In today’s digital age, learning photography and photo editing has become incredibly accessible. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or an experienced one wanting to sharpen your skills, YouTube offers a vast array of channels that can guide you step-by-step through both the basics and advanced techniques. The best part? You can learn at your own pace, right from the comfort of your home.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best YouTube channels for learning photography and photo editing, offering expert insights, tips, and tutorials. Let’s dive in!

1. Peter McKinnon

If you’re into creative storytelling through photography, Peter McKinnon is a channel you cannot miss. Known for his cinematic style, McKinnon provides tutorials on everything from camera gear reviews, shooting techniques, and, most importantly, photo editing using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. He simplifies complex topics, making it easier for beginners to grasp.

Why Watch:

  • High-quality tutorials with a cinematic touch.
  • Content for both beginners and professionals.
  • Engaging and easy-to-follow lessons.

2. Mango Street

Mango Street is perfect for those who want short and impactful photography lessons. This channel focuses on delivering concise tutorials without overwhelming you with technical jargon. Their videos cover various photography topics, including lighting, composition, and editing. They also provide Lightroom and Photoshop editing tutorials, helping you improve your post-processing game.

Why Watch:

  • Bite-sized tutorials ideal for learners with limited time.
  • Beautiful visuals and clear instructions.
  • Great for beginner to intermediate photographers.

3. Phlearn

If you’re looking to master photo editing in Photoshop, Phlearn is the go-to YouTube channel. Aaron Nace, the creator of Phlearn, provides comprehensive tutorials on every aspect of Photoshop and Lightroom. From basic tools to advanced techniques like frequency separation, masking, and retouching, Phlearn has a treasure trove of content.

Why Watch:

  • In-depth Photoshop tutorials.
  • Step-by-step guides on photo manipulation and retouching.
  • Excellent for both beginners and advanced users.

4. Jessica Kobeissi

A professional fashion photographer, Jessica Kobeissi, shares insightful tutorials on portrait photography and editing. Her YouTube channel is perfect for those interested in fashion and portrait photography. She also conducts “Editing My Subscribers’ Photos” sessions, where she provides valuable feedback on user-submitted images.

Why Watch:

  • Focus on portrait photography and editing.
  • Engaging and fun approach to teaching.
  • Interactive content with real-world examples.

5. The Art of Photography

Run by photographer Ted Forbes, The Art of Photography dives deeper into the artistry and philosophy of photography. This channel covers everything from photography techniques, equipment reviews, to editing and post-processing tips. Forbes also shares lessons on how to develop your photographic eye and create compelling images.

Why Watch:

  • Comprehensive insights into photography as an art form.
  • Detailed equipment and gear reviews.
  • Practical editing tips for enhancing your photos.

6. Nigel Danson

Nigel Danson focuses on landscape photography and editing, making his channel a must-watch for nature enthusiasts. His tutorials cover composition, using light, camera settings, and how to edit landscape images in Lightroom. He often shares his experiences in the field, offering inspiration and practical tips for photographers at all levels.

Why Watch:

  • Specialization in landscape photography.
  • Tutorials combining photography and editing.
  • Outdoor photography tips and inspiration.

7. Sorelle Amore

Known for her “Advanced Selfies” series, Sorelle Amore has a unique approach to photography, focusing on self-portraits and travel photography. Her channel also includes Lightroom and Photoshop editing tutorials that are fun, easy to follow, and full of creativity.

Why Watch:

  • Focus on creative self-portraits.
  • Inspiring content for travel photography.
  • Light and enjoyable editing tutorials.

8. PiXimperfect

When it comes to mastering photo editing, PiXimperfect, hosted by Unmesh Dinda, is one of the best YouTube channels out there. He provides top-notch tutorials on Photoshop with an emphasis on practical tips and creative techniques. His tutorials cover retouching, color grading, and special effects in depth, making this channel ideal for those who want to elevate their editing skills.

Why Watch:

  • Detailed, step-by-step Photoshop tutorials.
  • Focus on practical editing techniques.
  • Ideal for intermediate to advanced users.

9. Sean Tucker

Sean Tucker is not just about photography skills but also about the philosophy behind photography. His channel delves into the art, mindset, and emotional aspect of photography. Alongside this, Sean offers practical tutorials on editing with an emphasis on color grading, composition, and storytelling.

Why Watch:

  • Insightful discussions on photography philosophy.
  • Practical tutorials on photo editing.
  • Encourages creativity and storytelling.

10. Mark Denney

If you’re a landscape photography enthusiast, Mark Denney’s YouTube channel is for you. He shares tips on how to shoot landscapes, improve compositions, and post-process images in Lightroom. His tutorials are easy to follow and cover both technical and creative aspects of photography.

Why Watch:

  • Focus on landscape photography and Lightroom editing.
  • Practical and easy-to-follow tutorials.
  • Useful for both beginners and seasoned photographers.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to improve your photography or refine your photo editing skills, these YouTube channels offer something for everyone. From cinematic storytelling to technical editing, these creators provide invaluable resources to help you grow as a photographer.

With consistent practice and a little help from these experts, you can enhance your creativity, technical skills, and ability to tell compelling stories through your photos.


FAQs

Q1: Which YouTube channel is best for beginners in photography?
A: For beginners, Peter McKinnon and Mango Street are excellent choices. They offer easy-to-follow tutorials that cover both photography fundamentals and editing basics.

Q2: What’s the best YouTube channel for learning Adobe Photoshop?
A: Phlearn and PiXimperfect are highly recommended for learning Adobe Photoshop. They provide in-depth, step-by-step tutorials on everything from basic tools to advanced photo manipulation techniques.

Q3: Is YouTube a good platform for learning photography?
A: Yes! YouTube is one of the best free resources for learning photography. You can access a wide variety of content, including tutorials, gear reviews, editing techniques, and creative tips from experienced professionals.

Q4: Can I learn photo editing on YouTube without prior experience?
A: Absolutely! Channels like Jessica Kobeissi and Unmesh Dinda (PiXimperfect) offer beginner-friendly content that can guide you through the basics of photo editing.

Q5: Are there channels specifically for landscape photography?
A: Yes, channels like Nigel Danson and Mark Denney focus specifically on landscape photography, offering tips on shooting in natural environments and post-processing in Lightroom.

By subscribing to these channels, you’ll have access to a wealth of knowledge that will guide you on your journey to becoming a skilled photographer and photo editor.

This page was last edited on 6 October 2024, at 4:52 pm