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Photography & Video Photography

Photography Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Photography

The Best Online Professional Photography Class: How to Take Amazing Photos for Beginners & Advanced Photographers
Bestseller
Rating: 4.7 out of 54.7 (48,012 ratings)
234,027 students
Created by Phil Ebiner, William Carnahan, Video School, Sam Shimizu-Jones
Last updated 2/2021
English
English, French [Auto], 
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

What you'll learn

  • You will know how to take amazing photos that impress your family and friends
  • You will know how the camera truly works, so you can take better photos using manual settings
  • You will know how to photograph in different scenarios like family portraits, landscapes, aerial, product, wildlife, and much more
  • You will know how to compose images beautifully with basic photography rules
  • You will know how to light your subjects with flash and natural lighting
  • You will know how to edit your photos like a professional
  • You will know how to make money with photography
  • You will know how to take better photos with your smart phones
Curated for the Udemy for Business collection

Requirements

  • You should be excited to learn photography, and ready to take action!
  • No fancy camera is required, having camera (even a smartphone) will help you learn as we prompt you with practice activities.
  • No prior knowledge of photography is required - this course is geared for absolute beginners.

Description

****UPDATED WITH A 273-PAGE NOTEBOOK & NEW LESSONS****

This online photography course will teach you how to take amazing images and even sell them, whether you use a smartphone, mirrorless or DSLR camera.

This photography course is designed to teach you the ins and outs of photography, even if you have little to no experience with it, to help create profitable images that help you stand out from the crowd and sell.

Master Photography Techniques to Create Extraordinary Images!

While there are plenty of digital photography courses that focus on specific styles or how to use gear, it's hard to find a comprehensive course like this one, which is for beginner to advanced photographers.

This course is designed for all levels of photographers who want to improve their skills, take stellar images, and make money with their photos - especially great for any DSLR or mirrorless camera user.

What will you learn:

  • Understand how cameras work and what gear you need

  • Master shooting in manual mode and understanding your camera

  • Know what equipment you should buy no matter what your budget is

  • Follow our practical demonstrations to see how we shoot in real-world scenarios

  • Use composition, lighting, and proper settings to take better photos

  • Edit photos professionally to make them look even better

  • Learn start a photography business and make money from your new skills

Styles of photography you will learn:

  • Portrait photography

  • Long exposure photography

  • Landscape photography

  • Product photography

  • Low light photography

  • Sports and action photography

  • Street photography

  • Architecture photography

  • Event and wedding photography

  • Aerial and drone photography

  • Wildlife photography

  • Night photography

  • DSLR photography

  • Mirrorless photography

  • Smartphone photography

  • and more!

Improve Your Photography Techniques, Acquire Clients, And Make More Money

Regardless of what your level of experience is or what type of camera you use, this in-depth course is designed to provide you with everything you need to take your photography skills to the next level.

Whether you prefer taking photos of nature, animals, or people, a great photographer knows how to compose a shot, light it, and edit it. By honing these skills, you can sell your photos so you can turn your passion into a career. This course shows you how.

Unlike other photography classes that are more limited in scope, this complete course teaches you how to take amazing photos and how to make money by selling them.

Contents and Overview

This course is aimed at teaching photographers what it takes to improve your techniques to earn more money.

You'll start with the basics and tackle how a camera operates, the types of cameras and lenses available, and equipment you'll need for accomplishing your goals. You'll then dive into the different styles of photography you can focus on.

You'll learn about your camera settings (DSLR, mirrorless, or other), including how to shoot in manual mode. You'll use stabilization tools and master how to properly compose and light a scene. You'll even learn how to take great photos with a smartphone or tablet and how to edit images.

So you can sell your photos, you'll learn how to brand yourself, create a portfolio and website, and find freelance work or a full-time position. Gain insight into licensing, fair use, and more. And if you want to get into wedding photography, you'll learn how to start your own business.

By the end of this master course, your confidence as a photographer will soar. You'll have a thorough understanding of your camera and gear so you can use them to their fullest potential to take unforgettable photos and start a profitable photography career.

What camera should you use?

A DSLR camera or mirrorless camera is a great option for taking this course. It doesn't have to be an expensive or fancy model. Any interchangeable lens camera like a DSLR or mirrorless is fine. You can even use a smartphone or point and shoot camera, although you may not have all the manual settings and options that we cover in this course.

Who are the Instructors?

Phil Ebiner, Sam Shimizu-Jones, and Will Carnahan - all professionals making a living from their photographic skills, have come together to create this amazing new course. 

