Looking to improve your photography skills here are the top 10 best online photography courses on Udemy. Udemy offers a wide range of courses for beginners and advanced photographers alike. From mastering your DSLR to building a photography business, this list covers the top 10 courses to help you achieve your goals.
Key Highlights:
- Photography Masterclass: Comprehensive guide for technical, creative, and business skills.
- Beginner Nikon DSLR Photography: Perfect for Nikon users learning manual settings.
- Photography Basics and Beyond: Learn photography fundamentals for both smartphones and DSLRs.
- Camera, Exposure & Photography Course: Focus on exposure techniques and camera mastery.
- Advanced Photography Techniques: Dive into lighting, composition, and advanced editing.
- Portrait Photography: Learn lighting, posing, and editing for professional portraits.
- Landscape Photography: Capture stunning outdoor shots with technical and editing tips.
- Street Photography: Master urban photography techniques and storytelling.
- Wedding Photography: Combine technical skills with business strategies for weddings.
- Photography Business Course: Learn how to turn your passion into a profitable business.
Quick Comparison
| Course Name | Focus Areas | Skill Level | Duration | Extras Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photography Masterclass | Technical, creative, business skills | Beginner/Intermediate | 24 hours | Guidebook, presets, community |
| Beginner Nikon DSLR Photography | Nikon-specific camera basics | Beginner | 1 hour 10 mins | Practical exercises |
| Photography Basics and Beyond | Smartphone & DSLR fundamentals | Beginner | Self-paced | Projects, guidebook, presets |
| Camera, Exposure & Photography | Exposure, camera settings | Beginner/Intermediate | Self-paced | Guidebook, editing tools |
| Advanced Photography Techniques | Lighting, composition, editing | Advanced | Self-paced | Community access |
| Portrait Photography | Lighting, posing, editing | All levels | Self-paced | Guides, forum |
| Landscape Photography | Outdoor settings, editing | Beginner/Advanced | Self-paced | Field exercises, tutorials |
| Street Photography | Urban techniques, storytelling | Intermediate | 9 chapters | eBook, pre-sets |
| Wedding Photography | Wedding techniques, business setup | Beginner/Intermediate | 4 hours 49 mins | Case studies, Q&A sessions |
| Photography Business Course | Business planning, marketing | Intermediate | 5 hours 30 mins | Templates, tools, community |
These courses provide structured learning, practical exercises, and downloadable resources to help you succeed in photography. Whether you’re just starting or looking to specialize, there’s a course for you.
12 Best Online Photography Courses on Udemy (2024)
1. Photography Masterclass: A Complete Guide
This 24-hour masterclass, taught by award-winning photographer Chris Parker, is designed to help both beginners and intermediate photographers build their skills. With 38 sections and 354 lectures, the course offers a structured approach that covers everything from technical basics to advanced techniques, post-production, and even business know-how.
Here’s how the course is organized:
| Focus Area | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Technical Skills | Camera settings and equipment mastery |
| Creative Development | Composition and lighting techniques |
| Post-Processing | Photo editing and organization basics |
| Business Foundation | Building a portfolio and working with clients |
Students also get access to valuable extras like a guidebook, Lightroom presets, and a supportive online community. A 52-week challenge program is included to encourage regular practice and steady improvement.
“Chris explains everything in a simple manner but very thoroughly, and now; finally, all the puzzle pieces fall into place.” – Martijn Tilgenkamp, course participant [2]
The course uses real-world examples, covering genres like portrait and landscape photography, to ensure students can apply what they’ve learned. Complex concepts like the exposure triangle are broken down into easy-to-understand lessons, while advanced topics like lighting setups and business strategies offer insights for seasoned photographers.
At $46.65 (often discounted to $10), this course provides incredible value with its in-depth lessons and additional resources. With over 10,000 students enrolled and consistently high ratings, it’s a go-to resource for anyone looking to sharpen their photography skills and grow professionally.
If you’re looking for a course specifically tailored to DSLR photography, the next option on this list might be a perfect fit.
