Masters of Photography is an eLearning platform dedicated to teaching you photography. It features some of the best photographers in the world.
If you’re wondering if Masters of Photography is right for you, you’re in the right place.
In this review I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about the platform, as well as my own experience having taken three of the courses.
Eager to become a master yourself? Read on..
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Quick summary
Features:
- World-class photographers sharing their secrets
- Over four mega masterclasses which typically contain over 25 lessons each
- Multiple purchase options so you can find the right one for you
- Lessons on how to train your eye for the perfect shot, mastering perspective, as well as both the technical and artistic sides of photography
- Downloadable content
- Easy to use portfolio builder
- Receive certificates on course completion, adding to your resume
- Photo-sharing forum
- Free films and interviews
- Photography news blog
- Option to purchase a course as a gift
- Discounts on photography books and products
Pros
- You’ll learn from true masters of photography who have years of experience
- Side-by-side learning experience with a mixture of in and out of studio classes
- The course is broken down into small digestible classes that never get dull
- You can download study sheets to remind you of what you have learned
Cons
- Along with the practical elements, lessons can be anecdotal with instructors sharing insights from their careers. This approach may not be for everyone (but could be considered a pro for some)
- The Masterclasses are really extensive and comprehensive but there aren’t that many courses to choose from – yet!
Best for: Masters of Photography is a great course for beginners and advanced photographers alike. Beginners will fall in love with the complexities and creativity required for mastering photography, while more advanced photographers can find a new interesting angle or perspective to inspire their art.
Cost: Check here for latest cost
Overall: Masters of Photography is a refreshing platform that is simple to use, offers great unique features, and gives you the chance to learn technique and tips from top photographers with great experiences to share.
This review will cover:
- What is Masters of Photography?
- How does Masters of Photography work?
- Masters of Photography classes
- What a lesson is like
- My review of 3 classes
- What I liked about Masters of Photography and what could be improved
- Who Masters of Photography is for
- How much Masters of Photography costs
- Masters of Photography free trial and refund
- Tips to finding great courses on Masters of Photography
- Masters of Photography alternatives
- What others have said about Masters of Photography
- FAQs
So, let’s jump straight into the review!
What is Masters of Photography?
Masters of Photography is an eLearning platform that seeks to bring Masters closer to aspiring photographers and those who wish to gain further insight into this complex artform.
Chris Ryan the founder is an experienced photographer himself. But he felt there was still so much more he could learn from some of the greatest photographers of our time.
The courses cover not only the teachers’ photography careers but also how their rich and unique lives have influenced their work and made them better at their craft.
How does Masters of Photography work?
You can sign up to Masters of Photography for free! But you will need to purchase one of the masterclasses to access the full range of benefits and features.
Once you’ve selected the right type of masterclass for you, you will have access to all the classes and lessons in that masterclass for life.
You will also have access to a photo-sharing forum, a photography blog, and even a free stream of useful films.
The aim of the platform is to get you to watch the videos, read the study sheets, complete the recommended assignments, and finally get some feedback from fellow students.
Each masterclass covers a wide range of topics and most cover some basic elements of photography as well as more personal tips and techniques. With any of the available courses you will get great advice on how to improve your photography from leading photographers, so it really comes down to which tutor is the best for you.
Masters of Photography classes
There are over eight available courses to purchase from some of the most amazing photographers in the world, including:
- Joel Meyerowitz
- Albert Watson
- Steve McCurry
- David Yarrow
Each is comprehensive and includes a variety of techniques, tips, and tricks to improve your skills.
What a lesson is like
Masters of Photography’s classes are designed to be a side-by-side learning experience in which take inspiration and lessons from the masters and apply them to your own photography.
The Masterclasses take the form of an interview, where the tutor addresses various aspects of their career and personal life and explains how these have affected their photography.
Your tutor won’t always be in the studio however, you will also get to see them in action on the street or on a set so that you can get a comprehensive view of their careers.
The classes also have a more practical element, where a group of students meets with the tutor to get feedback. This can be incredibly useful and will help you reflect on your own work.