Phil & Sam, creators of the original Photography Masterclass, took the feedback left from students to make this course even better. Will has come on board to share his passion and in-depth knowledge of photography with you.

With 3 instructors, you'll get premium support and feedback to help you become a better photographer!

Our happiness guarantee...

We have a 30-day 100% money back guarantee, so if you aren't happy with your purchase, we will refund your course - no questions asked!

We can't wait to see you in the course!

Enroll now, and we'll help you take better photos than ever before!

Phil, Sam, & Will

Who this course is for:

  • Anyone who wants to take better photos
  • Absolute beginners who want to become skilled photographers
  • Moms, dads, kids, grandparents, and anyone else who wants to document their lives in a beautiful way
  • Amateur photographers wanting to improve their skills
  • Photographers looking to make money with their skills

Featured review

Washington Alto
Washington Alto
65 courses
35 reviews
Rating: 5.0 out of 5a year ago
This is an excellent, cost-effective and very comprehensive course and I'm so glad to enroll in the class. Even though I don't have any equipment more than my iPhone 7 Plus, I've learned so much from the basics that I might choose to have a DLSR or mirrorless camera in the future. I'm so grateful to have the 3 committed instructors spending and sharing your knowledge. Again, thanks and this course is highly recommended!

Course content

38 sections • 354 lectures • 23h 53m total length

  • Preview02:50
  • Preview00:13
  • How Does a Camera Work?
    Preview01:17
  • Preview00:38
  • Preview02:29
  • Tips to Improve Your Course Taking Experience
    01:06

  • What is Exposure?
    Preview02:26
  • What is Aperture?
    Preview08:40
  • Preview00:07
  • Preview04:26
  • Preview05:34
  • Preview08:54
  • VISUAL GUIDE: Exposure Triangle
    00:05
  • Intro to the Activities
    00:51
  • Exposure Activity
    1 question
  • Exposing with Your Camera's Light Meter
    03:37
  • ADVANCED: Metering Modes
    02:49
  • ADVANCED: Exposure Compensation
    03:32
  • Camera Exposure Modes: Automatic, Manual + More
    08:54
  • ADVANCED: Dynamic Range
    02:49
  • ADVANCED: HDR and Bracketing
    02:15
  • ADVANCED: Reading Exposure with the Histogram
    02:05
  • VISUAL GUIDE: Histogram
    00:00
  • ADVANCED: What is an Exposure Stop
    01:08
  • VISUAL GUIDE: Stops of Light
    00:04
  • Supplemental Materials
    00:09
  • COURSE BREAK: Check Out Our Ultimate Resource for New Photographers
    02:23

  • What is Composition?
    00:49
  • The Rule of Thirds
    02:49
  • VISUAL GUIDE: The Rule of Thirds
    00:00
  • PRO TIP: The Golden Ratio
    02:02
  • Negative Space
    01:49
  • Leading Lines
    03:14
  • Balance & Symmetry
    02:24
  • Composition Activity
    1 question
  • Perspective & Angle
    06:43
  • Backgrounds
    02:50
  • PRO TIP: Creating Depth with Layering
    01:42
  • PRO TIP: Using Shapes in Compositions
    01:30
  • ADVANCED: Shooting Portraits with a Wide vs. Telephoto Lens
    00:57
  • Will Analyzes His Compositional Style on Instagram
    08:37
  • Supplemental Materials
    00:10

  • What is Depth of Field?
    00:29
  • Depth of Field & Aperture
    02:45
  • VISUAL GUIDE: Depth of Field
    00:02
  • Ways to Get Shallow Depth of Field
    02:28
  • Manual Focus vs. Auto Focus
    03:27
  • Auto Focus Modes
    04:54
  • Tips for Shooting Fast Objects
    03:01
  • Photographing Fast Objects Activity
    1 question
  • PRO TIP: Focusing in Low Light
    03:13
  • ADVANCED: Understanding Bokeh
    01:09
  • Bokeh Demonstration: How Does Bokeh Get It's Shape?
    07:22
  • PRO TIP: Back Button Focus
    02:01
  • ADVANCED: Viewfinder Focus
    01:03
  • Supplemental Materials
    00:10

  • What is Camera Anatomy?
    01:04
  • Main Features of Most Cameras
    04:47
  • Camera Scene Modes
    02:31
  • File Types: RAW vs. JPEG
    08:39
  • Your Camera's Sensor
    06:14
  • VISUAL GUIDE: Camera Sensor Sizes
    00:03
  • Photo Resolution
    03:02
  • Burst Mode (Continuous Mode)
    01:31
  • DSLR vs Mirrorless Cameras
    03:11
  • How to Use Almost Any Camera Out There!
    00:14
  • Supplemental Materials
    00:11

