Photography is an art form that requires both technical skill and creative vision. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, there are countless online platforms where you can learn photography for free. The best part is that these resources are accessible to anyone, regardless of their experience level or budget.
In this article, we’ll explore several high-quality online platforms that offer free photography courses, tutorials, and tips. By utilizing these resources, you can improve your photography skills, learn new techniques, and build a solid foundation in photography without spending a dime.
YouTube
YouTube is a treasure trove of free photography tutorials. Whether you’re looking for specific tips on camera settings, composition techniques, or photo editing, you’ll find an abundance of resources created by professional photographers and photography enthusiasts. From beginner tutorials to advanced techniques, YouTube offers something for everyone.
Why YouTube is Great:
- Diverse Content: You can find tutorials on almost any aspect of photography, from basic camera handling to more advanced techniques like long exposure photography.
- Free Access: All videos are free, and many creators offer in-depth guides and free lessons.
- Community: The comment sections allow you to ask questions, engage with other learners, and share your experiences.
Popular YouTube Channels to Learn Photography:
- Tony & Chelsea Northrup: Offering professional tutorials on everything from camera basics to advanced shooting techniques.
- Peter McKinnon: A popular channel for both beginners and advanced photographers looking to improve their skills and gain insights into photography and video creation.
- The Art of Photography: This channel dives into both the technical and creative aspects of photography, making it a great choice for those who want to take their work to the next level.
Coursera (Free Courses)
Coursera is an online learning platform that offers free courses in various subjects, including photography. While some of their courses require a paid certificate, many are available for free if you choose to audit the course rather than pay for the certification. Courses from top universities and institutions are available, providing you with high-quality education.
Why Coursera is Great:
- University-Level Education: Learn from experts at universities like Michigan State University or the University of London.
- Structured Learning: Courses are designed in a structured way, often with assignments, quizzes, and peer interactions.
- Free Audit Option: You can access course content for free by auditing the course, which includes video lessons, reading materials, and assignments.
Recommended Photography Courses on Coursera:
- Photography Basics and Beyond (University of Michigan): A comprehensive course covering everything from understanding your camera to advanced techniques.
- Fundamentals of Digital Photography (University of Colorado Boulder): A great course for beginners looking to master their digital camera and improve their photography skills.
Udemy (Free Photography Courses)
Udemy is another online learning platform offering both paid and free photography courses. While most of Udemy’s photography courses require payment, there are numerous free options available as well. These free courses are a fantastic way to start learning photography, as they cover fundamental topics and provide a solid foundation.
Why Udemy is Great:
- Variety of Courses: Whether you want to focus on shooting techniques, photo editing, or using specific camera equipment, Udemy offers a variety of free and paid courses.
- Beginner-Friendly: Many of the free courses are beginner-friendly and designed to provide easy-to-understand concepts and hands-on exercises.
- One-Time Payment: Some paid courses on Udemy are offered at discounted prices, and once you purchase a course, it’s yours for life.
Popular Free Photography Courses on Udemy:
- Photography Basics: Taking Pictures with Your Digital Camera: A beginner’s guide to mastering the basics of digital photography.
- How to Take Great Photos with Your Smartphone: Perfect for smartphone photography enthusiasts, this course teaches you how to take professional-quality photos with your phone.
Pixabay (Photography Tutorials)
Pixabay is known for its free stock photography, but it also offers a variety of tutorials to help you improve your photography skills. These tutorials are great for beginners and cover both technical and creative aspects of photography.
Why Pixabay is Great:
- Free Tutorials: All tutorials are free and accessible to anyone looking to learn.
- Creative Community: Along with tutorials, you can share your work, gain inspiration, and connect with other photographers within the platform’s community.
- High-Quality Resources: Pixabay not only offers tutorials but also provides free stock images that can be used in your personal projects.
What You Can Learn on Pixabay:
- Beginner Photography Tips: How to get started with your camera, basic compositions, and settings.
- Photo Editing Techniques: Improve your skills in editing using free software like GIMP, which is ideal for beginners.
Skillshare (Free Trials)
Skillshare is a platform that offers creative classes across a variety of disciplines, including photography. While it’s a paid subscription service, Skillshare offers a free trial that allows you to access its entire library of classes, including those focused on photography.
Why Skillshare is Great:
- Comprehensive Classes: Skillshare offers in-depth classes taught by professionals, covering everything from beginner basics to advanced techniques.
- Creative Community: Skillshare’s community aspect allows you to interact with instructors and fellow students, share your work, and receive feedback.
- Free Trial: The free trial gives you full access to the photography classes without commitment.
Recommended Photography Classes on Skillshare:
- Fundamentals of DSLR Photography: A great class for beginners who want to get comfortable using their DSLR cameras.
- Portrait Photography: Capture Beautiful Portraits in Natural Light: A class for those looking to master portrait photography using natural light.
Photography Websites and Blogs
There are numerous photography blogs and websites that offer free tutorials, articles, and guides. These resources are perfect for photographers looking for quick tips, inspiration, or step-by-step tutorials on various photography techniques.
Popular Photography Websites and Blogs:
- Digital Photography School: A go-to resource for photographers at any level. The website features free tutorials, gear reviews, and tips on photography techniques.
- PetaPixel: This site offers in-depth guides, tutorials, and articles on photography news, trends, and techniques.
- The Slanted Lens: A photography blog and YouTube channel that focuses on lighting techniques, studio setups, and creative photography ideas.
How to Use These Blogs for Learning:
- Subscribe to the blogs for regular updates on new tutorials and photography tips.
- Engage with the content by experimenting with the techniques and ideas presented.
Conclusion
Learning photography online doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With platforms like YouTube, Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offering free (or trial-based) access to top-notch courses, tutorials, and resources, you can start mastering photography at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re interested in portrait photography, landscape shots, or photo editing, these platforms offer everything you need to improve your skills and take your photography to the next level.
Start exploring these platforms today, and watch your photography skills grow!