Free online photography courses with accredited certificates 2024

Join our Telegram Channel

Get the latest news, tips and exclusive content directly.

Join now

In the world of photography, free online photography courses are a valuable opportunity for beginners and professionals alike. These online photography courses provide rich educational content covering different photography techniques from basics to advanced techniques, allowing learners to acquire new skills and improve their existing ones.

Advantages of free photography courses

Online photography courses offer a range of valuable benefits that can improve your skills and make you a more professional photographer. Here are the most important advantages of learning photography through courses:

1. Improve technical skills

Free photography courses help you understand the basics of your camera and how to use it properly, including setting exposure, shutter speed, and aperture.
Learn full control of your camera settings.
Improve image quality through basic and advanced imaging techniques.

2. Learn editing and modification techniques

Free photography courses provide training in editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, which helps in improving and editing photos after they are taken.
Acquire professional editing and correction skills.
Enhanced ability to improve image quality and add creative touches.

3. Understand the concepts of composition and lighting

Learn how to compose an image aesthetically and use lighting effectively to create dramatic or soft effects.
Improve the ability to create images with strong visual impact.
Learn how to deal with natural and artificial lighting.

4. Developing creativity and innovation

Free photography courses provide tools and techniques that help develop your personal photography style and stimulate creativity.
Discover new ways to photograph scenes and objects.
Expand your artistic and technical horizons.

5. Interaction with professionals and experts

Many free photography courses provide opportunities to network with photography professionals and receive feedback and advice from them.
Receive constructive feedback to improve your business.
The possibility of building a network of relationships with professional photographers.

6. Develop a strong portfolio

Courses often include practical projects that enable you to build your portfolio and showcase your skills.
Create a collage of photos that showcase your abilities.
Use the portfolio to promote your business and search for job opportunities.

7. Access to various educational resources

Courses often provide resources such as educational videos, printed materials, and practical exercises.
Take advantage of a wide range of sources for better learning.
Get educational materials that can be downloaded and reviewed at any time.

8. Self-paced and advanced learning

You can learn the basics first and then progress to more complex techniques depending on your level and interests.
Flexibility in learning from beginner to advanced level.
Allocate your time and effort to suit your educational needs.

9. Obtaining accredited certificates

Many free photography courses offer certificates upon completion, which can boost your CV.
An official certificate will enhance your chances of getting jobs or photography projects.
Demonstrate your commitment and knowledge in the field of photography.

10. Developing problem-solving skills

Learn how to approach different photography challenges and develop creative solutions to photography problems.
Improved adaptability to diverse shooting conditions.
Develop critical thinking and the ability to make quick decisions.

Learning photography through courses not only enhances your technical skills, but also opens doors to creativity and personal development, making it a valuable investment for your future as a photographer.

How to learn photography for beginners?

Learning photography as a beginner can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started learning photography effectively:

Understand the basics

Camera and Equipment: Learn about types of cameras (such as DSLRs, Mirrorless cameras, and digital cameras), lenses, and basic equipment.
Cameras: Learn the difference between DSLR and Mirrorless cameras and choose the right camera for your needs.
Lenses: Learn about the types of lenses and their uses (such as wide-angle lenses, telephoto lenses, medium lenses).
Camera Settings: Learn how to adjust basic settings:
Aperture: Controls the amount of light entering the camera and the depth of field.
Shutter Speed: Determines how quickly the camera can capture the image and the effect of movement.
ISO: The camera's sensitivity to light and its effect on image quality.

2. Learn photography techniques

Composition rules: Follow basic composition rules to improve the quality of your photos.
Rule of Thirds: Divide the image into three vertical and horizontal parts and place important elements on these lines or their intersections.
Balance and repetition: Use balance and repetition to make the image more attractive.
Lighting: Learn how to use lighting effectively.
Natural Lighting: Understand how to exploit natural light.
Artificial Lighting: Using flash or artificial lighting to enhance images.
Shooting from different angles: Experiment with shooting from different angles to add depth and creativity to your photos.

3. Practical training

Shoot regularly: Practice shooting regularly to apply what you have learned and gain practical experience.
Photograph different subjects: Try landscape photography, portraiture, wildlife, and more.
Photography Challenges: Participate in photography challenges to stimulate creativity and expand your skills.
Image Analysis: Review your images and evaluate what can be improved. Learn from mistakes and successes.

4. Learn from others

Educational Courses: Sign up for online photography courses or in local classrooms.
MOOCs platforms: such as Coursera, edX, and Udemy.
Workshops: Find local workshops or seminars.
Participate in communities: Join online or offline photography communities.
Forums and groups: such as Reddit's photography subreddit or groups on Facebook.
Reading and learning: Read books and articles about photography.
Educational books: such as “Understanding Exposure” by John Fremaux.

5. Edit photos

Editing software: Learn how to use image editing software such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
Editing Basics: Learn how to adjust colors, contrast, and brightness.
Advanced Editing: Learn techniques such as photo manipulation and removing blemishes.

6. Build a portfolio

Create a Portfolio: Compile your best work into a portfolio that showcases your unique skills and style.
Website: Use platforms like WordPress or Wix to create a website to showcase your work.
Social Media: Share your photos on platforms like Instagram to expose your work to a wider audience.

7. Continuing learning and development

Try new techniques: Stay up to date on the latest techniques and trends in photography.
Learn from criticism: Listen to feedback from professionals and colleagues to improve your skills.

8. Take advantage of free resources

YouTube channels: such as “Peter McKinnon” and “Fstoppers” to learn new techniques.
Photography Blogs: Read photography blogs for more tips and advice.

