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21 Best Online Photography Courses in 2023 (For All Levels)

Last updated: December 4, 2023 - 28 min read
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Whether you’re stuck in a rut or hungry to take your photography to the next step, the best online photography courses are an incredible resource. There are basic courses for absolute beginners. And we’ve reviewed materials on subjects such as photography lighting and Lightroom editing.

After a thorough review, Lighting 3 by SLR Lounge is the best online photography course. This is a specialist lighting course for photographers. But don’t worry if that’s not what you’re looking for. There are 19 other fantastic photography courses in our article.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Online Photography Courses
Lighting 3 by SLR Lounge
Lighting 3 by SLR Lounge
Lighting 3 by SLR Lounge
Mastering Lightroom by SLR Lounge
Mastering Lightroom by SLR Lounge
Mastering Lightroom by SLR Lounge
Photographing the World 1 by Fstoppers
Photographing the World 1 by Fstoppers
Photographing the World 1 by Fstoppers

 

What Are the Best Online Photography Courses?

If you’re a member of the online photography community, some of the course creators will be familiar to you. SLR Lounge, Fstoppers, and Photzy all have media to help you improve as a photographer.

Reviewing 20 online courses fairly isn’t easy. But we were scientific in our approach and judged all courses on the same criteria. This included value for money, accuracy, and production value.

We’ve used, scored, and reviewed 20 of the best online photography courses. And every entry was given a final score out of 100. Read more details about our scoring system at the end of the article.

Here’s a quick overview of all 20 online courses in order. You might see something that jumps out at you. But if you need more info, we wrote about each course in more detail in the section after. 

