Photography Classes Live Online: Best Remote/Virtual Photography Training

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Like many other fields, photography (the process of generating two-dimensional images with light-capturing tools) exists in a state of continuous flux from one decade to the next. An art as old as the 19th century, photography has evolved drastically throughout time. Since its birth, photographers have witnessed the invention of cameras, video, and color photography.

Recent Trends in Photography Worldwide

Spurred primarily by changes in culture, media, available technology, and aesthetic preferences, photography continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate.

Aesthetic Trends

Though some photography incorporates abstract elements, Photographers can’t alter light waves in the same way a painter mixes paint pigments. As a result, Photographers typically capture existing realities, but even this involves creativity. The artistry of photography occurs via creative framing (composition), subject matter, photo editing, and staged setups.

What does this look like for today’s photography? Recent years have seen waves of nostalgia-inspired imagery. In particular, viewers show heightened interest in photos mirroring aesthetics from the 1980s to 2000s and the Victorian period. In addition to minimalist photos characterized by simplicity, new photography styles include maximalist settings that feature diversity in color texture.

Ethical Trends

Outside their commercial role, photos are increasingly viewed as a medium for advocacy in arenas such as environmentalism and civil rights. People in all walks of life look to photography and video for their storytelling capacities. Owing to today’s culture of inclusivity and authenticity, newer images also highlight more distinct identities, bodies, experiences, and skin colors.

Technological Trends

Today, photographers regularly gain access to new tools. For example, recent AI developments sped up photo editing processes by light years. Today’s photographers also capture significantly more aerial and dynamic POV images thanks to improved accessibility in equipment like drones. The vogue of live video (streaming included) has transformed photography into a participatory activity. Similarly, new augmented reality technology enables consumers to engage with 360° photos that allow them to virtually experience products in real-world environments.

Which Major Industries Need Photographers?

Because images communicate faster (and more powerfully) than any other medium, photography and video have permeated modern life on every level. As a result, photography is growing at a rate typical of most other industries in the US. Fields that rely heavily on Photography include:

Marketing and Commerce: Every year, countries around the world see record highs in consumer purchases, with America consistently seizing the record for marketing investments. Alongside store-location sales, the growing popularity of ecommerce now renders photography a crucial element in marketing both products and services.
Media and Entertainment: Photography is a key tool in storytelling efforts that occur across both news and entertainment. Consequently, Photographers are key players behind the creation of movies, television, social media content, magazines, books, and news media.
Weddings and Events: Almost every large event benefits from high-quality photography, video, or streaming. In addition to capturing memorable moments, photography enables the events industry to market services (such as flower arranging and classes), enabling clients to envision their events during the planning stages.

Photography Employers in the United States

There are multiple avenues for Photographers in America to make profits. The most popular include traditional employment (working directly for a company) and freelancing (self-employment).

Independent-minded Photographers often choose freelancing for the chance to choose their projects and schedules. While marketing their own services, freelance photographers accept commissions from interested clients. Alternatively, they can sell photos individually. For example, some Photographers allow magazines like National Geographic to publish their photos for a fee. Meanwhile, others earn royalties from stock photo organizations such as Getty Images and Shutterstock.

In addition to freelancing, Photographers can work directly for various agencies and companies. For example, many Photographers work as in-house employees at magazines, advertising agencies, fashion houses, news organizations, local studios, and even museums. Top companies for Photographers to work for in America include JCPenney Portraits, Kodak, Lifetouch, Sears Holdings, Picture People, Bella Baby Photography, Snappr, and The Walt Disney Company.

Professional Photography Careers

In addition to enjoying photography as an edifying hobby, photographers can channel their skills toward a rewarding career. Photographic processes are capable of capturing a wide range of subjects. Consequently, this skill has wide-ranging applications, from preserving memories to illustrating educational content.

Other marketable uses for Photography include:

Advertising products and real estate.
Generating portraits.
Storytelling for entertainment (who doesn’t love a good movie?).
Memorializing events (including news as well as business and sporting events).
Demonstrating skills or providing instructions.
Recording medical and scientific findings.
Capturing natural environments and wildlife.
Supplementing written content with striking visuals.
Creating blueprints.
Producing images for purely artistic purposes.

With such a wide breadth, Photographers can specialize in many different niches, keeping the work they enjoy and discarding what they don’t. For example, some professionals work in photojournalism or entertainment media while others offer corporate or wedding photography. Even within these niches, however, there are two main job titles.

