With the best online digital photography courses, you can quickly and easily take your photography skills to the next level. You will be able to learn new techniques, get better at using your camera, and even take some amazing photos that you can be proud of.
Digital photography is its own special art form. Even if you have experience with film photography, you will still find that digital photography is very different.
In the past, photographers had to rely on film and darkrooms to develop their images. Today, however, digital cameras and computers have made it possible to take and edit photos without ever leaving home.
Digital cameras also operate much differently than traditional film cameras. Understanding how a digital camera works is essential to taking great photos.
The best online digital photography courses will teach you everything you need to know about digital photography, from the basics of how a camera works to more advanced topics like photo editing and printing.
You will also learn how to take advantage of the many features that digital cameras offer.
Of course, there are a lot of different online digital photography courses available, so it is important that you choose one that is right for you.
We’ve reviewed and ranked the top digital photography classes and trainings based on some key factors, including price, content, instructor experience, and student satisfaction.
This guide has been fully updated for 2023 to include the best available current options, so you can be sure you’re getting current, accurate recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
Disclosure:Â Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost for you, we might get a commission if you click the link and purchase.
How We Chose the Best Digital Photography Classes Online
We reviewed dozens of online digital photography training courses with the goal of narrowing the field down to a shortlist of the very best of the best.
With each digital photography course we looked at, we judged it on the following criteria:
- Curriculum and course content–First, we looked at the course descriptions and syllabus to get an understanding of what’s being taught. Is it an introductory course or does it teach advanced techniques? Is the information current and accurate to today’s digital photography landscape? We also watched a few lessons from each video course to gauge the overall quality of the instruction.
- Instructor credentials–We also looked at the experience and level of expertise offered by the instructors of these courses to verify they have the technical knowledge to teach the course as well as an approachable, engaging teaching style.
- Student reviews and ratings–In addition to forming our own opinions of these courses, we also carefully studied the student reviews and ratings for each digital photography class to see what other users liked and disliked about each.
- Overall value–Finally, we assessed the overall value of each course. We considered how much content you get for your money and whether any special features or bonuses enhance the learning experience.
With this comprehensive data in hand, we were able to compile a list of the very best online digital photography classes currently available.
What are the Best Online Digital Photography Classes?
Here are our top picks for the 8 best online courses in digital photography for 2023…
1. Fundamentals of DSLR Photography (Skillshare)
Fundamentals of DSLR Photography (Skillshare)
Master the basics of using your camera, learning key camera settings like ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and more. You’ll take a look at the “exposure pyramid.
This extensive course by Justin Bridges on Skillshare gives participants a well-organized introduction to the fundamental methods of operating a DSLR camera.
The course is designed for those interested in photography, but who don’t understand DSLR cameras. Camera settings, exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, composition, and lighting are just a few of the basic photography techniques Justin teaches.
The way the course is laid out enables students to begin with the basics and build on them as they advance. The lectures begin with an introduction to DSLR cameras and their l features before moving on to essential skills like altering exposure settings, comprehending aperture and shutter speed, and dealing with various lighting conditions.
Justin provides numerous applicable tasks and examples to ensure students actively implement the concepts they are learning. Students also learn composition skills to make visually appealing and aesthetically pleasant images.
By the end of the course, students will feel comfortable using their DSLR camera to capture beautiful images that express their artistic vision. It is beginner-friendly and practical, making it an ideal investment for anyone interested in photography.
You can check out Skillshare’s pricing guide to learn about the pricing plans.
Click here to try Skillshare free for 30 days.
2. DSLR Photography II: Understanding Lenses, Focal Length & Shooting (Skillshare)
DSLR Photography II: Understanding Lenses, Focal Length & Shooting (Skillshare)
This DSLR photography class is great for enthusiasts of all skill levels. You'll learn about the importance of your lens, how to get more from your gear, the basics of focal length and field of view, simple editing tips, and more.
The market for DSLR photography has grown more popular as high-quality cameras have become more accessible. This Skillshare course is an excellent place to start whether you’re new to photography or want to become a DSLR professional.
This course will guide you through the fundamentals of DSLR photography, including understanding different lens types, choosing the best lens for your shoot, and knowing how focal length influences your final image. The technical aspects of photography are also covered in the course, including adjusting the ISO, shutter speed, and aperture settings based on the lighting.
