Updated on Sep 19, 2022 04:10 IST

The art or practice of forming images via the action of energy, particularly light, on a sensitive surface is known as photography (such as film or an optical sensor). Photography is a stream that one can pursue at all levels. Nowadays, instead of going for a traditional degree a lot of people are going for online courses. These classes usually last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. The scope of photography as a career is immense in India. These days, photographers do not just opt for a proper organisation to work with, but have started to freelance as well. To be a known photographer, one has to put in a lot of hard work and must have a strong social presence. In these times, the most popular fields of photography are wedding, corporate, events photography.

Online Photography Eligibility Criteria

Candidates for free or paid photography certificate courses on the internet are usually required to have completed their 12th grade or comparable exam. Candidates who have passed their 10th standard exam may be able to enrol in some of the courses. They need to do nothing more than go to the platform's website and enrol in a free/paid Online Photography course.

Required Skills For Online Photography

To be a successful photographer, one needs to have a solid understanding of photography techniques and intricacies. Furthermore, the individual must have a creative mindset as well as a keen eye for detail. S/he will need a lot of patience and interpersonal skills. Here are the qualifications needed to work as a professional photographer:

  • Knowledge of photography in terms of techniques

  • Creative mind

  • An eye for details and perfection

  • Patience

  • Concentration

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Team working skills

  • Good judgment of situation/ people

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Institutes/Academies Offering Online Photography Courses

Candidates can take a variety of Online Photography courses from the comfort of their own home or anywhere else. Attendance is not required for students enrolled in Online Photography courses. Online classes are both inexpensive and convenient. Tabulated below are some of the online courses, which are free of cost:

Course Name

Institute / Online Platform

Duration 

Photography Masterclass 1.0: A Complete Guide to Photography

Udemy

13.5 hours

Camera Exposure and Photography

Coursera

18 Hours

Introduction to Digital Photography

Alison

1.5-3 Hours

Photography Techniques: Light, Content and Sharing

Coursera

24 Hours

Fundamentals of Photography

CreativeLive

Self-paced

Fundamentals of DSLR Photography Class Online

Skillshare

1 Hour 19 Minutes

Professional Photography course

New York Institute of Photography

Self-paced

Free Photography Course Online

(MIT Open Courseware)

15 weeks

Photography Masterclass Online by Annie Leibovitz

MasterClass

Self-paced

Photography Masterclass 2.0: A Complete Guide to Photography

Udemy

21 hours

Note: These courses are free of cost and provide authentic certification after completion.

Online Photography Course Syllabus

The syllabus for an Online Photography degree course differs depending on the institute or platform you use. The fundamental themes, however, remain the same. The following are some of the most popular topics covered in the course:

History of Photography: early experiments & later developments

Introduction to Image-making

Basics of Digital Photography

Photo Editing and photoshop

Types of Photography- portrait, street, still, low light, landscape photography

Film Cameras and Processing

Understanding Camera, Lenses and Gears

Basics of Printing

Photojournalism

Benefits of Online Photography Courses

Online Photography courses are widely seen as a waste of time as people believe they do not add value to resume. This perception, however, is wrong, as certain Online Photography lessons are well worth the time and effort of those who are interested.

Some of the reasons why you should attend free or paid Online Photography lessons are as follows:

  • There are various universities that provide excellent online courses that students can attend at their leisure

  • The courses are designed in such a way that the candidates are immediately job ready after completing them. As a result, the candidate's chances of landing a job increases.

  • Candidates will also be able to study whenever they choose. Because the courses are self-paced, they are suitable for working professionals.

  • Candidates have the ability to push themselves beyond their comfort zones

  • Candidates will be able to network with members of the creative community.

  • Candidates will be able to have an in-depth knowledge of the industry

And, if you ever decide to make a career out of photography, you may devote time to researching the art form and learning everything you can so you can be the best you can be.