Photographer: Regardless of their specialty or equipment preferences, these experts always create still lifelike images.
Videographer: Instead of static images, Videographers produce video footage. Photography Salaries in the United States

Photography Salaries in the United States

Despite the creativity involved, you can eke out a comfortable living shooting photos and/or videos. In America, most occupations average salaries of $65,000 annually, while photography profits range between $38,000 and $94,000. However, this average varies depending on experience and specialty. In other words, Photographers at the beginning of their careers earn less, gathering higher earnings as they advance up the career ladder (view examples in the chart below). Furthermore, Videographers typically collect higher wages than Photographers due to the greater challenge of creating high-quality videos.

Role	Entry-Level	Mid-Level
Photographer	~$51,000–23,000/year indeed.com	~ $61,000-83,000/year glassdoor.com
Videographer	~ $64,000/year ziprecruiter.com	~ $77,000-101,000/year glassdoor.com

Role

Entry-Level

Mid-Level

Photographer

~$51,000–23,000/year

indeed.com

~ $61,000-83,000/year

glassdoor.com

Videographer

~ $64,000/year

ziprecruiter.com

~ $77,000-101,000/year

glassdoor.com

Essential Skills for Photographers

You might guess that operating a camera is the only skill needed for a photography career, but this assumption is inaccurate. In reality, success in photography requires Photographers to adapt to changing industry demands and acquire new skills throughout their careers. Generally speaking, today’s best Photographers and Videographers are comfortable with many different skills. These can include:

Applied design theory (including concepts like composition and color theory).
Digital software such as Photoshop and After Effects.
Cameraless photography processes (which may involve chemicals or X-rays).
Soft skills like communication (key to fostering client relationships).

Live Online Photography Courses by School

Here are some of the top Live Online schools offering Photography training, including Los Angeles Center of Photography (21 courses), Penumbra Foundation (8 courses), and StrudelmediaLive (6 courses).

92nd Street Y

NYC location: 1395 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York

92Y is a world-class cultural and community center in New York City. Founded in 1874, it is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and offers a wide range of classes and programs in the arts, entertainment, and conversation. With over 4,000 classes and programs each year taught by some of the most talented professionals in the world, 92Y is a great place to learn new skills, meet new people, and explore your interests. It is a non-profit organization committed to enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Digital Photography: Smart Phone Skills
  - 2 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $115
- Photo Editing for Absolute Beginners
  - 3 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $150
Penumbra Foundation

Penumbra Foundation is a non-profit organization that offers workshops and classes on traditional and alternative photographic processes. They have a beautiful darkroom in Manhattan and offer classes for learners at all levels. Penumbra Foundation is a great resource for photographers who want to learn new techniques or explore the history of photography.
- Anthotypes & Other Organic Processes I
  - 8 Hours
  - $540
- Widening the Lens: Women in Focus
  - 10 Hours
  - $460
- Anthotypes & Other Organic Processes II Not currently offered
  - 8 Hours
  - $540
- Still Life Styling and Photography Not currently offered
  - 4 Hours
  - $270
Los Angeles Center of Photography

Los Angeles location: 5566 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP) is a non-profit organization in Los Angeles that offers a variety of classes and workshops on photography. Their classes cover a wide range of topics, from basic photography techniques to more advanced topics such as lighting and post-processing. LACP is a great resource for anyone who wants to improve their photography skills.
- Pricing Your Photographs and Inventory Management
  - 1 Hour
  - $55
- AI Generative Imaging: Introduction to Image Making
  - 3 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $315
- Self-Publish & Design Your Own Photo Book - Level I
  - 2 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $675
- The Value of Knowing Your Copyrights Not currently offered
  - 1 Hour
  - $55
Princeton Photo Workshop

NYC location: Herrontown Road, Princeton, New Jersey

Princeton Photo Workshop is a photography school in New York City that offers a variety of classes and workshops for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Their classes are taught by experienced photographers who create a fun and supportive environment where students can learn the skills they need to take better photos. They offer classes on a variety of photography topics, including composition, lighting, and post-processing.
- Digital Camera Basics
  - 2 Hours
  - $89
- Vision Beyond Seeing with Don Komarechka Not currently offered
  - 6 Hours
  - $199
- Mastering Composition: Beyond the Rule of Thirds Not currently offered
  - 2 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $129
The Passionate Photographer Workshops

NYC location: Near the F train in Chinatown, New York, New York

The Passionate Photographer Workshops is a New York City-based photography school that offers a variety of workshops and classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Their workshops are taught by award-winning photographer Steve Simon, who is passionate about helping people discover their inner photographer. The Passionate Photographer Workshops provides a great way to learn about photography or to take your photography to the next level.
- Christmas New York City Workshop Not currently offered
  - 21 Hours
  - $2,000
Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre botanical garden in Glencoe, Illinois. It is one of the largest botanical gardens in the United States and offers a variety of educational programs and events for all ages. The garden also has several research facilities and is dedicated to the conservation of plants.
- The Fine Art Water Portfolio Not currently offered
  - 15 Hours
  - $437
- Fine Art Photography Portfolio D: Online Not currently offered
  - 6 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $499
- History of Photography: Postmodernism Not currently offered
  - 6 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $499
Isla Studio Photography

