The best online courses that will help you become a better photographer

There's no doubt about it. Like many aspiring photographers, you're keen to improve your photography skills. But you're not sure which route to take, and you don't have time to find the right learning resources.

Allow us to recommend the following online courses that will most definitely help you become a better photographer. They aren't free. Granted. Neither are they expensive. There's no excuse. Reserve a little time each day to learn and you'll be upskilling in no time.

Fundamentals of Photography – John Greengo

An excellent place to start is this superb course by award-winning photographer John Greengo, who believes that you'll need to master the technical basics of the camera and form an understanding of the kind of equipment you need. The course runs over 107 lessons in easily digestible chunks and also emphasises quality visuals and experimental learning.

Priced at $99 – Buy the course

The Photography Starter Kit for Beginners – John Greengo

Another excellent course courtesy of John Greengo, this will teach you the essential functions of your camera, give you the confidence to put these new functions to the test and help you feel prepared to move on to more advanced classes. If you've always felt confused by shutter speed and ISO, then you must watch this.

Priced at $24 – Buy the course

Photography Masterclass: The New Complete Guide to Photography – Phil Ebiner

Brought to you via Skillshare, this excellent course will teach you how to take amazing images and even sell them, whether you use a smartphone, mirrorless or DSLR camera. It's designed to show 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. A must!

Available via Skillshare – View the course

Location Lighting 101 – Lindsay Adler

Lighting is one of the trickiest things to get right in photography, which is why you'll appreciate this next recommended course: Location Lighting 101 with Lindsay Adler, a fashion photographer from New York City. Whether we're beginner photographers or seasoned professionals, we must all overcome the same challenges when addressing glare, shadows and full or partial sun. This course is your introduction to the skills you need to shoot successfully in any outdoors situation.

Priced at $64 – Buy the course

Speedlights 101 – Mark Wallace

What about flash photography? How the hell do you get your head around speed lights, yet another piece of equipment to master? Relax. US photographer Mark Wallace is here to help with this valuable course, Speedlights 101. It will give you the confidence to incorporate small portable flash in your photography toolkit.

Priced at $64 – Buy the course

Mobile Photography Basics for Instagram Success – Tyson Wheatley

If you're relying on Instagram to shout about your work and raise your profile, then you're going to need to boost your mobile photography skills. Allow celebrated Instagram photographer Tyson Wheatley (@twheat) to teach you the ins and outs of smartphone photography so that you can authentically build your photos, followers, and brand on Instagram.

Available via Skillshare – View the course

Portrait Photography – New York Institute of Photography

Not our cheapest recommendation, but the New York Institute of Photography offers discounts if you choose to enrol on more than one of its excellent courses and you'll get a mentor to support you throughout. Plus, you'll receive a certificate upon graduation.

Portrait Photography happens to be one we would choose, as it will teach you everything you need to know to take quality portraits. Professional photographers will explain the nuances of lighting and posing, how to shoot in studio or on location, and how to master the gear you will need to create inspiring work.

Priced at $599 – Buy the course

Adobe Photoshop CC: The Complete Guide – Ben Willmore

Now it's time to consider post-production with this superb course by Ben Willmore, a member of the Photoshop Hall of Fame who has taught over 100,000 Adobe Photoshop users on all seven continents. One of the best instructors in the business, you'll be able to master your Photoshop skills, everything from retouching and compositing to masking, layers and troubleshooting.

Priced at $99 – Buy the course

Adobe Lightroom Classic: The Complete Guide – Ben Willmore

Software extraordinaire Ben Willmore to the rescue again with this comprehensive course on Adobe Lightroom. Learn how to process and organise your images more efficiently and have more time to spend capturing amazing pics. Spread out over four weeks; this online course can be tackled in your spare time in manageable chunks.

Priced at $99 – Buy the course

How to Launch a Photography Business – Pye Jirsa

If all your newfound skills are inspiring you to take the leap into turning professional, then How to Launch a Photography Business by Pye Jirsa is wholly recommended. From where to position yourself in the market and to brand your business to attract the ideal client to getting leads and understanding sales, this essential course will help you get started.

Priced at $64 – Buy the course