Photography is a complicated and intricate art form, with hundreds of different techniques, styles and disciplines to learn. Thankfully, there are plenty of top-quality, detailed courses and tutorials out there specifically aimed at beginners. And the best part? Most of them are free to use.

Learning how to effectively use a camera and being able to take high-quality shots will elevate the photos you decide to print. The use of lighting is pivotal when trying to create prints for personal gifts such as wooden gift boxes since the surface may be less vibrant than printing out standard or large prints. This tutorial will, therefore, help to give you the most accurate depiction of your subject.

We’ve compiled a list of the best photography tutorials to help you get the most out of your camera:

1. The Basics of Photography: The Complete Guide – As the title might suggest, Lifehacker’s complete guide will walk you through the general basics of photography in 5 free online courses.

Site: http://lifehacker.com/5815742/basics-of-photography-the-complete-guide

 

2. Digital Camera World – Primarily used for reviews and buying guides, this expansive, community-focused website has plenty of tutorials, covering everything from camera setup to editing.

Site: http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/tutorials

 

3. MIT’s Introduction to Photography and Related Media – A term-long, undergraduate course on photography, this is available on MIT’s open course website.

Site: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/architecture/4-341-introduction-to-photography-and-related-media-fall-2007/

 

4. FStoppers – One of the best websites to visit for photography related articles and sources, the FStoppers YouTube channel is packed with useful visual information.

Site: https://www.youtube.com/user/FStoppers

 

5. Intermediate Photography Course – This aptly named tutorial from photographycourse.net is great if you’re looking for something a bit more advanced. These free courses focus on more specialised subjects, such as focal length and how to shoot a sunset.

Site: http://photographycourse.net/

 

6. Tony and Chelsea Northrup – This couple’s YouTube channel is focused on bringing concise, detailed tutorials on a range of photography mediums.

Site: https://www.youtube.com/user/VistaClues

 

7. Camera Jabber – Updated on a daily basis by real photographers, Camera Jabber is one of the first places you should be checking for the latest photography tutorials and tips.

Site: https://camerajabber.com/photography-tips/

 

8. Beginner Nikon Digital SLR Photography – This free-to-use tutorial will teach you all the ins and outs of your new camera, including all the buttons and dials.

Site: https://www.udemy.com/jp-nikon-dslr-for-beginners/

9. Your Road to Better Photography – Udemy’s free course consists of 10 31-minute video lectures covering an assortment of subjects.

Site: https://www.udemy.com/

 

10. B and H YouTube – Run by one of the USA’s largest photography stores, these short videos are full of little tips and tricks to improve your art.

 

Site: https://www.youtube.com/user/BHPhotoVideoProAudio

 

11. DIY Photography – Well-known for their interactive articles, DIY Photography is a great place for expert advice and tutorials on all the latest camera equipment.

Site: http://www.diyphotography.net/

 

12. Photography: Ditch Auto – Start Shooting in Manual – For the amateur photographers who want to move away from autofocus, this free course is the place to go.

Site: https://www.udemy.com/ditch-auto-start-shooting-in-manual/

 

13. Lighting 101 – Strobist’s free course is immensely popular for those who want to improve their knowledge of lighting techniques.

Site: https://strobist.blogspot.co.uk/2006/03/lighting-101.html

 

14. Photofocus – This YouTube channel has a focus on education, including everything from techniques and gear set-up to business acumen.

Site: https://www.youtube.com/user/photofoustv

 

15. iPhone Photography School – Offering helpful tutorials on how to shoot amazing photos with only your iPhone.

Site: https://iphonephotographyschool.com/

 

16. Karl Taylor’s FREE Photography Course – With over 50,000 enrolled students, these free courses cannot be overlooked.

Site: https://www.karltaylorphotography.com/karl-taylor-photography-courses.htm

 

17. Photoshop and Lightroom by Udemy – This tutorial covers all the aspects of post-processing and editing.

Site: https://www.udemy.com/master-adobe-photoshop-lightroom-cc-from-beginner-to-advan/

 

18. PHLEARN Photoshop Tutorials – Providing a deep understanding of Photoshop, this is perfect for those who want to improve their editing skills.