Students will also learn how to use composition and shooting techniques to produce appealing photographs in various typical genres, such as portraits and landscapes.
Click here to try Skillshare free for 30 days!
3. Fundamentals of Photo Editing (Skillshare)
Fundamentals of Photo Editing (Skillshare)
Want to take your digital photos to the next level? Editing can help you take a picture from good to amazing, and this course shows you simple editing tips to help you get the job done.
Anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of picture editing with Adobe Lightroom should take this course. It is intended for those who are just getting started with photo editing and covers all the fundamental methods utilized by experts.
Justin Bridges thoroughly explains and demonstrates each feature of Adobe Lightroom. A wide range of topics is covered in the course, including:
- importing and organizing photos
- fixing exposure, contrast, and color problems
- enhancing photos with artistic adjustments
- using presets and filters to create particular looks and styles
- fundamental photo retouching techniques
- exporting and sharing edited photos in various formats
The course is broken up into smaller segments, with each segment covering a distinct subject or skill. The course’s format makes it simple to follow and learn at your own pace, and the short, interesting videos add to the ease of learning.
Landscape, portrait, and street photography are just a few of the photographic genres taught by Justin. The course also provides exercise files and tests for students to practice what they have learned and solidify their understanding.
Overall, a wide range of learners, including professionals, enthusiasts, and amateurs, can benefit from the course.
Click here to try Skillshare free for 30 days.
4. Canon Digital SLR: Tips, Tricks, & Techniques Online Class (LinkedIn Learning)
Are you willing to enhance your photography skills using Canon Digital SLR cameras? This course is specially designed to enlighten intermediate photographers by providing the knowledge necessary to handle Canon digital SLR cameras more efficiently.
Topics addressed in the course include camera settings, exposure, lighting, composition, and editing. You’ll understand the capabilities of Canon digital SLR cameras and learn how to use manual camera settings to capture fantastic photographs.
You’ll learn how to improve the quality of your pictures by using composition and lighting techniques. With tools like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, you’ll also get the hang of image editing.
In essence, anyone who wishes to solve typical issues when using a Canon digital SLR camera should take this course. This course equips you with the knowledge to capture beautiful images and improve your photography talents, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned master.
Learn more about LinkedIn’s pricing plans and a free trial by reading our detailed LinkedIn pricing guide.
Click here to try LinkedIn Learning free for 30 days.
5. Free Photography Tutorial – Introductory Photography Course (Udemy)
Beginners who wish to perfect their core concepts and embark on the path to becoming competent photographers will benefit from this course.
This course covers all the fundamental areas of photography, such as exposure, composition, lighting, and camera settings, with high-quality video lessons, downloadable tools, and practical exercises. You’ll learn about several camera models, their characteristics, and different methods for creating various photographic effects like motion blur, bokeh, and depth of field.
Additionally, you’ll learn the basics of photo editing and enhancement methods. By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge needed to express your narrative via photography.
Overall, this course is a terrific resource whether your goal is to express your creativity via photography or you simply want to produce better pictures.
Udemy has two pricing plans: Pro and Personal. Check out the Udemy pricing guide to learn more.
Click here to try this course on Udemy.
6. Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR (Coursera)
Are you tired of shooting subpar pictures that fall short of capturing the actual character of your subject? Do you want to learn how to improve your regular photos to make them extraordinary?
This course is intended for all photography enthusiasts, from newbies just getting started to seasoned amateurs looking to advance their abilities.
You’ll learn the technical principles of photography—composition, exposure, and lighting—as well as more complex strategies and types of photography, such as landscape, portrait, and street photography—under the direction of a professional.
This course takes a wholly original approach to photography education. You’ll be inspired to cultivate your photographic style and creative eye and reflect critically on the pictures you take. As a result, you’ll be able to capture beautiful images and express your viewpoint through your photography.
Additionally, this course covers DSLR and smartphone photography, allowing you to select the equipment that best meets your needs. You’ll also learn how to edit your images with post-processing methods and use internet platforms to display your work.
Coursera’s pricing model lets you audit any of their classes for free, but if you want to earn a certificate after completing it, you’ll have to pay a small fee.
Click here to try this course free.
