Skillshare Photography Courses (2024): What To Choose? (2024)

Since its invention in the mid-1800s, photography has been used to immortalize important moments in time, from loved ones to humanity’s greatest achievements. If you would like to be part of this dynamic community and learn how to freeze time, one of the best places to start would be a Skillshare photography course, as taking photos has become not only one of the most popular hobbies in the world but a recognized market with booming success.

Because of the ever-growing popularity of photography, many online learning platforms are offering virtual courses on the ins and outs of the modern art form. Skillshare, being one of the top MOOC providers in the market, is no exception.

With over 2 thousand professional-hosted courses covering everything an aspiring photographer might need to know, Skillshare photography programs are some of the best out there.

In this article, we will be taking a closer look at hand-picked classes that can not only teach you the basics to get you started but hone your skills in a specific photography field. You can take a quick look at our selections here:

• Beginner Photography Workshop
• Frame a Great Shot: Exploring Photo Composition
• Nature Photography: Fundamentals, Concepts, and Techniques
• Film Photography: The Ins and Outs of Going Analogue
• Landscape Photography: You Can Take Your Own Stunning Photos
• Wedding Photography: Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for Amazing Wedding Photos
• Food Photography: Shooting at Restaurants

Designed with both beginners and more advanced photographers in mind, anyone can find a Skillshare photography course to suit their needs.

But before we get started, let's see why you should consider taking a Skillshare photography course.

Though photography might not be as appealing to some as other hobbies, the benefits are undeniable.

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For example, photography, like any other art form, can be used as a creative outlet. Multiple studies have shown that having a way to creatively express your thoughts and emotions has many health benefits. According to Medicareful, photography can help alleviate symptoms of depression, help manage anxiety, and even give a boost of self-esteem.

In addition to that, as wonderful as it already sounds, photography can be the perfect hobby to be turned into a successful career. According to the Federal Bureau of Labour Statistics, photographers can make up to $70,000 annually.

Needless to say, photography has too many perks not to be considered something everyone should at least try. You never know - it might be your calling, and one Skillshare course is all it can take to kickstart your journey.

And on that note, let’s jump right into our recommendations.

Beginner Photography Workshop (Enroll Here)

• Duration: 59 minutes
• Price: Free
• Certificate: NO
• Level: Beginner
• Apply HERE.


Even though it might be hard to admit sometimes, everyone starts somewhere. When it comes to photography, there are two main blocks of information you need to know to feel confident while taking your first shots - your camera and your subject.

That’s exactly what is taught in this Skillshare photography course. Beginner Photography Workshop is a program designed to cover all of the fundamentals needed to further develop your skills to your heart's content.

Created for those just starting to dabble in the hobby, this Skillshare photography class teaches how to unlock your creative potential by leaving the Auto Mode camera behind. The learning material covers every possible digital camera setting that when, when mastered, can help you take your photography to the next level.

In addition to that, by taking this course you will learn not only how to take the photos, but to see them before the button is even pressed. With lessons on composition, lighting, and much more, you will be able to capture the most breathtaking images in no time.

This Skillshare photography course is just shy of an hour-long, taking you through a crash course on the basics of photography. Divided into 22 lessons, the learning material is packed with useful information that you will not get lost in.

It’s safe to say that you will be getting your money’s worth by taking this course!

Speaking of money, you might be wondering how much this Skillshare photography course might cost you. Well, we have great news!

Even though this program isn't one of Skillshare’s hundreds of free courses, you can still take it without any payments during the first two weeks of your Premium Membership. And once the 14th day ends, you can continue learning the subtleties of photography for only $9.7 per month!

Those who enroll in this beginners Skillshare photography course will be learning:

• What your camera’s auto mode offers and how different settings can improve the result;
• What the shutter does and what it can do for your art;
• How to work with your subject to bring your photographs to life.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to create beautiful artwork with just your camera, this Skillshare photography program is perfect to kickstart your journey!

Start the course NOW.

Frame a Great Shot: Exploring Photo Composition (Enroll Here)

• Duration: 1 hour 18 minutes
• Price: Free
• Certificate: NO
• Level: Intermediate
• Apply HERE.

Taking breathtaking photos takes much more than knowing how to use your equipment. Specific skills are needed to be able to work with different lighting, environments, and objects in order to create a balanced piece of art.

