Should I go to college to become a professional photographer now? There is no right answer. Nowadays, having millions of online photography classes available, you don’t need to sit in classes and do a lot of boring home tasks.
There are numerous free online photography courses that will be useful for beginners and experienced photographers, who want to refresh their knowledge or learn something new.
Level: Beginner
This course is designed specifically for beginners. It consists of 10 basic lessons that cover the basics of lighting and composition. You will learn how to set up the camera, and understand what aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance are.
After completing the course, you will know how to control the light during shooting and, as a result, will be able to get high-quality images.
Level: Beginner
This photography class free online is available through the OpenCourseWare initiative and represents video lectures from a semester undergraduate course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Here you can learn the basics and technical aspects of work with both analog and DSLR cameras. Also, you can get free online film courses.
Level: Beginner
This free photography course is perfect for beginners. It covers all the basics, so you will understand your camera's settings and learn to adjust exposure, shutter speed, and composition. There are professional 10 lessons awaiting students. Karl Taylor, a reputable photographer delivers the material. Plus, you'll get a downloadable eBook and a quiz to help you review what you've learned.
Level: Beginner
If you want to extend your knowledge about lighting, this is an ideal course to try. The lecturers have prepared easy-to-follow lessons and helpful images, so you'll learn how to make different lighting setups and use them to take amazing photos. Whether you're a beginner or have been in the sphere for some time, this course will surely come in handy.
Level: Beginner
As you already guessed, after reading the title - this is a beginner photography class for those who are used to using automatic mode, but want to learn how to take pictures in manual mode. If the manual mode sounds to you like something terrible and unknown - start learning right now!
Level: Beginner
This photography and editing course is a great starting point for anyone striving to become a successful photographer. You will learn the basics of using lenses and lighting setups. I particularly like that the lecturers explain everything in simple language so beginners can easily follow along. You'll also learn about popular editing software like Photoshop and Lightroom. Thus, you’ll be able to improve your photos after you take them. All in all, this is a great course to start your photography journey more confidently.
Level: Intermediate
If you have already mastered the basics and are ready for more advanced training - PhotographyCourse offers the best online photography courses. You can find many useful lessons about everything from different technical aspects of the camera to a variety of photography styles. A great choice to refresh your knowledge.
Level: Intermediate
By taking this course, you can learn how to use speedlights like a pro. It’s perfect if you already have some experience but want to learn more about using flash lighting. You’ll find out different techniques for setting up and using speedlights to make your photos look amazing.
Speakers explain different nuances like the direction of light, the best methods to adjust the flash power, and more. If you are afraid of practicing speedlight photography, choose this course and let your worries vanish.
Level: Intermediate
A lot of classes for intermediate photographers, as well as an excellent creative atmosphere - this is what the DIY Photography Tutorials course offers. Look for a solution to a particular problem, but constantly stumble upon common answers? This course is designed to correct this problem by offering specific answers to specific questions.
Level: Intermediate
Jeff Cable, a photographer who's worked at three Olympic Games, shares his secrets for taking jaw-dropping photos after sunset. He talks about various challenges and techniques you need to use when there's not much light. You'll learn how to adjust your camera settings, use artificial light in original ways, and achieve amazing photo quality even in poorly lit environments.
Level: Advanced
Advanced Digital Photography course can help you to master the most advanced concepts in the field of photography, using easy-to-understand manuals and diagrams. Also, these accredited photo editing classes online free are good for improving existing skills such as post-production and work with various software.
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Photography Playground offers three different possibilities for students to improve their skills. One-to-One Mentoring supposes personalized guidance from a professional photographer who can help you reach your goals.
Mindful Photography is actually a six-week course. Taking it, you will learn how to use your camera or smartphone to photograph anything around you. Beginner Photography Course is a fantastic opportunity for novices to grasp the basics of photography in five easy steps. After completion, you’ll be able to take beautiful photos in manual mode.
Level: Advanced
Join Marc Levoy, a renowned photography expert. He presents a series of informative lectures on the technical aspects of photography. Mark has years of experience as a professor and engineer. In this course, he breaks down complex photography concepts into easy-to-understand terms.
You'll learn about the science of taking pictures, the role of lenses, and the importance of photo editing. If you want to hone their skills and get a deeper understanding of the art and science of photography, you should definitely take advantage of this offer.
Level: Beginner
It may sound crazy, but with this photo editing course online free, you can learn the photography basics in just 30 minutes. You only need to create a free account and dive into 30 quick lessons. There are lots of valuable information, including camera settings, posing, and image editing. These bite-sized 60-second classes offer simple, actionable tips to improve your photos instantly. The best part is that all handy tips come at no cost.
Level: Advanced
This resource provides an excellent chance to gain valuable experience and knowledge from the best photographers in the world. However, if you want to do it for free, then you need to watch the lectures live. An excellent choice for those who want to look at the process of creating a photo through a prism of different styles.
Level: Advanced
Short Courses is a user-friendly platform with a variety of free photography lessons. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, you'll find helpful tips and tricks here. The courses are short and to the point, but they cover all the important basics. The lecturers decided to photos on practical matters, which is a smart approach. You'll learn how to take better photos and improve your skills step by step.
