Best Online Videography Courses

by Holly Harvey

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Nowadays, it seems like everyone wants to produce high quality videos for personal or professional use. And the world of videography is vast, spanning documentaries, travel vlogs, commercial product shoots and short-form videos ideal for TikTok and Instagram reels. 

Mastering videography is a rewarding experience, preserving memories for years to come and capturing moments that could otherwise only be seen in person. 

I’ve done the leg work, compiling 25 of the top online videography courses and whittling them down to the top 1. Taking into account cost, equipment required, length and experience level so you can start shooting cinemagraphic content. 

So without further ado, let’s get started. 

What is the best online videography course?

  1. Video Production Bootcamp: Videography, Cinematography (Udemy)
  2. Videography For Beginners: Learn How to Make 4 Types of Short Videos for Business or Hobby (Skillshare)
  3. Drones: how to tell Aerial Stories [Updated course Jan 2023] (Udemy)
  4. Cinematography Masterclass: The Complete Videography Guide (Udemy)
  5. Food Videography Masterclass for beginners (Skillshare)
  6. Video Foundations: Cameras and Shooting (LinkedIn Learning)
  7. DIY Filming and Editing: How to Create Cinematic Beauty Videos (Skillshare)
  8. From Clueless to Content Creator: make engaging videos that attract an audience (Skillshare)
  9. Wedding Videography: Learn To Shoot And Edit Wedding Videos (Udemy)
  10. Documentary Filmmaking Step by Step (Udemy)
  11. Top 10 Video Camera Tricks (LinkedIn Learning)

My top pick is Video Production Bootcamp: Videography, Cinematography, which covers shooting with all types of cameras: smartphone, DSLR, mirrorless and even webcams. You’ll learn through high-quality case studies for different video types and walkthroughs. There's also bonus recommendations for cameras and equipment suited to a range of budgets. 

If you’re looking for a walkthrough from beginner to intermediate, Videography for beginners will level you up in no time. With PDF guides to videography essentials such as composition and framing, you’ll have notes to refer to once the course has finished.

Benefitting from the expertise of three different instructors it covers editing with iMovie, a free software, and has 4 different projects so you can practice producing different kinds of videos suited to a range of platforms.

Drones: How to tell an aerial story is my favorite focussed course. It provides guidance on flying a drone safely and in depth editing with Premiere Pro. With unique coverage of viewer psychology, you’ll learn how to shoot from above, telling a story that really gives your audience an experience. 

Best free online videography course

Though not strictly speaking free, LinkedIn Learning and Skillshare offer a subscription with a one month free trial. That’s plenty of time to take these courses and sample the platforms.

All the courses on this list have unique topics and a range of teaching styles suited to different audiences. Some are free without a certificate of completion, some are focused on a specific outcome, and some take less than 2 hours. To find out which one is right for you, keep reading.

Best online videography course reviews

1. Video Production Bootcamp: Videography, Cinematography (Udemy)

Udemy top videography course

Platform: Udemy | Teacher: Phil Ebiner, William Carnahan and Sam Shimizu | Course length: 76 video lessons totaling 9 hours 3 minutes

In this course you will benefit from the expertise of different instructors with Will experienced in films and documentaries, producing content for Disney and ESPN. Sam is a cultural photographer traveling Europe, Asia and South America to tell others’ stories through cinematic videos. Together they have taught over 2 million students with instructor ratings over 4.6

You’ll learn:

  • How to achieve quality lighting on a budget
  • To tell a story through video editing 
  • How to produce clear audio recordings with different microphones (Lavalier, shotgun, computer)
  • Editing with Premiere Pro 
  • How to choose an optimal background
  • How to export videos online and grow a YouTube channel

Pros

  • Case studies of documentary films, wedding and events videos, and corporate promos 
  • Covers smartphone, DSLR, mirrorless, webcams and aerial drones
  • Plenty of demonstrations including a lighting demonstration showing the impact lighting can make on your videos 
  • Recommendations of audio, lighting, editing and drone equipment for different budgets
  • Included in Udemy personal plan