Isla Studio Photography is a San Francisco-based photography studio that offers a variety of classes and workshops for all levels. They are passionate about helping people discover their creative potential through photography. Isla Studio Photography is a great way to discover your inner photographer and create beautiful photographs.
- Virtual Beginner's Photography Class Not currently offered
  - See provider
  - $149
StrudelmediaLive

StrudelmediaLive is an online art school that offers a variety of classes and workshops on a variety of art mediums, including drawing, painting, and digital art. Their classes are taught by experienced artists who create a fun and supportive environment where students can learn new skills and explore their creativity. StrudelmediaLive is a great way to discover your inner artist and create beautiful works of art.
- A Better Tool for Black and White? Meet Silver Efex Pro Not currently offered
  - 1 Hour
  - $360
- Flexing Your Camera Controls Not currently offered
  - 5 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $360
- New Approaches to Contemporary Self‑Portraiture Not currently offered
  - 5 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $360
- Photographer’s Guide to Expressive Richness of Light Not currently offered
  - 5 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $360
Kathy Adams Clark Photography

Houston location: P O Box 8674, The Woodlands, Texa

Kathy Adams Clark Photography is a Houston-based photography studio that offers a variety of classes and workshops for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Their classes are taught by experienced photographer Kathy Adams Clark, who creates a fun and supportive environment where students can learn new skills and explore their creativity. Kathy Adams Clark Photography offers a great way to discover your inner photographer.
- Master Class Macro Photography Not currently offered
  - 4 Weeks, 1 hr/wk
  - $125
Brooklyn Institute for Social Research

NYC location: 68 Jay Street, Brooklyn, New York

The Brooklyn Institute for Social Research (BISR) is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of classes and workshops on topics related to social justice, politics, and culture. Their classes are taught by experienced scholars and activists, and they cover a wide range of topics from the history of social movements to the latest research on inequality. BISR is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them and to take action toward making a real difference.
- What it Means to See: Susan Sontag and Roland Barthes Not currently offered
  - 4 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $335
- Hysteria, Dreams, and Psychoanalysis: an Introduction to Freud Not currently offered
  - 4 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $335

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Learn Photography

Penumbra Foundation Anthotypes & Other Organic Processes II Not currently offered

Penumbra Foundation Still Life Styling and Photography Not currently offered

Learn More About Live Online Photography Courses

Recent Trends in Photography Worldwide

Aesthetic Trends

Ethical Trends

Technological Trends

Which Major Industries Need Photographers?

Photography Employers in the United States

Professional Photography Careers

Photography Salaries in the United States

Essential Skills for Photographers

Live Online Photography Courses by School

92nd Street Y

Digital Photography: Smart Phone Skills

Photo Editing for Absolute Beginners

Penumbra Foundation

Anthotypes & Other Organic Processes I

Widening the Lens: Women in Focus

Anthotypes & Other Organic Processes II Not currently offered

Still Life Styling and Photography Not currently offered

Los Angeles Center of Photography

Pricing Your Photographs and Inventory Management

AI Generative Imaging: Introduction to Image Making

Self-Publish & Design Your Own Photo Book - Level I

The Value of Knowing Your Copyrights Not currently offered

Princeton Photo Workshop

Digital Camera Basics

Vision Beyond Seeing with Don Komarechka Not currently offered

Mastering Composition: Beyond the Rule of Thirds Not currently offered

The Passionate Photographer Workshops

Christmas New York City Workshop Not currently offered

Chicago Botanic Garden

The Fine Art Water Portfolio Not currently offered

Fine Art Photography Portfolio D: Online Not currently offered

History of Photography: Postmodernism Not currently offered

Isla Studio Photography

Virtual Beginner's Photography Class Not currently offered

StrudelmediaLive

A Better Tool for Black and White? Meet Silver Efex Pro Not currently offered

Flexing Your Camera Controls Not currently offered

New Approaches to Contemporary Self‑Portraiture Not currently offered

Photographer’s Guide to Expressive Richness of Light Not currently offered

Kathy Adams Clark Photography

Master Class Macro Photography Not currently offered

Brooklyn Institute for Social Research

What it Means to See: Susan Sontag and Roland Barthes Not currently offered

Hysteria, Dreams, and Psychoanalysis: an Introduction to Freud Not currently offered

Live Online Photography Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Penumbra Foundation Anthotypes & Other Organic Processes II
Not currently offered

Penumbra Foundation Still Life Styling and Photography
Not currently offered

Live Online Photography
Corporate & Onsite Training