For this exact reason, you can find many Skillshare photography courses that can help you master capturing the perfect shot with simple and helpful tips.

One of these programs is Frame a Great Shot: Exploring Photo Composition - a Skillshare photography class designed to be the ultimate composition guide for anyone interested in the art of photography.

Created for slightly more experienced photographers, this course builds artistic skills on preexisting gear knowledge, with tips and tricks on how to use the camera and the environment as one tool. From environment and background to subtle details, nothing is forgotten in this program.

Because composition is so nuanced, every possible detail is the center of attention in one of the 14 classes of the course. In addition to being provided with top-quality learning material, students are also encouraged to practice shooting unusual scenes and share their work.

Now, don’t let the detailed classes fool you into believing that you will have to spend hours trying to learn photography composition. In fact, you will be pleased to find out that this Skillshare photography course is only 1 hour and 18 minutes long, making it the perfect choice for people looking for straight-to-the-point content.

As with every other program mentioned in this article, you can enroll in this course for free during the first two weeks of your premium membership, which would only cost you less than $10 per month to continue exploring photography with Skillshare.

Those enrolled in this course will learn:

• How to actually see the live environment as a photo before the shutter goes off;
• How contrasting light and shadow can tell a story;
• What seemingly insignificant details can do to take your work to the next level.

So, if you want to bring your photos to life with dynamic composition, this is the perfect program to try out!

Start the course NOW.

Nature Photography: Fundamentals, Concepts, and Techniques (Enroll Here)

• Duration: 31 minutes
• Price: Free
• Certificate: NO
• Level: Intermediate
• Apply HERE.


It’s self-explanatory that the best way to develop your photography skills is to take pictures of and study your surroundings. And it’s also self-explanatory that one of the best things to surround yourself with is nature. So, it goes without saying that nature photography can level up not only your technique and portfolio but your quality of life as well.

According to Sandra Sgoutas-Emch, a psychological sciences professor at the University of San Diego, a 2015 study[1] in the Netherlands has shown that students who were exposed to pictures of nature exhibited significantly lower levels of stress during a test compared to their peers who were exposed to pictures of buildings.

Skillshare, like many other MOOC platforms, acknowledges the benefits of working in and with nature and encourages people to learn how to take wonderful pictures of our world.

Nature Photography: Fundamentals, Concepts, and Techniques is a Skillshare photography course that teaches you how to photograph flora and fauna in the most breathtaking way with tips and tricks straight from a professional.

As some other programs mentioned, this Skillshare nature photography class is of an intermediate level, best suited for those who already have the camera basics down. The material covers the A to Z of nature photography, from what equipment is best to use to shooting in different environments and ending the course with a short overview of editing.

Even though the learning material covers a broad range of topics, this Skillshare nature photography program is, surprisingly, the shortest one on our list. The 14 lesson course is only 31 minutes long, yet still takes time to discuss every aspect of photographing nature.

That’s how you know you wouldn't be wasting any time with this class!

It is important to note that the length of the course does not impact its price. This program, like every other one of our selections mentioned, can be taken for free during the first 14 days of a premium subscription and can be revisited for less than $10 per month once the free trial is over.

Students taking this course will take on:

• Properly setting up the correct gear to get the most out of your setting;
• How simple photography fundamentals apply to capturing the beauty of nature;
• The nuances between different environments.

If you would like to capture the beautiful tranquility of our planet, the best place to start is this Skillshare nature photography program.

Start the course NOW.

Film Photography: The Ins and Outs of Going Analogue (Enroll Here)

• Duration: 1 hour 9 minutes
• Price: Free
• Certificate: NO
• Level: Beginner
• Apply HERE.


Everyone is familiar with the bittersweet feeling of nostalgia - the sensation of longing for something you faintly remember. Some channel this emotion into their artistic expression, others into their lifestyle. And some choose to please their nostalgia with a good old-fashioned film camera.

In a world where we carry a camera in our pockets everywhere we go, many of us wouldn’t know where to start shooting with film. And in the same world where the internet is full of educational courses to take, this Skillshare film photography class is the best place to begin learning.

Film Photography: The Ins and Outs of Going Analogue is created specifically with those longing for a touch of the past. The beginner-friendly Skillshare film photography course is perfect if you want to try out this unique niche or are curious to find out more about how film photography works.

What sets this program apart is its content. The course not only covers the whole process of taking film photosbut touches on the history of photography as well.

