Here Are The Best Photography Learning Websites

Here Are The Best Photography Learning Websites

When I started my photography business, WDO Photography, back in 2007, I did so after taking on massive photography school debt. I was told that school was the only way to learn. That wasn't true then and it's even less true now. In fact, now there are so many photography learning websites with courses, tutorials, and resources.

Pathways To Professional Photography

My biggest regret is paying a fortune for photography school. Doing so delayed my on-the-job experience. Instead I could have worked for other photographers and gotten paid. Doing that would have taught me nearly everything that school taught me.  This is a big reason that I teach and offer free photography resources right here on my website and in books like How To Become A Photographer Without Going To School.

That said, I know I can't do it all. So, I pulled together these other photography learning websites to help you improve your photography skills and knowledge. Let me know what you think. Plus, be sure to read my article on understanding if photography workshops are worth it.

Photography Learning Guideline

Having all of these great resources is one thing. That said, where do you start? Here is my simple guideline to help you create a path towards successful photography skill advancement.

Learning photography requires structured study which can be a challenge without the formality of school. Use these guidelines to structure your photography learning:

1. Technical skills
2. Composition
3. Business

Technical Skills

The first place to start is with technical skills. You need to learn how your camera works, what exposure settings mean, focus, etc. After you've mastered your camera there are other technical skills that will depend on what type of photography you wish to do.

For example, if you want to take portraits then you need to learn how to pose people. If you want to work in a studio you need to understand lighting. Knowing what you want to do as a photographer will direct your learning path after you've mastered your camera. If you'd like specific information on what to focus on next consider signing up for a consultation with me.

Composition

You don't have to master your technical skills before starting to master composition. However, knowing how to control your camera first makes sense. Once you've learned to do so then you can begin to study composition.

Composition is how we tell stories in photography. Technically, it's how we arrange our subject in the scene in order to provide a coherent message. If you've taken other visual art classes then you may already understand composition. Still, it can take a lot of practice to get good at producing the photos you want to make.

Business of Photography

Next, you need to understand the business of photography. I explain a lot about the business side of things in my book Becoming A Photographer Without Going To School.

Running a photography business is mostly about business. If you don't feel you're ready to do so then working for other photographers as an assistant can be hugely helpful.

Beginner to Advanced Photography Learning 

Now that you understand how to structure your learning here are the websites that will help you build your skills. Many of these do cost money. However, they don't cost nearly as much as accredited photography schools. Plus, you'll find a list of free websites below them.

A Word About Photography Schools

To be clear, I'm not entirely opposed to photography schools. In fact I have put together this list of the best photography schools in the world should you feel school is the best route for you. That said, you can also consider learning from non-accredited schools or through a teacher like myself. I teach photography classes online and in person.

Skillshare

Skillshare is one of the most popular e-learning platforms online. This is because Skillshare offers various courses, from beginner to advanced, in a bunch of different areas. Of course, photography is a popular subject so you'll find a lot of great lessons and advice on photography.

Udemy

Udemy is another platform, similar to Skillshare. However, Udemy is often seen as a better option for more serious learning. That said, Skillshare offers creators the ability to share their skills (hence the name) whereas Udemy's instructors are more vetted. In addition they offer classes on subjects like business and not just creative classes. Therefore, if you want to learn to become a working photographer check out Udemy.

Coursera

Unlike the previous two, Coursera offers University level courses. As a result, you can learn more rigorous lessons from scholarly experts including those at Ivy League schools.

Master Class

MasterClass features celebrity photographers like Annie Leibovitz and other very impressive names. That said, sometimes these are more enjoyable and a means of learning about the people rather than the subject they're trying to teach you. Therefore, be sure to read reviews before signing up.

Phlearn

Finally, Phlearn is a great resource full of information on Photoshop and Lightroom. So, if you're looking for editing tutorials be sure to check them out.

Free Learning Resources

The following are free photography resources. In addition to my own page full of resources (and this blog), there are a lot of great free photography resources out there.

You're probably familiar with YouTube. Therefore, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know. However, Youtubers like Peter McKinnon, The Art of Photography, and Jessica Kobeissi offer excellent tutorials.

Another great website is PetaPixel. In fact, PetaPixel is a great resource for learning as well as news and insights into photography trends.

Adobe offers a huge section full of helpful tutorials for their products. So, if you're struggling to figure out how to do something in Photoshop or Lightroom check them out.