Best Photography Classes NYC: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About NYC Photography Courses

What is Photography?

Although everyone understands photography, far fewer people know the details of its origins and complex history. From French photography pioneers Joseph Nicéphore Niépce and Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre to Kodak founder George Eastman, those responsible for the evolution of this now-universal art form could never have foreseen the development of the smartphone and instant, high-quality photos we know today.

Photography’s lengthy history has birthed dozens of styles. Photojournalism, still life, and portraits are a few of the best-known, but other styles include wedding, travel, event, and even drone photography. If you are interested in photography as a hobby, your approach to learning will be much different than someone who wants to be a professional photographer. Read on to learn more about the many photography classes available in New York City.

Why Learn Photography?

Your reasons for wanting to learn more about photography can be as diverse as the many styles developed over the past century. It may help your career or allow you to create a side hustle or small business. Or you might be one of those creative souls who want to express themselves through abstract, surreal, or fine art photography. If you live or work in NYC, you will already be familiar with many highly photographed subjects around the city—from Central Park to Radio City Music Hall. But you may also want to capture the light on a puddle, Times Square at night, or the iconic Manhattan skyline.

Businesspersons who want to improve their photography skills may prefer to enroll in courses encouraging students to develop a professional portfolio. Some of these programs are research-based, whereas others focus on nuts-and-bolts topics like lenses, lighting, or creating an advanced commercial photography studio kit. Of course, many of these programs have prerequisites, even if they are as basic as understanding a camera's manual settings or using editing software.

However, for every person who wants to learn photography for their profession, there may be more who enjoy photography as a hobby or activity. Hobbyists often yearn to improve their skills, whether to share more of their work with others or to expand their photo collections. As the old-fashioned photo albums of the past have given way to digital albums—and many photography buffs spend time digitizing hard copies of photos to archive later—an increasing number of amateur photographers choose to add knowledge, skills, and equipment to their photography arsenal. Improving existing photos, creating digital photo memory reels, and even taking photography-oriented vacations are popular activities for many such hobbyists.

Choosing a photography class can be challenging if your interests fall somewhere between casual hobbyists and professional photographers. To better determine which class would be your best choice, check out photography classes in New York City. While many are open to beginners, others are best suited for photographers with intermediate or advanced skills. Consider your budget, schedule, and reasons for taking a class when you peruse the options, and you are sure to pick the ideal photography course.

What You’ll Learn in a Photography Class?

The skills and techniques you can expect to learn in a photography class depend on several factors. First is the length of the program. A short seminar or photo tour will deliver limited information and experience, whereas a multi-unit course offers more in-depth training and education.

Secondly, consider the type of course. Professional photography classes typically train photographers to build or expand a business, while hobbyist-oriented coursework may not include any training related to equipment, studio time, or the photography business. Many classes of interest to hobbyists also attract professionals, especially if they are intermediate- or advanced-level courses.

Third, consider the introductory course that straddles the happy medium between hobbyists and novice professional photographers. You may find some training and knowledge here, but such a class might not be your first choice. A hobbyist may not want more technical information, whereas a budding photographer might prefer to learn more about the business of photography. If you select an introductory course, read the description carefully to ensure it will meet your goals, skill level, or other criteria you set.

Consider the following skill categories for photographers of all kinds, whether amateur or professional.

Hard Skills

Artistic skills - You might think of something other than aesthetic abilities when you think of hard skills. However, most experts consider artistic and technical skills at least 25% of what makes a good photographer. Artistic skills include measurable factors like exposure control and composition and less precise characteristics like creativity, the ability to capture a mood, or an aptitude for creating a recognizable personal style.
Technical skills - Technical skills include measurable factors like mastery of lighting, post-production, and working with different cameras and lenses. Some photographers are better at the technical aspects of the work than the artistic side, whereas others are more creative but somewhat technically challenged. Ideally, a photographer will be able to develop technical and artistic skills.