Pros and Cons of Online Photography Courses

The benefits of Online Photography certificate courses are as follows:

  • Because the courses are self-paced, candidates will be able to complete them whenever they wish

  • The courses are cheap for those who cannot afford to take traditional, pricey courses

  • The certificate attests to a candidate's abilities and expertise

  • Online courses are open to everybody, which isn't always the case with traditional courses

  • The courses help candidates become more job-ready

Some of the disadvantages of Online Photography courses are:

  • Lack of practical knowledge and practice

  • As most of the classes are pre-recorded, the students will get fewer opportunities for interactions in case of any doubts

Read More:

Career Opportunities & Top Recruiters For Online Photography

In an age of ‘media explosion’, the need for photographers are on high demand. After completing the course of photography, students may receive plenty of opportunities to work on. They may work as photojournalists in the print media, digital media, fashion photographer for magazines, video photographer for digital media, wildlife photographer etc. They may also work as freelance photographers. Initially, a photographer may earn INR 3 lakh per annum but as he/she gains experience the remuneration rises. 

Here, we have prepared a table to provide some idea about the average annual salary of different types of photographers:

Job Profile

Average Annual Salary

Fashion Photographer

INR 3-5 lakhs

Photojournalist

INR 5-6 lakhs

Still Photographer

INR 3-5 lakhs

Photo Editor

INR 3-4 lakhs

FAQs On Online Photography

Q. What is the duration of online photography programmes?

A. The duration of a photography course via online mode can differ as per the institute offering the same. It can vary between 1 hour to many weeks or can be a self-paced one as well.

Q. What are the eligibility criteria in terms of educational qualification to apply for a photography course?

A. For an online programme, there are no such criteria for application. Generally, a 10+2 graduate can register for the course or even a 10th graduate can also apply for the programme.

Q. What are the basic skills required to make a good photographer?

A. To make a good photographer, the key skills are: to be creative, have technical skills, patience & confidence goes a long way, attention to detail, have strong networking skills, should be a team worker etc.

Q. Where can a student learn photography for free online?

A. There are various portals that impart education via online mode. Some of them are Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare and more.

Q. Which are the top styles of photography one must or should master?

A. The top photography styles are Portrait photography, Fashion photography, wedding photography, photojournalism, and sports photography to name a few.

Q. Is certification required to be a photographer?

A. If one wishes to work as a freelance photographer, a certificate is not required; however, if one wishes to work for a company, a certificate in photography is required.

Q. How much does it cost to do a photography programme?

A. Fees for a Photography Course may vary as per the institute you choose. There are online certifications available, but the individual fee depends on the level of the course and where you pursue the course from.

Q. Is it worth taking photography courses?

A. It is definitely worth pursuing photography courses as it multiplies your chances of getting hired by a good agency.

Q. What is the average salary offered after completing a photography course?

A. The average salary varies as per the job profile of a photographer, and their experience and portfolio as well.

Q. What subjects are taught in Photography courses?

A. The major subjects that are taught in Photography courses are History of Photography, Introduction to Image Making, Basics of photography, Photojournalism, Types of Photography and more.

Q. Is there scope for Photography in the future?

A. There is no doubt about the fact that Photography is one field that will never vanish in the coming future. From a person to a company, each of them needs a photographer be it to cover an event, to promote a product or more. So, the scope of photography is only going to increase in the coming future.

Popular Online Photography Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Online Photography Colleges in India. Learn more about these Online Photography colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
31 Courses
2.4 K - 25 K
8 - 9 LPA
700 - 13.2 K
4.0
28 Courses
2.5
3.7
1.4 L - 9.36 L
3.9
43 Courses
1.84 K - 51.72 K
2.8 - 3.1 LPA
12 Courses
12.4 K - 16.8 K
2.0

Popular Private Online Photography Colleges in India

4.88 L
3.0

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now

4 L

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now

1.3 L - 14.2 L
4.35 - 5.5 LPA

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now

3 L
2 L - 4 L
4.75 - 6.75 LPA

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now

50 K - 2 L

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Online Photography courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Online Photography.