2. Beginner Nikon DSLR Photography
If you’re learning to use a Nikon DSLR, JP Pullos’s course is a great way to get started. This 1-hour, 10-minute program breaks down camera functions in a way that’s easier to grasp than your owner’s manual. Through seven focused lectures, you’ll learn the essentials:
| Module Focus | What You’ll Learn |
|---|---|
| Camera Basics | How to use Auto, P, S, A & M modes |
| Technical Skills | Understanding aperture and shutter speed |
| Exposure Control | Adjusting light and exposure settings |
| Practical Application | Hands-on Nikon-specific exercises |
Unlike general photography lessons, this course is made specifically for Nikon users, ensuring the content is tailored to your camera. It’s perfect for beginners who want to move from automatic to manual modes and make the most of their Nikon DSLR.
With a 4.6-star rating and 93% positive reviews, students love the approachable teaching style. The course breaks down technical concepts into simple steps that won’t overwhelm you.
“The instructor explains everything a beginner needs to know to get started with their Nikon DSLR in a clear and understandable manner”, says one happy student.
Practical exercises are included to help you apply what you learn, boosting your confidence in using your camera and making creative choices.
Once you’re comfortable with your Nikon DSLR, you can move on to courses that explore photography fundamentals across different camera types.
3. Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR
This course is perfect for anyone starting out with smartphone photography and eager to explore the world of DSLRs. It offers a clear, step-by-step learning path that teaches essential techniques for both types of cameras. You’ll learn the fundamentals of photography while smoothly transitioning between devices.
| Course Component | Key Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Camera Fundamentals | Understanding controls and settings for each device |
| Composition Skills | Techniques for framing, lighting, and perspective |
| Technical Mastery | Optimizing smartphone cameras and mastering DSLR controls |
| Practical Projects | Hands-on assignments with real-world scenarios and lighting |
One standout feature of this course is its focus on both smartphone and DSLR photography. Through practical projects, you’ll apply what you’ve learned, experimenting with different lighting conditions and subjects. This hands-on approach builds your confidence in using both types of cameras.
You’ll also get access to additional tools and resources, including:
- A Q&A forum and community for feedback
- A detailed photography guidebook
- Custom Lightroom pre-sets to enhance your editing
The course is designed for beginners but includes enough depth to keep intermediate photographers engaged. Each section breaks down complex ideas into manageable exercises, making it easy to grasp even advanced concepts.
“Starting with smartphone basics and progressing to DSLR mastery helps students build confidence gradually. The course’s practical exercises make complex concepts accessible to photographers at any skill level”, says a photography education expert from the course review panel.
Once you’re comfortable switching between devices, the next course dives deeper into exposure techniques and advanced camera settings.
4. Camera, Exposure & Photography Course
This course is designed for photographers looking to deepen their technical skills and build confidence through hands-on practice. With a mix of detailed materials and structured lessons, it covers everything from mastering camera controls to perfecting exposure techniques.
| Course Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Self-paced with a flexible schedule |
| Key Topics | Camera settings, exposure modes, light metering |
| Materials | Video lessons, guidebook, editing tools |
| Practical Focus | Real-world projects and applied learning |
The course breaks down complex photography concepts into easy-to-follow lessons, making it a great fit for beginners and intermediates alike. Students also gain access to a supportive photography community for feedback and inspiration, as well as demonstrations of photo editing using industry tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop [1].
A standout feature of this course is its focus on connecting camera settings to real-world scenarios. You’ll learn how to:
- Adjust exposure for various lighting conditions
- Use creative shutter speed techniques
- Choose lenses for the best image quality
- Apply advanced light metering for accuracy
The hands-on approach blends theoretical insights with practical exercises, helping students feel confident in different shooting environments. Each module includes practice assignments tailored to diverse lighting conditions, so you can consistently achieve your desired results.
5. Advanced Photography Techniques Course
This course is designed for photographers ready to elevate their skills and explore advanced techniques in lighting, composition, and editing. It’s perfect for those looking to move beyond the basics and work toward professional-level photography.
| Course Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Advanced |
| Course Length | Self-paced with hands-on practice modules |
| Key Topics | Advanced lighting, creative composition, post-editing |
| Prerequisites | Knowledge of manual camera settings and basic editing |
The course dives deep into applying the exposure triangle in challenging scenarios, teaching students how to achieve polished, professional-quality results. Through hands-on exercises and examples, you’ll learn to merge technical skills with artistic vision.
Each module focuses on a specific area of advanced photography:
- Advanced Lighting Techniques: Learn to work with multiple light sources and handle tricky lighting conditions to create striking images.
- Creative Composition: Hone your ability to frame shots in unique ways and develop a distinct visual style.
- Post-Processing Mastery: Take your editing skills to the next level with techniques used by professionals.
