Best Photography Classes NYC: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About NYC Photography Courses

Although everyone understands photography, far fewer people know the details of its origins and complex history. From French photography pioneers Joseph Nicéphore Niépce and Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre to Kodak founder George Eastman, those responsible for the evolution of this now-universal art form could never have foreseen the development of the smartphone and instant, high-quality photos we know today.

Photography’s lengthy history has birthed dozens of styles. Photojournalism, still life, and portraits are a few of the best-known, but other styles include wedding, travel, event, and even drone photography. If you are interested in photography as a hobby, your approach to learning will differ significantly from someone who wants to become a professional photographer. Read on to learn more about the many photography classes available in New York City.

Why Learn Photography?

Your reasons for wanting to learn more about photography can be as diverse as the many styles developed over the past century. It may help your career or allow you to create a side hustle or small business. Or you might be one of those creative souls who want to express themselves through abstract, surreal, or fine art photography. If you live or work in NYC, you will already be familiar with many highly photographed subjects around the city—from Central Park to Radio City Music Hall. But you may also want to capture the light on a puddle, Times Square at night, or the iconic Manhattan skyline.

Businesspersons who want to improve their photography skills may prefer to enroll in courses that encourage students to develop a professional portfolio. Some of these programs are research-based, whereas others focus on practical topics like lenses, lighting, or creating an advanced commercial photography studio kit. Of course, many of these programs have prerequisites, even if they are as basic as understanding a camera’s manual settings or using editing software.

However, for every person who wants to learn photography for their profession, there may be even more who enjoy photography as a hobby or creative outlet. Hobbyists often yearn to improve their skills, whether to share more of their work with others or to expand their photo collections. As the old-fashioned photo albums of the past have given way to digital albums—and many photography buffs spend time digitizing hard copies of photos to archive them later—an increasing number of amateur photographers choose to add knowledge, skills, and equipment to their photography arsenal. Improving existing photos, creating digital photo memory reels, and even taking photography-oriented vacations are popular activities for many such hobbyists.

Choosing a photography class can be challenging if your interests fall somewhere between casual hobbyists and professional photographers. To better determine which class would be your best choice, check out photography classes in New York City. While many are open to beginners, others are best suited for photographers with intermediate or advanced skills. Consider your budget, schedule, and reasons for taking a class when you peruse the options, and you are sure to pick the ideal photography course.

What You’ll Learn in a Photography Class

The skills and techniques you can expect to learn in a photography class depend on several factors. First is the length of the program. A short seminar or photo tour will deliver limited information and experience, whereas a multi-unit course offers more in-depth training and education.

Secondly, consider the type of course. Professional photography classes typically train photographers to build or expand a business, while hobbyist-oriented coursework may not include any training related to equipment, studio time, or the photography business. Many classes of interest to hobbyists also attract professionals, especially if they are intermediate- or advanced-level courses.

Third, consider the introductory course that straddles the happy medium between hobbyists and novice professional photographers. You may find some training and knowledge here, but such a class might not be your first choice. A hobbyist may not want more technical information, whereas a budding photographer might prefer to learn more about the business of photography. If you select an introductory course, read the description carefully to ensure it meets your goals, skill level, and other criteria.

Consider the following skill categories for photographers of all kinds, whether amateur or professional.

Hard Skills

Artistic skills—You might not initially associate aesthetic abilities with hard skills. However, most experts consider artistic and technical skills to represent at least 25% of what contributes to being a good photographer. Artistic skills include measurable factors like exposure control and composition, as well as less tangible traits like creativity, the ability to capture a mood, or an aptitude for developing a recognizable personal style.
Technical skills—Technical skills include measurable abilities such as mastery of lighting, post-production techniques, and working with different cameras and lenses. Some photographers excel at the technical aspects of photography, while others are more creative but may be less confident with technical tools. Ideally, a successful photographer will be able to develop both their technical and artistic abilities.

Soft Skills

Communication—If artistic and technical hard skills make up 25% of what defines a successful photographer, the remaining 75% often comes down to soft skills—with communication being among the most essential. Communication at all levels—written, spoken, and even nonverbal—should serve the ultimate goal of capturing excellent images for clients. This applies whether the photographer is working at a networking event, a wedding, or in a portrait studio.
Understanding clients’ needs—While hobbyist photographers don’t typically work with clients, even part-time professionals must prioritize client satisfaction. Although tasks like location scouting and creating a gear checklist fall under hard skills, essential soft skills include using positive language, resolving misunderstandings through communication, and exceeding client expectations whenever possible.

How Long Will It Take to Learn Photography?

Because different levels of training are available, and advanced courses tend to take longer than introductory training, the time it takes to learn photography depends on several factors. Are you pursuing photography as a hobby? If so, a one-day class may provide everything you need in just a few hours. Some courses involve fieldwork, where you bring your camera and shoot photos on the go. Other courses require attendance at multiple locations over several days, which requires a greater investment of time and resources. Some classes also present deeper technical material, such as mastering manual camera settings, taking nighttime photos, or learning to use Photoshop and other Adobe Creative Cloud programs to enhance your results. Check course listings for prerequisites, schedules, and tuition costs to ensure you choose the right class for your goals.

