If you’re looking to elevate your photography game, the internet is teeming with high-quality resources that can help you master your camera and unleash your creativity. This guide walks you through various online platforms offering easy-to-understand photography classes. From the basics of how cameras work to advanced concepts in manual mode and composition, each class is designed to make your learning journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Additionally, this guide includes free eBooks, cheat sheets, and quizzes to test and consolidate your knowledge, along with an introduction to the renowned photography instructor Karl Taylor. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of where to find the best online photography training and what each course has to offer. —
The fastest way to master your camera and boost your creativity
Photography is not just about capturing moments; it’s about seeing the world through a different lens and portraying it creatively. The fastest way to gain mastery over your camera and improve your creative skills is by engaging in structured learning. Online classes offer a flexible and comprehensive approach to mastering photography, tailored to fit around your schedule.
Start Learning Photography
The first step in learning photography is understanding how your camera works. With an array of features and settings, navigating your camera might initially feel daunting. However, online classes break down these complexities into digestible modules, often starting with foundational topics before progressing to more advanced aspects. These classes combine theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, ensuring you get hands-on experience. Once you’ve grasped the basics, you’ll find that your creativity is the only limit. Guided by experienced photographers and engaging course content, you’ll soon be experimenting with different techniques, gaining inspiration, and finding your unique style. —
Start here: 10 easy-to-understand photography classes
This section presents a curated list of 10 straightforward photography classes designed to transform you from a novice to a proficient photographer. Each class is tailored to cover crucial aspects of photography, helping you build a solid foundation and elevate your skills. By following these classes, you’ll receive comprehensive training on essential photography principles and practices.
Class 1: How Cameras Work
Understanding how your camera works is the cornerstone of learning photography. This class will cover different types of cameras, their parts, and how they function. You’ll learn about various modes, settings, and how to use them effectively. This foundational knowledge will arm you with the confidence to operate your camera like a pro. Once you familiarize yourself with your camera’s anatomy, you can move beyond the auto mode. The course breaks down each function, like ISO, white balance, and focusing mechanisms, to help you understand how they contribute to capturing the perfect shot. —
Class 2: Exposure in Photography
Exposure is one of the fundamental aspects of photography. This class will delve into the exposure triangle, explaining the interplay between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. You’ll learn how to control light and properly expose your images, whether you’re shooting in daylight or low-light conditions. Interactive examples and assignments will show you how to achieve balanced exposure, helping you avoid common mistakes like overexposure or underexposure. By mastering exposure, you’ll significantly improve the quality of your photographs. —
Class 3: Shutter Speed in Photography
Shutter speed affects how motion is captured in photographs. This class will teach you how to manipulate shutter speed to either freeze action or create stunning motion blur effects. You’ll explore various scenarios and techniques for using fast and slow shutter speeds effectively. Practical exercises will guide you through capturing different types of motion, from sports to flowing water, enhancing your skillset. By understanding shutter speed, you’ll be able to add a dynamic element to your photos. —
Class 4: Camera Focus
Focusing is key to creating sharp and clear images. This class covers both manual and automatic focusing techniques, helping you understand which method to use in different scenarios. You’ll learn about focus points, depth of field, and how to achieve tack-sharp images. The course will also discuss common focusing issues and troubleshooting techniques. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to decide whether to let the camera focus for you or take control manually, ensuring your photos are always in focus. —
Class 5: Aperture & Depth of Field
Aperture and depth of field play a crucial role in the creative aspects of photography. This class will help you understand how aperture settings affect your images and how to use them to control depth of field. You’ll learn to isolate subjects and create beautiful bokeh effects. By experimenting with different aperture settings, you’ll see how they impact exposure and depth, allowing you to create more impactful, aesthetically pleasing photos. Comprehensive assignments will further cement your understanding of these concepts. —
Class 6: Get Creative in Manual Mode
Manual mode offers unlimited creative control over your camera settings. This class encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and explore your camera’s full potential. You’ll learn how to manually adjust ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to achieve your desired effects. Through guided projects, you’ll see the benefits of shooting in manual mode and how it allows you to be more creative and precise with your photography. This newfound autonomy will enable you to capture images exactly as you envision them. —