What makes this course stand out is its emphasis on practical demonstrations and real-world scenarios. You’ll also get access to an online community of photographers and downloadable resources to support your learning. The flexible structure allows you to progress at your own pace while covering all advanced photography essentials.
After completing this course, you can further refine your skills by specializing in specific areas, like portrait or landscape photography.
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6. Portrait Photography Course
This course dives into the specialized skills needed for professional portrait photography, building on advanced photography techniques. Portrait photography is a key skill for many photographers, and this course is designed to help you create images that leave a lasting impression.
| Course Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | All levels |
| Core Focus Areas | Lighting, posing, composition |
| Key Features | Hands-on exercises, downloadable guides, community forum |
| Software Required | Lightroom or Photoshop |
The course centres on three main areas: technical skills, lighting and composition, and subject interaction – all crucial for producing high-quality portraits.
Technical Skills
The course starts with camera settings tailored to portrait photography. You’ll learn how to control depth of field, adapt to different lighting situations, and choose the right lenses for various portrait styles.
Lighting and Composition
Master the art of lighting with techniques for both natural and studio setups. Whether you’re working with sunlight or professional equipment, you’ll discover how to achieve flattering and dynamic results for your subjects.
Subject Interaction
This section focuses on working with people. You’ll practice posing techniques, capturing genuine expressions, and creating a comfortable environment to bring out your subject’s best side.
You’ll complete hands-on exercises and projects to apply what you learn, from perfecting lighting setups to engaging with subjects. The course also provides downloadable guides and access to a community forum where you can share your work and get feedback.
Editing lessons are tailored for portrait photography, covering skin tone adjustments and consistent color grading. The self-paced format allows you to build your skills at your own speed, ensuring a solid foundation in portrait photography.
Once you’ve mastered photographing people, the next course shifts focus to capturing the beauty of the natural world.
7. Landscape Photography Course
This course is designed to tackle the unique challenges of outdoor photography, focusing on essential skills like technical settings, composition, and editing techniques. It’s a hands-on program tailored to help you excel in capturing breath-taking landscapes.
| Course Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Beginner to Advanced |
| Core Focus Areas | Natural light, composition, long exposure |
| Key Features | Field exercises, editing tutorials |
| Software Required | Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop |
The course is structured around three main areas: technical settings, composition techniques, and advanced editing.
Technical Settings
Learn how to fine-tune your camera for landscape photography. This includes using the right aperture for depth, mastering long exposure for dynamic effects, and working with filters to handle tricky lighting. You’ll also get tips on choosing the right gear and understanding weather patterns to plan your shoots effectively.
Composition Techniques
Discover how to create visually striking landscapes by using techniques like leading lines, balancing foreground and background elements, and framing scenes with natural patterns. You’ll also learn how to time your shots during golden or blue hours for the best lighting conditions.
Advanced Editing
Dive into editing methods tailored for landscapes. You’ll work on balancing light and shadows in high-contrast scenes, enhancing natural colours, managing dynamic range, and stitching together panoramas. These techniques will help you bring out the best in your photos.
Each module includes practical assignments to help you apply what you’ve learned. With expert guidance and hands-on exercises, you’ll build confidence in your landscape photography skills.
Once you’ve mastered landscapes, you’ll be ready to tackle the vibrant energy of street photography.
8. Street Photography Course
This course, led by award-winning Fine Art Photographer Adam Tan, dives deep into the art of street photography. Tan, known for achievements like winning First Place in National Geographic Magazine‘s 2013 International Contest (Places category), shares his expertise in a structured and engaging way.
| Course Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
| Duration | 9 chapters |
| Key Topics | Philosophies, tactics, gear, styles |
| Prerequisites | Basic camera knowledge |
| Included Materials | eBook, Lightroom presets |
Course Structure
The course is divided into nine chapters, each designed to build on the previous one. You’ll learn essential techniques while developing your personal approach to street photography.
Technical Mastery
Hone techniques like zone focusing and panning – key skills for capturing fleeting moments in fast-moving urban settings. These methods are tailored to the dynamic nature of street photography, helping you seize those critical, split-second opportunities.
Creative Development
“Photography must arise from the heart, touching emotions and recognizing beauty. We are artists driven by passion, creativity, and imagination.”
This course goes beyond technical skills, focusing on the emotional and creative aspects of photography. You’ll learn to tell stories through candid urban scenes and tackle challenges like overcoming shyness or working under time pressure.
