Online photography course guide
The 6 Best Online Photography Courses
Six courses I would consider for street photography, portraits, documentary work, wildlife and visual storytelling
In 2026, we have more access than ever to learn from the best photographers in the world - use it.
That includes studying photography books, which are still one of the best ways to improve and learn how to use social media and marketing as a photographer.
Magnum Photos
Alec Soth
A Magnum Photos course
Best for: Portraits, editing, sequencing and photo books
Format: 19 lessons, about 5 hours
Alec Soth, in collaboration with Magnum Photos, has created one of the most comprehensive photography courses available.
In 19 lessons totaling 5 hours of material, Alec teaches you about portrait photography, his early career, editing and sequencing, plus how to create photo books.
In Alec Soth’s photography course, you will see Alec Soth at work while thinking out loud for you to follow his train of thought as a photographer.
Alec has published over 25 photography books, including Songbook, NIAGARA, Sleeping by the Mississippi, and his latest book I Know How Furiously Your Heart is Beating. He has created one of the finest online photo courses out there today.
Magnum Photos
The Art of Street Photography
A Magnum Photos course
Best for: Street photography, confidence and visual storytelling
Format: 10 video lessons
If you are into street photography, this course is a must-watch.
It offers a curriculum comprising ten engaging video lessons that provide honest advice and insights from seven Magnum photographers and industry experts.
You’ll learn the necessary mindset and framework for success in street photography, observing their tutors in action as they capture moments in various locations, such as Bruce Gilden on the streets of New York and Martin Parr at a county fair.
This street photography course features seven Magnum photographers: Martin Parr, Richard Kalvar, Carolyn Drake, Susan Meiselas, Peter van Agtmael, Bruce Gilden, and Mark Power. Together, they reveal how to approach strangers, find visual stories, and refine your eye for timing and humor.
Masters of Photography
Joel Meyerowitz
A course in street photography
Best for: Street photography, color, timing and composition
Format: 34 episodes, about 4 hours
As a street photographer myself, Joel’s course has taught me more about photography than any other course.
Joel has a career spanning over six decades; he has graced more than 350 museums and galleries across the globe with his exceptional body of work - it doesn't get better than this.
What sets Joel Meyerowitz apart is his unwavering commitment to the use of color, a bold choice during a time when black and white photography dominated. During the mid-60s, he championed color photography, playing a pivotal role in shifting the prevailing sentiment from resistance to widespread acceptance.
Joel has created best-selling photo books such as Cape Light and How I make photographs.
Masters of Photography
Steve McCurry
Learn street photography, natural light, and make it as a photographer
Best for: Portraits, natural light, street work and storytelling
Format: 25 episodes, more than 4 hours
Steve McCurry is famously known for his portrait of the green-eyed Afghan girl, but that doesn’t justify his extensive portfolio of work as one of the most renowned and successful photographers alive.
Steve McCurry boasts an impressive array of accolades and credits Henri Cartier Bresson as one of his greatest inspirations.
His career includes multiple World Press Photo Awards, the Magazine Photographer of the Year title, and recognition from the French Art Directors Association. Through this online photography course, Steve shares the principles that shaped his iconic images and explains how to apply them to your own work.
Steve has created photo books such as Instantes and The Unguarded Moment
Masters of Photography
Paul Nicklen
National Geographic photographer
Best for: Wildlife, landscapes and conservation stories
Format: 50 episodes, more than 5 hours
In this landscape photography course, Paul will instruct you on crafting compelling and impactful images that can make a positive difference in the world.
You'll gain insight into Paul's fundamental techniques, including his 20-60-20 rule, photo sketching, composition principles, goal-setting strategies, and essential checklists that you can incorporate into your own photography to enhance your skills and boost your self-assurance
Paul Nicklen has garnered more than 30 of the highest awards given to any photographer in his field, including the “BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year” and the prestigious World Press Photo for photojournalism.
If you search for a course in landscape and wildlife photography look no further.
Paul Nicklen has created one of the highest-rated photography books on Amazon called Born to Ice.
Masters of Photography
Nick Danziger
A course in photojournalism
Best for: Photojournalism, ethics and long-form visual stories
Format: 54 episodes, about 8 hours
In Nick Danziger's online Masterclass, you learn the art of storytelling through photography from one of the most accomplished photojournalists alive.
The course emphasizes creativity and the ethical considerations of working with vulnerable populations while offering practical insights into creating impactful visual narratives.
Nick Danziger's photo book Beyond Forbidden Frontiers became an instant bestseller.
Make the course useful
Pick one course and put it into practice
A structured course helps when it changes what you do with a camera. Take notes, finish the assignments and use the ideas in a real project.
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