Free Course Image Learn Photography

Free online course Learn Photography

Duration of the online course: 2 hours and 24 minutes

New

Take better photos fast with this free online photography course—master exposure, depth of field, composition, RAW workflow and sharper low‑light shots.

In this free course, learn about

  • Core camera operation: exposure triangle, focus, metering, and practical shooting workflow
  • Depth of field control and how aperture, focal length, and distance affect background blur
  • Rule of thirds composition for stronger framing and subject placement
  • Exposure basics: shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and balancing brightness with creative intent
  • Reading histograms to judge exposure, prevent clipping, and adjust in-camera settings
  • Using Aperture Priority mode to control DOF while the camera sets shutter speed automatically
  • Preventing tripod camera shake with remote/self-timer, mirror lock-up/e-shutter, and steady setup
  • Creating star trails without an intervalometer using long exposure or in-camera time-lapse/continuous mode
  • How flash diffusers soften light, reduce harsh shadows, and improve portrait/product lighting
  • Benefits and limits of lens stabilization for sharper handheld shots at slower shutter speeds
  • Why RAW is preferred: more dynamic range, better color/white balance control, and flexible editing

About the free online course

Want photos that look intentional instead of accidental? This free online photography course helps you move beyond guesswork and start making clear creative choices, whether you shoot with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or a capable phone in manual mode. You’ll build confidence with the core ideas photographers rely on every day, so your images come out sharper, better exposed, and more compelling—without needing expensive gear.

You’ll learn how light and settings work together, so exposure becomes something you control rather than something you fix later. You’ll also understand depth of field and how it shapes mood and focus, from creamy backgrounds in portraits to crisp detail in landscapes. Composition fundamentals will help you frame scenes with purpose, including simple tools that make your subject stand out and guide the viewer’s eye naturally.

As you practice, you’ll start reading your camera more intelligently. You’ll learn what a histogram tells you about highlights and shadows, and how that information can help you make faster decisions in changing light. You’ll also explore why shooting in RAW gives you more flexibility and quality in post-processing, especially when you’re working with tricky contrast or color.

The course also focuses on practical, real-world shooting problems: getting stable results, reducing blur, and handling low-light scenes. You’ll discover how to avoid camera shake on a tripod, when image stabilization helps, and how to approach longer exposures. You’ll even tackle creative techniques such as star trails, along with simple solutions that make the process smoother when you don’t have extra accessories on hand. Finally, you’ll understand how tools like a flash diffuser can soften light and improve portraits and close-ups.

By the end, you won’t just know photography terms—you’ll know how to apply them to create cleaner, more professional-looking images and a workflow you can repeat on every shoot.

Course content

  • Video class: Learn Photography [Full Course] by Australian Geographic Photographer Chris Bray 2h24m
  • Exercise: _What is depth of field and how does it affect a photo?
  • Exercise: _What is the rule of thirds in photography?
  • Exercise: _What is exposure in photography?
  • Exercise: _What is the purpose of using a histogram graph in photography?
  • Exercise: _What is the advantage of using aperture mode in photography?
  • Exercise: _What is the recommended way to avoid camera shake when taking long exposures on a tripod?
  • Exercise: _What is the best way to take a star trail photo without an external timer?
  • Exercise: _What is a flash diffuser and how does it help in photography?
  • Exercise: _What is the advantage of using a lens with stabilizing turned on?
  • Exercise: _Why do professional photographers shoot in RAW files?

This free course includes:

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2 hours and 24 minutes of online video course

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Digital certificate of course completion (Free)

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Exercises to train your knowledge

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100% free, from content to certificate

How do aperture, shutter speed, and ISO affect exposure in photography?

Aperture controls light and depth of field, shutter speed controls motion blur, and ISO controls sensor sensitivity. Together they determine exposure.

Why do photographers use a histogram instead of relying on the camera screen?

A histogram shows the distribution of brightness levels, helping photographers spot clipped highlights or shadows even when screen brightness is misleading.

How can I photograph star trails without an external interval timer?

Use the camera's built-in interval shooting or long-exposure mode if available, take repeated exposures on a stable tripod, and stack the images afterward.

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