  • Intro to White Balance and Color
    00:29
  • What is Light Temperature and White Balance?
    03:16
  • The Kelvin Temperature Scale
    03:39
  • VISUAL GUIDE: Kelvin Light Temperature Chart
    00:03
  • White Balance Modes & Auto White Balance
    02:55
  • VISUAL GUIDE: White Balance Symbol Chart
    00:02
  • ADVANCED: Picture Profiles and In-Camera Adjustments
    02:50
  • ADVANCED: Light Spectrum & Colors
    02:00
  • Using Color Creatively in Your Photos
    03:21
  • Shooting for Black and White
    03:48
  • Creative Color Activity
    1 question
  • PRO TIP: Black and White Techniques
    01:45
  • ADVANCED: Set White Balance with Custom WB Mode
    02:32
  • Supplemental Materials
    00:08

  • What is Lighting?
    02:09
  • Shooting in Natural Light
    08:13
  • Using Natural Light from a Window
    02:51
  • Shooting in Artifical Light
    06:41
  • Shooting with Your Camera's Flash
    02:53
  • Shooting with an External Flash
    10:26
  • VISUAL GUIDE: Creative External Flash Layout
    00:04
  • Shooting with a Flash Outdoors
    04:36
  • Shooting with a Lighting Kit: 3-Point Lighting
    03:45
  • VISUAL GUIDE: 3-Point Lighting Setup
    00:04
  • Creative Lighting - Silhouettes & The Back Light
    04:47
  • Natural Lighting Activity
    1 question
  • PRO TIP: Capturing Beautiful Sunset Photographs
    03:18
  • PRO TIP: Artistic Flares
    02:07
  • PRO TIP: Getting Rid of Glare in Glasses
    01:28
  • Supplemental Materials
    00:08

  • Why Smartphone Photography is Awesome
    01:51
  • Understanding Your Phone's Camera and Capabilities
    02:33
  • Exposing with a Smartphone
    01:28
  • Tips for Shooting with a Mobile Phone
    04:15
  • Shooting in Low Light with Your Mobile Phone
    07:19
  • Mobile Phone Photo Accessories
    01:59
  • iPhone Tutorial - Portrait Mode
    02:55
  • Supplemental Materials
    00:06

  • What Will You Learn in this Section?
    01:10
  • Know Your Camera types
    02:46
  • What's Your Budget?
    03:33
  • How and Where to Buy a Camera
    02:10
  • What's the Best Beginner Camera?
    05:42
  • UPDATE: Our 2020-2021 Favorite Cameras
    24:21
  • VISUAL GUIDE: What's in my Camera Bag?
    00:08
  • How to Build Your Camera Kit
    02:36
  • PHOTO CHAT: Introduction
    00:57
  • PHOTO CHAT: Buying a New Camera
    21:26
  • Supplemental Materials
    00:09

  • What Will You Learn in this Section?
    01:21
  • What is Focal Length?
    06:50
  • A Deeper Dive into Aperture
    05:24
  • Prime vs. Zoom Lenses
    06:23
  • ADVANCED: Prime vs Zoom - Quality Comparison
    01:41
  • ADVANCED: Kit vs. Pro Lens Comparison
    01:27
  • Lens Stabilization
    02:44
  • Lens Filters
    04:20
  • Filter Demonstration
    02:51
  • PRO TIP: Chromatic Aberration
    01:25
  • Creative Lenses
    03:58
  • How to Clean Your Camera Lens
    05:40
  • Supplemental Materials
    00:09

Instructors

Phil Ebiner
Top-Rated Instructor, 2 Million+ Students
Phil Ebiner
  • 4.6 Instructor Rating
  • 273,513 Reviews
  • 2,158,148 Students
  • 136 Courses

great courses for beginners

I'll teach you the skills necessary to stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s a personal passion or a business pursuit, you can learn video, photography, art, design, marketing skills and more here.

learn by doing

Step-by-step tutorials and project-based learning.

get support

One-on-one support from experts that truly want to help you.

don’t stress. have fun.

With our happiness guarantee, you have nothing to worry about. Become a member or join an individual course today. We have a 30-day money-back guarantee on all courses.

more about phil

My professional background is in video production and editing. I graduated from Loyola Marymount University's School of Film and Television in 2011. Since then, I've worked on thousands of projects that have appeared in movie theaters, film festivals, television and online.