Class 7: Camera Lenses and Focal Length
Choosing the right lens can significantly impact your photography. This class will cover different types of lenses, their uses, and how focal length affects your images. You’ll learn about prime vs. zoom lenses, wide-angle vs. telephoto, and how to select the right lens for various shooting scenarios. Understanding focal length and its impact on composition will allow you to make more informed decisions about lens selection. This will enhance your ability to capture diverse subjects, from wide landscapes to intimate portraits. —
Class 8: Understanding Light
Light is the essence of photography. This class will teach you how to see and capture light, both natural and artificial. You’ll explore different lighting conditions, techniques for manipulating light, and how to use light to enhance your images. Projects will include activities like shooting during the golden hour, backlighting, and using reflectors and diffusers. Understanding how to work with light is crucial, and this class will give you the tools to use it to your advantage. —
Class 9: The Recording Medium
This class explores different recording media, such as digital sensors and film. You’ll learn about their characteristics, strengths, and how to choose the right medium for your needs. Understanding the recording medium is vital for capturing and processing your images effectively. The course will also touch upon image formats, storage solutions, and how to manage your digital assets. By grasping these concepts, you’ll ensure that your photographs are not just beautifully captured but also efficiently stored and processed. —
Class 10: Composition and Subject
Composition plays a pivotal role in the storytelling aspect of photography. This class covers essential composition techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry, and framing. You’ll learn how to arrange elements within your frame to create visually compelling images. Through exercises and critiques, you will practice these techniques and develop an eye for strong composition. Understanding how to compose your shots will help you convey your artistic vision more effectively. —
Next: Download your FREE eBook and cheat sheets
To complement your learning, you’ll find a free eBook and cheat sheets available for download. The eBook offers a summarized version of the classes, packed with tips and techniques that you can refer to anytime. The cheat sheets are handy guides for quick reference, providing you with essential settings and techniques at a glance. Keeping these resources on hand while shooting will help reinforce your new skills and ensure you’re always prepared. —
Photography eBook & Cheat Sheets
Our photography eBook compiles all the key lessons into a convenient, detailed guide. It’s perfect for reviewing concepts or learning on the go. With chapters covering everything from basic camera functions to advanced techniques, it’s an invaluable resource for any aspiring photographer. The cheat sheets break down complex topics into easy-to-understand, actionable steps. They serve as quick reference cards, ideal for fieldwork when you need a prompt reminder of best practices. —
Next: Take our FREE photography quiz
Testing your knowledge is a great way to consolidate your learning. Our free photography quiz is designed to challenge you on the material covered in the classes. Taking the quiz will help you identify areas for improvement and reinforce your understanding. It’s an engaging, interactive way to review your progress and ensure you’ve mastered the essentials. —
Photography Quiz The photography quiz includes a mix of multiple-choice questions, true/false statements, and scenario-based questions to test your practical understanding. It covers all essential topics, from camera settings to creative techniques. After completing the quiz, you’ll receive immediate feedback and explanations for each answer. This will enable you to learn from any mistakes and seek further clarification on topics you find challenging. —
Karl Taylor
Karl Taylor is a name synonymous with high-caliber photography education. His critically acclaimed courses and tutorials are perfect for both beginners and advanced photographers. With a broad range of topics from still life to fashion photography, Karl Taylor’s classes are both comprehensive and engaging. His method of teaching combines detailed technical knowledge with an easily digestible presentation style. No matter your level, Karl’s insights will help you elevate your photography skills substantially. His courses often feature real-world assignments and critiques, offering invaluable practical experience. —
We have hundreds more classes to explore…
Beyond the basics, there are countless advanced classes available online covering specialized topics like macro photography, astrophotography, and portrait lighting. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and MasterClass offer courses tailored to specific interests and skill levels. Dedicated photography websites and YouTube channels also provide a wealth of tutorials and resources. By continually exploring and engaging with these materials, you can continuously hone your skills and stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in photography. —
Lessons learned
| Class | Topic Covered |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | How Cameras Work |
| Class 2 | Exposure in Photography |
| Class 3 | Shutter Speed in Photography |
| Class 4 | Camera Focus |
| Class 5 | Aperture & Depth of Field |
| Class 6 | Get Creative in Manual Mode |
| Class 7 | Camera Lenses and Focal Length |
| Class 8 | Understanding Light |
| Class 9 | The Recording Medium |
| Class 10 | Composition and Subject |
| Helpful Resources | Photography eBook, Cheat Sheets, and Quiz |
