In today’s digital world, photography is more than just clicking a picture. It’s about storytelling, creativity, lighting, composition, and understanding how your camera works. Whether you’re an aspiring professional photographer or someone who just wants to take better pictures of your travels, learning digital photography online can be the perfect way to begin.
The beauty of online learning is that you can learn at your own pace, from your home, and even with your smartphone or digital camera in hand. With thousands of courses available, it might feel overwhelming to choose the best one. But don’t worry — this guide will introduce you to some of the best online photography courses, explain why they’re effective, and help you pick the right one for your goals and budget.
Why Learn Digital Photography Online?
Online courses provide flexibility, affordability, and access to expert instructors from around the world. You don’t need to go to a physical classroom or pay heavy tuition fees to learn the basics of photography. From free YouTube tutorials to structured courses on professional platforms, you can find a course that fits your learning style.
Many courses offer lifetime access, downloadable content, interactive quizzes, and peer feedback. This means you can re-watch the lessons anytime you need to brush up. Some even provide certificates, which are great for adding to your portfolio or resume.
1. Photography Masterclass by Phil Ebiner (Udemy)
This is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly digital photography courses on Udemy, with over 300,000 students. Taught by Phil Ebiner and his team, it covers everything from camera settings to lighting, composition, editing in Lightroom and Photoshop, and much more.
The course includes:
- Over 20 hours of video lessons
- Real-life shooting scenarios
- Assignments and projects
- Lifetime access and a certificate
It’s ideal for beginners and intermediate learners who want to explore various photography styles including portraits, landscapes, street photography, and studio work.
2. Fundamentals of Digital Photography by John Greengo (CreativeLive)
CreativeLive is known for its high-quality photography content. In this course, John Greengo — a renowned photographer and educator — teaches the foundational principles of photography. He goes deep into how cameras work, how to control exposure, focus, and how to compose a shot beautifully.
Key features include:
- 24+ hours of content
- Detailed camera demos
- Downloadable lessons
- Lifetime access
This course is excellent for someone who wants to deeply understand how cameras work and take full control of their settings.
3. Digital Photography Specialization (Coursera – Michigan State University)
If you prefer an academic, structured approach, this Coursera specialization is perfect. It’s a five-course series offered by Michigan State University and covers everything from the basics to advanced photography techniques.
It includes:
- Weekly assignments and quizzes
- Peer-reviewed photo projects
- Certificate from a reputed university
- Access to a learning community
This is ideal for students or professionals looking to build a strong photography portfolio or prepare for a career in media, journalism, or visual arts.
4. Introduction to Photography (Skillshare)
Skillshare is a great platform for creative learners, and this beginner-friendly course by Justin Bridges teaches you how to use manual settings on your camera, work with light, and compose interesting shots. It’s concise but practical.
Features include:
- Short, hands-on lessons
- Real-world photo examples
- Access to other creative classes
- 1-month free trial of Skillshare
If you want quick tips, visual examples, and short assignments to improve your skills step by step, this is a great choice.
5. The Art of Photography by Ted Forbes (YouTube – Free)
Not all great courses cost money! Ted Forbes, a respected voice in photography, runs a free and very informative YouTube channel called The Art of Photography. His videos cover camera gear, photography techniques, editing, and even the history of famous photographers.
Why it’s great:
- Completely free
- High-quality content
- Covers both theory and practice
- Perfect for self-paced learning
While you won’t get a certificate, you’ll gain deep insights and practical advice that many paid courses charge for.
6. Harvard’s Digital Photography Course (Free – OpenCourseWare)
Harvard University offers a free photography course on their OpenCourseWare platform. It includes video lectures and readings designed to teach you the basics of exposure, composition, lighting, and photo editing.
This course offers:
- Free access to premium content
- Theoretical and practical knowledge
- No signup or fees required
If you’re curious about how photography is taught in an academic setting and want to study on your own, this is a fantastic opportunity.
7. Mastering Lightroom: Editing Like a Pro (Udemy)
Taking photos is only half the work. Editing is where your images come to life. This course focuses solely on Adobe Lightroom, the industry-standard software for editing and organizing photos. You’ll learn how to enhance your pictures, correct colors, and create a unique style.
What’s included:
- Step-by-step editing walkthroughs
- Tips for developing your own editing style
- Catalog and file management
Ideal for anyone who wants to go beyond basic editing and learn how to make photos look professional.
How to Choose the Right Course for You?
When choosing the best online course to learn digital photography, consider these questions:
- What is your skill level?
Are you a complete beginner, or do you already know the basics? - What kind of photography do you want to learn?
Portraits, landscapes, product photography, or event photography? - Do you want a certificate?
Some platforms offer certifications that you can use professionally. - What’s your budget?
Free courses are great, but paid ones offer deeper instruction and support. - What kind of device will you use?
Some courses focus on DSLR cameras, while others also include smartphone photography.
Final Thoughts
Learning digital photography online is one of the smartest decisions you can make if you’re passionate about capturing beautiful moments. With so many excellent courses available, all you need is a camera, curiosity, and consistency.
Whether you prefer structured university-style programs, creative short classes, or free YouTube videos, there’s something out there for everyone. Choose the course that fits your style, take it one lesson at a time, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Photography is an art, and like any art, it improves with practice and passion. So pick up your camera, sign up for a course, and start telling your story through images.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need a DSLR to take an online photography course?
A: Not necessarily. Many courses teach photography concepts that apply to all cameras, including smartphones. However, if you want to explore manual settings deeply, a DSLR or mirrorless camera will help.
Q2: Are free courses good enough for learning photography?
A: Yes, many free courses (like YouTube channels or Harvard’s OpenCourseWare) offer excellent lessons. Paid courses usually provide more structured content and personal feedback, but you can start for free.
Q3: How long does it take to learn digital photography?
A: It depends on your dedication. With regular practice, you can learn the basics in a few weeks. Mastering advanced techniques and editing may take months or more.
Q4: Can I become a professional photographer through online courses?
A: Yes, many professionals are self-taught through online resources. Combine courses with practice, building a portfolio, and networking to pursue a photography career.
Q5: What software should I learn along with photography?
A: Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are the most commonly used tools for photo editing.
