Learning photography can be an incredibly rewarding journey, whether you’re an aspiring professional or just someone who wants to capture life’s moments more beautifully. The advent of online education has made high-quality photo tutorials readily accessible for anyone with an internet connection. From mastering the basics to exploring specialized niches, there are abundant resources to elevate your skills. This article will guide you through some of the best online photography tutorials available, provide tips to choose the right course for you, explore the value of going to school for photography, and introduce you to Adorama’s educational content.
Top Free Online Photography Courses Available Now:
1. Basics of Photography: The Complete Guide
This guide hosted on Lifehacker is a comprehensive introduction to photography. It covers everything from understanding your camera to foundational concepts such as the exposure triangle. It’s a fantastic starting point for beginners who appreciate text-based learning and want to refer back to specific points as they practice. The guide is broken down into easily digestible sections with accompanying images to illustrate key concepts. The best part? It’s entirely free. As it’s been available online for years, many users have contributed with additional tips and tricks in the comments, providing a rich repository of user-generated advice.
2. Introduction to Photography and Related Media
Offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), this free online course provides an in-depth look into photography principles and practices. It includes assignments, lectures, and readings. The coursework is rigorous, making it suitable for those serious about developing a thorough understanding of photography. While it’s designed for beginners, even intermediate photographers will find valuable insights here. By emulating a university course structure, it gives students a sense of how photography is taught in an academic setting, offering a more disciplined learning path.
3. Your Road to Better Photography
This course by Skillshare offers an engaging pathway for beginners to enhance their photographic skills. It’s unique in that it combines instruction with community interaction. Users can submit their work and receive feedback from peers and instructors. The course spans various topics, from composition to lighting. It’s particularly beneficial for those who prefer learning by doing, with actionable tasks and projects to complete. Skillshare offers a free trial, and the investment in a subscription can provide access to numerous other photography courses.
4. Lighting 101 by Strobist
Mastering lighting is crucial for any photographer. Strobist’s Lighting 101 is a renowned free resource that delves deep into the use of off-camera flash. It’s beginner-friendly but also provides advanced insights. The lessons are organized step-by-step, starting with the basics of light and moving into more complex scenarios. By the end of the course, you’ll have a strong grasp of lighting techniques—whether in a controlled environment or on the go.
5. Commercial Photography: Still and Moving Image
This course on Coursera, offered by Michigan State University, bridges still photography and video. It’s perfect for those looking to diversify their skills in the commercial realm. The syllabus includes lessons on storytelling, lighting, and editing, offering a comprehensive package for budding commercial photographers. It is free to audit the course, but if you seek certification, a fee is applicable. The assignments given towards the course completion provide a real-world context that can be immediately applicable to commercial projects.
6. Photography Essentials: Understanding the Basics
Photography Essentials offers foundational knowledge for those new to the field. It covers critical topics like exposure, composition, and camera settings, laying down the groundwork for understanding how to use your camera effectively. This free course is straightforward and to the point, making it a good choice for those who need a quick yet thorough introduction to photography.
7. CreativeLive On-Air Classes
CreativeLive provides high-quality live classes that are free to watch if you tune in when they premiere. The platform offers a remarkable variety of photography courses inclusive of different genres, from portraiture to landscape photography. These classes are conducted by industry professionals, providing invaluable insights and techniques. The on-air classes are ideal for those who prefer real-time learning and like to keep up with current trends and techniques.
8. Alison Free Online Courses and Online Learning
Alison’s platform offers a multitude of free courses, including several in photography. Each course is designed to impart foundational skills and is reviewed regularly to ensure quality content. Their courses cover a broad spectrum, from basic camera functions to advanced editing techniques. As Alison offers certified courses, this can be a great way to formalize your learning with a certificate to showcase your new skills.
9. Documentary Photography and Photojournalism: Still Images of a World in Motion
This digital offering from Michigan State University focuses on documentary photography and photojournalism. It’s ideal for those interested in telling stories through their photos. With a mixture of theoretical knowledge and practical assignments, the course prepares you to capture compelling stories. It is available to audit for free on Coursera, with the option to earn a certificate upon completion for a fee.
10. Professional Family Portraits by Kirk Tuck
Kirk Tuck’s course on shooting family portraits is an excellent resource for anyone interested in portraiture. The lessons are particularly useful for photographers looking to specialize in family and group photography. It covers essential concepts such as composition, posing, and lighting. By focusing on practical examples, the course ensures that you can immediately apply the tricks and techniques discussed.
11. An Introduction to Photography by Karl Taylor Education
Karl Taylor’s course is a fantastic starting point for beginners. It covers everything from basic camera settings to more advanced topics like depth of field and long exposure. What sets this course apart is its high production quality and the engaging delivery by Karl Taylor himself, ensuring that learning photography doesn’t feel tedious but rather exciting and accessible.
12. Stanford’s Digital Photography Course
Stanford University offers a comprehensive digital photography course, available through online learning platforms. This free course covers various aspects of digital photography, including software manipulation techniques. The course is extensive, making it suitable for those willing to invest a considerable amount of time and effort. Due to its academic nature, it provides a solid foundation upon which to build advanced photography skills.
13. Introductory Photography Course by Chris Bray
Chris Bray’s course is a succinct introduction to photography. Offered for free, it includes video tutorials that explain concepts in an easy-to-digest format. The course is designed for absolute beginners and covers everything from camera settings to practical shooting tips. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a quick yet thorough way to get started in photography.
