New to photography & videography? This beginner-friendly guide covers everything you need to know to get started — from core concepts and skills to the best courses designed specifically for beginners.
What Is Photography & Videography?
Photography & Videography is a field focused on understanding and applying key concepts and techniques. Whether you want to build a career or simply expand your knowledge, photography & videography offers exciting opportunities for growth.
Why Learn Photography & Videography?
- Growing demand for photography & videography professionals
- Competitive salaries and career opportunities
- Ability to work on meaningful projects
- Flexible career paths across multiple industries
- Remote work opportunities
Essential Skills for Beginners
As a photography & videography beginner, focus on building these foundational skills:
- Understanding core concepts and terminology
- Learning the primary tools and technologies
- Practicing with hands-on exercises and projects
- Building problem-solving skills
- Developing a portfolio of beginner projects
Best Photography & Videography Courses for Beginners
These beginner-friendly courses are specifically designed for people with no prior experience:
1. Photography Masterclass: Your Complete Guide to Photography
| Platform | Udemy |
| Provider | Phil Ebiner |
| Rating | 9.8/10 (Outstanding) |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Duration | Self-paced |
| Certificate | Certificate of completion |
This comprehensive course offers valuable insights and practical skills for aspiring photographers. Its structured approach and real-world applications make it suitable for learners at all levels.
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage of photography fundamentals and advanced techniques.
- Hands-on projects and assignments to reinforce learning.
- Lifetime access to course materials and updates.
- Suitable for both beginners and intermediate learners.
Cons:
- Some sections may require additional resources for deeper understanding.
- Peer interaction is limited compared to cohort-based courses.
- The extensive content may be overwhelming for some learners.
2. The Ultimate Photography Course For Beginners
| Platform | Udemy |
| Provider | Jellis Vaes |
| Rating | 9.7/10 (Outstanding) |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Duration | Self-paced |
| Certificate | Certificate of completion |
A clear, practical course that lays the perfect groundwork for anyone new to photography and ready to take creative control of their camera.
Pros:
- Beginner-focused, jargon-free explanations
- Great balance of creative and technical instruction
- Covers multiple photography styles and real-life shooting conditions
Cons:
- No advanced editing or gear-specific techniques
- May feel too basic for those with prior photography experience
3. Masterclass in Photography PART 1: Cameras & Manual Exposure
| Platform | Udemy |
| Provider | Mike Browne |
| Rating | 9.7/10 (Outstanding) |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Duration | Self-paced |
| Certificate | Certificate of completion |
A well-rounded and accessible photography masterclass that helps learners of all levels build strong technical and creative foundations.
Pros:
- Thorough explanation of both technical and artistic concepts
- Covers a wide variety of genres and use cases
- Beginner-friendly with clear demonstrations
Cons:
- Does not include studio or flash photography in depth
- Post-processing section could be more advanced
4. Complete Graphics Design and Video Editing Masterclass
| Platform | Udemy |
| Provider | Stephane Koel Soren |
| Rating | 9.7/10 (Outstanding) |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Duration | Self-paced |
| Certificate | Certificate of completion |
An all-in-one creative course perfect for beginners looking to gain real-world design and video editing skills using Adobe tools.
Pros:
- Covers both graphic design and video editing in one course
- Real-world projects and freelancing guidance
- Excellent for content creators and aspiring freelancers
Cons:
- Requires Adobe software access
- Not suitable for advanced designers or editors looking for niche workflows
5. Adobe Premiere Pro CC Essential Video Editing Zero To Hero
| Platform | Udemy |
| Provider | Stephane Koel Soren |
| Rating | 9.7/10 (Outstanding) |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Duration | Self-paced |
| Certificate | Certificate of completion |
An excellent all-round course for beginners and aspiring editors, this program builds real-world editing confidence through clear instruction and hands-on practice.
Pros:
- Step-by-step progression from zero to confident video editor
- Great real-world editing examples and downloadable practice footage
- Clear focus on practical skills for content creators and freelancers
Cons:
- Doesn’t cover advanced effects or integration with After Effects
- Requires Adobe Premiere Pro (not included with the course)
6. Affinity Photo for the iPad
| Platform | Udemy |
| Provider | Simon Foster |
| Rating | 9.7/10 (Outstanding) |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Duration | Self-paced |
| Certificate | Certificate of completion |
A well-structured course that makes professional photo editing accessible on the iPad perfect for creatives seeking portable, pro-level tools.
Pros:
- Tailored specifically for the iPad version of Affinity Photo
- Great for mobile editors and creatives on the go
- Covers both basic and intermediate editing workflows
Cons:
- Doesn’t cover vector or publishing tools found in Affinity Designer/Publisher
- Assumes basic familiarity with photo editing concepts
7. Photography Composition & Portrait Photography Masterclass
| Platform | Udemy |
| Provider | Mark Timberlake |
| Rating | 9.7/10 (Outstanding) |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Duration | Self-paced |
| Certificate | Certificate of completion |
A creative and thought-provoking course that teaches you how to compose photographs with intention and artistic vision—perfect for leveling up your visual storytelling.
Pros:
- Deep dive into composition beyond the basics
- Encourages creativity, experimentation, and critical thinking
- Great examples and actionable techniques
Cons:
- Requires prior understanding of camera basics
- No technical instruction on settings or gear
8. Canon Camera Course: Getting Started with Canon Photography
| Platform | Udemy |
| Provider | Phil Ebiner |
| Rating | 9.7/10 (Outstanding) |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Duration | Self-paced |
| Certificate | Certificate of completion |
A Canon-focused beginner course that simplifies DSLR photography and helps new users capture sharper, more creative images with ease.
Pros:
- Tailored specifically for Canon DSLR users
- Clear instruction on manual settings and composition
- Great for beginners transitioning out of auto mode
Cons:
- Limited coverage of post-processing or editing
- Focused only on Canon systems—may not suit other camera brands
How to Start Learning Photography & Videography
- Set Clear Goals: Decide what you want to achieve with photography & videography
- Choose a Course: Pick one of the beginner courses listed above
- Dedicate Regular Time: Aim for 30-60 minutes of study per day
- Practice Actively: Do not just watch videos — complete all exercises and projects
- Join a Community: Connect with other learners for support and motivation
- Build Projects: Apply what you learn to real-world problems
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
- Tutorial Hell: Watching endless videos without practicing
- Trying to Learn Everything: Focus on fundamentals first before branching out
- Giving Up Too Early: The initial learning curve is the steepest — persistence pays off
- Skipping the Basics: Strong fundamentals make advanced topics much easier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is photography & videography hard to learn?
Photography & Videography has a learning curve like any skill, but modern online courses make it accessible to complete beginners. With consistent practice, most people can build solid skills within a few months.
How long does it take to learn photography & videography?
You can learn the fundamentals in 2 to 3 months of dedicated study. Building job-ready skills typically takes 6 to 12 months depending on your pace and prior experience.
Do I need a degree?
Not necessarily. Many professionals in photography & videography are self-taught through online courses and certifications. What matters most is demonstrable skills and a strong portfolio.