Level: Intermediate
If you want to figure out how to take professional family portraits, this court by Craftsy is worth checking out.
A professional photographer named Kirk Tuck teaches the lectures. He shares his secrets for posing models, using natural light, and taking photos that show a connection between relatives and their genuine personalities. You’ll also get to do some practice assignments. After this course, you’ll be able to take family photos that won’t leave your clients indifferent.
Level: Beginner
Dan Rubin invites you to dive into the world of lifestyle photography in this 26-minute course. He tells engaging stories and practical tips, while showing students how to take authentic and compelling images. Though the course is aimed at beginners, it can also interest seasoned photographers. In general, this easy-to-follow course offers valuable insights into photography and image post-processing.
Level: Beginner
You are welcome to discover the secrets of taking spectacular underwater photos in this practical photography course online free with certificate. You can learn how to use specialized equipment, choose the right gear, and master the techniques of underwater shooting. This course focuses on practical application. Experts show you how digital photography techniques can benefit your underwater photo session.
Level: Beginner
Join a popular music photographer Kane Hibberd as he shares his decade-plus of expertise in capturing the electrifying energy of live concerts. You'll discover the essential techniques and equipment needed to capture the raw emotion and power of performances.
Kane also talks about his favorite gear, including cameras, lenses for concert photography, and accessories that are indispensable for the fast-paced world of concert photography. You'll also learn his proven methods for optimizing settings in low-light conditions and creating dynamic compositions that truly capture the essence of the music.
Level: Beginner to Advanced
If you need help mastering Lightroom, Anthony Morganti's comprehensive video series is your solution. There are 40 detailed tutorials, in which he describes the ins and outs of using Lightroom 5. The course can satisfy both beginners and more experienced photographers. Since Anthony explains the most complicated topics in simple words, understanding the material is easy.
Level: Beginner
Discover the thrill of wildlife photography with this all-inclusive course. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you'll find valuable tips and tricks here. You will learn how to choose the right gear, set your budget, use different shooting techniques, and promote your services. Even experienced photographers will learn some valuable up-to-date information here.
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Phlearn is a fantastic resource for anyone who loves photography and digital art. Experts regularly share tips on how to use Photoshop and Lightroom and have a ton of video tutorials to help you improve your skills. The content can be helpful for students of all skill levels.
Still, keep in mind that some of their advanced courses require a subscription. Fortunately, there are still lots of free interesting lessons. You can learn the basics of photo editing, compositing techniques, and more.
Level: Beginner to Advanced
SkillShare is a great place to learn about Lightroom, Photoshop, and other photo editing apps. They have a huge selection of tutorials and courses taught by experienced photographers and educators. You can learn everything from the basics to advanced techniques. Plus, the community is really active, so you can get feedback from other people and make new connections.
Level: Beginner
Designed for iPhone enthusiasts, this course shows you how to turn your phone into a professional smartphone photography editing studio. You'll learn to use popular editing apps, discover expert tips for enhancing photos, and will be able to create breathtaking images straight on your device.
When you select online photography courses, pay attention to the following factors:
Taking free online photography courses, you can enjoy the freedom to learn whenever and wherever you want. You can get expert advice without spending a dime. Plus, many courses offer certificates or portfolios to help you show off your skills.
No. You can use whatever camera you have, even your phone. Many courses cover the basics that work for all kinds of cameras. Sure, you might want to upgrade later to a DSLR or mirrorless camera, but it's not necessary at the beginning.
Surely. Some courses offer certificates, but others don't. Websites like Coursera, Alison, and Udemy may charge you for a certificate, even if the course itself is free. But don't worry, you can still learn a lot even without a certificate.
Absolutely. Most free online photography courses are perfect for people who are just starting out. You can understand the basics like how to take good pictures, use lighting, and adjust your camera settings. Some even have lessons that get harder as you go, so you can keep learning and improving.
It depends on the course. Some are quick, like a few days or even a few hours. But others are more in-depth and can last weeks or months. The good news is, you can learn at your own pace, so you set the schedule.
Yes. Most courses include lessons on editing and improving photos. You'll learn how to use popular photo editing software like Lightroom, Photoshop, or even free options like GIMP. You will find out how to make your pictures look even better.
Most free photography courses work great on phones. Coursera, Udemy, and Alison offer phone-friendly versions, so you can learn anytime, anywhere.
Definitely. Even though these courses are free, they contain practical tips on how to use light, take images, and improve them. Lots of people use what they learn to build a portfolio and get paid work or move up in their photography career.
You can try Coursera, Alison, Udemy, or Skillshare. They have lots of photography classes for all levels, taught by people who know what they're doing. Besides, don't forget about YouTube. There are tons of Photoshop tutorials on YouTube that can really help you out.
Think about what you already know about photography and what kind of pictures you like to take. Then, look at the course outline, see who's teaching it, and read what other people say about the lessons. Thus, you can find a class that's perfect for you.