In our opinion, such an unusual topic for an online class definitely makes this Skillshare film photography program worth your attention!

In order to provide students with the basic knowledge of film photography, the course, like others mentioned in this article, is divided into lessons by topic. With 12 lessons in total, the 1 hour and 9 minutes of learning material contains everything a beginner photographer might need to know while getting to know film better.

Similar to our other selections, this Skillshare film photography class can be taken free of charge by premium skillshare members. But don’t be intimidated by the subscription, as you would only need to pay less than $10 per month to continue enjoying the full Skillshare experience.

If you choose to travel back in time with this class, prepare to learn:

• What materials you need and how to work them to get started;
• Helpful expert tips on how to avoid common mistakes;
• How a piece of film can turn into actual pieces of art.

Needless to say, if you are eager to give your photos an artistic flair, this Skillshare photography program is perfect for you!

Start the course NOW.

Landscape Photography: You Can Take Your Own Stunning Photos (Enroll Here)

• Duration: 3 hours 43 minutes
• Price: Free
• Certificate: NO
• Level: Intermediate
• Apply HERE.


Nature photography is an incredibly wide subject, encompassing everything from macro photography of the tiniest insects to grand images of vast horizons. Naturally, landscape photography is one of the broadest (pun not intended) topics due to so many variables being at play at the same time.

To help you master all the elements, we found the best Skillshare landscape photography course that you can take right now.

Landscape Photography: You Can Take Your Own Stunning Photos is a program focusing on everything that makes landscape photography so special. Admittedly, we were pleasantly surprised by how many details are covered in the learning material on such a seemingly simple subject.

What makes this Skillshare landscape photography program stand out is the unique combination of content. The course contains theoretical and demonstrational videos that dive deep into the subtleties of taking landscape photos. From camera and accessories to editing, no detail is forgotten.

Now, it is important to note that this program is geared towards a more experienced photographer, or someone who at least has the basic knowledge of tools and composition down, as this experience would make the course run a lot smoother and more enjoyable.

As you can probably tell, this is a class for those looking for a little bit of a challenge. In fact, this is the longest program on our list, with 3 hours and 43 minutes of in-depth content divided into 32 individual lessons.

That being said, the material is dynamic and varied, so we can assure you that boredom is not part of this curriculum.

If the thought of paying for such a course seems daunting, you can sigh in relief. Skillshare courses are not priced based on their length or difficulty level, so even if you do not enroll in this class during the free first two weeks of your premium membership, you could take this and many other Skillshare photography courses for less than $10 per month!

Those enrolled in this Skillshare landscape photography course will be learning:

• How to prepare for photography trips, not just photoshoots;
• How different camera settings can be manipulated for different effects;
• How editing can bring out the beauty in your photos.

Anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in sunsets should consider taking this complete Skillshare landscape photography class.

Start the course NOW.

Wedding Photography: Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for Amazing Wedding Photos (Enroll Here)

• Duration: 2 hours 4 minutes
• Price: Free
• Certificate: NO
• Level: All levels
• Apply HERE.


It’s no secret that photography and weddings go hand in hand. The vast majority of photographers have dipped their toes in taking photos at weddings, whether as a friend building their portfolio or a freelance professional. However, not many people know how different wedding photography can be compared to everyday photoshoots in a studio.

To help both budding photographers and field veterans develop and hone their skills, we present to you the best Skillshare wedding photography class available right now.

Wedding Photography: Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for Amazing Wedding Photos is the ultimate guide to capturing those precious memories in the most breathtaking way. From tips to creative shot ideas, this Skillshare wedding photography course has it all!

Because wedding photos can very easily seem like the same cookie-cutter images, this course aims to provide photographers with unique picture ideas and confidence to experiment to truly catch those once-in-a-lifetime moments. On top of that, students will learn to merge creativity with photography fundamentals to really elevate their work.

As we all know, weddings are some of the most chaotic and busiest days of our lives. With several locations and too many people to keep track of, there are endless possible shots to be taken in a few hours.

Well, this Skillshare wedding photography program has done the thinking for you. Each lesson tackles one of 37 - yes, 37! - most common photo settings that newlyweds are the most excited to keep forever, with individual tips and tricks to help you not get overwhelmed.

Even though the number of lessons can be intimidating, you will not need to eat, breathe, and sleep weddings and photography. The in-depth learning material is condensed into 2 hours and 4 minutes of content, making it jam-packed with useful information.

