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Online photography courses in Australia
Don’t get stuck in the darkroom with these courses to help you take your photography from shabby to shutterbug.
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Whether you're keen to up your camera skills, become the next Leibovitz or just make some extra cash on the side, online photography courses can help take you to that next level.
Read on to find out what's available, where you can find courses and answers to some frequently asked questions on online photography courses.
Where can I find photography courses online?
Does your company belong in this list?
What online photography courses are available?
There are a slew of online photography courses available on the shorter end of the scale and just a handful of choices if you're keen to pursue more formal qualifications.
Here are some of our top picks to help you choose the best option, depending on how in-depth you'd like to get.
Free courses
Free online courses are a bit difficult to find, especially courses run by established organisations. These are some that are currently available online.
| Courses | Institution |
|---|---|
| Cameras, Exposure, and Photography | Coursera |
| Introductory Photography Course | Udemy |
| Photography: Ditch Auto - Start Shooting in Manual | Udemy |
| Photography Basics and Beyond | Coursera |
| Photography Techniques | Coursera |
Short courses
Short photography courses offer a more structured learning experience than a free course. They usually offer access to an instructor for more support.
| Courses | Institution |
|---|---|
| Photography with Annie Leibovitz | MasterClass |
| Camera Portfolio | Centre for Creative Photography |
| Creative Digital Photography | CATC Design School |
| Creative Digital Photography | Billy Blue College of Design |
| Digital Imaging | Centre for Creative Photography |
| Introduction to Photography | Centre for Creative Photography |
Certificates
A certificate course is often accredited by an Australian or international institution and can sometimes count as credit towards a diploma or university degree.
| Courses | Institution |
|---|---|
| Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging | Open Colleges |
| Certificate of Photography | Australian Academy of Photography |
| Certificate of Professional Photography | Photography Institute |
| Certificate of Wedding Photography | Australian Online Courses |
Diplomas
You can study a Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging at the following institutions:
| Course | Institution |
|---|---|
| Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging | Billy Blue College of Design |
| Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging | CATC Design School |
| Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging | Centre for Creative Photography (majority of the subjects are available online) |
| Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging | Photography Institute |
| Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging | Torrens University Australia |
University courses
Generally speaking, most university courses feature photography as just one subject within a Digital Media or Arts degree.
While there are a handful that focus solely on photography, most aren't offered online.
Universities are moving towards making their courses available digitally, but this course below can be studied online entirely:
| Course | Institution |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Design Arts (Filmmaking & Photography) | LCI Melbourne via Training.com.au |
Who should take an online photography course?
Online photography courses run the gamut from short one-hour tasters to full-blown university degrees. Which means that whatever your level of interest, you'll find a course to suit your needs.
Here are some reasons why you might consider an online photography course:
- Build confidence using your camera
- Specialise in a photography niche (e.g. wedding, travel or wildlife photography)
- Network and meet other photographers
- Learn new skills used in the industry
- Make the transition from amateur photographer to professional photographer
- Gain a qualification to move forward in your photography career
What topics may be covered in an online photography course?
- History of photography
- How to operate a digital camera
- Taking pictures under a range of conditions
- Foundations of photo imaging
- Image composition
- Evaluating, measuring and controlling light
- Post-production
- How to build a marketable portfolio
- Working to a client brief
How long does an online photography course take to complete?
- Free courses: Go at your own pace
- Short courses: 9-12 weeks
- Certificates: 3 months to 2 years
- Diploma: 1.5 years full-time or 3 years part-time
- University course: 3-4 years full-time
What are the career opportunities after taking an online photography course?
Photography, like many artistic careers, can be as general or as niche as your passion allows.
Some photographers become freelancers or run their own studio, while others seek the security of a paid position within a company.
Here are some common photography careers:
- Commercial photographer
- Fashion photographer
- Fine art photographer
- Photojournalist
- Scientific photographer
- Sports photographer
- Stock photographer
- Studio or portrait photographer
- Travel photographer
- Wedding photographer
- Wildlife photographer
What equipment and software will I need?
You can start with a smartphone that takes photos or invest in a professional-grade mirrorless or DSLR model. It all depends on if you're taking photos as a hobby or for your profession.
The most important things you'll need in your gear bag are a camera, lenses and memory cards. Once you've got those, here are some nice-to-have extras that can make your job easier or help you get the desired results:
- Tripod or monopod
- Camera bag
- Camera strap
- Fisheye lens
- Wide-angle lens
- Macro lens
- Telephoto Lens
- Computer or laptop (for post-production)
- Photo editing software (e.g. Adobe Lightroom)
- Lighting (e.g. speed light, light stand or a reflector)
- Cleaning supplies
- Extra batteries
See the latest deals for online photography courses
Training.com.au
Get certificates with free course guides and career advice
Apply to online courses like medical, first-aid, construction, business, psychology, marketing, English, manufacturing, bookkeeping, photography, human resource, interior design, floristry, beauty, graphic design, personal training, speech pathology, dental assistant, cyber security, social media, counselling, agriculture, education, naturopathy, hospitality, work health and safety and more. Associate degree, diploma, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, certificate IV, and short courses are available. T&Cs apply.
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Shortcourses.com.au
Find the perfect course for you
Choose from 200+ short courses from Australia's leading online providers. Subjects include agriculture, business, English, education, dental assisting, medical, naturopathy, nutrition, interior design, floristry, digital marketing, graphic design, photography, personal training, beauty, child care, work health and safety, and more. T&Cs apply.
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MasterClass
Online courses from $23.33 per month
Get 100+ online workshops and courses from $23.33 per month. Courses offered are photography, business, writing, cooking, sports, beauty philosophy, interior design, agriculture, social media, chess and more. T&Cs apply.
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Tafecourses.com.au
Get the latest career advice and resources
Choose a course from Australia's best TAFEs, colleges and universities and get the latest advice and resources to help you advance in your career. Subjects include accounting, advertising, beauty therapy, dentistry, education, language, graphic design, hospitality, horticulture, interior design, allied medical, IT, photography, personal training, real estate, work health and safety, social media marketing and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
ExpertRating
Join programs and get online certification from $29.99
Get certification and enrol for online courses like Six Sigma, social media, marketing, business, human resource, medical receptionist, first aid, graphic design, interior design, photography, beauty therapy, personal training, short courses, and more. Sample price is for an online first aid course. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Udemy
Photography courses from $19.99
Learn about photography with beginner to advanced courses. Sample price is for a course on how to operate a camera in full manual mode. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
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I am professional photographers video editing and production work my working experience 15 years
Hi Rehan,
Thanks for your comment. Please be aware that finder.com.au is a financial comparison website and not a jobs site. If you are looking for work, you might like to try job websites like Indeed, Seek and CareerOne that may be able to help.
Best,
Stephanie