Cons 

  • Some repetition but can reinforce learning
  • Would benefit from a lecture on smartphone camera settings

Who’s it for: suitable for any camera type and budget, this class would be great for content creators, bloggers, YouTubers and business owners wanting to level up their video quality

Overall: a comprehensive course that starts with basics, covering different shot types and how to get the most out of any camera. The lessons on editing are ideal for Premiere Pro newbies, giving a complete walkthrough and then encouraging creativity and storytelling. Information is sure to stick with clear case studies to demonstrate skills covered and inspire future projects. 

2. Videography For Beginners: Learn How to Make 4 Types of Short Videos for Business or Hobby (Skillshare)

skillshare videography for beginners

Platform: Skillshare | Teacher: Randy Alan | Course length: 42 video lessons totaling 2 hours 

Randy Alan has over 10 years of experience as a videographer, working as a TV production assistant and freelancer. In this short course you’ll learn the ins and outs of your camera, how to edit videos with fun transitions and find your personal videography style.

You’ll learn:

  • The different types of video production
  • How to use transitions 
  • The fundamentals of composition and framing
  • How to add text and backgrounds to your videos 
  • How to use a DSLR, GoPro and camera phone for different videos

Pros

  • PDF guide to composition and framing
  • Applicable for a range of cameras 
  • Concise explanations
  • Uses examples from his own work
  • Beginner friendly – no confusing jargon 
  • 4 projects (creative hobby, freelance, corporate and vlog project) to consolidate your skills 

Cons 

  • Editing section is with iMovie only so will need a Mac computer

Who’s it for: this program is aimed at beginners. With a significant portion dedicated to understanding your camera and types of videos it wouldn’t have much new information for those with experience.  

Overall: a short introductory course concisely explained with high-quality examples. The four hands-on projects will push you to develop a range of videography styles and the PDF guides to composition and framing can be used on set so no need to take notes.

3. Drones: How to Tell Aerial Stories [Updated course Jan 2023] (Udemy)

drone videography photography course

Platform: Udemy | Teacher: Alex Assenmacher | Course length: 59 video lessons totaling 5 hours 12 minutes

Alex Assenmacher has a bachelors in Cinematography and a Master’s of Art and Communication Media. He’s an avid drone lover and hosts the WETALKUAV Youtube Channel where he tests and reviews drones. This course will guide you from preflight to end of edit, and help you build a captivating narrative through aerial videos.

You’ll learn:

  • How to fly a drone safely and security guidelines
  • How to use tell a story with your videos 
  • The importance of audio in videography
  • Best soundtrack and music websites
  • How to video edit with Premiere Pro
  • How to tap into the psychology of your viewer

Pros

  • Instructor uses examples to explain concepts 
  • Beginner friendly – lectures build up from the basics to more advanced
  • Experienced and engaging instructor 
  • Recap PDF for every chapter
  • Covers psychology of viewers which is unique to this course

Cons 

  • Theory heavy
  • If you prefer another editing software, this program only covers Premiere Pro

Who’s it for: covering beginner friendly flying advice; videography essentials such as frame rates and aperture, as well as advanced storytelling – this program is for anyone wanting to film content from above.

Overall: whether you have unboxed a drone for Christmas or are a frequent flier this program has everything you need to produce cinematic aerial videos. Whilst theory heavy, concepts are concisely explained with most lectures under 10 minutes and the recap PDFs are ideal to refer back to once you’ve completed the course.

4. Cinematography Masterclass: The Complete Videography Guide (Udemy)

cinematography masterclass videography

Platform: Udemy | Teacher: Julian Melanson | Course length: 87 video lessons totaling 6 hours 7 minutes

Julian Melanson has 10+ years of experience in the film industry, shooting for the Discovery Channel, Taco Bell and Red Bull to name a few. He's since taught over 145,000 students in 130 countries with an instructor rating of 4.5.

