As time passes, getting into photography is becoming easier for regular people. Nowadays, even simple cameras, like the ones on our phones, now have the capability to capture outstanding images. And the cool part is, there are loads of free classes and resources that give you all the info you need to get better at it. Online learning has become super popular lately, and many photographers who really know their stuff are sharing their tips with everyone.

Now, sure, some of the top-notch photo courses out there do cost some money. But hey, there are plenty of options that won’t cost you a dime. So, if you’re on a tight budget or just don’t want to spend any money on classes, don’t worry – we’ve got your back. This article is here to guide you to the 10 best places to learn about photography online. You’ll discover courses that cover the basics of digital photography and others that focus on specific types of photos. It’s all about learning in a way that suits you!

1. Introductory Photography Course by Chris Bray

Chris Bray, an accomplished photographer hailing from Australia, boasts a collection of accolades earned over the years. Drawing from his extensive experience, Bray generously provides a range of free online resources to enhance your photography skills.
Among his offerings, the Introductory Photography Course stands out as one of the most comprehensive options, and the best part is—it’s entirely free. This course comprises 10 videos, all of which are conveniently accessible on YouTube if that’s your preferred platform.
Within Bray’s photography course, he delves into various crucial aspects that will enrich your understanding before you embark on your photographic journey. The content covers essential topics such as composition, movement, lighting, and lenses. It’s a valuable resource for anyone eager to learn the ropes of photography without spending a dime.
So, if you’re on the lookout for the best free online photography courses, Chris Bray’s Introductory Photography Course is a stellar choice. With its wealth of information and accessible format, it’s a fantastic opportunity to elevate your photography skills at no cost.

2. Free Online Photography Courses by Allison

In these courses, participants can discover the art of photography from capturing nature’s beauty to creating frame-worthy photos and applying unique effects. The curriculum covers the spectrum of photography, starting from basic equipment knowledge and progressing to advanced editing techniques. Whether you are keen on understanding exposure settings, mastering composition techniques, or delving into post-production tools, Alison provides an excellent starting point.
The digital photography section of Alison’s offerings provides fresh perspectives suitable for both beginners and professionals. Participants can learn to master photo editing using Adobe’s Photoshop and Lightroom, making it a valuable resource for those pursuing a photography career or simply aiming to enhance their selfie game. The Photography Hub at Alison is the ideal place to find your angle and elevate your skills effortlessly.
Embark on your Alison journey today to access some of the best free online photography courses available. With a focus on diverse skill levels and a comprehensive approach to photography education, Alison provides a platform for enthusiasts to enhance their skills without any cost.

3. 7 Ingredients for Awesome Photography – Take Better Photos

This photography course by Chris Parker is an ideal starting point for beginners looking to enhance their skills. Whether you’re a novice or simply aiming to capture better photos, this course provides valuable insights. Learn the seven secret ingredients that contribute to creating awesome photos consistently.
This course covers all the essential elements for achieving perfect exposures, including a detailed tutorial on Aperture, ISO, and Shutter Speeds. Free resources are included, featuring a comprehensive list of 140 photography terms every photographer should know.
In this course, you can be part of a free and private Facebook group that facilitates connection, sharing, and learning among like-minded photographers. Explore fundamental concepts such as the “Exposure Triangle,” gaining a profound understanding of its application for achieving desired exposures. Another essential aspect covered is Composition—grasp its definition and learn how to use it effectively to enhance your images.
Discover the frequently overlooked camera setting of White Balance and understand its significance in attaining the right tones during shooting, rather than relying on post-processing tools such as Photoshop, Lightroom, or GIMP.
This course won’t burden your budget, as it comes at no cost. For those enthusiastic about advancing their photography skills, take the opportunity to join this journey!

4. Introduction To Photography and Related Media

Explore an exceptional Best Free Online Photography Course offered through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) OpenCourseWare initiative. This course unlocks freely accessible video lectures drawn from a semester-long undergraduate-level program at MIT. Led by four seasoned photography instructors, participants embark on a journey into the fundamental pillars of photography, embracing both analog and digital SLR camera techniques.