Today, I create all kinds of things from photographs that can be seen on my Instagram to homemade sourdough bread that feeds my family. Who knows where life will take me. But I know wherever I am, I'll be creating.

Since 2012, I've been creating online courses that over two million students from around the world have taken. Course topics include everything from photography and video to design and business courses. If I can't teach it , I collaborate with other experts who share their skills with absolute beginners.

Video School is my website where you can take my online courses. You can also find them on top course platforms like Udemy.

Photography & Friends is a website and community I created to help new photographers become confident with their cameras.

I can't wait to see you in class!

- Phil

William Carnahan
Photographer/ Cinematographer
William Carnahan
  • 4.6 Instructor Rating
  • 73,592 Reviews
  • 552,296 Students
  • 26 Courses

Will Carnahan grew up in Southern California. After spending every hour he could in the darkroom at Highschool playing with film, Will went on to earn a B.A. from The University of California Riverside in Film and Visual culture. At UCR he became a staff photographer for the schools newspaper, covering sporting events, concerts, and local news. In late 2006 Will and his friend Ryan started a photography company focusing on weddings, events, and their love for photography.

In 2007 Will continued on to Loyola Marymount University, earning an M.F.A. in Film and Telivision Production. While still shooting headshots, weddings, and events on the side, he focused on Cinematography. The years between 2007-2010 were an exciting time for film makers as it saw the first heavy transition from emulsion to digital. Having a base education in film exposure and a practical education in digital media allowed Will to excel as a cinematographer while in grad school. He went on to earn LMUs Panavision Cinematography award in 2008 and 2010.

Graduating in 2010, Will started freelancing as a Cinematographer, camera operator, and photographer. With heavy expirence in 16mm and 35mm film will transitioned into 4k cinema and up using REDs, Arri systems, and other cameras to take on Hollywood. The first few years of freelance saw Will shooting Music videos, short films, 2nd unit features, commercials, and web content.

Late in 2011 Will got a job shooting a web commercial for Disney Interactive. Since then he has been shooting consistently for Disney, shooting commercials for the parks and resorts as well as Disney channel, ESPN, and the Muppets.

Will Call Cinematic was established in 2013 as Will and his business partner and friend built a Production company to accommodate their freelance work along with some notable corporate clients. Through Will Call Will and Sam direct and produce video content for companies like Ghirardelli Chocolate, Diesel films and Nike, Whitney Eve Clothing, PredPol, and many others. With Sam and Will being cinematographers, Will Call gives them a hub for equipment rentals, music video production, and photography.

Today Will continues to freelance as a cinematographer and photographer, shooting and directing mostly commercial content and weddings.

Video School
Learn Creative Skills
Video School
  • 4.6 Instructor Rating
  • 288,382 Reviews
  • 2,109,120 Students
  • 157 Courses

Learn creative skills, from absolute beginner to advanced mastery. 

Video School exists to help you succeed in life. Each course has been hand-tailored to teach a specific skill from photography and video to art, design and business.

Whether you’re trying to learn a new skill from scratch, or want to refresh your memory on something you’ve learned in the past, you’ve come to the right place.

Education makes the world a better place. Make your world better with new skills!

Our courses can be watched 24/7 wherever you are. Most are fully downloadable so you can take them with you. You can also view them on mobile devices with the Udemy mobile app.

All courses have a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can check it out, make sure it’s the right course for you, and get a refund if it’s not!

Sam Shimizu-Jones
Cinematographer / Photographer
Sam Shimizu-Jones
  • 4.6 Instructor Rating
  • 63,683 Reviews
  • 633,241 Students
  • 17 Courses

  With a focus on cinematic beauty and human connection, Sam specializes in capturing peoples’ cultures and lifestyles.  His affinity for traveling has led him to work on productions of all types and sizes across the United States, Western Europe, Eastern Asia, Central and South America.  His travels abroad have taught him invaluable lessons in what it takes to capture stories while on the road. 

  Born and raised in the skateboard and surf culture of Santa Cruz, California, Sam found his passion for photography and filmmaking at a young age while making extreme sports videos with his friends. At Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television, he was educated in many aspects of filmmaking but focused on cinematography, directing, and documentary film.  It was also during this time that he expanded his photography skills, working in the darkroom, printing 35mm film for the first time and taking photos for school's newspaper at various school events. 

  Today, Sam looks to further explore the art of photography and grow as a filmmaker, expand his production company, Will Call Cinematic and continue to explore cultures around the world.  He is lucky to call these two passions of his work and looks forward to learning the skills and knowledge he has learned with his students. 

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