Soft Skills

Communication - If artistic and technical hard skills make up 25% of a successful photographer and the other 75% are soft skills, communication is one of the most essential. Communication at all levels—written, spoken, and even body language—should all work toward getting great photos for a client. These apply whether the photographer is shooting at a networking event, a wedding, or in a portrait studio.
Understanding clients’ needs - Working on photography as a hobby involves no clients, but even a part-time professional photographer must put their clients at the top of the priority list. While tasks like pre-shoot location scouting or creating a gear checklist can fall under the hard skills category, client-related soft skills can include using positive statements, talking through any misunderstandings, and going above and beyond to meet their expectations.

How Long Will It Take to Learn Photography?

Because there are different levels of training available, and advanced courses can take longer than introductory training, how long it takes you to learn photography depends on multiple factors. Are you looking for a hobbyist approach? If so, a one-day class can give you what you need, perhaps in a few hours. Some of these courses involve going out into the field, so you'll take your camera and shoot photos on the fly. Other courses require going to multiple locations on different days, a much more significant commitment of time and resources. Others present deeper technical information like mastering manual mode, taking nighttime photos, or using Photoshop or other Adobe Creative Cloud programs to improve your results. Check course listings for prerequisites, scheduling, and tuition costs to be sure you choose the one that meets your goals.

What are the Advantages of Taking a Photography Class?

Learning from an expert, getting technical insights into the features and benefits of your equipment, and gaining help from peers are some of the most popular reasons for taking a photography class. You may discover other advantages to enrolling in a guided course rather than trying to learn photography skills alone. Consider the following:

Advantages

Time - Your time is valuable, and you can often save considerable time and energy by taking a guided photography class. Whether figuring out your mirrorless or DSLR camera settings or learning Photoshop features and benefits, a course can give you shortcuts and save you time and frustration.

Instructional knowledge - Unless you already work in photography or have taken photography classes, you can expect your instructor to know much more than you. Their expertise and the possibility of working with experienced classmates can make your photography education easier, less stressful, and even fun.

Working with others - An interactive class, whether inside a classroom or in various field locations, offers benefits that aren't always easy to measure. Some students enjoy helping their classmates figure out settings, others need all the help they can get, and others end up with lifelong friendships from a single course. Between your instructor’s expertise and the experiences with your fellow participants, you can expect the whole to be greater than the sum of its parts.

Practice - Anyone over 40 in New York City probably knows the old joke: “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” “Practice, practice, practice.” While that classic pun applies to music, photography is another skill that demands practice—lots of it. You can practice taking photos without guidance on your iPhone or a digital camera, but trying different techniques in a group adds value. Combine your instructor’s expertise with the benefits of working with others, and it’s easy to see how practicing in the field can help novice photogs improve.

Portfolio prep - Even hobbyists or amateur photographers often prefer to organize their work for convenient retrieval and sharing. Whether you choose a one-night hobby photography workshop or a multi-day course that takes everyone into the field, preparing a portfolio is fun and beneficial. Hobbyists will enjoy knowing retrieval and sharing will be easy, and professionals will better prepare themselves for freelance or full-time work.

Disadvantages

There are no disadvantages to taking a photography class unless you enroll in something far more technical than you need or understand. Even in this case, peers and instructors can often help you get up to speed. If you plan to work in a field like photography, videography, or motion graphics, the only mistake to avoid is enrolling in a course that teaches you nothing beyond what you already know or emphasizes an area outside your goals and interests. Otherwise, consider virtually any photography course a worthwhile investment in time and energy.

Best Photography Classes in NYC

Many amateur and professional photographers in New York City begin their training through a class, either in person or live online. Consider the following course providers for photography training in New York City.

Noble Desktop - Some of the best photography classes in New York City come from respected course provider Noble Desktop, which Forbes Advisor listed among its top providers for 2024. Their Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp offers a deep dive into using the popular software to improve your photography and related image work. Topics include color correction, filters, and how to combine photos, text, and graphics. Noble also offers an immersive Photo Retouching Certificate program, which covers Photoshop and Lightroom for professionals and serious hobbyists. Check listings as courses fill up quickly.