This course will teach you how to make the most of your camera, shoot professional videos that can be used personally or commercially in advertising, with a focus on social media. 

You’ll learn:

  • How to get the most out of the settings on your camera or smartphone 
  • The fundamentals of composition
  • How to use different lenses and cameras for dramatic effect
  • Which microphones to use for different settings 
  • How to make people look good in photos and videos 
  • In camera transitions 

Pros

  • Covers smartphone, DSLR and mirrorless cameras
  • 6 detailed case studies so you can see how to apply the theory outlined in the course
  • Includes 3 lectures with expert guest speaker
  • Logically split into 13 sections of videos under 40 minutes each
  • 10 interactive exercises
  • Course recap video and creative challenge for you to practice your new skills!

Cons 

  • Uses iPhone in examples often so less helpful to those shooting exclusively on a DSLR
  • Instructor is chewing gum in some lectures

Who’s it for: beginners and intermediates. It’s well suited to beginners and with smartphones in mind, there’s no need for a DSLR. It also includes intermediate transitions and editing techniques. 

Overall: a comprehensive course that covers videography fundamentals such as lighting, lenses and audio recording. It’s hands on course with step-by-step instructions and plenty of practice exercises to consolidate your new skills. Intermediates will enjoy perspectives from guest speakers and additional videography articles. 

5. Food Videography Masterclass for beginners (Skillshare)

food videography course

Platform: Skillshare | Teacher: Rose Nene | Course length: 47 video lessons totaling 3 hours 19 minutes

Rose Nene is a photographer and videographer from the Philippines who specializes in food and product videography. Having bought the most expensive cameras, editing software and courses at the start of her journey, she is passionate about showing beginners the ropes so they can avoid these pitfalls. In short, well-presented video lectures, you’ll learn how to plan, shoot, edit and export food and product videos to various platforms.  

You’ll learn:

  • Must have equipment 
  • How to plan and make a storyboard
  • Where to get free music for your videos
  • How to tell stories in food videos 
  • How to edit using Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Different shooting styles 

Pros

  • Videos follow a logical order – building on skills learned in the previous video 
  • Engaging and passionate instructor
  • Covers iPhone, DSLR and mirrorless cameras
  • Includes Premiere Pro cheat sheet with key definitions
  • Printable storyboard template 
  • Class project to consolidate skills

Cons 

  • Some specialist equipment used in the course, though it can be completed without these

Who’s it for: beginners and intermediates. If you’re passionate about food, a business owner or a chef wanting to showcase your work then this is the course for you.

Overall: a concise A-Z on all thing’s food videography. Nene is engaging and builds on the previous lecture with minimal equipment required so it’s ideal for beginners. The Premiere Pro cheat sheet and bonus storyboard template are high-quality and will help you dive into your first photoshoot. 

6. Video Foundations: Cameras and Shooting (LinkedIn Learning)

video foundations course

Platform: LinkedIn Learning | Teacher: Anthony Q. Artis | Course length: 33 video lessons totaling 2 hours 58 minutes

Anthony Artis has 20 years of experience in the videography world, with his work having been screened at the Tribeca Film Festival, Slamdance and featured on MTV. In this beginner friendly course, he’ll explain the anatomy of your camera before helping you achieve the perfect shot by choosing the best shutter speed, lighting and exposure. 

You’ll learn:

  • To work with lighting instruments
  • How to use ND filters to correct overexposure
  • Important camera settings
  • To choose the right shutter speed
  • How to use a boom microphone
  • How to find the right tripod for you 

Pros

  • PDF of recommended books and podcasts
  • Camera buying guide resource included 
  • Concise explanations
  • End of chapter quizzes 
  • Short course – can be completed within LinkedIn Learning’s free trial 

Cons 

  • More focused on DSLR so less appropriate for smartphone users

Who’s it for: with clearly defined key terms and a deep dive into camera anatomy this class is ideal for beginners. 

