Hi.
Here's a complete and practical guide to photography courses — what they are, what you learn, how to join one, and what it takes to pursue photography as a skill or career
1. Types of Photography Programs
Photography education is offered at several levels, each suitable for different goals:
Certificate / Short Courses
Duration: 1 month to a few months
Focus: Basics of camera use, exposure, composition, and editing
Ideal for: Beginners or hobbyists who want practical skills fast
Example: Online or in‑person courses that teach DSLR basics, lighting, and editing with tools like Photoshop/Lightroom.
Diploma Courses
Duration: 6 months – 1 year
Focus: Broader photography + videography, lighting, genres (portraits, events, nature), portfolio building
Ideal for: People who want to enter the field professionally or explore specialised areas.
Advanced / Professional Courses
Duration: 6 months – 1 year (some include internship)
Focus: Commercial photography, advanced techniques, real projects, client handling
Includes: Portfolio work, studio sessions, outdoor shoots, editing, mock interviews.
Degree Programs
Offered by art/communication colleges and universities
Include Bachelor's or Master's in Photography/Visual Arts
More in‑depth theory + artistic practice + career preparation.
2. What You Learn in a Photography Course
Most good courses combine technical skills + artistic vision + editing:
Camera & Technical Skills
How cameras work (DSLR/mirrorless)
Exposure triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO
Lens types and focal lengths
Lighting: natural, artificial, studio setups
Composition & Aesthetics
Rule of thirds, framing, perspective
Visual storytelling
Creative use of shadows and light
Post‑Processing & Editing
Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom basics
Color correction, retouching, workflow
Building a professional portfolio
Specialisations (Often Included)
Portrait & fashion photography
Event & wedding photography
Landscape & travel photography
Product, commercial, and editorial photography
Other Useful Skills
3. How to Join a Photography Course
You can join either online or offline courses — here's how:
Online Courses
Visit platforms like Internshala, Udemy, Coursera, etc.
Search for “photography course”
Create an account and enroll by paying the fee
Complete lessons and assessments to earn a certificate
Offline / In‑Person Courses
Look for local photography institutes or camera schools
Check eligibility — generally for diploma courses it's 12th pass (any stream) or even open to all ages.
Fill the admission form and pay the fees (often offered both online and offline)
4. Who Can Join?
Anyone passionate about photography (even without prior experience)
Students who want a creative career
People shifting careers or freelance photographers
Hobbyists who want to improve quality of their images
There's no strict age or academic restriction for most photography courses — even 12th pass students can join.
5. Career & Scope
After training, you can work as or pursue:
Portrait Photographer
Event / Wedding Photographer
Fashion or Commercial Photographer
Wildlife or Travel Photographer
Photojournalist
Product / Advertising Photographer
Freelancer or Studio Owner
In the digital age, photography skills are valuable for social media content creation, advertising, e‑commerce, and media industries as well.
6. Practical vs Theoretical Balance
The best photography courses combine:
Hands‑on shoots (indoor & outdoor)
Studio lighting practice
Editing workshops
Portfolio building
Assignments & real projects