With a commitment to continuous learning and practice, you can improve your photography skills and grow as a photographer.

Where can I get photography courses?

You can get photography courses from a variety of online sources and also from local educational institutes. Here is a list of different places where you can find photography courses:

1. Online educational platforms (MOOCs)

Coursera It offers free photography courses from well-known international universities.
- “Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR” from the University of Michigan.
edX It gives you access to online educational photography courses from prestigious academic institutions.
- “Digital Photography” from Columbia University.
Udemy Offers a wide range of free photography certificates covering various aspects of photography.
- Examples: “Photography Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Photography” and “The Ultimate Photography Course for Beginners.”
Skillshare It contains many practical courses provided by professionals in the field.
- “Fundamentals of DSLR Photography” and “Advanced Photography Techniques”.
FutureLearn It provides courses in photography from international universities and educational institutions.
- “Introduction to Photography” and “Photography: An Introduction”.
Lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning) offers a wide range of photography courses covering photography and editing techniques.
creativelive It contains specialized courses in photography and image editing.
MasterClass It offers tutorials from photography experts like Ansel Adams and Svetzlav Sobota.
Check for institutes and training centers in your area that offer photography courses.
Many universities offer programs and courses in photography, either as individual courses or as part of academic degree programmes.
Look for photography workshops and seminars being held in your area or online.
Art fairs and festivals may have training workshops in photography.
Meetup: Look for local photography groups that organize workshops and meetups.
Khan Academy Provides various educational resources including photography.

Each of these resources provides a range of options to suit different levels of experience and educational goals. Choose the resource that best suits your learning needs and goals.

What will you learn in free online photography courses with accredited certificates?

In free online photography courses that offer certificates, you can learn a variety of basic and advanced skills and concepts. Here is an overview of what you can learn:

Understanding the camera: How to use the camera, including understanding the basic buttons and settings.
Camera Settings: Learn about concepts such as exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and how to adjust them.
Types of lenses: The difference between types of lenses and their different uses.
Composition rules: Learn rules like rule of thirds, balance, and leading lines.
Shooting from different angles: How to use different angles to create dramatic visual effects.
Dealing with Lighting: Understand how to use natural and artificial lighting to improve image quality.
Low-light photography: Strategies for taking photos in low-light conditions.
Action photography: How to take photos on the move and deal with fast motion.
Panoramic photography: Techniques for photographing wide scenes using panoramic photography.
Editing software: Learn how to use image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
Editing Basics: Basic techniques for improving images, including adjustments to color and contrast.
Advanced Enhancement: Learn advanced techniques such as editing backgrounds, removing blemishes, and manipulating images.
Artistic Photography: How to apply artistic techniques to produce creative images.
Landscape photography: special methods for photographing landscapes and landscapes.
Portrait Photography: Learn techniques to take great portraits.
Personal Style: How to develop your own unique style of photography.
Building a Portfolio: How to create a portfolio that showcases your best work.
Receiving Feedback: How to receive and provide constructive feedback to improve your skills.
Join photography communities: Get involved in photography communities for advice and support.
Choosing Equipment: How to choose the right cameras and lenses based on your needs.
Maintenance and Care: How to care for your equipment to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
Commercial Photography: How to handle commercial and marketing photography projects.
Promote Yourself: Strategies to promote your business and attract clients.
Academic documentation: An accredited certificate that enhances your CV and proves your skills.
Improving Employment Opportunities: Use your degree to open doors to job opportunities in the field of photography.

These skills and concepts help you build a strong foundation in photography, whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your existing skills.

Advantages of free online photography courses with accredited certificates

Free online photography courses that offer accredited certificates have several benefits that make them an attractive option for learning. Here are some of the main features of these courses:

These courses are often free, which reduces the cost of education.
Many courses offer accredited certificates without having to pay additional fees.
You can study on your own time according to your schedule.
Learn from anywhere, anytime as long as you have an internet connection.
Certifications enhance your CV and prove your skills and abilities.
Certificates from reputable educational platforms may be recognized by employers.
Courses cover different aspects of photography, from basics to advanced techniques.
Access to educational materials from professionals and experts in the field of photography.
Content is updated regularly to reflect the latest trends and techniques in photography.
Access to new content and advanced learning over time.
Some courses provide forums or communities to share knowledge and interact with classmates.
Possibility to receive feedback from trainers or colleagues to improve your skills.
Access additional resources: such as educational videos, interactive guides, and training files.
Practical projects: Opportunities to apply what you have learned to practical projects and achieve tangible results.
Personalized learning: The ability to choose courses that suit your interests and skill level.
Achieving your personal goals: Build new skills and advance your career.
Multiple Platforms: Courses are available on various educational platforms, providing you with multiple learning options.
Free, high-quality courses: Even if they are free, they provide high-quality education.
Practical application: Courses often include practical applications and hands-on exercises to enhance photographic skills.
Real Projects: You can work on real projects to improve your skills and try out what you have learned.

These features make free online courses an excellent opportunity to learn photography, whether you are a beginner or looking to develop your skills professionally.

Free photography courses feature a variety of topics, from the basics of lighting and composition, to the use of advanced editing software. Through these courses, learners can engage with premium content and receive guidance from experts in the field without having to incur additional costs.

In addition, many of these courses offer free certified photography certificates, adding value to learners' CVs. These photography certificates confirm the individual's commitment to developing his skills and learning new techniques, which enhances his opportunities in the labor market.

So, if you aspire to excel in the world of photography, enrolling in free photography courses that provide free photography certificates is an ideal step towards achieving your professional and creative goals.