Our Top Choice
Lighting 3 by SLR Lounge
Lighting 3 by SLR Lounge
Lighting 3 by SLR Lounge
  • Specialist video course for off-camera flash lighting
  • Over 8 hours of video content
  • Brilliant product value on all videos
  • Led by a trusted and experienced photography educator
Best Course for Lightroom Editing
Mastering Lightroom by SLR Lounge
Mastering Lightroom by SLR Lounge
Mastering Lightroom by SLR Lounge
  • Extensive course for anyone from beginners to professionals
  • Over 10 hours of in-depth tutorial content
  • Updated for the latest version of Lightroom
  • Content is well-cataloged for easy navigation
Best Advanced Lighting Course
Lighting 4 by SLR Lounge
Lighting 4 by SLR Lounge
Lighting 4 by SLR Lounge
  • Video course helping you achieve natural-looking light
  • Over 6 hours of video tutorials
  • Extremely high production value
  • Even experienced photographers will learn new techniques
Best for Landscape Photography
Photographing the World 1 by Fstoppers
Photographing the World 1 by Fstoppers
Photographing the World 1 by Fstoppers
  • 13 hours of video tutorials
  • Covers photography and post-processing
  • Led by famous landscape photographer, Elia Locardi
  • Uses breathtaking locations
Best eBook Course on Photography
The Photo eBook by Picture Correct
The Photo eBook by Picture Correct
The Photo eBook by Picture Correct
  • Covers the basics and more advanced techniques
  • 274 pages of in-depth and detailed explanation
  • Full of beautiful example images
  • Non-gear-centric approach
Best for Beginners
Photography 101 by SLR Lounge
Photography 101 by SLR Lounge
Photography 101 by SLR Lounge
  • Detailed 6.5-hour video course for beginners
  • Comprehensive catalog of tutorials
  • Led by two knowledgeable and enthusiastic teachers
  • Fantastic production values
Best Introduction to Lightroom
Introduction to Lightroom by Fstoppers
Introduction to Lightroom by Fstoppers
Introduction to Lightroom by Fstoppers
  • Excellent place to start if you're new to Adobe Lightroom
  • 36 chapter-specific Lightroom tutorials
  • 7 hours of video classes
  • Classes led by an experienced and knowledgeable teacher
Best for iPhone Photography
iPhone Photo Academy by iPhone Photography School
iPhone Photo Academy by iPhone Photography School
iPhone Photo Academy by iPhone Photography School
  • 20 hours of iPhone photography tutorials
  • All videos shot with 4K quality
  • Well-taught and detailed tutorials
  • Plenty example images to learn from
Best for Wedding Photographers
The LIT Book by Shotkit
The LIT Book by Shotkit
The LIT Book by Shotkit
  • Comprehensive yet affordable ebook on photography lighting
  • Fantastic tutorials for lighting weddings and portraits
  • Includes 52 different lighting setups
  • Illustrated with beautiful example images
Best for Digital Camera Users
Photography 101 by Fstoppers
Photography 101 by Fstoppers
Photography 101 by Fstoppers
  • 7.5-hour video course
  • Teaches you about all the settings and modes on your digital camera
  • Practical advice with real-world examples
  • More advanced modules on lighting and editing
Best for Visual Storytelling
Guide to Powerful Imagery by Photzy
Guide to Powerful Imagery by Photzy
Guide to Powerful Imagery by Photzy
  • Authored by renowned photographer Mitchell Kanashkevich
  • 20,000 word eBook
  • 15 case studies with breathtaking example images
  • Fascinating section on creative decision making
Best for Flower Photography
Photographing Fabulous Flowers by Photzy
Photographing Fabulous Flowers by Photzy
Photographing Fabulous Flowers by Photzy
  • 156-page ebook on the art of flower photography
  • Authored by still-life photographer Leanne Cleaveley
  • Well-structured with gorgeous illustrations
  • Excellent-value learning resource
Best for Casual Photo Editors
Decoding Lightroom by Contrastly
Decoding Lightroom by Contrastly
Decoding Lightroom by Contrastly
  • 5-hour video course
  • Helps you learn the basics and more
  • Plenty of downloadable course materials
  • Well-structured and well-taught course
Best Info Cards
Snap Cards by Photzy
Snap Cards by Photzy
Snap Cards by Photzy
  • Info cards with specific camera settings and modes
  • Pack contains a total of 44 info cards
  • Accurate and specific information
  • Topics range from camera basics to advanced exposure techniques
Best for Beginner Street Photographers
Digital Camera Mastery by Photography Pro
Digital Camera Mastery by Photography Pro
Digital Camera Mastery by Photography Pro
  • Well-structured video course
  • Takes you through the basics
  • Emphasis on the effect of light in photography
  • Bonus modules thrown in for free
Best for Astrophotography
Photographing the Milky Way by SLR Lounge
Photographing the Milky Way by SLR Lounge
Photographing the Milky Way by SLR Lounge
  • The perfect resource for beginner astrophotographers
  • 2 hours of video content
  • Detailed and well-explained equipment summaries
  • Incredible example images for inspiration
Best Aid for Composition
Advanced Composition by Photzy
Advanced Composition by Photzy
Advanced Composition by Photzy
  • 239-page eBook on photography composition
  • Lessons on technical and artistic methods
  • Well-structured learning resource
  • Informative diagrams bring lessons to life
Best for Off-Camera Flash
Advanced Off-Camera Flash by Phil Steele
Advanced Off-Camera Flash by Phil Steele
Advanced Off-Camera Flash by Phil Steele
  • Specific course on off-camera flash photography
  • 5 hours of video tutorials with Phil Steele
  • Excellent production value
  • Practical examples and walk-throughs
Best for New Techniques
Photo Shortcuts by Photography Pro
Photo Shortcuts by Photography Pro
Photo Shortcuts by Photography Pro
  • Interesting video course with new camera techniques
  • Mark Hemmings is a great photography educator
  • Includes 4 bonus modules
  • Fun module on trick photography
Fun Resource for Beginners
Action Cards by Photzy
Action Cards by Photzy
Action Cards by Photzy
  • Set of 65 action cards
  • Over 200 assignments to help your creativity
  • Accessible language for beginners
  • Covers 31 different genres
Best for Long-Exposure Photography
Complete Guide to Long Exposure by Photzy
Complete Guide to Long Exposure by Photzy
Complete Guide to Long Exposure by Photzy
  • eBook on long-exposure photography
  • 100 pages of detailed guidance
  • Decent composition and gear advice
  • Illustrated with beautiful examples

21 Best Online Photography Courses

Now we look at all the photography courses in more detail. We’ve tried to provide all the information you need before you buy.

Here are the brief, score-based summaries of each product. But you can read our full reviews of each course by clicking the link we provide at the end of the text.

1. Lighting 3 by SLR Lounge

Lighting 3 by SLR Lounge
Brand
Brand
SLR Lounge
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Lighting, including off-camera flash
User Level
User Level
Intermediate to advanced
Audience
Audience
Photographers who want to take their game to the next level with eye-catching light patterns
Media Type
Media Type
Video course
Content Length
Content Length
8 hours of video
Overall Score
Overall Score
93 / 100

The best photography course I’ve reviewed is SLR Lounge’s Lighting 3: Advanced Off-Camera Flash. It’s flawless in its production, quality of content, images, style, and wow factor.

