How to Learn Photography

Photography is the art of producing an image by recording light with a camera. Digital cameras and editing software create lots of possibilities for the photos you’ll be able to produce if you choose to study photography. The number of options for learning photography might be overwhelming at first glance. There are books, video tutorials, classes, and more to choose from; it all depends on your learning style and personal preferences. 

Here, we’ll discuss the various methods of learning photography so you can decide how you’d like to get started.

What is Photography?

Photography is the art of producing an image by recording light with a camera. Joseph Nicéphore Niépce took the first photograph in 1826. Photography was a revolutionary technology because it made it easier for images to be reproduced and widely distributed. The first cameras were large and awkward to handle, and the lengthy exposure times necessary to capture an image required photographic subjects to hold still for uncomfortable intervals. However, as the technology evolved, cameras became easier to use and more affordable.

For over 100 years, all photographs were captured on film and developed using chemicals. In 1975, Steven Sasson invented the digital camera, which dramatically increased the ease of capturing and distributing photographic images. Most photography today is digital: the device taking the photo saves the recorded image as a digital file. Smartphones capture 92.5% of those digital photos, but there’s still nothing like a dedicated camera for getting a sharp, high-quality image. 

Digital photography classes will teach you how to make the most of your digital camera. You can learn how to use all of your camera’s settings to the best advantage, how to work with studio or outdoor lighting, and how to adapt the choices you make as a photographer to the environment and goals you are working with. You’ll also explore the powerful, industry-standard software that allows Digital Photographers to edit and retouch the photos they take. 

Read more about what photography is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Photography?

Since the first photograph was taken in 1826, creators have been using this skill to capture images of the world around them. Photography allows people to document events, moments in time, and things they have seen. It can also help human beings gain a better understanding of the world, in the case of scientific photography or photojournalism. Photography is also an artistic medium—the Photographer presents their interpretation of the human experience through what they choose to document and the perspective their photos show.

Another important aspect of photography is that photographic images can be reproduced, allowing them to be circulated and distributed worldwide. Even before digital photography, a film photograph was easier to reproduce than the paintings and drawings that had previously been the best way to convey an image. One early example of how the new technology of photography rapidly came to shape the world is the work of Matthew Brady. His photos documenting the American Civil War showed the brutality of the war’s impact, powerfully influencing public opinion about the conflict.

Now, with digital cameras, the distribution of photographs can be nearly instantaneous, and reproducing one only requires uploading a file. Also, the powerful editing software available to modern Photographers makes remarkable transformations possible. Social media has shown some of what one can do with the opportunities provided by digital photography, with photos of dramatic events witnessed by private citizens being rapidly distributed all over the world. However, the full potential of digital cameras and photo editing software may have yet to reveal itself.

In-Person Photography Training

In-person instruction is how people have learned skills for most of history. It can be useful to be in the same room as a knowledgeable instructor and fellow learners who can help you along. This advantage is especially helpful for photography courses, in which you are learning to use a physical object. You can pick up details more easily from in-person demonstration of how to use the settings on your camera, for example. Many in-person courses also offer up-to-date equipment and industry-standard programs that students can use in class. 

You may find greater motivation for your studies in the structure of class schedules and deadlines. In-person courses also avoid the possibility of technical difficulties getting in the way of your access to learning. However, they do require commuting to wherever the class is held, which takes time. Depending on your personality, too, the social element of in-person learning may be distracting instead of helpful.

Noble Desktop offers in-person photography training for its digital photography certificate. This option will be great for students who live in the New York City area or are close enough to commute into the city for classes. You can also take in-person Photoshop classes through Noble, or even do an in-person Photoshop bootcamp. If you’re too far from NYC, you can use Noble’s Classes Near Me tool to find in-person Photoshop classes in other parts of the United States, including Chicago, Atlanta, and Houston. 

Live Online Photography Training

In the last several years, virtual training has become increasingly popular. Live online instruction can be a great option because it allows the student to work directly with an instructor, similarly to an in-person class, but the student can also avoid the stress and time commitment of a commute. With this type of live instruction, you’ll get clarification, feedback, and guidance from your instructors as the need arises in real-time. Depending on how you learn, you might also have an easier time focusing when you’re at home than in the classroom, since you can set up your study space however you want it to be and avoid any distractions created by the physical presence of your classmates. 

On the other hand, some students might miss the social aspect of in-person training. Another potential drawback of online learning is the possibility of technical difficulties getting in the way of your live instruction time. Losing your internet connection or having your computer crash could get between you and critical moments of instruction. You will also have to provide your own equipment, which can get expensive. However, if you want to study photography seriously, you’ll be investing in your own equipment regardless of how you choose to learn.

For those who prefer live online training, Noble’s digital photography certificate program is available in that format as well as in-person. If you want to focus on photo editing, you can do Noble’s Photoshop bootcamp in the live online format. You may also want to take live online Photoshop courses through Noble or through providers like ONLC, Ledet, and Lumenbrite.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

You may not be ready to dive into a full photography course right away. In that case, an overview of photography can help you determine your next steps. There are quite a few free photography courses available online. Noble has some free materials that can help you get started. If you’d like an introductory course on the editing aspect of photography, try Noble’s free on-demand Intro to Photoshop video tutorial. You can also check out Noble’s free seminar on photo retouching.

Sites like Udemy and Coursera offer some free on-demand videos about photography, both on how to use your camera and the editing process. The camera-focused courses typically take you through the basics of using your camera's settings. They teach you about composition and how to frame shots. You’ll also learn to adapt to variations of lighting. And you can explore how to work with the principles of aperture and depth of field. Brief free courses on the most popular Photoshop and Lightroom techniques are available on these sites as well.

Read about more free photography videos and online tutorials.