What Are the Advantages of Taking a Photography Class?

Learning from an expert, gaining technical insight into your equipment’s features, and receiving peer support are some of the most common reasons people take a photography class. You may also discover other advantages of guided learning over self-study. Consider the following:

Advantages

Time — Your time is valuable, and you can often save considerable time and energy by taking a guided photography class. Whether you're figuring out your mirrorless or DSLR camera settings or learning Photoshop features and benefits, a course can offer shortcuts and help reduce frustration.
Instructional knowledge — Unless you already work in photography or have taken prior photography classes, your instructor will likely know far more than you. Their expertise—combined with the opportunity to learn from experienced classmates—can make your photography education easier, less stressful, and more enjoyable.
Working with others — An interactive class, whether in a classroom or at field locations, offers benefits that aren't always easy to quantify. Some students enjoy helping classmates adjust settings, others need guidance, and some form lifelong friendships during the course. Between your instructor’s insights and the shared experience with fellow learners, you can expect the whole to be greater than the sum of its parts.
Practice — Anyone over 40 in New York City probably knows the old joke: “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” “Practice, practice, practice.” While that line is about music, photography is another skill that demands regular practice. You can take photos independently on your iPhone or digital camera, but experimenting in a group setting adds valuable perspective. With an instructor’s guidance and the camaraderie of peers, field practice becomes even more beneficial for novice photographers.
Portfolio prep — Even hobbyists or amateur photographers often prefer to organize their work for convenient retrieval and sharing. Whether you attend a one-night hobby workshop or a multi-day course with fieldwork, portfolio preparation is both fun and rewarding. Hobbyists will appreciate how easily they can retrieve and share their work, while professionals will be better prepared for freelance or full-time opportunities.

Disadvantages

There are few disadvantages to taking a photography class unless you enroll in something far more technical than you need or are ready for. Even in such cases, instructors and peers can often help you get up to speed. If you're planning a career in photography, videography, or motion graphics, the only real mistake is enrolling in a course that doesn't expand on what you already know or focuses on topics unrelated to your goals. Otherwise, nearly any photography course can be a worthwhile investment of your time and energy.

Best Photography Classes in NYC

Many amateur and professional photographers in New York City begin their training through a class, either in-person or live online. Consider the following course providers for photography training in New York City.

Noble Desktop—Some of the best photography classes in New York City come from respected course provider Noble Desktop, which Forbes Advisor listed among its top providers for 2024. Their Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp offers a deep dive into using the popular software to improve your photography and related image work. Topics include color correction, filters, and how to combine photos, text, and graphics. Noble also offers an immersive Photo Retouching Certificate program, which covers Photoshop and Lightroom for professionals and serious hobbyists. Check listings as courses fill up quickly.
Art of Intuitive Photography—Art of Intuitive Photography hosts classes for teens and adults at iconic New York City locations like the Staten Island Ferry and Central Park. One of their most popular programs is Digital Photography I: An Introduction for Beginners. This course teaches students ages 16 and older digital photography basics, from manual mode to shutter speed. It features in-person, hands-on training, and you can even rent a camera from Art of Intuitive Photography if you haven't yet purchased your own.
New York City Photo Safari—New York City Photo Safari offers photo walking tours around the city, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Chinatown. Times Square is another magical NYC hotspot, and New York City Photo Safari teaches students to capture it at its best in Night Photography: Times Square at Night. This course gives experienced photographers an expanded skill set, including using flash and long exposure techniques for stunning nighttime photos. There is a prerequisite: applicants should be familiar with f/stop, shutter speed, and ISO relationships and bring a tripod to the session.
New York School of the Arts—If you want to learn how to edit and organize your digital photos efficiently, check out Lightroom for Beginners from the New York School of the Arts. This course delivers the fundamentals of this essential Adobe Creative Cloud software. Participants learn Lightroom tasks like importing, exporting, editing, sizing, and archiving photos. The school recommends this class for artists or photographers who want to prepare a portfolio for exhibitions, websites, social media, or grant applications.
Digital Photo Academy—Digital Photo Academy is another provider that offers photography training nationwide, including in New York City. The All-Day Private Digital Photography session from Digital Photo Academy includes training at all levels for students ages 15 and above. Topics include architectural, landscape, and portrait photography, plus post-capture photo enhancement techniques. Check the class description for more information, as Digital Photo Academy can customize programs based on each student’s interest.
Penumbra Foundation—The non-profit Penumbra Foundation hosts workshops, lectures, and events for the photography community. Among their many course offerings, they provide training in wet plate photography, daguerreotypes, and how to develop a research-based photography practice. Those new to photography can learn about the darkroom through the Penumbra Foundation’s Photograms: An Introduction to the Darkroom class. This weekend workshop allows beginner-level students to learn how to create images without cameras while introducing them to darkroom fundamentals. See course listings for more details.
PhotoUno Photography School—Looking for the perfect photography class for beginners? Check out the PhotoUno Photography School and its Digital Photography I: Taking Control of Your Camera class. Students aged 18 and older can take the immersive 12-hour program to get the fundamentals. Subjects include aperture settings, shutter speed, exposure, focus control, and using the camera's built-in flash, to name a few. Applicants should expect to bring a DSLR, mirrorless, or compact camera with aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual mode.
92nd St. Y—If you want to learn more about mirrorless vs. Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras, check out DSLR Camera Skills for Absolute Beginners from the 92nd St. Y. This intensive class covers DSLR and advanced bridge cameras, taught by an expert instructor. Attendees should bring their fully-charged camera and its manual to each session as they learn about lenses, menus, settings, focal length, depth of field, and composition. The 92nd St. Y is a world-class community and cultural center welcoming students ages 18 and over.