There are no accuracy issues or mistakes whatsoever. It’s both fun and entertaining. And it’s full of valuable information. But it’s also quite long, at 8 hours.

This course teaches you many ways to creatively light your (mainly portrait) subjects. Your photos will catch the viewers’ eye from afar and keep them amazed when watched close-up.

These lighting setups are key for professional-looking and feeling images. But there’s more to this course than just its core content. It teaches taste, creative vision, and critical thinking in photography.

It’s presented by Pye Jirsa, a photographer, and educator whom I much respect. And you can read our full review of Lighting 3 by SLR Lounge for more info.

 

2. Mastering Lightroom by SLR Lounge

Mastering Lightroom by SLR Lounge
Brand
Brand
SLR Lounge
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Photo editing with Adobe Lightroom
User Level
User Level
Beginner to advanced
Audience
Audience
Photographers who want to be as proficient as they possibly can with Adobe Lightroom
Media Type
Media Type
Literature and videos
Content Length
Content Length
10+ hours of video
Overall Score
Overall Score
91 / 100

Mastering Lightroom claims to be the “complete A to Z Adobe Lightroom tutorial.” And this statement is very close to reality. No matter how much you know about Lightroom, you can learn a lot from it.

It starts at a beginner level. And the course quickly carries on to advanced techniques and options, reaching a firm pro user level.

It’s a true gem because of its extensive coverage, flawless precision, and outstanding production. And it has a fun, logical, and to-the-point presentation.

There are great, cheaper alternatives. But this is it if you want the best you can get, especially if you’re a professional or aiming to be one.

Read our full review of Mastering Lightroom by SLR Lounge. But be aware that the original Mastering Lightroom course is no longer available.

SLR Lounge is now linking to their updated Lightroom course. We haven’t had a chance to review this one yet. But judging by their other video content, we trust it’s just as good.

 

3. Lighting 4 by SLR Lounge

Lighting 4 by SLR Lounge
Brand
Brand
SLR Lounge
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Creating natural-looking light
User Level
User Level
Intermediate to advanced
Audience
Audience
Photographers who want to be independent of natural light and simulate it anytime
Media Type
Media Type
Video Course
Content Length
Content Length
6 hours of video
Overall Score
Overall Score
89 / 100

This is a sequel to Lighting 3. And Lighting 4 teaches you to emulate natural light environments with flashes, strobes, and modifiers.

It has all the great aspects of its prequel. The quality of content, the imagery, the production, and the teaching style are all fantastic.

It’s rare to come across such well-produced courses in this industry. If you want to learn lighting as an amateur or a professional, there’s no better way to do it than these two courses.

You might have noticed that all three courses at the top of our podium come from the same provider. This is not a result of partiality towards SLR Lounge. These courses really do stand out.

SLR Lounge’s lighting courses are all gems. And if you’d like to start from the basics, pick up the entire lighting series. Read our full review of Lighting 4 by SLR Lounge.

 

4. Photographing the World 1 by Fstoppers

Photographing the World 1 by Fstoppers
Brand
Brand
Fstoppers
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Landscape photography and editing
User Level
User Level
Intermediate
Audience
Audience
Dedicated and determined landscape photographers
Media Type
Media Type
Video course
Content Length
Content Length
13 hours of video
Overall Score
Overall Score
88 / 100

Photographing the World is a massive, 13-hour video course on landscape photography and post-processing. It’s mesmerizing in all aspects.

It’s the first result of a collaboration between Fstoppers and Elia Locardi. Locardi is a well-known landscape photographer.

Their plan from the start was to create the most complete and most ambitious video course ever shot on this genre. I believe they have achieved this.

This course is the first part in a series of four successively released since 2015. The other parts focus on cityscapes, astrophotography, and more advanced landscapes.

In the first half, we’re immersed in Iceland’s vast winter mountains, waterfalls, and caves. Most of the second half is shot on the beautiful South Island of New Zealand, famous for its breathtaking scenery.

You will learn many rare techniques for both capturing and post-processing breathtaking sceneries. We also get to know Elia’s workflow from start to finish.

Photographing the World wears, by far, the heftiest price tag on our list. Thus, we didn’t reward it with a high score in terms of value for money.