Site: https://phlearn.com/free-tutorials

 

19. Digital Photography Review – While it’s primarily used for camera guides, the Digital Photography Review website has a number of great tutorials.

Site: https://www.dpreview.com/

 

20. A Complete Introduction to Photography – Alexandre Bruisse’s 30-step Photoclass is a must-see for any photography novice.

Site: https://www.alexbuisse.com/Photoclass/1

 

21. The Art of Photography – Run by RMIT University, this university-level, intensive course is perfect for those who want to study theory as well as practical photography.

Site: https://shortcourses.rmit.edu.au/course_page.php?course=S340164&cbs=a5a7d55cdf66793d5d116974666bbad9

 

22. DigitalRev TV – This Hong-Kong based photographer offers creative tutorials alongside other interesting content.

Site: https://www.youtube.com/user/DigitalRevCom

 

23. The Spruce: Photography – If you’re looking for enlightening articles and informative how-to videos, check out the Spruce’s photography site.

Site: https://www.thespruce.com/photography-4127416

 

24. Cambridge in Colour – Beginners can browse a range of tutorials and ask questions to the established community.

Site: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm

 

25. Craftsy’s Professional Family Portraits – If you have a passion for portrait photography, this free to use tutorial is a must-see.

Site: https://www.craftsy.com/photography/classes/professional-family-portraits/35738

 

26. Cooperative Photography – A YouTube community built around collaboration, their detailed photography tutorials are easy to follow and insightful.

Site: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCooph

 

27. Digital Photography School – Find beginner tutorials for photography, camera equipment and post-processing under one, easy-to-navigate roof.

Site: https://digital-photography-school.com/tips/

 

28. Pixels After Dark: Shooting the Night – With this one and a half-hour tutorial, you’ll learn everything you need for shooting at night.

Site: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/pixels-after-dark

 

29. CreativeLive’s On-Air Photography – Usually a paid service, the On-Air section allows you to access free tutorials on a number of topics.

Site: https://www.creativelive.com/onair?via=upcoming-classes_9

 

30. Adorama TV – With a focus on equipment and camera tips, these in-depth video tutorials are perfect for any beginner.

Site: https://www.youtube.com/user/adoramaTV

 

31. PetaPixel – A one-stop-shop for all photographer resources, PetaPixel’s tutorials cover everything from shot technique to equipment.

Site: https://petapixel.com/topic/tutorials/

 

32. Create a Gorgeous Photography Site – Created by the photographer SmugMug, this free course will teach you everything you need to know to set up an online portfolio.

Site: https://www.udemy.com/create-a-gorgeous-photography-site-with-smugmug-in-90-mins/

 

33. Commercial Photography by FutureLearn – This university-level course is perfect for those with an interest in the photography industry, with great tutorials on how to make your photos really pop.

Site: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/commercial-photography

 

34. Eric Kim Photography – A California based photographer, Eric’s tutorials on street photography are second to none. Check them out!

Site: https://erickimphotography.com/

 

35. Computational Photography – A professional and in-depth course, this is great if you want to boost your knowledge of editing and sharing your photos.

Site: https://www.udacity.com/course/computational-photography–ud955

 

36. Overcoming Self-Doubt and Finding Confidence as a Photographer – Available at Whim Magazine, this 7-part tutorial is a great start for beginners who need a little more confidence in their work.

Site: http://www.subscribepage.com/whim-ecourse

 

37. The Art of Photography – Not only can you learn the history of photography from this YouTube channel, you can also find insightful tutorials on all aspects of the subject.

Site: https://www.youtube.com/user/theartofphotography

 

38. Anthony Morganti’s Video Series on Lightroom 5 – An in-depth tutorial to editing software, from the very basics to the more advanced settings.

Site: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLllFqBuTM0WI0fC_PujkGoLMyXWXd3yF7

 

39. Photographer Overnight – If you want to get the lowdown on the actual industry, these video tutorials are a good start.

Site: https://howtostartphotography.com/

 

40. Using a Photographic Light Meter – It’s an underrated tool, and if you’re just starting out, you’ll want to know how to use it properly.

Site: http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/3335/how-to-use-a-hand-held-light-meter/

Have you got any other suggestions? Let us know how you got on in the comments below!