In the ever-growing world of e-commerce, captivating product images are crucial for drawing in customers and driving sales. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelance photographer, or simply passionate about product photography, learning how to take stunning photos can significantly impact your success. Luckily, many online platforms offer product photography courses to help you sharpen your skills and create high-quality images.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top product photography courses online, highlight their key features, and explain why they are great options for mastering the art of photographing products.


Why Take a Product Photography Course?

Before diving into the list of top product photography courses online, it’s important to understand why investing in a course can be a game-changer for your photography career or business.

1. Learn from Professionals

Product photography courses are taught by industry experts who have years of experience working with different types of products and styles. They’ll provide you with insider tips, real-world examples, and advanced techniques.

2. Improve Your Skills

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your existing skills, online courses can teach you everything from basic techniques (like lighting and composition) to more advanced strategies (such as studio setup and retouching).

3. Enhance Your E-commerce Presence

Good product photos increase the likelihood of conversions in an online store. Learning how to capture product images that highlight your items’ best features can boost your e-commerce sales and brand visibility.


Top Product Photography Courses Online

Here are the best product photography courses available online for photographers at all levels:

1. Skillshare: Product Photography for Beginners by Kate L.

Skillshare offers a variety of creative courses, and one of the best for beginners is “Product Photography for Beginners” by Kate L. This course is ideal if you want to learn the fundamentals of product photography in a user-friendly format.

  • What You’ll Learn:
    • Basic photography setup (lighting, background, camera settings)
    • How to take clean, professional-looking photos of products
    • Tips for styling and composition
    • How to use natural light and affordable tools
  • Why It’s Great:
    • The course is short and practical.
    • It’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t require expensive equipment.
    • Provides useful tips for shooting various products, from jewelry to food.

2. Udemy: Product Photography Masterclass: How to Take Product Photos Like a Pro

Udemy offers a highly-rated course called “Product Photography Masterclass” by Karl Taylor, designed for those who want to go beyond basic photography and master professional product photography techniques.

  • What You’ll Learn:
    • How to use studio lighting and light modifiers
    • Advanced techniques for capturing product details and textures
    • Post-production tips (editing and retouching)
    • How to create a consistent style for your product shots
  • Why It’s Great:
    • Comprehensive course, suitable for all levels.
    • Includes practical assignments and real-life examples.
    • Lifetime access to materials and updates.

3. LinkedIn Learning: Product Photography: Shooting on Location by Tim Grey

LinkedIn Learning offers various professional courses on photography, and one of the standout options is “Product Photography: Shooting on Location” by Tim Grey. This course is great if you want to photograph products outside of a studio setting, for example, in natural environments or retail spaces.

  • What You’ll Learn:
    • How to shoot products outdoors or in non-studio environments
    • Techniques for overcoming challenges like lighting and background distractions
    • How to work with models and props for lifestyle photography
  • Why It’s Great:
    • Focuses on shooting in dynamic, non-studio settings.
    • Covers how to make the most of natural light and adjust your settings for outdoor photography.
    • Teaches skills that are transferable to other types of photography.

4. CreativeLive: Product Photography: How to Take Amazing Product Photos by Jared Platt

CreativeLive offers an exceptional course by Jared Platt, a seasoned photographer, called “Product Photography: How to Take Amazing Product Photos.” This course is perfect if you want to learn how to create beautiful images that capture a product’s true essence.

  • What You’ll Learn:
    • How to set up your product photography studio
    • The importance of lighting, backgrounds, and props in product shots
    • Basic product photography gear setup
    • How to edit product photos to enhance colors, texture, and details
  • Why It’s Great:
    • It covers both beginner and intermediate skills.
    • The course is highly visual, with step-by-step demonstrations.
    • It’s perfect for those who want to take their product photography to the next level.

5. MasterClass: Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography

While MasterClass is not exclusively focused on product photography, it offers a course by one of the most famous photographers in the world—Annie Leibovitz. In her class, you’ll learn how to approach photography creatively, which can be incredibly beneficial when styling and shooting products in an artistic way.

  • What You’ll Learn:
    • Photography fundamentals, including lighting and composition
    • How to use creativity in your photography for unique product shots
    • How to capture subjects in both intimate and dramatic ways
  • Why It’s Great:
    • Annie Leibovitz is a world-renowned photographer with unique perspectives.
    • The course focuses on creative expression, which can help you stand out in product photography.
    • Offers a high-quality, inspirational learning experience.

What to Look for in a Product Photography Course

When choosing the best product photography course online, keep the following factors in mind:

  • Skill Level: Consider your current level of expertise and choose a course that suits your experience. Some courses are beginner-focused, while others dive into more advanced techniques.
  • Instructor Quality: Look for courses taught by reputable photographers or experts in the industry who can provide valuable insights and techniques.
  • Course Content: Ensure the course covers relevant topics like lighting, styling, editing, and gear setup. Hands-on assignments and real-world examples can also be very helpful.
  • Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings to gauge whether other students have found the course helpful and informative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I learn product photography without any prior experience?

Yes, many of the courses listed above are designed for beginners and assume no prior photography knowledge. They cover everything from the basics of lighting to more advanced techniques.

2. Do I need expensive equipment for product photography?

While high-end cameras and lenses can help, you don’t need expensive gear to start. Many online courses teach how to make the most of affordable equipment or even natural light. As you gain more experience, you can invest in more professional equipment.

3. How long does it take to master product photography?

Mastering product photography can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your commitment, practice, and learning pace. It’s important to practice regularly and experiment with different techniques.

4. What are the best tools for editing product photos?

Some of the best tools for editing product photos include Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. These programs allow you to adjust color, contrast, sharpness, and other essential elements to make your product images stand out.

5. Can I take product photos with a smartphone?

Yes, many courses teach how to capture professional-quality product photos using a smartphone. With proper lighting, composition, and editing, smartphone photos can be high-quality and effective for e-commerce.


Conclusion

Mastering product photography is an invaluable skill for any photographer, marketer, or business owner looking to showcase their products online. By investing in the top product photography courses online, you can enhance your skills and create eye-catching, professional images that will elevate your brand and boost your sales.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your technique, the courses listed above offer something for everyone. Choose the one that fits your style, budget, and learning preferences, and start capturing stunning product photos today!


This article is designed to provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for photographers looking to improve their product photography skills. Whether for professional purposes or personal growth, these online courses will help you master the art of photographing products!

This page was last edited on 27 March 2025, at 1:32 pm