Learn photography for capturing stunning images. Understand camera settings, composition, lighting, and post-processing.
Michigan State University
Skills you'll gain: Design Elements And Principles, Photography, Photo Editing, Peer Review, Image Quality, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Digital Design, File Management, Adobe Creative Cloud, Creativity, Storytelling, Digital Publishing, Social Media, Content Creation, Copywriting, Information Privacy, Writing, Web Design and Development
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Michigan State University
Skills you'll gain: Photography, Peer Review, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Image Quality, Creativity, Design Elements And Principles
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Photo Editing, Photography, Storytelling, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Image Quality, Post-Production, Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems, Planning, Research, Adobe Creative Cloud, Creative Thinking, Creativity, Design Elements And Principles, Critical Thinking, Data Import/Export, Color Theory
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Michigan State University
Skills you'll gain: Photography, Photo Editing, Image Quality, Peer Review, Digital Publishing, Creativity, Information Privacy, Web Design and Development
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skillshare
Skills you'll gain: Photo Editing, Photography, Image Quality, Storytelling, Post-Production, Adobe Photoshop, Content Creation, Adobe Creative Cloud, Creativity, Color Theory
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skillshare
Skills you'll gain: Photography, Photo Editing, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Storytelling, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems, Creativity, Image Quality, Planning, Research, Creative Thinking, Adobe Creative Cloud, Design Elements And Principles, Aesthetics, Critical Thinking, Data Import/Export
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skillshare
Skills you'll gain: Photography, Photo Editing, Post-Production, Creativity, Lifelong Learning, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Creative Thinking, Image Quality, Storytelling, Aesthetics, Self-Awareness, Personal Development, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Curiosity, Resilience, Decision Making, Patience, Adaptability, Interpersonal Communications, Persistence
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skillshare
Skills you'll gain: Photo Editing, Video Editing, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Photography, Color Theory, Image Quality, Color Matching, Adobe Creative Cloud, File Management, Editing, Data Import/Export, Cloud Storage
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

The Museum of Modern Art
Skills you'll gain: Art History, Performing Arts, Photography, Liberal Arts, Aesthetics, Creativity, Electronic Media, Culture, Cultural Diversity, Media and Communications, Public History, Social Justice, Design, Content Creation, Storytelling, Design Elements And Principles, Multimedia, Sustainable Development, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Sustainability Standards
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Photography, Photo Editing, Creativity, Creative Thinking, Storytelling, Aesthetics, Self-Awareness, Curiosity, Patience, Persistence, Adaptability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Michigan State University
Skills you'll gain: Design Elements And Principles, Photography, Photo Editing, Image Quality, Digital Design, File Management, Adobe Creative Cloud, Storytelling
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Michigan State University
Skills you'll gain: Photography, Peer Review, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Image Quality
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Browse the photography courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
Start by thinking about your purpose—are you capturing portraits, learning manual camera settings, building a portfolio, or editing with tools like Lightroom or Photoshop?
These beginner-friendly courses are ideal if you're new to photography or want to switch from auto mode to manual:
Yes. You can start learning photography on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in photography, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Your motivation, whether to become a professional photographer, enhance your hobby, or improve your social media content, will guide your learning. Regular practice, including taking and editing photos, is necessary. Join photography communities like Flickr or Reddit’s r/photography for inspiration and feedback. Work on real projects such as photo challenges or creating a portfolio.
Photography courses cover a variety of topics essential for mastering the art and technique of photography. These include the basics of camera settings, composition, and lighting. Learners will explore topics such as portrait photography, landscape photography, and post-processing techniques using software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Advanced courses might cover areas like studio photography, commercial photography, and advanced editing techniques. Practical exercises and assignments help learners apply these concepts to real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to capture and edit stunning photographs.
A certificate in photography can open up various career opportunities in the creative and media industries. Common roles include professional photographer, photojournalist, commercial photographer, and photography instructor. These positions involve capturing and editing photographs for various purposes, including events, portraits, commercial projects, and media publications. With the growing demand for high-quality visual content, earning a certificate in photography can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as advertising, journalism, fashion, and education.