But its awesomeness level in other respects is still high enough to propel it into fourth place. Read our full review of Photographing the World 1 for more info.

 

5. The Photo eBook by Picture Correct

The Photo eBook by Picture Correct
Brand
Brand
Picture Correct
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Photography basics and techniques
User Level
User Level
Intermediate to advanced
Audience
Audience
photographers who want to dive deep into cityscapes and landscapes
Media Type
Media Type
eBook and literature
Content Length
Content Length
274 pages
Overall Score
Overall Score
86 / 100

A bit of an easter egg here. The Photo eBook is one of the best cityscape and landscape photography guides. It features impressive techniques, resulting in amazing images.

While some parts are not fully up-to-date, its core content is extensive and elaborate, with great attention to detail. There is also a new edition in the works.

There is a section for complete beginners, but it’s better to read this book with some basic knowledge. The amount of new information will quickly overwhelm you otherwise.

Be advised that learning all the tricks and tips might take a while. There are some hard-to-master techniques in there.

But you’ll be equipped with everything you need to know to succeed in the city and landscape niches. Read our full review of The Photo eBook by Picture Correct.

 

6. Photography 101 by SLR Lounge

Photography 101 by SLR Lounge
Brand
Brand
SLR Lounge
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Photography basics
User Level
User Level
Beginner
Audience
Audience
Those looking for a well-rounded course on photography, with a focus on portraits and controlling light
Media Type
Media Type
Video Course
Content Length
Content Length
6.5 hours of video
Overall Score
Overall Score
86 / 100

Beginner photography courses are everywhere. But they rarely reach the level of awesomeness Photography 101 by SLR Lounge does.

This course is very detailed. It shows you all the little pieces of successful photography that many others miss out on.

It focuses on understanding and manipulating light, which is vital. It also introduces you to many photography genres, most importantly, portraits.

It also has little to no inaccuracies, technical mistakes, and tongue slips. This is something that lifts it out from the crowd.

Like the Lighting courses, this course is also presented by Pye Jirsa. Read our full review of Photography 101 by SLR Lounge.

 

7. Introduction to Lightroom by Fstoppers

Introduction to Lightroom by Fstoppers
Brand
Brand
Fstoppers
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Editing with Adobe Lightroom
User Level
User Level
Beginner
Audience
Audience
Those in need for well-rounded education on Lightroom software
Media Type
Media Type
Video Course
Content Length
Content Length
7 hours of video
Overall Score
Overall Score
85 / 100

To fully understand and appreciate what Lightroom can do, it’s not enough to move around some sliders. Introduction to Lightroom by Fstoppers offers not only the basic set of tools. It also gives you the right approach and philosophy for editing.

This course strongly focuses on showing Lightroom’s image editing capabilities. You can read our full review of Fstoppers’ Introduction to Lightroom.

 

8. iPhone Photo Academy by iPhone Photography School

iPhone Photo Academy by iPhone Photography School
Brand
Brand
iPhone Photography School
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
iPhone photography
User Level
User Level
Beginner to intermediate
Audience
Audience
iPhone users who want the fundamentals of digital photography
Media Type
Media Type
Video Course
Content Length
Content Length
20 hours of video
Overall Score
Overall Score
84 / 100

iPhone Photo Academy by iPhone Photography School is the most comprehensive course on iPhone photography. You’ll be a genuine iPhone master after 20 hours of lessons.

In this course, you’ll get to know your iPhone’s camera. You’ll learn its advanced features and options and how to get the most out of it.

You’ll also learn many techniques, tips, and compositional rules that professionals use. Many of them work perfectly with the iPhone.

This tutorial stands out with its unique approach, easy-to-understand style, and beautiful production. It also has a vast, worldwide community. You can read our full review of the iPhone Photo Academy.

 

9. The LIT Book by Shotkit

The LIT Book by Shotkit
Brand
Brand
ShotKit
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Photography lighting
User Level
User Level
Beginner to intermediate
Audience
Audience
Amateurs and wedding photographers pursuing even better and more creative lighting
Media Type
Media Type
eBook
Content Length
Content Length
24,000 words
Overall Score
Overall Score
83 / 100

The LIT Book is similar in idea to the top performer on our list. The difference is its format.

This eBook aims to further develop your skills with off-camera flashes and other lighting accessories. It contains 52 lighting patterns by 52 pro wedding photographers from all around the globe.

