How much do photography classes cost?
How much do photography classes cost?
$50 – $350 average cost of photography classes
Average cost of photography classes
Photography classes cost $50 to $300 on average for online classes or $80 to $350 for in-person group classes. The cost of photography classes depends on the class type and length, skill level, course provider, and your location. Private photography lessons cost $100 to $200 per hour.
| Photography class type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Online class | $50 – $300 |
| Live group class | $80 – $350 |
| Private lesson | $100 – $200 per hour |
| Weekend workshop | $500 – $2,000 |
| Travel workshop / photo tour | $3,500 – $10,000+* |
| University course | $250 – $500 per semester |
| Degree program | $10,000 – $30,000 per year |
*Including accommodations, meals, and ground transportation but not airfare
Online photography classes
Online photography classes cost $50 to $300 on average, depending on the provider and class type. Prices are typically on the low end of the range for beginner classes and closer to the high end of the range for classes taught by popular photographers.
Some online platforms offer monthly and annual subscription plans that give you unlimited access to all the photography classes they offer. Popular platforms and prices include:
CreativeLive: $29 per month (billed monthly) or $129 to $149 per year (billed annually)
SkillShare: $99 per year
KelbyOne: $20 per month (billed monthly) or $199 per year (billed annually)
The School of Photography: $19 per month (billed monthly) or $160 per year (billed annually)
Group photography classes
Group photography classes cost $80 to $300 and offer the opportunity to share feedback and inspiration with other students. Local photography centers, photo clubs, and museums typically offer beginner and advanced photography classes. Some group classes last only one day while others meet weekly for 4 to 6 weeks.
Group classes sometimes include outdoor photo walks or visits to nearby attractions to provide hands-on learning outside a traditional classroom setting.
Private photography lessons
Professional photographers charge $100 to $200 per hour on average for private photography lessons. The biggest advantage of private lessons is the one-on-one instruction tailored specifically to your needs and goals. Some photographers offer a discount if you book multiple lessons.
Photography workshops
Many professional photographers offer workshops and photo tours, giving you the chance to learn directly from your favorite photographer in an interactive experience. The group size is typically limited to only a small number of students to allow more time for individual instruction.
Weekend photography workshops range in price from $500 to $2,000, depending on the photographer and location.
Photo tours or travel workshops cost $3,500 to $10,000+ and usually include hotel accommodations, meals, and ground transportation but not airfare to the tour destination. No matter which country or region you'd like to photograph, there is almost certainly a photo tour to that destination available.
Photography school & degree programs
Many colleges and universities offer beginner photography courses, and some schools offer full degree programs. A single-semester photography course costs $200 to $500, while a photography degree program at an accredited college or university costs $10,000 to $30,000 per year.
Photography class cost factors
The following factors will have the biggest impact on the cost of photography classes:
Class provider: Online photography classes through subscription websites are typically cheaper than in-person classes. In addition, in-person classes offered at local photography centers and museums typically cost less than lessons from a well-known professional photographer.
Live vs. on-demand class: Live classes generally cost more than on-demand classes, even when the live classes are online instead of in-person. However, one drawback of on-demand classes is that you don't get real-time feedback and guidance from the instructor.
Type of class: Beginner photography classes often cost less than more advanced classes focused on one style or aspect of photography. Some providers also charge more for specialty classes like real estate photography, sports photography, or film photography.
Camera gear: Most photography classes require you to use your own camera, lenses, filters, and other gear. Classes that provide access to equipment for student use may charge higher fees.
Additional costs:
Photo editing software programs like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or Capture One cost $10 to $24 per month.
Other equipment like an off-camera flash for portrait photography, extra camera batteries, and a camera bag vary significantly in price depending on the brand and model.
What do you learn in a photography class?
Beginner photography classes teach introductory knowledge and techniques, such as:
Light and how it affects your photos
The exposure triangle—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—and how each setting affects the light and shadow, motion, depth of focus, and "noise" or graininess in your images
Composition techniques, the Rule of Thirds, and leading lines
White balance techniques to ensure your photos portray the correct colors in various lighting conditions
Color, shape, and texture
Lenses and filters
Intermediate and advanced courses often focus on a specific type of photography, such as landscape photography, portrait photography, or food photography. Many advanced classes help you hone your skills in a particular area, such as indoor studio lighting, using a green screen, or posing subjects for wedding photography.
Advanced photography classes may also teach photo editing techniques in Photoshop, Lightroom, or other similar post-processing software. Post-processing techniques include adjusting contrast and sharpness, retouching, color correction, compositing, and more.
FAQs about photography classes
Are photography classes worth it?
Photography classes may be worth it if you want to master your camera, learn new techniques, or develop the skills necessary to capture captivating, memorable images. You do not need to be an aspiring professional photographer or creative artist to benefit from a class.
In a photography class, you'll learn to observe the world around you in new ways and develop an eye for details like light, shadow, color, shape, and texture. Feedback from an instructor can help you identify areas where you need improvement and become a better photographer as a result.
Do I need my own camera to take a photography class?
Most photography classes require you to bring your own camera. However, if you're interested in exploring photography before buying your own camera, consider taking a beginner class anyway. Whether you take photos with your mobile phone or a high-end digital camera, you can benefit from the skills learned in the class.
During a photography class, you'll learn not just how to take better photos but also about the features you'd prefer in a more sophisticated camera and the best lenses and filters for the specific types of photography you're interested in. This knowledge will help you make more informed decisions about which equipment to purchase.
Can you take photography classes online?
Yes, you can take photography classes online through web course providers like CreativeLive and SkillShare, some universities, and a wide variety of websites dedicated specifically to photography. Most sites offer beginner photography classes along with a large selection of intermediate and advanced classes focused on specific types or aspects of photography.
Where to take photography classes near you
Keep these tips in mind when choosing a photography class:
Decide if you want to take a general photography skills course, a class that focuses on a specific style or type of photography—such as landscape, portrait, or sports photography—or a class that focuses on a specific aspect like lighting or posing.
Look for a class targeted toward photographers at your skill level. If you're an advanced photographer, you may also want to consider taking a workshop with a specific photographer.
Read photography class reviews on Lessons and Google.
Check out the instructor's portfolio, as well as portfolios from previous students.
Choose a class format best suited to your personal learning style and preferences. Some students learn better on their own with self-paced classes while others learn better with live, in-person instruction.
Questions to ask photography instructors
Ask the instructor these questions before enrolling in a photography class:
What skill level is this photography class designed for?
What topics will the class cover?
Do I need to bring my own camera?
What other equipment will I need for the class?
Where will the class meet?
Does the class include instructor or student feedback?
Will you share our photos on the class website or social media?
Are there any other fees involved?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.