You’re encouraged to read the study sheets and complete any accompanying tasks to make the most of your learning experience.
My review of 3 classes
I sampled three of the Masters of Photography masterclasses to give you a better understanding of how they work and spent an hour or so exploring each one over the course of a week. I put what I learned into practice and found myself feeling more inspired to take photographs.
Steve McCurry Masterclass
You will learn:
- How to train your eye to spot the perfect shot
- To become a “hyper-aware” photographer who is always in tune with their surroundings
- Tips on how to improve, such as watching great films and learning from other visual arts
- How to develop your own unique style
- To adapt your craft to different settings and countries
Pros:
- Steve McCurry radiates knowledge and comfort with the camera
- You will feel encouraged to find your voice as a photographer and be proud of your work
Cons:
- The course mixes personal elements of the tutor’s life which might not be suitable for all learners
- The course focuses on perspective and style rather than technical elements
Length of Course: 4 hours and consists of 25 videos.
Best for: The course is best suited for those already interested in photography wanting to improve their skills and develop a unique style.
Overall: The course is engaging and thought-provoking, helping you develop as a photographer and see the world in a different way.
Joel Meyerowitz Masterclass
You will learn:
- A philosophical and theoretical approach to photography
- How to master street photography and capture a magical moment
- How to overcome fear and shyness
- To find confidence in your ideas and pursue them
- How to listen to and incorporate critique into your work
Pros:
- Throughout the course Joel Meyerowitz shows many of his own photographs that help inspire you
- You will feel encouraged to find your voice as a photographer and be proud of your work
Cons:
- The course mixes personal elements of the tutor’s life which might not be suitable for all learners
- The course focuses on perspective and style rather than technical elements
Length of Course: 5 hours and consists of 34 videos.
Best for: The course is best suited for those already interested in photography wanting to change their perspective and take a philosophical approach.
Overall: The course is engaging and thought-provoking, with great example images, fun elements and a really useful feedback session to learn from.
Albert Watson Masterclass
You will learn:
- How to capture a unique moment in time
- The importance of hair and make-up in shoots
- To balance the creative and technical elements of photography
Pros:
- A really extensive and comprehensive course that covers both practical and theoretical aspects of photography
- A unique teaching approach that sees photography as “stopping time”
- You will feel encouraged to find your voice as a photographer and be proud of your work
Cons:
- The course mixes personal elements of the tutor’s life which might not be suitable for all learners
Length of Course: 6 hours and 30 minutes and consists of 54 videos.
Best for: The course is suited for photography enthusiasts who wish to improve on both technical and theoretical aspects of their craft.
Overall: Albert Watson goes straight to the point with his masterclass, jumping into his career and the lessons he has learned that could make you a better artist.
What I liked about Masters of Photography
Word-class teaching from some of the greatest photographers
Masters of Photography have done a great job at picking experienced tutors who have rich knowledge of the art of photography as well as the world around them.
Not only are they great behind the lens, they also have amazing approaches to teaching, each having their own personal ethos and way of seeing photography. This is what makes their classes so engaging and fruitful.
Great course organization
The courses themselves are broken down into short lessons that are easy to watch and absorb! Once you really get going you’ll be left wanting more and more. Each course covers different aspects such as the tutor’s life, their career, lessons they have learned, techniques they recommend, and advice for becoming a better photographer. There are also more practical lessons, similar to “field trips” where you will be taken along to a shoot or workshop.
Learn from study sheets and your fellow pupils
After each individual lesson you can download study sheets that help summarize key moments making it easier to remember and apply what you have learned. You can also share your assignment photos with fellow photographers that will give you constructive feedback and admire your work.
What could be improved
The courses are closely linked with the tutors' lives
When it comes to most artforms it can be hard to separate the art from the artist. In fact, often someone’s craft becomes all the more incredible when you know the history and the influences behind it.
This is also the case with Masters of Photography’s courses which discuss the tutor’s personal lives quite a bit, as well as their advice. The downside is this might not be for everyone. There’s nothing wrong with that, maybe you just don’t relate to the teacher or understand their experiences. However it could also be a great opportunity to learn from someone else.