Venture beyond the basics with this tutorial, featuring comprehensive lessons on film imaging, encompassing film exposure, film development, and darkroom techniques. Moreover, it extends its reach to digital imaging and studio lighting, ensuring a holistic and enriching learning experience.
This no-cost online photography course delivers hands-on instruction in the fundamentals of analog and digital SLR cameras, along with medium/large format camera operations. Participants acquire valuable insights into film exposure and development, black and white darkroom techniques, digital imaging, and studio lighting. Seize this outstanding opportunity to elevate your photography skills without incurring any financial burden.

5. Picturing the Family course from Open University

Explore this family-focused photography course designed to help students master the interpretation of pictorial sources. The course is conveniently divided into online sections, covering engaging topics such as camera culture and open-air portraits. Accessible in a comprehensive eBook format, the course ensures a flexible and accessible learning experience.
Uncover essential insights through the course’s learning outcomes, including the understanding that photographs are shaped by a set of conventions rooted in ideas and practices that may not be immediately apparent. Gain awareness of the partial and biased nature of photographs, aligning them with other documentary records. Develop critical analysis and interpretation skills necessary for examining photographs, recognizing their nuanced perspectives. Appreciate the significance of contextualization in the thorough analysis of photographs.
Immerse yourself in this family-oriented photography course that not only refines your skills but also provides valuable insights into the nuances of photographic interpretation. Accessible in a convenient eBook format, this course ensures an enriching learning journey for all photography enthusiasts.

6. Photocritic Photo school

Explore the world of photography with Photocritic Photo School, your ultimate online destination for learning to use a digital camera and capturing stunning photos. Through a specialized approach, enjoy free online tutorials covering a wide range of skill-based lessons. Whether you’re a complete novice or have never held a camera before, worry not – Photocritic Photo School has got you covered!
Embark on your photography journey with a course designed to cater to beginners. Covering all the basics, Photocritic Photo School ensures you grasp essential knowledge about photography and your camera. The free program includes education on key fundamentals such as Exposure, Composition, Focal Length, and Camera Settings.
What sets Photocritic Photo School apart is their enthusiasm to take you from zero to hero in the photography realm. They’re offering a full 1-year photography course entirely for free, delivered straight to your inbox every couple of weeks. This comprehensive course is your ticket to becoming a skilled photographer, and it won’t cost you a dime.

If you’re struggling to break free from auto-mode and want to master your camera’s exposure settings, Photocritic Photo School is the perfect solution. Benefit from their passion and expertise as you embark on a journey to capture incredible photos. Don’t miss out – join Photocritic Photo School today!

7. Photzy

Photzy stands out as a leading provider of free online photography courses, With a community now exceeding 200,000 students worldwide, Photzy has become a trusted name in photography education.
This platform boasts an impressive collection of over 250 free downloadable tutorials, covering the essential aspects of creative photography. These user-friendly instructional e-books are readily accessible online and include engaging topics such as “Five Steps To Better Headshots,” “How To Get The Most Out Of A Photo Walk,” “Travel Photography In Your Own Backyard,” and “Lightroom: Using White Balance & Colour Balance.”
While Photzy does offer additional paid content, the primary emphasis remains on providing valuable free resources. The paid content grants access to premium tutorials, featuring the renowned Snap Cards. These color-coded cards serve as convenient cheat sheets, offering insights into various photography topics, composition techniques, and camera use.
Photzy’s resources cater to photographers of all skill levels, making it an inclusive platform. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, there’s always something new to learn from the diverse and comprehensive collection of tutorials and tools Photzy has to offer.

8. An introduction to photography by karl Taylor

Elevate your photography skills with our extensive and FREE photography course! This comprehensive package of 10 user-friendly photography classes is designed to not only expand your knowledge but also boost your confidence and unleash your creative potential. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this introductory course covers various photography concepts in a simple and accessible manner.
The first video serves as a valuable introduction, providing insights into how cameras work and offering a sneak preview of the course’s content. The presenter communicates information concisely, using language that is easy to understand, making it suitable for all learners.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore different aspects of photography, including composition, focal length, and aperture. Manual mode, often daunting for beginners who stick to Auto, is demystified, encouraging you to move beyond your comfort zone.
No need to sign up for an account to access this course. Alongside the informative videos, which can be completed in just a few hours, additional materials are available for download. Test your newfound knowledge with an engaging quiz, making your learning experience interactive and enjoyable Prepared to level up your photography skills?
Dive into this FREE course today!