7. Macro Photography & Focus Stacking Made Easy (Udemy)
This online course on Udemy teaches you how to capture macro pictures of tiny objects, including insects, flowers, and more. Beginner and intermediate photographers who wish to perfect their craft and cultivate a creative eye for macro photography will benefit from this training.
The course covers critical subjects, including equipment choice, camera settings, lighting, composition, and focus stacking, and is taught by expert Nic van Oudtshoorn. The instructor will employ simple and clear explanations, real-world examples, and hands-on assignments.
The emphasis on making macro photography easy and accessible distinguishes this course from others. Without pricey equipment, you’ll discover how to take clear, in-depth macro pictures with any camera and lens. Additionally, you’ll learn how to compose and frame your photos.
After completing the course, you’ll have increased your technical proficiency, acquired a creative eye for macro photography, and learned sophisticated techniques like focus stacking to produce images with a wider depth of field. You’ll also develop the expertise and self-assurance for macro photography assignments. And also discover new forms of artistic expression.
Click here to try this course on Udemy.
8. Fundamentals of Photography (CreativeLive)
Are you in a dilemma of choosing the right equipment for your photography? Looking to excel at capturing high-quality, crisp photos with a smartphone, mirrorless camera, or a DSLR?
This course is specially designed to teach you how to adjust exposure, use various camera settings, compose visually appealing photos, and make the most of different lighting situations.
Upon completing the course, you will have a personal photographic style and the skills and confidence to take excellent photos in various scenarios.
Additionally, you will learn several post-processing and editing techniques to enrich your images and build a portfolio. You will have the skills to tell your own visual stories, whether it be for personal or professional projects.
Click here to try this course.
Why Learn Digital Photography?
There are lots of reasons you might want to learn digital photography.
In the age of smartphones and digital cameras, almost everyone has access to a camera. However, taking a great photo isn’t always as simple as pointing and shooting.
If you’re serious about photography, then learning the basics of digital photography can help you to take your skills to the next level.
With a little knowledge, you’ll be able to capture images that are truly stunning.
Whether you’re just looking to take better photos of the important events in your life or you want to turn your passion into a career, there are lots of reasons to learn digital photography.
The Advantages of Taking Online Courses To Learn Digital Photography
These days, there are more opportunities than ever to continue our education and learn new skills. One way to do this is by taking online courses.
Online courses offer a number of advantages over traditional in-person classes.
For one, they provide convenient and flexible learning opportunities. You can study at your own pace, on your own schedule.
Additionally, online courses tend to be more affordable than in-person classes. Taking a digital photography class at your local college might cost hundreds of dollars.
But you can find online courses that cost a fraction of that price.
Online digital photography courses also offer a wealth of resources that you can access at any time. If you need to review a particular concept or topic, you can simply watch a lecture or read a lesson again on your own time from anywhere in the world.
Finally, the best online course providers often give you access to a global community of students and instructors, providing you with a rich learning experience to help you become a photographer.
With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that taking online classes to learn digital photography has become so popular.
Tips for Choosing the Right Online Digital Photography Class
Not all online courses are created equal, and there are a number of things you’ll want to consider to find the right class for your needs.
- Your Budget–First, consider the cost of the course and whether it fits within your budget.
- Your Time–Next, think about the time commitment required and whether you will be able to complete the course within the given timeframe.
- Your Experience–Another important consideration is your level of experience with photography. If you’re totally new to it all, look for a course that focuses on the basics of photography. But if you’re already familiar with photography and just looking to improve your skills, then a course with more advanced lessons might be a better fit.
- The Instructor–When choosing an online digital photography class, it’s also important to research the instructor and make sure that they are qualified to teach the course.
- The Curriculum–Last but not least, take a look at the course content and make sure that it covers the topics that you’re interested in learning about.
A Final Word on Online Digital Photography Courses
Learning digital photography is a great way to improve your skills and take your photos to the next level. And thankfully, it’s easier than ever to learn online with a wide variety of courses available.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re already familiar with photography, there are online courses available to meet your needs.
And remember, many of these online platforms offer free trials, so you can try out a course before you commit to it.
So what are you waiting for? Start learning today!
Have any questions about our guide to the best digital photography courses online? Leave us a comment so we can help.