Live Online Photography Classes

Many considerations influence the decision to attend an online class instead of in-person training. Your budget, learning style, and availability can all be factors, so you must weigh the advantages and drawbacks before you invest in a paid course.

If you’re looking for beginner-level photography classes, you can expand your options by including virtual training in your search. Live online courses are typically available from anywhere with an internet connection. That means you can learn from the comfort of your home or office without the need to commute or look for parking.

For a selection of virtual photography classes, consider the following options that you can take live online from anywhere, including New York.

Princeton Photo Workshop—If you’re interested in the work of black-and-white photography masters like Ansel Adams or Diane Arbus, check out the Black & White Landscape/Cityscape class from Princeton Photo Workshop. This unique online live course introduces students to black-and-white digital photography fundamentals, covering topics like converting color images to B&W and using Silver Efex Pro. Tuition includes a free 30-day trial to Silver Efex. There is a prerequisite: applicants must understand Photoshop or Lightroom basics. Check the course listing for additional information.
Penumbra Foundation—The non-profit Penumbra Foundation offers many photography classes, events, and workshops on subjects like daguerreotypes, photograms, and portraiture. Their Anatomy of a Portrait program is an immersive seven-week deep dive into the history and literature of portraiture. Participants learn through diverse readings—art criticism, essays, fiction, poetry—alongside group discussions, visual materials, and folio-style assignments.
Los Angeles Center of Photography—Starting your day later? Join Pacific Time for The Art of Photography: Your Creative Approach from the Los Angeles Center of Photography. This six-session, portfolio-based program begins with portfolio structure, design, and content, and explores the underlying philosophy of photography. Led by a seasoned commercial and fine art photographer, the course includes editing, review, and critique. Open to students ages 18 and up.
92nd St. Y—This Manhattan-based cultural center also offers live online classes. Their Digital Photography: Smart Phone Skills class teaches students how to use their smartphone for high-quality digital photos. Topics include editing apps, filters, and lenses. Students should have their smartphone and a second device (like a laptop or tablet) available for class sessions.
Washington Photo Safari—Marketing Your Photography is an online class from Washington Photo Safari designed to help photographers promote their business. This beginner-friendly evening class covers essential marketing topics like social media, hashtags, SEO, and how to build an effective photography website.
Chicago Botanic Garden—The Chicago Botanic Garden, which features 26 gardens across 385 acres, offers online photography classes via Zoom. For intermediate photographers, their Textures and Patterns in Nature class explores design principles through nature-based photography. The course includes weekly assignments, image reviews, and portfolio-building activities.

Virtual training opens up numerous educational opportunities for photographers, from novices to professionals. If live online learning appeals to you, explore both local and national providers that offer virtual classroom environments. Factors such as your schedule, budget, and equipment access should all be considered when deciding between in-person and virtual learning formats.

To explore even more options, including live online photography programs, check out the Classes Near Me tool from Noble Desktop. Here, you can filter by location for on-site classes or expand your search to include all available virtual training.

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Photography Classes NYC

PhotoUno Photography School Digital Photography I: Taking Control of Your Camera

PhotoUno Photography School Digital Photography II

PhotoUno Photography School iPhone Photography

New York City Photo Safari Manhattan Photo Safari

Learn Photography

New York City Photo Safari Night Photography: Brooklyn Bridge at Night

New York City Photo Safari Photo Safari: Iconic New York (Part 1)

New York City Photo Safari Photo Safari: Iconic New York (Part 2)

New York City Photo Safari Photo Safari: Three and a Half Bridges

New York City Photo Safari Photo Safari: World Trade Center

Art of Intuitive Photography Digital Photography I: An Introduction for Beginners

Key Insights

Learn More About NYC Photography Courses

Why Learn Photography?

What You’ll Learn in a Photography Class

Hard Skills

Soft Skills

How Long Will It Take to Learn Photography?

What Are the Advantages of Taking a Photography Class?

Advantages

Disadvantages

Best Photography Classes in NYC

Live Online Photography Classes

NYC Photography
Corporate & Onsite Training

Photography Training Locations in or Near NYC

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Learn Photography

Key Insights

Learn More About NYC Photography Courses

Why Learn Photography?

What You’ll Learn in a Photography Class

Hard Skills

Soft Skills

How Long Will It Take to Learn Photography?

What Are the Advantages of Taking a Photography Class?

Advantages

Disadvantages

Best Photography Classes in NYC

Live Online Photography Classes

NYC Photography Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Photography Training Locations in or Near NYC

NYC Photography
Corporate & Onsite Training