 9. Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization

Michigan State University has crafted an expansive photography specialization covering a diverse range of topics. Comprising 5 courses, this comprehensive program is meticulously designed to guide participants from beginner to advanced levels. The lectures are structured to cover fundamental principles, from mastering camera control to enhancing composition creativity, thereby fortifying core concepts. Practical lessons accompany the majority of concepts, ensuring hands-on application.
Following the completion of the first 4 modules, the 5th module is dedicated to the culminating capstone project. This final project provides a unique opportunity for participants to unleash their creativity, bringing their thoughts and visions to life in a tangible way.
The specialization places a strong emphasis on enabling learners to:

• Acquire in-demand skills from university and industry experts
• Master a subject or tool through engaging hands-on projects
• Develop a profound understanding of key concepts

Successful completion of this specialization earns participants a valuable career certificate from Michigan State University, validating their expertise in the field of photography. Enroll today to embark on a journey of skill development, practical application, and creative expression!

10. Photography: Ditch Auto – Start Shooting in Manual

Unlock the world of photography with this free tutorial designed to introduce you to the fundamentals and empower you to shoot in manual mode. While auto mode may seem convenient, embracing the manual option opens up a realm of customization opportunities, ultimately resulting in superior photo quality. By the end of this program, you’ll have acquired techniques to infuse a professional touch into your photographs.
If you own a DSLR Camera or a sophisticated Point-and-shoot but haven’t explored its full potential, especially the intimidating “manual mode,” this course is for you. Discover the customization possibilities that come with understanding terms like Shutter Speed and Aperture, breaking down the confusion and providing a starting point for unleashing your camera’s capabilities.
If the idea of controlling your camera rather than being controlled by it sounds appealing, this FREE course is your gateway to comprehending the intricacies of DSLR photography and mastering manual mode. It’s time to maximize the features of your investment and train your brain to think like a photographer. Say goodbye to Auto Mode dependence and embark on a journey to wield full control over your camera. Enroll now and start capturing stunning shots with confidence!

Photography enthusiasts, whether beginners or seasoned professionals, now have access to a wealth of valuable resources through platforms like Photocritic Photo School and Photzy. These online courses cater to various skill levels, providing comprehensive and user-friendly tutorials. Whether you’re looking to understand the basics, enhance your composition techniques, or delve into advanced camera settings, these courses offer a valuable learning experience. Unlock your creative potential and elevate your photography skills with these free and accessible online resources.

Additionally, Michigan State University’s specialized photography program stands out as a comprehensive journey from beginner to advanced levels. With a focus on hands-on projects, this program ensures participants acquire in-demand skills, deepening their understanding of key concepts. The culmination of a career certificate from a reputable institution like Michigan State University adds credibility to one’s expertise in the field.

For those starting their photography journey, the free tutorial on shooting in manual mode is a game-changer. Embracing manual mode unlocks customization opportunities, leading to superior photo qualities. This course simplifies intimidating terms like Shutter Speed and Aperture, empowering learners to control their cameras and think like photographers.

In conclusion, these diverse online photography courses offer something for everyone, from beginners seeking a solid foundation to seasoned photographers aiming to refine their skills. Take advantage of these resources to unleash your creativity, gain valuable insights, and master the art of photography.

when it comes to the best online photography courses, the options are abundant and cater to a variety of skill levels. Whether you’re exploring free resources from reputable platforms like Photocritic Photo School or Photzy, diving into a specialized program from Michigan State University, or taking a beginner-friendly tutorial, the key is to find the course that aligns with your goals and learning preferences. These online courses not only offer valuable insights into photography but also empower you to capture moments with confidence and creativity. Start your photography journey today and discover the endless possibilities that these courses bring to your fingertips.