On-Demand Photography Classes

For some students, the best learning option is to use on-demand photography training materials for self-paced study of the topic. This method has the advantage of being cost-effective. Introductory materials for learning the basics are sometimes free, often as brief video tutorials. 

However, to study advanced topics within photography, you will likely need to invest in some paid training. Making a financial investment in your studies will also help you identify which materials are high-quality and up-to-date, which can be difficult when choosing from among a sometimes overwhelming number of free options. Also, even paid on-demand materials are significantly more affordable than live instruction.

The advantage of on-demand photography training is its compatibility with your busy schedule. Like live online training, it doesn’t require a commute, but it is even more flexible because you can take in the material whenever it is convenient for you. With on-demand training, though, there is no expert live instructor to give you clarification, guidance, or feedback about your work. 

Also, on-demand training is best for self-disciplined students, as they will have to stay on track without the external motivation of schedules and deadlines. Students should only choose on-demand learning if they are confident that they can stay focused and consistently fit their studies into their schedules. If that sounds like you, then a self-paced course may be the right fit.

Which Learning Method is Right for Me?

With so many different resources available to help beginners learn photography, you might be unsure which one is best for you. Everyone has different learning styles and preferences, and you can experiment with multiple tools to see which one feels right for you. One of the great things about directing your own learning is that you get to pick which combination of tools you prefer; you don’t have to stick with what a teacher chooses.

Your goal in learning photography does much to determine how you should go about learning. If you’re trying to change careers to become a Photographer, but have little experience with it, then the set timeline and social aspect of a live online or in-person course could be right for you. However, if you simply want to build on your existing photographic skills for hobby purposes, a self-paced course may be more your speed.

Another relevant factor is your personal learning style. If you find that social interaction enhances your learning process, in-person classes may work best for you. However, if you find it distracting, you may be better off staying at home and doing the course live online. Also, if you’re thinking about a self-paced course, make sure you have the self-discipline and motivation to keep yourself on track without an external structure holding you to a specific timeline.

You should also consider the level of investment—in time and money–that you are willing and able to make as you begin your study of photography. In-person and live online courses tend to be more expensive and less flexible than on-demand classes, so they can seem like a big investment for some people when they’re getting started. However, it’s worth noting that in-person courses will often have high-quality equipment available for you to use, so you can learn more about photography before you invest in your own camera and lenses.

It’s also essential to consider your current schedule before selecting a learning method. If you have many responsibilities, like a full-time job or family commitments, you may not be able to devote time to a structured course that requires you to attend at the same time every day. In this case, a self-paced class or video tutorials may be better since you can access them when your schedule allows. On the other hand, those with a more flexible schedule may prefer a structured course offered in-person or live online.

Why Learn Photography?

There are a host of reasons to learn photography, both in terms of enriching your life and with regard to building a career. Photographers say that photography allows them to see the world differently. It keeps them in the present and allows them to capture moments. It also helps the Photographer realize what their perspective on the world is because the specific photos they take express who they are. 

Photography can also be a great career choice. Once you’ve invested in your equipment and studied your craft, you can earn a substantial wage as a Photographer, especially if you go into a lucrative field like wedding photography. Photographers often travel to new places and meet new people as part of their work. There is also an active community of professional Photographers that you can learn from and contribute to.

Read more about why you should learn photography.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

Learning photography can be difficult because of the varied suite of skills you must acquire to become a successful Photographer. You’ll need to learn how to notice a scene that might make a good photo, employ the principles of photographic composition as you frame an image, and use your camera’s settings to select the correct aperture and depth of field. As a modern Digital Photographer, your photographic skills won’t be complete without a knowledge of photo editing software. There’s a great deal to learn with photography, and it takes most people 2-3 years of study to become skilled photographers.

To learn photography, you will need to be fairly comfortable with manipulating complex physical technology. You’ll also need basic computer skills before you can edit your photos, a key element of modern digital photography. For serious photographic study, you’ll also need to invest in high-quality equipment and software.

Learning photography can involve a substantial financial investment in your equipment, software, and training. To make a serious study of photography, you’ll need to buy a mirrorless or DSLR camera. These average about $850 and $500 respectively for an entry-level model. You’ll also want to buy at least one or two lenses. Lenses range widely in cost, from $150 to as much as $2000. For an intermediate lens, you’ll likely pay $400-$600. In addition, you should get photo editing software, ideally the industry-standard Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. As of November 2022, you can subscribe to the two together for $9.99 a month. Training costs can range from $0 for an introductory course covering the basics to full tuition at a four-year university.

Read about how difficult it is to learn photography.

Learn Photography with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop’s small class sizes and expert instructors make it an excellent environment for learning photography and related skills. Students can choose between in-person and live online courses, depending on which is better for their particular situation. Students can also retake Noble classes for free, which can help expand their knowledge of the topic.

Noble offers a certificate in photo retouching specifically, delving more deeply into critical skills that Photographers should have. Another option is Noble’s popular Graphic Design Certificate, which covers Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and graphic design principles. If you don’t yet want to commit to earning a certificate, you could take an individual Photoshop course to start with. You can also do a Photoshop bootcamp for beginners with Noble.

When you do a digital photography certificate at Noble, you’ll acquire foundational skills for photography and photo editing. Students learn to use manual settings to help them make the most of what a high-quality camera offers. They also discover how to work with different types of lighting, both inside a studio and out in the world. In terms of digital photo manipulation, students explore how to manage their photographs with Adobe Lightroom and edit them using Adobe Photoshop.

Key Insights

• The best way for you to learn photography will depend on several factors:
• Your goal in studying the topic
• Your personal learning style
• How much time and money you are willing and able to invest in your studies
• Your current schedule and commitments
• You can receive comprehensive photography training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop