10 Best Photography Courses Online On Udemy And Coursera in 2023

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Photography is an art form that has become more accessible than ever before, thanks to advances in technology. Whether you’re an art director or a filmmaker, there is always something new to learn in the world of photography.

In recent years, online photography classes have gained immense popularity among enthusiasts and professionals alike. With the advent of technology, it has become easier than ever before to learn the nuances of photography from the comfort of your own home.

Online photography classes offer a flexible and cost-effective way to learn photography skills and techniques at your own pace.

Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate, or an advanced photographer, there’s an online photography class that can help you take your skills to the next level. These classes are designed to help you improve your photography skills, master the technical aspects of photography, and develop your unique style.

One of the best things about online photography classes is the wide range of options available. There are courses that cover everything from the basics of photography to advanced lighting and composition techniques. Some classes are designed specifically for beginners, while others are geared towards more experienced photographers.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive photography course that covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques, then Udemy and Coursera are excellent places to start. These platforms offer a wide range of photography courses that cater to all levels of experience.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best online photography courses available on Udemy and Coursera in 2023. These courses cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of photography to advanced techniques for professionals.

So, whether you’re looking to improve your skills or take your photography career to the next level, these courses are sure to help you achieve your goals. Let’s take a closer look at the best online photography courses of 2023.

Best Photography Courses Online On Udemy

Udemy is an online platform that provides exclusive courses in photography, editing, graphic designing, and other areas. Be it an amateur with a smartphone or a beginner photographer with a DSLR, Udemy has a comprehensive range of courses for everyone to choose from.

1. Photography Masterclass: A complete guide to photography

This is one of the best online photography courses in Udemy. This course is designed for beginners and amateurs who have little or no experience in taking photos. If you have a sheer interest in learning about photography, you can always apply for this course. This course will provide you with an online photography course with a certificate.

Course highlights

• Understanding the working and functioning of the camera.
• Master shooting in manual mode while adapting to the camera features.
• Knowing the equipment required and managing them according to your budget.
• Following the practical demonstrations to see how to picture real-life scenarios.
• The correct usage of composure, lighting, and camera settings to produce better photos.
• Learning to edit photos to give them a professional look.
• How to start a business and earn money from photography.

Regardless of your knowledge and experience in photography, this course will teach you to produce world-class photos by integrating various styles and design techniques.

This course will help in honing your skills in using lighting, composing, and editing to create next-level photos. You can learn more about editing photos in lightroom in order to get inner sights about the topic.

Duration & fees

• The course is divided into 38 sections containing a total no. of 354 lectures.
• Total duration: 23 hours and 53 minutes. 
• Fees: $ 46.65

2. Beginner Nikon Digital SLR (DSLR) Photography

If you own a camera but are lost in configuring the functioning of the camera options and systems, then this course is meant for you. 

Any beginner with little knowledge about camera mechanisms and photography can gain expertise through this course. Doing practical work and observations will help in understanding the concept clearly. 

This photography online course will help you to hone your camera skills to an expert level.

Course highlights

• Learning to visualize your pictures like a professional photographer.
• How to use apertures and why choose one aperture over another.
• How to work with all of the modes (Auto, P, S, A & M) and when you will need the types.
• Exposure to the photographer’s tool belt and understanding its impact on your images.
• How to choose the shutter speed and when to use different speeds according to the need.
• Recognizing the difference between in-depth and motion blur.

In this course, you will learn to use all the modes, aperture, shutter speed, and other functionalities of the Nikon DSLR camera through exercises and complete lectures. 

You would also learn how to efficiently handle your camera and its equipment. 

Duration & fees

• The course consists of 7 lectures
• Total duration: 1 hour & 10 minutes.
• Fees: $ 25.60

3. Your Road to Better Photography

If you already have a camera but are confused about the correct and accurate settings to apply during taking a photo in various situations, then this course is for you. 

The main factors that decide your skill as a photographer are your ability to use three things- Aperture, Shutter speed, and ISO. 

This course provides detailed explanations about using these features to improve your photography skills. 

This online photography course is designed for beginners who want to control the features of aperture, shutter speed & ISO skillfully.

Course highlights

• Gaining creative control over the three features- Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO.
• Understanding the impact of Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO on the image.
• Learning to adjust the lighting in any situation for optimum results.
• Transforming your camera skills from Auto mode to manual mode.
• Integrated with useful exercises and assignments to experiment with your skills and receive honest reviews.

Photographers who are still unclear with the topics of lighting, Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO can take up this photography course online.

Duration & fees

• This course contains 2 sections with 10 lectures of a 
• Total duration: 30 minutes.
• Fees: $ 17.07

4. Complete Photography: 21 courses in 1 [Beginner to Expert]

This course is designed to provide you with a-z about photography in one go. If you are a beginner and want to attain expert knowledge in photography and its elements, this course is a perfect match for you. It covers topics like portrait photography, landscape photography, stock photography, photography composition, black and white, editing with Adobe, and many more. 

The courses covered under this package are:

• Understanding basic concepts of photography
• Understanding advanced concepts of photography
• Mastering architectural photography
• Mastering HDR photography
• Mastering night photography
• Adobe lightroom basics & advanced
• Adobe Photoshop basics & advanced
• Understanding photography gear and many more topics.

Course highlights

• Understanding basic photography concepts, exposure triangle, ISO, shutter speed, aperture.
• Doing practical projects with photo editing, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe photoshop.
• Learning Macro photography.
• Gaining practical knowledge on photography blogging with WordPress.
• Understanding advanced photography concepts like histograms, light metering, RAW format.
• How to earn money by stock photography.
• Doing practical projects in HDR and night photography.

Duration & fees

• This course is divided into 21 sections consisting of 136 lectures covering 8 hours & 20 minutes.
• Fees: $ 46.65

5. Photography- Become a better photographer- Part 1

This course comes with a bunch of free online courses on photography that you can watch and experiment with before applying. Intermediate and beginner amateur photographers are encouraged to take up this course to learn the tips and tricks of DSLR and compact photography. The course demonstrates many non-technical concepts of DSLR photography with fun explanations.

Course highlights

• Learning a detailed explanation of the camera settings.
• Understanding the importance of light and composition.
• Demonstrations of taking easy outdoor portraits.
• Techniques to get better flash photos indoors.
• Understanding the concepts of image quality, resolution, and different camera types.
• Tips to get sharp and better landscape pictures.
• Working with natural light and sun.

This course will help you to hone your skills as a photographer by having in-depth knowledge of the camera settings and other factors. Flash photography, light usage, usage of lenses, and other advanced options are provided in this course.

Duration & fees

• This course is divided into 11 sections containing 53 lectures of a total duration of 5 hours and 33 minutes.
• Fees: $ 29.87

Best Photography Courses Online On Coursera

Coursera is an online platform that provides export-oriented and flexible online courses about job-related subjects and projects. 

It coordinates with more than 200 universities and companies to provide the members of the website with high-quality online education accompanied by job-ready certificates and degrees. 

There are specialized plans for courses, professional certificates, degrees, etc. that you can avail yourself for affordable rates. Here are the 5 best photography courses on Coursera.

6. Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization

This is an online photography course designed for beginners, covering the aspects of photography using a smartphone to a DSLR camera. The course will help you to understand the concepts of exposure and composition to integrate creative concepts into your photos. You can build a strong foundation of on-camera knowledge and features with the help of the expert-guided courses packed in one go.

Course highlights

• Learning the camera aspects and applying them to practical work.
• Understanding the camera equipment and other non-technical matters to interpret a professional picture.
• Gaining camera control with the learning of different modes – from auto to program exposure.
• Learning the concepts of exposure modes, light metering, ISO settings, lens options, shutter speed, focus effect, etc.
• Expert guidance on editing skills and tasks on Adobe Lightroom and other smartphone apps.
• Learning to use light in natural and various settings.
• Sharing your work online to get reviews and participation in quizzes and other programs.
• Guaranteed specialization certificate from Michigan State University on completion of the course.
• Working on capstone projects to gain experience as a professional.

Duration & fees

• The course is divided into 5 sub-courses with a duration of about 6 months to complete.
• The course works at a pace of 4 hours/week according to a flexible schedule.
• You can enroll for free in this course and get yourself certified.

7. Camera, Exposure & Photography

This course is the 1st course involved in the Photography basics and beyond but you can opt for this module separately if you wish. If you are willing to attend each module at a time to gain detailed knowledge at a slower pace, then this online course is perfect for you. You will gain a specialized certificate after completion of this course from Michigan State University.

Course highlights

• Understanding the tech terms of the camera in detail.
• Sorting through the functions, menus, camera focus, and craft aspects.
• Learning about the different types of digital cameras along with their differences and characteristics.
• Set up a camera by yourself by integrating the necessary features and options.
• Expert guidance on using the various options and camera modes to make your pictures look stunning.
• Examining the different aspects of vantage points and frames.
• Gaining in-depth knowledge of the creative aspect of photography.
• Additional reading materials and peer discussions and reviews to help you improve the quality of your photography.

Duration & fees

• This online photography course consists of 4 modules designated to 4 different topics accompanied by lecture videos, quizzes, and reading materials.
• The total duration of the entire course is 19 hours that can be covered according to your convenience.
• You can enroll for free in this course, but a fee needs to be paid for full access to the content.

8. Photography Techniques: Light, Content & Sharing

This is the 4th course included in the Photography Basics & Beyond and covers more advanced topics of photography. This online photography course mainly focuses on preparing you for your projects and working as a freelance professional photographer. It looks into deep aspects of content in photography and provides guidelines on how you can improve your skills in that field.

Course highlights

• Learning the various types of photography contents and aspects that need to be applied in various situations.
• Tips and techniques of photography in ambient light at any time- from dawn to night.
• Recognizing the requirements to get a good photo in any lighting condition.
• Learning about essential light and exposure principles.
• Establishing control over aspects like continuous light, built-in flash, and light principles.
• Professionally present your photos, whether in a printed form or online view.
• The aspects of calibration and editing to give your photos a complete look.
• Practical assignments to put your knowledge and understanding into action.

