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Photography Courses

Photography courses can help you learn composition techniques, lighting principles, and post-processing skills. You can build expertise in portraiture, landscape photography, and product photography, along with understanding color theory and storytelling through images. Many courses introduce tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, that support editing and enhancing your photos, as well as camera equipment and software that help you capture and refine your vision.

Popular Photography Courses and Certifications

  • Status: Free Trial
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    Michigan State University

    Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR

    Skills you'll gain: Design Elements And Principles, Photography, Photo Editing, Peer Review, Design, Post-Production, Image Quality, Photo/Video Production and Technology, File Management, Visual Storytelling, Creative Design, Creativity, Digital Publishing, Web Presence, Social Media, Storytelling, Copywriting, Information Privacy, Writing, Web Design and Development

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    6.7K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
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    Michigan State University

    Cameras, Exposure, and Photography

    Skills you'll gain: Photography, Peer Review, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Image Quality, Creativity

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    5.3K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Color Grading: Add Emotion, Mood, and Impact with Color!

    Skills you'll gain: Photo Editing, Color Theory, Visual Storytelling, Cinematography, Post-Production, Photography, Adobe Creative Cloud, Editing, Control Panels

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
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    Skillshare

    Street Photography

    Skills you'll gain: Photography, Photo Editing, Post-Production, Creativity, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Visual Storytelling, Editing, Creative Design, Storytelling, Aesthetics, Image Quality, Personal Development, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Resourcefulness, Resilience, Overcoming Obstacles, Decision Making, Adaptability, Interpersonal Communications

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    9 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Portrait Photography

    Skills you'll gain: Photo Editing, Photography, Visual Storytelling, Post-Production, Editing, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Storytelling, Image Quality, Adobe Photoshop, Creativity

    2.6
    Rating, 2.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    7 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Landscape Photography

    Skills you'll gain: Photography, Photo Editing, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Visual Storytelling, Storytelling, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Geographic Information Systems, GIS Software, Global Positioning Systems, Creativity, Spatial Data Analysis, Post-Production, Planning, Research, Adobe Creative Cloud, Design Elements And Principles, Aesthetics, Critical Thinking, Editing

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    7 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Wedding & Portrait Photography: Capture Perfect Moments

    Skills you'll gain: Photography, Photo Editing, Post-Production, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Creative Cloud, Image Quality, Visual Storytelling, Editing, Adaptability, Planning, Communication Strategies, File Management, Creativity

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    M

    Michigan State University

    Photography Techniques: Light, Content, and Sharing

    Skills you'll gain: Photography, Photo Editing, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Peer Review, Digital Publishing, Web Presence, Creativity, Information Privacy, Web Design and Development

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.1K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    T

    The Museum of Modern Art

    Seeing Through Photographs

    Skills you'll gain: Photography, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Aesthetics, Liberal Arts, Visual Storytelling, Media and Communications, Art History, Cultural Responsiveness, Storytelling, Journalism, Social Justice, Social Impact

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    4.5K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Adobe Lightroom Essentials

    Skills you'll gain: Photo Editing, Video Editing, Adobe Photoshop, Photography, Post-Production, Adobe Creative Cloud, Color Theory, Image Quality, AI powered creativity, File Management, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Data Sharing, Information Management, Editing, Data Import/Export, Cloud Storage

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    11 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    M

    Michigan State University

    Principles of Photo Composition and Digital Image Post-Production

    Skills you'll gain: Design Elements And Principles, Photography, Photo Editing, Design, Image Quality, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Post-Production, File Management, Visual Storytelling

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.3K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Street Photography: Foundations & Creative Mindsets

    Skills you'll gain: Photography, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Creativity, Visual Storytelling, Storytelling, Aesthetics

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    8 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

1234…13

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular photography courses

  • Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR: Michigan State University
  • Cameras, Exposure, and Photography: Michigan State University
  • Color Grading: Add Emotion, Mood, and Impact with Color!: Skillshare
  • Street Photography: Skillshare
  • Portrait Photography: Skillshare
  • Landscape Photography: Skillshare
  • Wedding & Portrait Photography: Capture Perfect Moments: Skillshare
  • Photography Techniques: Light, Content, and Sharing: Michigan State University
  • Seeing Through Photographs: The Museum of Modern Art
  • Adobe Lightroom Essentials: Skillshare

Frequently Asked Questions about Photography

Photography is the art and science of capturing images using light. It plays a crucial role in various aspects of life, from personal expression to professional storytelling. Through photography, individuals can document moments, convey emotions, and share experiences, making it an essential tool for communication in today's visually driven world.‎

A career in photography can lead to various job opportunities, including roles such as portrait photographer, commercial photographer, photojournalist, and event photographer. Additionally, photographers can work in fields like advertising, fashion, and real estate, where visual content is vital for marketing and branding.‎

To succeed in photography, you need to develop a range of skills. These include understanding camera settings, mastering composition, and learning about lighting techniques. Additionally, skills in photo editing software and an eye for detail are essential for creating compelling images.‎

Some of the best online photography courses include the Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization and the Portrait Photography Specialization. These programs offer structured learning paths that cater to different skill levels and interests.‎

Yes. You can start learning photography on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many photography courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in photography, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Learning photography involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Start by familiarizing yourself with your camera and its settings. Then, practice by taking photos in various environments and experimenting with different techniques. Online courses can provide structured guidance and feedback to enhance your skills.‎

Typical topics covered in photography courses include camera operation, exposure settings, composition techniques, lighting, and post-processing. Many courses also explore specific genres of photography, such as landscape, portrait, and street photography, allowing you to find your niche.‎

For training and upskilling employees in photography, courses like the Landscape Photography Specialization and Photography Techniques: Light, Content, and Sharing can be particularly beneficial. These programs provide practical skills that can enhance visual communication within a business context.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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