Overall: an easy watch with video lectures under 15 minutes and chapter quizzes to check your understanding. If you’re considering seriously pursuing videography, the camera buying guide offers helpful advice on how to pick the one for you. It can also be completed within LinkedIn Learning’s free trial without a certificate of completion. 

7. DIY Filming and Editing: How to Create Cinematic Beauty Videos (Skillshare)

DIY filming and editing course

Platform: Skillshare | Teacher: Shirin Navhi | Course length: 11 video lessons totaling 1 hours 17 minutes

Shirin Nahvi is a content creator, photographer and videographer based in LA and working with brands such as Maybelline, Erno Laszlo and Adobe. She was one of four Adobe Creative Residents between 2021-2022 and is the founder of Ziba Studios, a creative agency for beauty brands. In this short course you’ll learn how to plan, shoot and edit short-form videos.

You’ll learn:

  • How to create a mood board and shot list 
  • The best times to shoot your content 
  • Editing with Premiere Pro
  • How to use manual camera settings
  • The best filters to use in short-form videos 

Pros

  • Focuses on short-form video – ideal for TikTok and Instagram reels
  • Step-by-step walkthroughs
  • High-quality videos 
  • Mood board and shot list template 
  • Project to consolidate what’s been learnt
  • Short recap at the end of the video

Cons 

  • Lesson on lighting could be more comprehensive 

Who’s it for: aspiring content creators and beauty brand marketers and owners. If you produce makeup tutorials, sell cosmetics, or review beauty products you’ll learn how to capture the product’s finer features and edit to feed-worthy perfection.

Overall: Shirin packs step-by-step walk-throughs into impressively concise video lectures. With professional mood boards and shot list templates, these resources can be used for marketing purposes and bring your product launch to life, with results most suitable for TikTok and Instagram Reels. 

8. From Clueless to Content Creator: Make Engaging Videos That Attract An Audience (Skillshare)

shooting b-roll videography course

Platform: Skillshare | Teacher: Aaron Palabyab | Course length: 15 video lessons totaling 50 minutes

Under the guidance of Aaron, a bubbly and engaging instructor, you’ll learn the key frame rates and shot types for different types of videos. It’s less theory-heavy than some of the others, and the final project is ideal for  content creators as it can be posted directly to your socials once you’ve completed the course. 

You’ll learn:

  • The equipment you’ll need 
  • How to set up a home studio for recording videos and audio
  • How to structure a script to engage an audience 
  • How to produce visually appealing, high-quality content 
  • How to build a loyal audience 

Pros

  • Uses case studies in each lecture to explain concepts and plenty of examples
  • Discussion forum with responsive instructor 
  • Templates for shot list and script template 
  • Recommended wider resources including free online events and YouTube videos 
  • Final project – mini review, or day in the life or travel vlog

Cons 

  • Niche subject – aimed towards aspiring content creators 
  • While there is concrete advice on frame-rate and composition, other courses dive deeper into this

Who’s it for: content creators. Crisp audio and creative visuals are king on social media and this short program will guide you on how to achieve these essentials at home.

Overall: Aaron is fun and engaging, using examples throughout each short video so you know exactly what you’re aiming for. Especially suitable for content creators and growing an audience, this course lacks depth on theory of composition but makes up for it with clear instructions on frame rates and shot types for different types of videos. The final project is relevant to content creators and can be posted directly to your socials after completion.

9. Wedding Videography: Learn to Shoot and Edit Wedding Videos (Udemy)

wedding videography course

Platform: Udemy | Teacher: Zafer Tanyas | Course length: 23 video lessons totaling 4 hours 51 minutes

Zafer Tanyas has 10 years of experience in the wedding videography business and has shot over 300 weddings. He previously produced event and commercial videos as well as music videos for a range of clients. In this program, you’ll learn the key settings on your camera and how to shoot at a variety of locations before building up to the perfect edit. 

