Photography can be a fun hobby or a rewarding career.
Learning the skills to take great photos takes time and practice.
You might want to try an online course to improve your skills.
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There are many online photography courses to choose from.
Some teach basic skills while others focus on special topics.
Taking a comprehensive course can help you learn all aspects of photography in one place.
This article will look at five of the best all-around photography courses you can take online.
1) Phlearn: Photoshop and Lightroom
Want to level up your photo editing skills? Look no further than Phlearn.
This platform offers top-notch courses for both Photoshop and Lightroom.
You can start with the 30 Days of Photoshop course.
It’s perfect for beginners and covers all the basics.
You’ll learn about tools, techniques, and even dive into photo retouching.
For a more in-depth experience, check out the Photoshop Learning Path.
This course spans 11 lessons and 53 hours of content.
You’ll master pro-level tools and tackle fun projects.
Phlearn doesn’t just stop at Photoshop.
They also offer great Lightroom tutorials.
You can learn how to organize your photos and make them pop with quick edits.
The best part? Phlearn offers flexible plans to fit your needs.
You can choose monthly or annual subscriptions.
Plus, you get access to downloadable resources like Lightroom presets.
With Phlearn, you can stream tutorials on any device.
This means you can learn anytime, anywhere.
It’s a great way to improve your skills at your own pace.
2) SLR Lounge: Premium Photography Training
Want to up your photo game? Check out SLR Lounge Premium.
It’s packed with everything you need to rock portrait and wedding photography.
This course isn’t just for newbies.
It’s the same training manual used in a real 7-figure photography studio.
Pretty cool, right?
You’ll learn tons of useful stuff.
Think posing for men, women, couples, and groups.
Plus, you’ll get the scoop on lighting techniques and gear.
The best part? You get access to over 30 workshops and 1500+ lessons.
That’s a lot of learning!
Don’t worry about getting stuck.
You’ll have access to a community forum and Facebook group.
Got questions? Just ask!
Oh, and did we mention the partner discounts? You can save some cash on photography software.
Nice bonus, huh?
So, if you’re serious about stepping up your photography game, SLR Lounge Premium might be just what you need.
Give it a shot!
3) The New York Institute of Photography
Hey, looking to step up your photography game? The New York Institute of Photography might be just what you need.
They’ve been teaching shutterbugs since 1910, making them one of the oldest photography schools around.
NYIP offers a bunch of cool online courses.
Their Professional Photography course is pretty comprehensive.
You’ll learn about exposure, lighting, and how to develop your own style.
Want to focus on a specific area? They’ve got you covered.
You can take courses in things like wedding photography, photojournalism, or even pet photography.
One of the best parts? You get your own pro photographer mentor.
They’ll give you feedback on your photos and help you improve.
NYIP’s courses are flexible too.
You can study at your own pace and access the materials whenever you want.
Plus, you get 18 months to finish, so no pressure.
Oh, and don’t forget about the perks.
You’ll get discounts on camera gear and join a community of other aspiring photographers.
It’s a great way to network and share ideas.
4) CreativeLive: Photography Fundamentals
Want to learn photography from a pro? Check out the Fundamentals of Photography course on CreativeLive.
It’s taught by John Greengo, a photographer with tons of experience.
This course covers all the basics you need to know.
You’ll learn about camera settings, lenses, and how to use light to your advantage.
It’s perfect if you’re just starting out or want to brush up on your skills.
The best part? You can watch the lessons whenever you want.
No need to rush through the material.
Take your time and practice what you learn.
CreativeLive offers other great photography courses too.
Their Photography Fundamentals section has over 100 classes to choose from.
You’re sure to find something that interests you.
These courses are designed to help you improve your skills step by step.
You’ll gain confidence in your photography and start taking better pictures in no time.
5) MasterClass: Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography
Want to learn from a photography legend? Check out Annie Leibovitz’s MasterClass.
This course is perfect for aspiring photographers and fans of her iconic work.
Annie shares her philosophy and techniques in 15 video lessons.
You’ll learn how to develop concepts, work with subjects, and shoot in natural light.
She also covers post-production tips to bring your images to life.
The class includes a cool feature where Annie critiques students’ work.
You’ll get to see her give feedback to budding photographers from her old school, the San Francisco Art Institute.
Annie dives deep into portrait photography, which she’s famous for.
She explains why she loves this style and how to capture compelling images of people.
Don’t worry if you’re not a pro yet.
Annie teaches that great photos come from storytelling, not fancy gear.