Art of Intuitive Photography - Art of Intuitive Photography hosts classes for teens and adults at iconic New York City locations like the Staten Island Ferry and Central Park. One of their most popular programs is Digital Photography I: An Introduction for Beginners. This course teaches students ages 16 and older digital photography basics, from manual mode to shutter speed. It features in-person, hands-on training, and you can even rent a camera from Art of Intuitive Photography if you haven't yet purchased your own.

New York City Photo Safari - New York City Photo Safari offers photo walking tours around the city, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Chinatown. Times Square is another magical NYC hotspot, and New York City Photo Safari teaches students to capture it at its best in Night Photography: Times Square at Night. This course gives experienced photographers an expanded skill set, including using flash and long exposure techniques for stunning nighttime photos. There is a prerequisite: applicants should be familiar with f/stop, shutter speed, and ISO relationships and bring a tripod to the session.

New York School of the Arts - If you want to learn how to edit and organize your digital photos efficiently, check out Lightroom for Beginnersfrom the New York School of the Arts. This course delivers the fundamentals of this essential Adobe Creative Cloud software. Participants learn Lightroom tasks like importing, exporting, editing, sizing, and archiving photos. The school recommends this class for artists or photographers who want to prepare a portfolio for exhibitions, websites, social media, or grant applications.

Digital Photo Academy - Digital Photo Academy is another provider that offers photography training nationwide, including in New York City. The All-Day Private Digital Photography session from Digital Photo Academy includes training at all levels for students ages 15 and above. Topics include architectural, landscape, and portrait photography, plus post-capture photo enhancement techniques. Check the class description for more information, as Digital Photo Academy can customize programs based on each student’s interest.

Penumbra Foundation - The non-profit Penumbra Foundation hosts workshops, lectures, and events for the photography community. Among their many course offerings, they provide training in wet plate photography, daguerreotypes, and how to develop a research-based photography practice. Those new to photography can learn about the darkroom through the Penumbra Foundation’s Photograms: An Introduction to the Darkroom class. This weekend workshop allows beginner-level students to learn how to create images without cameras while introducing them to darkroom fundamentals. See course listings for more details.

PhotoUno Photography School - Looking for the perfect photography class for beginners? Check out the PhotoUno Photography School and its Digital Photography I: Taking Control of Your Cameraclass. Students aged 18 and older can take the immersive 12-hour program to get the fundamentals. Subjects include aperture settings, shutter speed, exposure, focus control, and using the camera's built-in flash, to name a few. Applicants should expect to bring a DSLR, mirrorless, or compact camera with aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual mode.

92nd St. Y - If you want to learn more about mirrorless vs. Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras, check out DSLR Camera Skills for Absolute Beginners from the 92nd St. Y. This intensive class covers DSLR and advanced bridge cameras, as led by an expert instructor. Attendees should bring their fully-charged camera and its manual to each session as they learn about lenses, menus, settings, focal length, depth of field, and composition. The 92nd St. Y is a world-class community and cultural center welcoming students ages 18 and over.

Live Online Photography Classes

Many considerations influence the decision to attend an online class instead of in-person training. Your budget, learning style, and availability can all be factors, so you must weigh the advantages and drawbacks before you invest in a paid course.

If you’re looking for beginner-level photography classes, you can expand your alternatives by including virtual training in the search. Live online courses are typically available from anywhere with an internet connection. That means you can learn from the comfort of your home or office without the need to commute or look for parking.

For a selection of virtual photography classes, consider the following options you can take live online from anywhere, New York included.

Princeton Photo Workshop - If you’re interested in the work of black-and-white photography masters like Ansel Adams or Diane Arbus, check out the Black & White Landscape/Cityscapeclass from Princeton Photo Workshop. This unique online live course introduces students to black-and-white digital photography fundamentals, covering topics like converting color images to B&W and using Silver Efex Pro. Tuition includes a free 30-day trial to Silver Efex. There is a prerequisite: applicants must understand Photoshop or Lightroom basics. Check listings for more detailed information.

Penumbra Foundation - The non-profit Penumbra Foundation's many photography classes, events, and workshops feature subjects like daguerreotypes, photograms, and portraiture. Their Anatomy of a Portrait program is an immersive seven-week deep dive into the history and literature of portraiture. Participants learn through diverse readings, including art criticism, essays, fiction, and poetry, as well as group discussions, visual materials, and ongoing folio-type assignments and activities.