You will get countless ideas and massive inspiration from this eBook. Read our full review of ShotKit’s LIT Book.

 

10. Photography 101 by Fstoppers

Photography 101 by Fstoppers
Brand
Brand
Fstoppers
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Photography basics
User Level
User Level
Beginners
Audience
Audience
Amateur photographers wanting more out of their images
Media Type
Media Type
Video course
Content Length
Content Length
7.5 hours
Overall Score
Overall Score
82 / 100

Photography 101 by Fstoppers is a beginner course that promises to teach you how to take control of all the manual settings on your digital camera.

It walks you through a basic understanding of lighting and using flash. Then it takes you along on a shoot to put everything into practice.

It also includes extensive sections on Photoshop retouching and Lightroom editing. Read our full review of Photography 101 by Fstoppers.

 

11. Powerful Imagery by Photzy

Guide to Powerful Imagery by Photzy
Brand
Brand
Photzy
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Photography storytelling
User Level
User Level
Intermediate to advanced
Audience
Audience
Photographers who want to learn how to tell compelling stories
Media Type
Media Type
eBook
Content Length
Content Length
20,000 words
Overall Score
Overall Score
80 / 100

Renowned photographer Mitchell Kanashkevich wrote Powerful Imagery. It promises to teach you how to tell strong stories and make an impact with your images.

If this skill isn’t in your blood, it’s probably the hardest lesson. But it’s the most rewarding skill you can master in photography. Read our full review of Powerful Imagery.

 

12. Photographing Fabulous Flowers by Photzy

Photographing Fabulous Flowers by Photzy
Brand
Brand
Photzy
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Flower photography
User Level
User Level
Beginner to intermediate
Audience
Audience
Photographers who want detailed education on flower photography
Media Type
Media Type
eBook
Content Length
Content Length
156 pages
Overall Score
Overall Score
76 / 100

Flower photography is a specific niche. So you might be surprised that Photzy’s Photographing Fabulous Flowers eBook has made it onto this list. But here’s why.

It’s very well put together, teaches you everything it promises to, and really makes you a better photographer. Not just in flower photography.

Along with Powerful Imagery, this is one of Photzy’s best ebooks. Writing and general style are both outstanding. The images shown throughout won’t disappoint you – and neither will your own photos, once you learn the ins and outs of flower photography.

The ebook also comes at a very friendly price, especially compared to the courses in our Top 5. Read the full review of Photographing Fabulous Flowers.

 

13. Decoding Lightroom by Contrastly

Decoding Lightroom by Contrastly
Brand
Brand
Contrastly
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Editing with Adobe Lightroom
User Level
User Level
Beginner to intermediate
Audience
Audience
New users who want to understand Lightroom
Media Type
Media Type
Video Course
Content Length
Content Length
5 hours of video
Overall Score
Overall Score
75 / 100

Decoding Lightroom is a less expensive but comparable alternative to number two on our list. It is a great choice for the hobbyist photographer who wants to learn Lightroom’s ins and outs.

You don’t need to have any former knowledge to take this course. But it can perhaps take you to a level where you will intuitively use even the more hidden features of the application.

Proper editing, after all, is a core part of a successful photo. Read the full review of Decoding Lightroom.

 

14. Snap Cards by Photzy

Snap Cards by Photzy
Brand
Brand
Photzy
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Photography basics
User Level
User Level
Intermediate
Audience
Audience
Photographers in search of an in-the-field, quick-and-easy guide
Media Type
Media Type
Digital info cards
Content Length
Content Length
44 info cards
Overall Score
Overall Score
73 / 100

Snap Cards are designed to help you out in the field. They are quick summaries of the key things you need to know, like cheat sheets.

The Snap Cards are ideal for the intermediate amateur looking to get more out of their work. You can use them as go-to guides for specific topics.

I wouldn’t recommend them for fully beginner photographers. You need some fundamentals. But the cards are there as a reminder. Read our full review of Photzy’s Snap Cards.

 

15. Digital Camera Mastery by Photography Pro

Digital Camera Mastery by Photography Pro
Brand
Brand
Photography Pro
Photography Niche
Photography Niche
Photography basics
User Level
User Level
Beginner
Audience
Audience
Those looking for a comprehensive beginner course with a focus on travel and street photography
Media Type
Media Type
Video course
Content Length
Content Length
7 hours of video
Overall Score
Overall Score
71 / 100