Just like all other programs mentioned, this Skillshare wedding photography course is a pay-to-enroll program, however, it can be taken for free during the first two weeks of the premium membership subscription, which is priced at less than $10 per month once the free trial is over.

Now that’s a deal!

Those who enroll in this program will be taught:

• How to capture drama and emotions while keeping it natural;
• How to work with the newlyweds and guests to help them relax and enjoy the process;
• How to work with your environment to give the photos a unique flare.

So, if you want to help people capture their happiest moments, this is the Skillshare photography course for you!

Start the course NOW.

Food Photography: Shooting at Restaurants (Enroll Here)

• Duration: 34 minutes
• Price: Free
• Certificate: NO
• Level: Beginner
• Apply HERE.


Most of us have used or scrolled through one or two hashtags related to food, enjoying the artistic photos of mouthwatering meals. In fact, #food on Instagram alone has over 445 MILLION posts, with new ones being added every minute.

However, while looking through the aesthetic pastries and steaks, it’s easy to notice some recurring themes. One of them being food photography in restaurants.

What makes this genre of food photography unique is the harmony between meals and the environment they are shot in, which can tell entire stories. However, because photographers often have limited lighting and background options to work with, specific skills are needed to bring those photos to life.

Food Photography: Shooting at Restaurants is a Skillshare food photography course focusing exclusively on taking meal photos in restaurants and covering every step from ordering to setting the mood and utilizing the environment you're in.

The beginner-friendly program is designed to be useful to both DSLR photographers and phone camera users, allowing everyone to enjoy the dynamic art of capturing flavour in a photo. In addition to that, the course also covers food styling tips that help show off the meal in all its glory.

Covering all the building blocks of taking fantastic pictures in restaurants, this Skillshare food photography course consists of 7 lessons, designed to give you the best and easiest learning experience. In our opinion, this program really delivers the scoop on food photography.

Those eager to learn how to translate flavors and aromas through photos will be happy to know that they won’t need to spend hours studying different angles that the same cupcake can be shot from. With the whole course taking only 34 minutes to complete, you can become a well-skilled food photographer in less than a single lunch break.

If you are looking for great quality with an even greater price tag, you've come to the right place. This Skillshare food photography class, though not completely free, can be taken free of charge during the first two weeks of your premium membership. And if you ever decide to revisit any Skillshare photography course, you can for less than $10 per month.

If you ask us, this is a hard-to-refuse deal.

Students enrolled in this course will have a taste of:

• What gear is best to use while working in restaurant environments;
• How to use the lighting and background available to create dynamics and visual interest;
• What food looks best in photos and how to decide what to order for the best shots.

So grab it while it’s hot and enroll in this Skillshare photography program today!

Start the course NOW.

Conclusions

Now that you've read the article you know exactly what our top picks of Skillshare photography courses are.

If you would like to refresh your memory, you can look through them one more time here:

• Beginner Photography Workshop
• Frame a Great Shot: Exploring Photo Composition
• Nature Photography: Fundamentals, Concepts, and Techniques
• Film Photography: The Ins and Outs of Going Analogue
• Landscape Photography: You Can Take Your Own Stunning Photos
• Wedding Photography: Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for Amazing Wedding Photos
• Food Photography: Shooting at Restaurants

If you are wondering if we would recommend these classes, the answer should not surprise you.

Yes, we absolutely recommend these photography courses!

To sum up, it is safe to say that Skillshare photography programs are some of the best on the market. With detailed and interesting topics and professional tips, picking up this hobby has never been so simple and enjoyable.

That being said, there are some things to point out. Most notably, the fact that some courses, such as Frame a Great Shot: Exploring Photo Composition, are not completely suitable for beginners.

If you are interested in the more advanced programs mentioned in our article, you might want to consider going through an introductory photography course first, just to make sure that you feel comfortable developing your skills further.

Of course, it could be that you might not find these photography courses to be the best for you. In that case, you can have a look at some other online learning platforms, such as Udemy, that also offer top-notch photography courses that you can take right now.

We hope that this article has inspired you to start a new hobby and we wish you the best of luck in your future photography endeavors. Keep learning and keep creating!

Scientific References

1. Autonomic Nervous System Responses to Viewing Green and Built Settings: Differentiating Between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Activity, the Netherlands, 2015