Los Angeles Center of Photography - Starting your day later? Get on Pacific Time with The Art of Photography: Your Creative Approach from the Los Angeles Center of Photography. This portfolio-based program encompasses six sessions, starting with portfolio structure, design, and content, then delving into the philosophy behind it all. Expert instruction from an experienced commercial and fine art photographer includes portfolio review, editing, and critique. The Art of Photography: Your Creative Approach is open to art students ages 18 and above.

92nd St. Y - The 92nd St. Y offers classes at its Manhattan community center location and live online via teleconferencing. For a deep dive into how to use your smartphone for digital photos, check out Digital Photography: Smart Phone Skills. The beginner-friendly class is open to students 18 and older and features topics like networking and editing applications, lenses, and filters. Attendees should have their smartphones and an additional device like a laptop or tablet available during sessions.

Washington Photo Safari - Want to learn how to market your photography business? You can start with Marketing Your Photography from Washington Photo Safari. This renowned provider takes DC residents and visitors on half- and full-day photo shoots, and they also offer live online training for topics like marketing, Sony and Nikon camera skills, and how to create a successful photography website, to name a few. Marketing Your Photography is a beginner-friendly evening class that covers essential marketing subjects like social media, hashtags, keywords, and more.

Chicago Botanic Garden - The Chicago Botanic Garden is a national treasure and the perfect location for amateur and professional camera buffs, a museum with 26 gardens on 385 acres. It hosts a variety of classes live online via Zoom, including painting, gardening, and photography. For intermediate-level photographers interested in nature photography, check out the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Textures and Patterns in Nature. The course covers design principles from a nature-based perspective and includes weekly assignments and image reviews as students build their portfolios. Check listings for more details, including prerequisite information.

Virtual training opens up numerous educational opportunities for photographers, from novices to skilled professionals. If you like the idea of live online learning, consider looking in your area and around the country for course providers with virtual classrooms. Your schedule, budget, and the type of equipment you own can all be factors when you evaluate the advantages or drawbacks of live online and in-person training.

For more options, including live online photography programs, check out the Classes Near Me tool from Noble Desktop. Here, you can choose by geographic area for on-location classes or widen your search to include all the virtual training available.

NYC Photography Courses by School

Here are some of the top NYC schools offering Photography training, including Digital Photo Academy (39 courses), Penumbra Foundation (37 courses), and New York City Photo Safari (14 courses).

PhotoUno Photography School

NYC location: 222 E 46 St, New York, New York

PhotoUno Photography School is a New York City-based photography school that offers a variety of classes and workshops for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Their classes cover a wide range of topics, from basic photography techniques to more advanced topics such as lighting and post-processing. PhotoUno Photography School is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about photography and practice their skills.
- Digital Photography I: Taking Control of Your Camera
  - 6 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $390
- Digital Photography II
  - 6 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $430
- iPhone Photography
  - See provider
  - $130
- Portable Flash
  - See provider
  - $450
New York City Photo Safari

NYC location: 228 8th Ave, New York, New York

New York City Photo Safari is an NYC-based photography school that offers courses and workshops for all levels of photographers. From guided walking trips through iconic neighborhoods to digital photography classes and editing workshops, their courses are designed to help those interested in the art of photography to expand their creativity and vision. Whether you are a beginner or a pro photographer, their expert instructors will teach you the essentials of the art form.
- Manhattan Photo Safari
  - 50 Hours
  - $2,100
- Night Photography: Brooklyn Bridge at Night
  - 2 Hours
  - $150
- Photo Safari: Iconic New York (Part 1)
  - 3 Hours
  - $125
- Photo Safari: Iconic New York (Part 2)
  - 3 Hours
  - $125
Art of Intuitive Photography