Duration & fees

• This course is divided into 4 modules with content, covering 23 hours.
• You can enroll in this course free of cost, but fees are required to access all features.

9. Seeing Through Photographs

This course is offered by The Museum of Modern Art as a part of their modern and contemporary art and design specialization. This course helps you in having in-depth knowledge about the artistic side of photography. You will be able to understand the meanings and expressions behind photographs and learn the exclusive history of photography from experts of the Museum of Modern Art.

Course highlights

• Understanding the artistic approach to photography and looking through the technical aspects of clicking a picture.
• Experimentation with technological innovation to result in something creative.
• Learning the integration of context in the production, circulation, and reception of photographs.
• Understanding the meaning of a photograph and trying to convey your speech through your work.
• Gaining inspiration on photography and engaging in discussions around the world.

Duration & fees

• This course contains 4 modules of 17 hours.
• You can enroll for free in this course.

10. Principles of Photo Composition & Digital Image Post Production

This online photography course provides you with a professional-level understanding of the design elements that help to produce quality photos. You will be able to master the elements of composition and apply them into practical experiments. This is the 3rd module of the Photography Basics & Beyond provided by Michigan State University.

Course highlights

• Understanding the various elements of design to create a perfect composition.
• Learning to convey content through photographs.
• Organizing the elements in the frame to have a detailed understanding of the composition of pictures.
• Learning fundamental concepts of Adobe Lightroom and post-production techniques in photography.
• Integrating editing tips and techniques in smartphone cameras and apps to capture better pictures.

Duration & fees

• This course consists of 4 modules of 16 hours including expert videos and reading materials.
• You can enroll for free in this course, or pay for further access to detailed features.

What are the benefits of taking these online courses?

There are many benefits to taking online photography courses. Here are some of the key benefits that you can expect:

Flexible Learning: One of the biggest advantages of online photography courses is the flexibility they offer. You can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, without having to worry about commuting to a physical classroom.

This makes it easier for people with busy schedules or those living in remote areas to access quality photography education.

Access to Expert Instructors: Another benefit of online photography courses is that you can learn from expert instructors from all over the world. Many of these instructors have years of experience in the industry and can provide valuable insights and advice on the art and craft of photography.

Comprehensive Curriculum: Most online photography courses are designed to be comprehensive and cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of photography to more advanced techniques. This means that you can gain a solid foundation in photography and develop your skills over time.

Affordable Pricing: Online photography courses are generally much more affordable than traditional photography courses. This means that you can access quality photography education without having to spend a lot of money.

Interactive Learning: Online photography courses often provide interactive learning experiences, with video tutorials, quizzes, and assignments. This helps to keep you engaged and motivated throughout the course.

Community Support: Many online photography courses also provide access to a community of learners who can offer support, feedback, and encouragement. This can be especially helpful for beginners who may feel intimidated or overwhelmed by the complexity of photography.

Overall, online photography courses are a great way to develop your photography skills and take your passion for photography to the next level. With the flexibility, affordability, and access to expert instructors that they offer, there’s no reason not to take advantage of these valuable learning resources.

Conclusion

Photography has become a popular career path in recent times. More and more people are finding solace in exploring the aspects of photography and taking it up as a professional career. If you are passionate about photography as much as to build a career upon it, an online photography course will definitely come handy.

Photography as a career is not new thus, not easy to achieve. One must remember that every field brings in competition and one must be patient to overcome it. Among various other alternatives available for a career path, if you are motivated enough to give photography a shot, you must find the needed sources to learn and this article is one among them.

If one is interested in the field of mass media that excels from close proximity with photography, they can look into a career in screenwriting,  filmmaking, etc.

FAQs

What are the best online photography courses for beginners?
A: Some of the best online photography courses for beginners include Photography Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Photography, The Ultimate Photography Course for Beginners, and Photography Foundations for Art and Design.

Are online photography courses as effective as in-person courses?
A: Yes, online photography courses can be just as effective as in-person courses. Many online courses offer interactive learning experiences, expert instructors, and comprehensive curriculums, making them a great option for people who prefer to learn online.

Can I get a certificate after completing an online photography course?
A: Yes, many online photography courses offer certificates of completion that you can use to showcase your new skills to potential clients or employers.

How much do online photography courses typically cost?
A: The cost of online photography courses can vary depending on the course and platform, but they are generally more affordable than traditional photography courses. Some courses may be as low as $20, while others may cost several hundred dollars.

Do I need any specific equipment to take an online photography course?
A: It depends on the course. Some courses may require a DSLR camera or other photography equipment, while others may be more focused on theory and technique. Be sure to check the course requirements before signing up.

How long do online photography courses typically take to complete?
A: The length of online photography courses can vary depending on the course and your own pace. Some courses may be completed in a few hours, while others may take several weeks or months to complete.