In an era where visual content dominates digital storytelling, learning digital photography online has never been more accessible or essential. Whether you’re a budding enthusiast capturing weekend adventures or an aspiring professional looking to refine your technique, the internet is rich with courses designed to help you develop your skills behind the lens. From comprehensive camera tutorials to courses that dive deep into artistic composition and photo editing, there’s something for every learner.
To help you choose the right program, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the top five online photography courses in 2025. This guide compares the scope, instruction quality, and costs of each course, so you can find the best fit for your learning style, goals, and budget.
If you’re looking for a professionally structured introduction to digital photography, Foundations of Photography by Ben Long on LinkedIn Learning is a standout choice. This course offers comprehensive coverage of key concepts such as exposure, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance, focus, and metering. Long also dedicates time to explaining lens types and how to make thoughtful compositional decisions—making this course ideal for beginners and hobbyists who want both technical skills and creative insight.
The video lessons are polished and easy to follow, with plenty of real-world demonstrations that show how to apply what you’ve learned in different lighting and shooting situations. There’s also a strong emphasis on developing a personal photographic style and understanding how to “see” like a photographer.
LinkedIn Learning offers this course through a subscription model, with plans starting at $19.99 per month (billed annually), and a one-month free trial is available. With its mix of clarity, depth, and professional delivery, this course is an excellent foundation for anyone serious about learning photography.
When it comes to storytelling and creative artistry, few photographers have the global reputation of Annie Leibovitz. Known for her iconic portraits and narrative-rich imagery, Leibovitz brings decades of professional experience to her MasterClass, offering an intimate and inspiring look into her creative process.
This course isn’t about camera settings or technical tutorials—instead, it explores the art of visual storytelling through photography. Students learn how to conceptualize a shoot, connect with their subjects, and use composition and lighting to tell a compelling story. Leibovitz discusses her own work in detail, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective that no textbook can match.
Though the course is relatively short—just over three hours—it’s packed with wisdom, philosophy, and encouragement for photographers who already have a handle on the basics but want to elevate their work to an expressive, professional level.
MasterClass operates on a subscription model. As of mid-2025, an annual membership costs approximately $120, though seasonal discounts can drop the price to around $72. With that membership, learners gain access not just to Leibovitz’s course but to the entire MasterClass library, including lessons from other creatives in filmmaking, design, and visual arts.
Offered through Coursera by Michigan State University, Photography Basics and Beyond is ideal for those who prefer a structured academic approach to learning. This multi-part specialization is split into five courses, each focusing on a critical area of digital photography. Topics include camera mechanics, exposure, light manipulation, creative composition, and even professional development for budding photographers.
Unlike many self-paced video courses, this program features graded assignments, peer-reviewed projects, and interactive quizzes. Students also receive guidance from university professors and industry professionals, making the experience more collaborative and formal than most online alternatives.
The course is especially appealing to those who want a certificate upon completion, which can be valuable for resumes, portfolios, or freelance marketing. While the course content can be audited for free, students who want to receive certification and participate in assessments will need to pay a monthly subscription. As of 2025, this cost ranges from $49 to $79 per month, and most students complete the series in three to six months.
This course is a perfect match for learners who want a blend of theory, practice, and academic validation.
Skillshare has earned a reputation for offering high-quality, bite-sized lessons in creative fields, and Fundamentals of DSLR Photography by fashion and portrait photographer Justin Bridges is a standout on the platform. In this course, Bridges demystifies manual mode, explaining how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together to expose an image correctly.
What makes this course particularly engaging is Bridges’ approachable teaching style. His examples are shot on location, showing students how different settings impact real-world photography. He also discusses how to develop a personal photographic style and think like a creative professional.
While the course is shorter—approximately 90 minutes—it’s dense with practical insights and perfect for new photographers who need a foundational understanding of how to use their DSLR or mirrorless camera effectively.
Skillshare operates on a subscription model, with memberships costing about $14 per month when billed annually. A free trial period allows users to explore the course at no cost, making it a risk-free option for curious learners.
If you’re looking for a free online course to learn digital photography, Introduction to Digital Photography on Alison offers excellent value with zero upfront cost. Aimed at complete beginners, this course covers basic photography principles including camera types, lens functions, exposure settings, and simple editing techniques.
The course is self-paced and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete. While it’s not as in-depth as the others on this list, it serves as a solid primer for those new to the medium. Topics are explained clearly and concisely, helping learners understand how to operate their cameras effectively and begin taking better photos right away.
Although the course itself is free, students can purchase a certificate upon completion for a small fee—typically around $20—which can be useful for entry-level job applications or personal achievements.
For learners with limited time or budget, this course is an excellent starting point and can easily lead into more advanced photography studies later.
The power of digital photography lies in its ability to instantly capture, edit, and share visual stories with clarity, creativity, and global reach.
Choosing the right online photography course in 2025 ultimately depends on your experience level, learning goals, and preferred style of instruction. Fortunately, there’s never been a better time to access world-class photography education from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re aiming to master your DSLR, break into professional portraiture, or simply improve your visual storytelling for social media or personal projects, the five courses featured in this guide represent some of the best learning opportunities available online today.
If you’re looking for structured, academic instruction with certification, Photography Basics and Beyond on Coursera offers a university-backed curriculum with hands-on assignments. For creatives who value artistic insight and industry mentorship, Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography on MasterClass delivers rare behind-the-scenes wisdom from one of the most influential photographers of our time.
Those starting from scratch or seeking a low-cost entry point will find strong value in both Introduction to Digital Photography on Alison and Fundamentals of DSLR Photography on Skillshare—especially for developing essential camera skills and building confidence behind the lens. Meanwhile, Foundations of Photography with Ben Long on LinkedIn Learning offers an ideal middle ground, blending technical clarity with creative direction and professional production value.
No matter which course you choose, investing time into learning photography can pay dividends both personally and professionally. Photography is not just about capturing moments—it’s about interpreting the world visually, telling stories, and expressing a point of view. These top-rated online courses make it possible to grow your skills, develop your style, and unlock your creative potential—on your schedule and within your budget.
As the demand for high-quality visual content continues to rise in everything from marketing to social media to fine art, the ability to shoot compelling, well-crafted images is more than just a hobby—it’s a valuable and highly transferable skill in the digital age.
“A camera teaches you not just to look, but to truly observe—and in that observation, creativity begins.”