NYC location: W 72nd St, New York, New York

Art of Intuitive Photography in New York City offers courses in photography for all levels, from beginners to professionals. Their courses cover a range of topics such as composition, lighting techniques, and visual storytelling. They also provide classes in spiritual photography, utilizing meditation and personalized visualizations to capture moments of inner revelation.
- Digital Photography I: An Introduction for Beginners
  - 3 Hours
  - $175
- Digital Photography II: Master Manual Mode at Night
  - 2 Hours
  - $125
- Walk About - Metropolitan Museum of Art
  - 2 Hours
  - $125
Digital Photo Academy

NYC location: 12 Eldridge Street, New York, New York

Digital Photo Academy is a Los Angeles-based photography school that offers a variety of classes and workshops on digital photography techniques. They offer classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced, and their classes are designed to help students discover their inner photographer and create beautiful images. Digital Photo Academy offers a great way to learn about digital photography and improve your skills.
- All Day Private Digital Photography (New York)
  - 6 Hours
  - $540
- Half Day Private Digital Photography (New York)
  - 3 Hours
  - $315
- Master Your Digital Camera Controls (New York)
  - 1 Hour
  - $81
- Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @ Hudson Valley
  - 3 Hours
  - $112.50
Penumbra Foundation

NYC location: 36 East 30th Street, New York, New York

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.
- Pinhole Workshop
  - 6 Hours
  - $150
- Orthochromatic Film
  - 8 Hours
  - $365
- 5 Days of Siderotypes
  - 25 Hours
  - $1,510
- Lith Printing
  - 16 Hours
  - $875
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.
- Fundamentals of Digital Photography
  - 3 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $199
- Mastering Landscape Photography
  - 4 Hours
  - $199
- Composition on Location: Princeton University
  - 2 Hours
  - $89
AbelCine Training

AbelCine Training offers a range of educational courses for the media and entertainment industries, from online film classes to hands-on workshops. With an emphasis on digital media and emerging technologies, AbelCine specializes in cinematography, digital cinema production, visual effects, sound design, animation, and color correction. Their goal is to help professionals and students transform their ideas into realities.
- ALEXA 35: Workflow From Set to Post
  - 4 Hours
  - $250
DCTV

NYC location: 87 Lafayette Street, New York, New York

DCTV is a New York-based media and production school offering hands-on cutting-edge courses such as Multi-Camera Production, Editing & Animation, Audio for Video, Visual Effects & Motion Graphics, and 360˚ Video Production. Training is led both by experienced in-house producers as well as respected industry professionals, and the school prides itself on helping its students develop their technical and creative expertise to reach their professional goals.
- Lighting Fundamentals
  - 6 Hours
  - $240

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Key Insights

Learn More About NYC Photography Courses

What is Photography?

Why Learn Photography?

What You’ll Learn in a Photography Class?

Hard Skills

Soft Skills

How Long Will It Take to Learn Photography?

What are the Advantages of Taking a Photography Class?

Advantages

Disadvantages

Best Photography Classes in NYC

Live Online Photography Classes

NYC Photography Courses by School

PhotoUno Photography School

Digital Photography I: Taking Control of Your Camera

Digital Photography II

iPhone Photography

Portable Flash

New York City Photo Safari

Manhattan Photo Safari

Night Photography: Brooklyn Bridge at Night

Photo Safari: Iconic New York (Part 1)

Photo Safari: Iconic New York (Part 2)

Art of Intuitive Photography

Digital Photography I: An Introduction for Beginners

Digital Photography II: Master Manual Mode at Night

Walk About - Metropolitan Museum of Art

Digital Photo Academy

All Day Private Digital Photography (New York)

Half Day Private Digital Photography (New York)

Master Your Digital Camera Controls (New York)

Digital Photography Live In-the-Field @ Hudson Valley

Penumbra Foundation

Pinhole Workshop

Orthochromatic Film

5 Days of Siderotypes

Lith Printing

Princeton Photo Workshop

Fundamentals of Digital Photography

Mastering Landscape Photography

Composition on Location: Princeton University

AbelCine Training

ALEXA 35: Workflow From Set to Post

DCTV

Lighting Fundamentals

NYC Photography Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Photography Training Locations in or Near NYC

NYC Photography
Corporate & Onsite Training