You’ll learn:

  • Key settings on your DSLR 
  • Techniques for close-up, mid and wide shots
  • How to color correct your videos 
  • How to choose the appropriate song to make your video come to life 
  • How to edit your video to the rhythm of a song

Pros

  • Concise and well-explained lectures
  • Plenty of examples from the Zafer’s own work 
  • Section dedicated to shooting outside 
  • Instructor rating of 4.6
  • High quality lectures with visually appealing setting

Cons 

  • You will need a DSLR camera for this class
  • Instructor has a strong accent 

Who’s it for: DSLR owning beginners and intermediates. This course covers how to execute key shots and basic color correction as well as creative editing techniques that would suit intermediates. 

Overall: beautifully presented video lectures with an engaging and experienced instructor. Examples from Zafer’s work bring the skills covered in class to life and serve as inspiration for your future projects.

10. Documentary Filmmaking Step by Step (Udemy)

documentary filmmaking course

Platform: Udemy | Teacher: Adam Bhala Lough | Course length: 39 video lessons totaling 4 hours 43 minutes

A beginner friendly course that breaks down the key equipment and skills you’ll need to produce a high-quality documentary. You’ll also learn where to find free music for your edits, how to apply to film festivals and money-saving hacks so production doesn’t cost the earth.

You’ll learn:

  • The equipment needed to shoot a short film or documentary 
  • How to interview difficult subjects and win their trust
  • Where to find free music for your videos 
  • What ‘fair use’ is and how it can save you money
  • How much you should pay for your crew 
  • The fundamentals of self-distribution and how to apply to film festivals 

Pros

  • Example short films from former students
  • Suitable for different budgets
  • Encouraging and honest instructor, offers advice to avoid common pitfalls
  • Includes templates for contracts, budgets, schedules and agreements 
  • 30-day money back guarantee 

Cons 

  • Would benefit from more in-lecture examples

Who’s it for: with beginner friendly lectures on necessary equipment, all the way up to publishing and promoting your documentary this class is for anyone wanting to film a high-quality and personal short film. It would also suit those looking to make a memorial video for a loved one. 

Overall: breaking into the world of documentaries and films can be daunting, with high costs and unclear salaries. Adam’s expertise shines through, showing you how to get your work out there and helping you avoid unnecessary expenses along the way. With a 30-day money back guarantee, what do you have to lose?

11. Top 10 Video Camera Tricks (LinkedIn Learning)

video camera tricks course

Platform: LinkedIn Learning | Teacher: Richard Harrington | Course length: 30 video lessons totaling 1 hours 18 minutes

Richard Harrington is a digital video expert and has authored several books including From Still to Motion, Photoshop for Video and An Editor’s Guide to Adobe Premiere Pro. Under his guidance you’ll learn the value of 9 key shots and how to execute them like a pro. 

You’ll learn:

  • How to capture a looping object with a turntable
  • How to use a green screen on a budget 
  • The equipment needed for capturing a moving vehicle, hyperlapse, and time-lapse shot
  • How to use low angle shots
  • Why POV shots are useful

Pros

  • Well-presented and high-quality 
  • Experienced instructor
  • Short videos under 8 minutes
  • Certificate of completion
  • Can be completed within LinkedIn Learning’s free trial 

Cons 

  • Could cover editing in more depth

Who’s it for: intermediates looking to level up their videos with fun transitions and high-quality trick shots.

Overall: a short and informative course most suited to intermediates. Richard’s experience shines through with high-quality and well-presented lectures, featuring demonstrations throughout.

What are the advantages of taking an online videography course?