Practical Applications
You’ll get hands-on advice for:
- Navigating busy urban areas with confidence
- Handling interactions with subjects professionally
- Making the most of natural light in city settings
- Developing a consistent shooting style
- Creating a portfolio that reflects your unique vision
By the end, you’ll feel prepared to capture authentic moments in urban environments and showcase your work in a standout portfolio.
Professional Support
The course includes personalized feedback and access to forums, offering ongoing support to help you refine your skills and grow your portfolio.
Once you’ve mastered street photography, you’re ready to move on to the next challenge – capturing life’s unforgettable moments at weddings.
9. Wedding Photography Course
Wedding photography is one of the most profitable areas in the photography world, blending technical skill with storytelling. This course, taught by seasoned professionals Phil Ebiner and Will Carnahan, is a great starting point for those looking to enter the field. It combines artistic techniques with business strategies to help you succeed.
| Course Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Duration | 4 hours 49 minutes |
| Student Count | 150,000+ |
| Key Topics | Photography techniques, business setup |
| Software Required | Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop |
Learn from Experts
Phil Ebiner, a Loyola Marymount University graduate with a background in film and television, teams up with wedding photography pro Will Carnahan. Together, they’ve taught millions of students how to master both photography and business.
What the Course Covers
This program focuses on two main areas of wedding photography:
Technical Skills:
- Handling tricky indoor and outdoor lighting at wedding venues
- Choosing and using the right equipment
- Capturing large group shots and candid moments
- Editing workflows tailored for weddings, including batch editing and album creation
Business Skills:
- Creating pricing packages that range from $3,000 to $10,000 per wedding
- Building a professional portfolio to attract clients
- Marketing strategies to grow your client base
Hands-On Experience
The course includes case studies and real-world examples, giving you practical knowledge on managing vendor relationships, sticking to tight schedules, and communicating effectively with clients during big events.
“I’ll take you by the hand and lead you step-by-step through the entire process of getting a wedding photography business started.” – Course Instructor
Success Stories
Thousands of students have rated this course highly. Gergana Tzoncheva, a former student, shares:
“Amazing course- I love the fact that it covers every aspect of wedding photography.”
Extra Support
Students get access to personalized advice, interactive Q&A sessions, and a community forum. The course is designed to focus on practical skills rather than just theory, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free investment.
10. Photography Business Course
This course helps photographers turn their passion into a thriving business by focusing on practical strategies and actionable steps. While knowing how to take great photos is important, understanding how to run a business is what transforms your talent into a career.
| Course Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
| Duration | 5 hours 30 minutes |
| Key Topics | Business planning, marketing, pricing |
| Prerequisites | Basic photography skills |
| Software Required | Business planning tools, social media apps |
Business Basics
This section dives into the core business skills every photographer needs. You’ll learn how to create a business plan that works, price your services competitively, and build lasting client relationships.
Marketing and Branding
A strong focus of the course is helping you stand out in a crowded market. You’ll discover how to:
- Build a portfolio and website that grab attention.
- Run effective social media campaigns to grow your audience.
- Connect with industry professionals and potential clients to expand your network.
Managing Your Finances
Get step-by-step guidance on pricing your services to ensure you’re both competitive and profitable.
Tools and Templates
You’ll receive practical resources like templates, contract examples, pricing calculators, and marketing frameworks to help you set up and streamline your business.
Community Access
The course also connects you to an online community of photographers. Here, you can exchange ideas, share strategies, and gain insights from others who are building their businesses.
Conclusion
Picking the right course can make all the difference in building your photography skills. Udemy offers a range of courses for every level, covering everything from beginner basics to advanced techniques and business insights.
The courses discussed highlight Udemy’s focus on delivering quality photography education. As Chris Parker wisely notes in his Photography Masterclass:
“It’s not the gear that you have that allows you to create great images… it’s knowing how to get the most out of what you have!” [2]
If you’re new to photography, courses like the Photography Masterclass or Photography Basics and Beyond are excellent starting points. For those with more experience, specialized courses in areas like portrait or wedding photography allow you to dive deeper into your interests.
Active engagement is key to getting the most out of these courses. Practical exercises and assignments help solidify the concepts, while course communities provide opportunities for collaboration and feedback. Through structured lessons and hands-on projects, each course is designed to help you sharpen your skills and apply them effectively.