Her lessons are easy to follow and packed with valuable insights.
By the end of this course, you’ll have a new perspective on photography.
You’ll see the world through Annie’s eyes and learn how to tell powerful stories with your camera.
Understanding Photography Techniques
Good photography requires mastering key techniques.
These skills help you capture better images in any situation.
Fundamentals of Exposure
Exposure is all about controlling light.
It’s made up of three main parts: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Aperture controls how much light enters your camera.
A wider aperture lets in more light but gives a shallower depth of field.
Shutter speed affects how long light hits your camera sensor.
Fast speeds freeze motion, while slow speeds create blur.
ISO sets how sensitive your camera is to light.
Higher ISO values work better in low light but can add noise to your photos.
Photography Masterclass teaches these concepts in depth.
You’ll learn how to balance these settings for perfect exposures.
Mastering Composition
Composition is how you arrange things in your photo.
The rule of thirds is a good starting point.
Imagine splitting your image into a 3×3 grid.
Place important elements along these lines or at their intersections.
Leading lines guide viewers’ eyes through your image.
Use natural lines like roads or rivers.
Framing can add depth to your shots.
Try shooting through windows or tree branches.
Annie Leibovitz’s course offers great tips on composition.
You’ll learn how to create powerful, eye-catching images.
Digital versus Film Photography
Digital cameras offer instant feedback and easy editing.
You can take lots of shots without worrying about film costs.
They work well in low light and have automatic modes for beginners.
Film has a unique look that some photographers love.
It teaches you to be more careful with your shots.
Film cameras are often simpler to use, with fewer settings to worry about.
The Photography Techniques course on Coursera covers both digital and film.
You’ll learn the pros and cons of each and how to choose the right one for your style.
Developing Your Own Style
Creating a unique photography style helps you stand out.
It lets you express yourself and make your work recognizable.
Exploring Different Genres
Try out various types of photography to find what you like best.
Shoot landscapes, portraits, street scenes, and more.
Play with different camera settings and compositions.
Don’t be afraid to mix genres.
You might discover a new combo that speaks to you.
For example, try urban landscapes or documentary-style portraits.
Experiment with focal lengths.
Wide-angle lenses give a different feel than telephoto ones.
Your lens choice can become part of your signature look.
Test out lighting techniques.
Natural light, studio setups, or even smartphone flash can change your photos’ mood.
Find what fits your vision best.
Finding Inspiration
Look at other photographers’ work, but don’t copy them.
Instead, notice what you like and why.
This helps you understand your own taste.
Browse photo books and galleries.
They’re great for seeing different styles and techniques.
Pay attention to how pros use light, color, and composition.
Travel or explore your local area.
New sights can spark fresh ideas.
Even familiar places can look different if you change your perspective.
Keep a collection of images you love.
Use a mood board or Pinterest to organize them.
This visual library can guide your style development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photography courses come in many shapes and sizes.
You can find free options, beginner-friendly classes, and advanced programs to fit your needs and skill level.
What are some of the top photography courses available online for free?
You can start learning photography without spending a dime. CreativeLive offers free on-air classes that rotate regularly.
These cover various topics from camera basics to editing techniques.
Another great free option is Udemy’s Photography Masterclass.
It gives you a solid foundation in photography fundamentals.
Which beginner photography courses are considered the best?
For beginners, The Photography Masterclass on Udemy is hard to beat.
It covers everything from camera basics to composition and lighting.
SLR Lounge’s Premium Photography Training is also top-notch for newbies.
It offers step-by-step guidance to help you improve quickly.
What types of photography courses are out there and which are most in demand?
You’ll find courses on portrait, landscape, wildlife, and street photography.
There are also classes focused on editing and post-processing.
Landscape photography courses are very popular.
Many people want to capture stunning outdoor scenes.
Can you name some top-rated photography courses that are available online?
Phlearn’s Photoshop and Lightroom courses are highly rated for editing skills.
They teach you how to make your photos pop.
The New York Institute of Photography offers well-regarded complete photography programs.
These cover a wide range of topics in depth.
What is the most popular area of focus in photography courses?
Portrait photography is a huge focus in many courses. Annie Leibovitz’s MasterClass is all about capturing amazing portraits.
People love learning how to take better photos of friends and family.
It’s a skill that comes in handy often.
Where can I study photography at an advanced level?
For advanced studies, you can check out The New York Institute of Photography.
They offer in-depth programs for serious photographers.
CreativeLive’s Photography Fundamentals also has advanced classes.
You can dive deep into specific areas of photography there.