Digital photography is a powerful tool for capturing images and creating art, and with the rise of online learning, it has become easier than ever to gain a solid understanding of this craft. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, studying digital photography online offers flexibility, a wide range of courses, and access to experienced instructors.
Why Learn Digital Photography Online?
- Affordable Learning Options: Many online platforms offer free and budget-friendly courses, making photography more accessible.
- Flexible Learning: You can learn at your own pace, fitting lessons around your schedule.
- Access to Expert Instructors: Online courses provide access to seasoned photographers and professionals.
- Practical Skills: You’ll learn how to take better photos using your digital camera, as well as techniques for editing and improving your images.
Key Concepts in Digital Photography for Beginners
- Camera Basics: Understanding the different types of digital cameras, camera settings (ISO, shutter speed, aperture), and how to use manual mode.
- Composition: Learning about the rule of thirds, framing, and how to balance elements within the frame.
- Lighting: Techniques for using natural and artificial light to enhance your photos, including shooting during the golden hour.
- Exposure Triangle: Understanding how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together to control exposure.
- Photo Editing: Using software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to enhance your images and correct mistakes.
- Genres of Photography: Exploring different areas of photography such as portrait, landscape, product, and street photography.
Best Platforms to Study Digital Photography Online
1. Udemy
- Courses Offered:
- Digital Photography for Beginners
- Mastering Photography
- Photography Composition: A Beginner’s Guide
- Features:
- Wide variety of beginner and advanced courses
- Structured lessons with practical assignments and quizzes
- Affordable, often with discounts
- Ideal For: Those looking for comprehensive, self-paced courses from industry professionals.
- Website: Udemy
2. Coursera
- Courses Offered:
- Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR by Michigan State University
- Introduction to Photography and Digital Imaging by Harvard University
- Features:
- University-backed courses with certifications
- Free to audit, paid for certification
- Structured courses with practical assignments and peer feedback
- Ideal For: Beginners who want a structured, academic approach to photography.
- Website: Coursera
3. LinkedIn Learning
- Courses Offered:
- Learning Digital Photography
- Photography Foundations: Exposure
- Portrait Photography: Shooting and Editing
- Features:
- Focuses on both the technical and creative aspects of photography
- Offers a free trial and certificate upon completion
- Professional-grade lessons from experienced photographers
- Ideal For: Beginners who want to learn specific skills, such as exposure or portrait photography.
- Website: LinkedIn Learning
4. Skillshare
- Courses Offered:
- Photography for Beginners
- Digital Photography 101: Learn the Basics of Photography
- Photography Composition for Better Photos
- Features:
- Creative community-based learning
- Access to numerous photography classes with a focus on practical, hands-on learning
- Free trial for new users
- Ideal For: Beginners interested in learning through creative projects and getting feedback from instructors and peers.
- Website: Skillshare
5. CreativeLive
- Courses Offered:
- Digital Photography 101
- Mastering Your DSLR Camera
- Light Up Your Life: How to Work with Natural Light
- Features:
- High-quality video courses by top photographers
- Live workshops and recorded classes
- Focus on both technical and creative aspects of photography
- Ideal For: Those seeking expert-level instruction with a focus on photography as both an art and a skill.
- Website: CreativeLive
6. Nikon School Online
- Courses Offered:
- Photography 101: Learning to Use Your Camera
- Mastering Digital Photography
- Features:
- Courses from one of the most well-known camera manufacturers
- Designed for Nikon camera users but applicable to all digital cameras
- Covers technical aspects and photography techniques
- Ideal For: Beginners who own a Nikon camera or are interested in learning how to master their gear.
- Website: Nikon School
7. MasterClass
- Courses Offered:
- Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography
- Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography
- Features:
- Celebrity instructors sharing their unique photography insights
- Access to exclusive behind-the-scenes lessons and interviews
- Ideal For: Aspiring photographers who want to learn from world-renowned professionals.
- Website: MasterClass
8. YouTube
- Courses Offered:
- Photography Basics
- How to Use a DSLR
- How to Edit Photos Like a Pro
- Features:
- Free, with thousands of tutorials available on a wide range of topics
- Easy to find specific lessons or problems you’re trying to solve
- Visual demonstrations of techniques and tools
- Ideal For: Beginners who prefer visual learning and want to access free content.
- Website: YouTube
9. Digital Photography School
- Courses Offered:
- Photography Basics
- Composition for Digital Photographers
- Editing Photos in Lightroom
- Features:
- Offers both free and paid courses
- Focuses on practical tips and hands-on tutorials
- A large community for beginners to ask questions and share experiences
- Ideal For: Those who want focused, easy-to-follow lessons on a variety of photography topics.
- Website: Digital Photography School
10. Adobe Education
- Courses Offered:
- Adobe Photoshop for Photographers
- Lightroom for Beginners
- Features:
- Expert-led lessons focused on photo editing and enhancing images
- Access to free tutorials and tips on Adobe’s suite of products
- Ideal For: Beginners who want to learn photo editing and work with industry-standard software like Photoshop and Lightroom.
- Website: Adobe Education
Essential Photography Equipment for Beginners
- Camera: DSLR or mirrorless cameras are ideal for beginners, offering manual settings for more control over your shots.
- Lenses: A standard 50mm lens is a great starting point, and wide-angle lenses are good for landscape photography.
- Tripod: A tripod stabilizes your camera and helps with long exposure shots.
- External Flash: A good flash allows you to control lighting when shooting indoors or in low-light situations.
- Photo Editing Software: Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop are widely used for enhancing photos after shooting.
Tips for Learning Digital Photography
- Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with your camera settings and different photography techniques.
- Experiment with Lighting: Learn how to manipulate both natural and artificial light to improve your photos.
- Master Composition: Understand how to arrange elements within your frame to create balanced and visually appealing images.
- Learn Post-Processing: Editing your photos can make a huge difference in the final image. Invest time in learning photo-editing software.
- Join Photography Communities: Share your work with others, get feedback, and learn from fellow photographers.
With so many online courses available, studying digital photography online allows you to learn at your own pace, gain valuable insights, and refine your skills in the comfort of your home.