  • Preserve memories– a picture may be worth a thousand words but so is a video. Whether you traveled to the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen or witnessed a family member at the altar, a high-quality video can transport you back to that moment in a way words cannot.  
  • Achieve social media goals and share content – with the rise of social media content creation can be a lucrative career and great way to share your product. An online videography course will help you achieve clean shots, creative transitions and crisp audio that will help you attract a wide audience who will stick around and invest in your product.
  • It is cost-effective – for most people it’s not necessary to go to film school to produce a high-quality video or documentary. Online courses are considerably cheaper and can be completed anywhere with projects to consolidate your skills. 

Buyer’s guide: what to look out for?

  • The equipment required – cameras, tripods, lenses, and locations can be expensive. If you’re planning on shooting with a smartphone, be sure to check that the course isn’t too heavy on the anatomy of a DSLR cameras or settings specific to mirrorless cameras.
  • The instructor qualifications – an instructor who has been to film school or studied videography is great. However, with practical skills like videography, experience in the field is king. The expertise of documentary-makers, youtubers and content creators are great as they often explain using examples from their own profiles and have plenty of inspiration for your future content.
  • The additional resources – some courses on this list include camera buying guides, shot list templates, and guides for hiring crew. These are suited to different skill levels so keep an eye out for courses with additional resources suited to your level and needs. 

How much does it cost?

Several courses included on this list are free of charge without a certificate. Some can be accessed using a subscription ranging from $30-$39.99 or completed within a free trial time frame. Paid courses range from $59.99 to $94.99.

LinkedIn Learning subscriptions start from $39.99 and would give you access to 2 of the 11 courses on this list. You’ll receive a certificate of completion that can be conveniently added to your LinkedIn profile and access to over 5,000 courses. They also offer a 1-month free trial. 

Skillshare offers a subscription starting from $32/month. It includes 4 classes on this list, with nearly 30,000 additional courses and can be trialed free for one month.  

Udemy offers a personal Plan for $30/month, which would give you access to 3 of the courses on this list for less than the price of buying 1. They offer a 1-month free trial and there are over 8,000 other courses included as well. 

How long does it take to learn videography?

The courses outlined in this article range from 50 minutes to 9 hours, but some include recommended readings, projects, and quizzes. Niche courses are generally under 3 hours, while comprehensive courses are between 3 and 9 hours. 

It is important to mention that the advantage of taking an online course is you can work at your own pace. If you are interested in a niche area of videography or hoping to brush up on a specific skill then many lectures can be skipped, drastically reducing the time needed to complete the class. 

Conclusion

Whether you are looking to improve your video skills for personal use or hoping to share content online for business or entertainment, the courses recommended above give you an introduction and a range of topics to choose from. 

My top pick is Video Production Bootcamp: Videography, Cinematography, which covers shooting with all types of cameras: smartphone, DSLR, mirrorless and even webcams. The high-quality demonstrations and case studies explain concepts in a way that will stick.  

Udemy’s Videography for beginners will level you up in no time, with a range of perspectives from three different instructors. It has PDF guides to videography essentials such as composition and framing so you’ll have notes to refer to once the course has finished and the projects are enjoyable and will be suitable for publishing after completion. 

Drones: How to tell an aerial story is the top focussed course which provides guidance on flying a drone safely and in depth editing with Premiere Pro. With a strong focus on telling a story through video and with your edit, the skills can be applied to different video types. 

Related articles: Best YouTube courses, best Canon photography courses, best VFX courses, Marques Brownlee Session review, best video editing courses, best game development courses

Frequently asked questions 

What is the best videography course?

Video Production Bootcamp: Videography, Cinematography is my top pick due to its coverage of all cameras. The demonstrations and case studies are high-quality and explain concepts in a way that will stick.

How much do videography courses cost? 

Several courses included on this list are free of charge without a certificate. Some can be accessed using a subscription ranging from $32-$39.99 or completed within a free trial time frame. Paid courses range from $59.99 to $94.99.

How long do videography courses take?

The courses on this list range from 50 minutes to 9 hours with focussed courses ranging from 1 to 3 hours and more comprehensive courses between 3 and 6 hours.

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