Willmore, a renowned professional photographer, focuses on everything from importing to troubleshooting and everything in between. In addition to 20 video lessons, you will also gain access to resource material including a workbook, presets, and keywords.  

This photography course in post-production is ideal for beginners to learn the basics and also for self-taught Lightroom users to unlock all the hidden features. With respect to career, it prepares you as photo editors and professional photographers ready to launch a business.

Instructor: Ben Willmore
Level: All levels | Lectures: 20 | Video: 24 hours
Price: On Demand. Or $13/Month Annual Pass | User Rating: ★★★★★

Best Photography Courses Online – Alison 

12. Introduction to Digital Photography

Not all good things are free except the online courses at Alison. Introduction to Digital Photography is a free course that walks you through all the fundamental techniques of photography and features of your camera. This is one of the best photography courses for beginners who can learn a lot about this genre without spending a penny. 

Basics come first. You will learn which button does what and all the wonders your camera can do. The course then guides you about sensors, image formats, and all the key parts and settings of a DSLR. Photography styles and the rule of thirds is also discussed. It’s basically a treasure trove of camera knowledge that costs nothing. 

While it may not touch as many topics as included by other paid courses, it still offers a solid foundation to transform you from a beginner to a learned enthusiast who knows their stuff.

Publisher: Advance Learning
Level: All levels | Duration: 2-3 hours
Price: Free | User Rating: ★★★★★

13. Intermediate Digital Photography

Real photography starts beyond the automatic setting of your camera and Intermediate Digital Photography course does a great job of teaching how to use the manual mode. It explains shutter speed, aperture, and ISO and how to adjust them to achieve the right exposure. Focal length, lens diameter, and f-stops are also explained along with their role in capturing excellent photos.

A few Photoshop basics are also taught including crop tool, spot healing tool, mask layer, and more. So not only can you capture better photos, you can also brush up your post-production skills with this free course.

Publisher: Advance Learning
Level: Intermediates | Duration: 2-3 hours
Price: Free | User Rating: ★★★★☆

Best Photography Courses – KelbyOne

KelbyOne offers many photography courses but ‘Beginners Start Here’ or ‘How to make money with travel photography’ or ‘Travel Photography’ are some of the best photography courses on KelbyOne that are worth your time and money. 

14. Beginners Start Here offers you advice about camera settings, exposure, f-stops, and the best lenses for different photography types. It teaches beginners how to be more in control of their camera by adjusting the exposure triangle and making the most of their gear.

15. Travel Photography course is all about the tools and techniques required to capture the story of a city. Location scouting, architecture interior and exteriors, vantage points, and perspective are some of the topics covered.

16. How to make money with travel photography focuses on what sells and what doesn’t. All the ins and outs of making travel photography a source of income are discussed including planning and marketing techniques. Stock photography opportunities, captions and keywords, Instagram influencing, direct marketing, and networking are also explored.

Depending on your skill level, these photography courses can help you establish your own business and open up career options such as working with tourism organizations.

Levels: Beginners to Advanced
Categories: Techniques, Design, Post Processing, All Genres
Price: from $9.99 monthly or $96 annually| User Rating: ★★★★★

Best Photography Courses – MasterClass

17. Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography

What’s better than learning the secrets of photography directly from the world-renowned portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz? If you have a passion for portrait photography, this masterclass will teach you everything from creating concepts and working with light to best portraying the subject and bringing photos to life in post-production. 

Leibovitz also takes you behind the scenes of a Vogue photo shoot to show you what really goes down and what makes photos stunning. In addition to all these real-world examples, the course also provides a workbook with resource material.

The feedback received from other students and occasionally from Leibovitz herself is a great motivational factor to level up your skills. This photography course can set you on the right path towards becoming a wedding photographer and fashion photographer.

Instructor: Annie Leibovitz
Level: All levels | Lessons: 15
Price: from $16.99/month | Review: ★★★★★

Photography Courses – How to choose the best one?

Choosing the right photography course depends on various factors including your learning goals, motivation, time constraints, and more. Before you make a commitment, keep the following things in mind. 

Determine your learning goal – What do you want to learn? Do you want to study the fundamentals or sharpen your intermediate knowledge? Are you interested in the photography process or post-production skills as well? Is there a particular genre that intrigues you the most? Ask yourself and decide accordingly. 

Research and review – Once you have determined the goals, start searching and reviewing various courses that match that goal. We’ve listed above some of the best ones that you can look further into. Some of the platforms, such as Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning, CreativeLive, and Udemy also feature student reviews to give you an idea if the course is really worth it.

Consider cost and time constraints – If you’re a beginner, it’s best to invest in a cost-effective class. The duration of the courses should also be taken into account. A 20-hour+ course might not be ideal for everyone. 

Best Photography Courses Online – Review Summary

Instead of sifting through countless web pages to no avail, consider taking one or more of these best photography courses online. They offer in-depth knowledge of specific areas and additional resource material to hone your craft.

Start from the fundamentals and gradually to the more advanced level photography courses to eventually transform your passion for photography into a promising career. 

What are the best photography courses in 2021? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.

Note: This list does not try to be fully comprehensive to show all the photography courses potentially available. Below are even more options we think are worth at least to mention.

Further online photography courses worth mentioning
– Fundamentals of Photography – CreativeLive
– Photography Foundations – Lenses – LinkedIn Learning
– Mobile Photography Basics for Instagram Success – Skillshare
– Portrait Photography: Working with Natural Light – Skillshare
– Digital Photography for Beginners – Udemy
– Diploma in Digital Photography – Alison
– Photography Basics and Beyond: from Smartphone to (…) – Coursera
– Seeing Through Photographs – Coursera

Terminology: Wikipedia Post-production | Exposure Triangle