Popular Online Photography PG Courses

Following are the most popular Online Photography PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Online Photography Specializations

Following are the most popular Online Photography Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Online Photography. Students interested in pursuing a career on Online Photography, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

2 Jan ' 25 - 1 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process

2 Jan ' 25 - 2 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process Online Fee

Jan '25

MAH AAC CET 2025 Application Form Filling

TENTATIVE

Feb '25

MAH AAC CET 2025 Application Last Date

TENTATIVE

Aug '24

NSD Exam 2024 Workshop cum interview

TENTATIVE

Jun '24 - Jul '24

NSD Entrance Exam Registrations 2024

TENTATIVE

Feb '25 - Mar '25

PUBDET 2025 Applications

TENTATIVE

Jun '25 - Jul '25

PUBDET 2025 Admit Card

TENTATIVE
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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

There is no explicit details available at about the ranking of Light and Life Academy as it offers quite unique range of PG Diplomas.  However, in the year 2020, Knowledge Review Magazine identified Life and Light Academy as one of the top 10 fine arts course providers in whole India. 

 

 

7388054
Yash Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

According to some unofficial sources, only 240 students can do PG Diploma in Professional Fashion Photography and Documentary Filmmaking at Light and Life Academy as there are only 240 seats available at Life and Light Academy. 

7388054
Yash Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

You can get admission in Professional Travel, Nature and Fine Art Photography and Documentry Filmaking at Light and Life Academy by applying for these particular course on the application form and directly through the Academy. 

7388054
Yash Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

A photography career can be pursued by anybody who has an underlying passion for it. However, some of the skills that you need in order to be up in the game include:

Technical skills 

  1. Understanding of all the settings and modes of a camera
  2. Understanding the working of different lenses, tripods, coverin

...more

S

Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Some of the major responsibilities of a photographer include:

  1. Communicating with clients to understand their needs
  2. Choosing and setting up locations
  3. Choosing and setting up photography equipment 
  4. Taking photos
  5. Editing photos using different software programs
  6. Selling photos or promoting business in other w

...more

S

Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Types of PhotographyDescription
Abstract PhotographyFocuses on shape, color, pattern, and texture. There are no set rules, allowing for creativity in capturing different elements within the composition.
Art PhotographyCaptures the artist’s perceptions and emotions, aiming to express a personal vision rather than simply what the camera sees.
Architectural PhotographyHighlights the aesthetics of buildings and structures, including diverse forms such as tall buildings, estates, bridges, and warehouses.
Urban PhotographyEncapsulates people in their daily lives, as well as objects, urban landscapes, and surreal moments, capturing a decisive moment or idea.
Portrait PhotographyFocuses on capturing the physical appearance and emotions of a person, often highlighting key facial features or body posture.
Advertising PhotographyAims to market or promote a product or idea, with the goal of generating consumer interest and driving sales.
Aerial PhotographyInvolves capturing scenes from a high vantage point, creating stunning images of various locations.
Underwater PhotographyRequires specialised diving equipment and underwater cameras to capture images below the water’s surface.
Black and White PhotographyUtilizes shades from white to black, excluding color, to focus on contrast, texture, and composition.
Fashion PhotographyCaptures clothing, jewelry, and accessories, often with a vibrant, eye-catching aesthetic that’s hard to ignore.
PhotojournalismUses storytelling techniques to visually convey a story, aiming to capture emotions and moments in time.
Food PhotographyHighlights the appeal of food, often aiming to evoke the desire to taste it, commonly seen on social media.
Minimalist PhotographyEmphasizes simplicity and harmony, using few elements in the composition to create a sense of visual peace.
Astronomical PhotographyAlso known as astrophotography, it captures celestial bodies like planets, comets, and satellites, and is challenging due to technical requirements.
Sports PhotographyA branch of photojournalism focused on capturing critical moments in sports events, highlighting athletes in action.
Lifestyle PhotographyTransforms everyday moments into artistic compositions, often capturing the essence of daily life.

S

Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 9

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