14. Photography: Ditch Auto – Start Shooting in Manual by Jerad Hill
Jerad Hill’s course encourages photographers to move beyond automatic settings and take full control of their cameras. By explaining manual settings in a clear and approachable way, the course makes advanced photography techniques more accessible. This free course is excellent for anyone looking to understand and utilize their camera’s full potential, providing a significant upgrade from auto mode to skilled manual shooting.
15. The Reddit Photoclass
The Reddit Photoclass is a community-driven series of lessons hosted on Reddit. It covers a range of topics in weekly modules, creating a structured yet adaptive learning environment. What makes it unique is the collaborative aspect—students can share their work and receive feedback from a global community. This interactive format makes it perfect for those who enjoy learning through a sense of community and shared experiences.
Tips to Choose the Best Digital Photography Course for You
When selecting a photography course, consider your current skill level and specific areas you want to improve. Identify your learning style—is it text-based, video-based, or interactive? Also, consider the time commitment you can realistically dedicate to a course. Ensure that the course content is structured and that it has a clear progression path. Reading reviews and testimonials from other students can provide invaluable insights into the course’s efficacy and value. Lastly, think about whether you need a certification to showcase your acquired skills, which can be especially beneficial for career advancement.
How to Find a Photography Class Near You?
Finding local photography classes can be as simple as a quick internet search. Community centers, local colleges, and art schools often offer courses. Social media platforms and local photography clubs are also excellent resources for finding in-person classes or workshops. Websites such as Meetup.com are useful for finding photography groups and classes near you, facilitating both learning and networking with other photography enthusiasts in your area.
Is Going to School for Photography Worth It?
Can you self teach photography?
Yes, you can self-teach photography, especially with the plethora of online resources available. Self-teaching allows you to learn at your own pace and focus exclusively on topics that interest you. However, it requires discipline and motivation to consistently practice and apply what you’ve learned. Books, video tutorials, forums, and photo communities can provide you with a well-rounded education. Every piece of information you absorb from various resources builds your overall understanding and skill set.
How much does a photographer make a year?
A photographer’s earnings can vary widely based on their location, expertise, and market demand. Entry-level photographers may earn around $30,000 to $40,000 per year, while experienced professionals in specialized fields such as commercial photography or photojournalism can earn upwards of $70,000 to $100,000 or more. Freelance photographers’ income can be less predictable, fluctuating based on the number and type of projects they secure. Establishing a strong portfolio and network is crucial for increasing earning potential in this competitive field.
Learn From Adorama
Parts of a Camera
Knowing your camera is the first step to effective photography. Adorama provides detailed tutorials highlighting the critical components of a camera, including the sensor, lens, and viewfinder. These tutorials help beginners understand what each part does and how they contribute to capturing a photo.
Camera Basics: What is Shutter Speed?
Shutter speed controls how long the camera’s sensor is exposed to light. Understanding this concept is crucial for capturing motion effectively, be it freezing fast-moving subjects or creating artistic motion blur. Adorama’s guides break down shutter speed into simple terms with practical examples.
Camera Basics: What is Aperture?
Aperture affects the depth of field and the amount of light entering the camera. Adorama’s resources on aperture explain how to manipulate this setting to achieve desired effects, such as blurred backgrounds or sharp images from foreground to background.
Camera Basics: What is ISO?
ISO controls the camera sensor’s sensitivity to light. Adorama offers in-depth tutorials on how to balance ISO with shutter speed and aperture to get the correct exposure in various lighting conditions.
Best Cameras for Beginners
Choosing the right camera can be overwhelming for beginners. Adorama’s guides to the best entry-level cameras provide recommendations based on ease of use, features, and price. Each recommendation is accompanied by detailed reviews and sample images.
Different Camera Shooting Modes Explained
Modern cameras come with various shooting modes like Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual. Adorama’s tutorials explain these modes, helping photographers choose the best settings for their shooting scenario.
Exposure Triangle Explained: What You Need to Know
The exposure triangle—comprising shutter speed, aperture, and ISO—is a fundamental concept in photography. Adorama breaks down this triangle with real-world examples, explaining how to balance these settings to achieve the perfect exposure.
What is Depth of Field?
Depth of field (DoF) determines how much of an image is in focus. Adorama’s tutorials discuss how aperture, lens length, and distance to the subject affect DoF, accompanied by visual examples that make the concept clear.
Mirrorless vs DSLRs: How Do They Compare?
Adorama’s comparison between mirrorless cameras and DSLRs highlights the pros and cons of each, from weight and size to performance and flexibility. This guide is essential for photographers standing at this crossroad.
What is F-Stop & How to Use It for Photography
F-Stop, a measure of aperture size, influences exposure and depth of field. Adorama’s tutorials clarify how to calculate F-Stop and use it effectively in various photographic settings. They include practical tips and strategies to achieve the desired visual outcomes. ### Next Steps
Course/Resource | Description | Platform | Specialty |
---|---|---|---|
Basics of Photography: The Complete Guide | A foundational guide covering various photography aspects | Lifehacker | Basics |
Introduction to Photography and Related Media | MIT’s rigorous online course with assignments and readings | MIT OpenCourseWare | Academic |
Your Road to Better Photography | Interactive course with community feedback | Skillshare | Basics |
Lighting 101 by Strobist | Comprehensive guide to off-camera flash lighting | Strobist | Lighting |
Commercial Photography: Still and Moving Image | A hybrid course covering both photography and videography | Coursera (Michigan State) | Commercial |
Photography Essentials: Understanding the Basics | Quick yet thorough introduction to photography basics | Photography Essentials | Basics |
Exploring these tutorials and resources is a fantastic way to build a strong foundation in photography and elevate your skills to the next level. Happy shooting!