So, you want to improve your photography skills. Picking a course can feel like a huge commitment, but it doesn't have to be. Plenty of short, focused courses can provide real skills without demanding months of your time.
This article highlights eight excellent options that will help you take better photos, whether you're using a smartphone or a professional camera. Let's look at some programs that offer substantial learning in a compact format.
Essentials of Street Photography with Magnum Photos
Magnum Photos offers an immersive experience into the world of street photography. Taught by renowned photographers, this photography course focuses on capturing the candid moments of everyday life. You'll learn how to develop a keen eye for composition, light, and human expression in urban environments.
It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to tell compelling stories through their images and master the art of spontaneous, impactful photography.
Photography Basics and Beyond: Smartphone to DSLR with Coursera
Coursera’s offering, created by Michigan State University, is a comprehensive course that caters to all levels. It starts with the fundamentals of photography using a smartphone and gradually progresses to more advanced DSLR techniques.
You'll explore exposure, composition, and creativity. This structure allows you to grow your skills at your own pace, making it a flexible and thorough option for long-term development.
Learn Fine Art Photography with MoMA
For those interested in photography as an art form, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has an inspiring course. "Seeing Through Photographs" explores the medium from an artistic and historical perspective.
You'll analyze iconic works from MoMA's collection and learn what makes a photograph a piece of fine art. This course is less about technical settings and more about developing your creative vision.
Discover Commercial Photography with Creativelive
Creativelive is a great resource for photographers looking to turn their passion into a profession. Their commercial photography classes cover everything from product and food photography to working with clients and pricing your work.
The instructors are working professionals who share valuable industry insights. It's a practical program for anyone aiming to build a career in the commercial field.
Visual Storytelling with The New York Times
The New York Times offers a unique course focused on narrative photography. Led by its acclaimed photojournalists, you'll learn how to construct a powerful story through a series of images.
The curriculum emphasizes finding a subject, developing a narrative arc, and editing your photos to create a cohesive and moving photo essay. It’s ideal for photographers who want their pictures to say something meaningful.
Explore Landscape Photography with National Geographic
Who better to learn landscape photography from than National Geographic? Their online workshops teach you how to capture the beauty of the natural world.
You’ll learn techniques for shooting in various lighting conditions, composing breathtaking scenic shots, and bringing your outdoor images to life with post-processing. This is the perfect course for adventurers and nature lovers.
Master Portrait Photography with Annie Leibovitz
Learn from a legend. Annie Leibovitz’s MasterClass is an intimate look into her process for creating iconic portraits. She shares her philosophy on connecting with subjects, using light, and telling a story within a single frame.
This course provides an unparalleled opportunity to get inside the mind of one of the world's greatest photographers and apply her wisdom to your own portrait work.