The platform can seem one-dimensional at times
Masters of Photography gives you loads of freedom to choose the right course for you and to interact with other artists. However, the Masterclasses themselves may seem flat at times, with many lessons worth of talking and less action.
If you feel the platform is one-dimensional, chances are you haven’t fully explored it! There’s so much to benefit from including the blog and forum! Hopefully there will also be more Masterclasses to choose from in the future, to make the experience even more enthralling.
Who Masters of Photography is for
- Photography enthusiasts who don’t have much experience but would like to become better
- Absolute beginners who want to learn more theoretical photography before starting with the technical aspects
- Professional and advanced photographers who need inspiration or a fresh way of thinking
How much does Masters of Photography cost?
There is no single price for Masters of Photography. It’s free to sign up and browse the available courses, but to use all the different features you will need to purchase one of the masterclasses.
For each teacher you will be given two purchase options. You can either buy the full masterclass for a hundred or so dollars or a selection of eight key classes called a ‘Discovery Class’ for a few tens of dollars.
Once you have purchased a course and enrolled as a student, you will have full lifelong access to the classes, and will be able to access special features such as sharing your own photographs on an online forum.
Either option is incredibly worthwhile as you get a great amount of content taught by a world-class photographer. However, if you have any doubts you can always purchase a Discovery class to try it out.
Does Masters of Photography have a free trial?
You’re in luck! Masters of Photography offers a selection of four free classes from their four Masterclasses! Each will serve as a taster of the kind of content you could explore if you decide to purchase one of them.
It’s the perfect way of getting to know the platforms and tutors without having to commit straight away. All you need to do is to sign-up for a free Masters of Photography account.
Masters of Photography refund
If you’re not satisfied with your course you can reach out to the Masters of Photography refund team with relevant details about your purchase.
Tips to finding great courses on Masters of Photography
There are two key tips for finding the perfect course for you!
Watch the free classes
The best way to find the right teacher for you is to watch the selection of four free classes, one for each of the Masterclass tutors.
This will give you a sense of who they are and how they teach, as well as the kind of content that will be covered. We’re all different, so the likelihood is that you will instantly click with one of them over the others.
Consider the type of commitment you’re looking for
Once you’ve decided which tutor you’d like to learn from, it’s up to you to decide whether to purchase a Masterclass or a Discovery Class. Both have their benefits and it all comes down to whether you’re really committed to learning everything there is to know, or if you want a softer approach to begin with.
Just keep in mind that a Masterclass is composed of between 25 or 58 classes, while a discovery class is always 8 classes. So, for every tutor you will always get better value for money if you go for the Masterclass choice.
Masters of Photography Alternatives
Masters of Photography is a truly unique platform that offers you tons of flexibility and exciting features. However, you might have some doubts about whether it’s right for you. Here are some alternatives and how they compare to Masters of Photography.
MasterClass
MasterClass is an excellent skill-sharing platform where you get to learn from the best of their trade. So, in that sense it’s similar to Masters of Photography. The key differences are that MasterClass covers a range of skills from cooking to screenwriting; and they are also a subscription-based platform.
It has two photography MasterClasses from Annie Leibovitz and Jimmy Chin.
MasterClass might be the right fit for you if you’re interested in developing another skill alongside photography. However, if you’re keen on photography specifically, Masters of Photography offers you a little more flexibility and control over your learning.
iPhone Photography School
If you're reluctant to splash out on an expensive camera but you have an iPhone, you could check out iPhone Photography School. It has a number of courses to help you set up, take and edit fabulous photos on the camera that's already in your pocket.
The School of Photography
The School of Photography is another excellent eLearning platform. We really recommend it if you’re starting out as a photographer and want to get down to the nuts and bolts of a camera, composition, and lighting. They offer a straightforward approach to learning photography that dwells less on the creative and more on the technical side.
It might be a good stepping stone to consider before purchasing a course from Masters of Photography.
Masters of Photography: what others have said
My aim is to give you the best review of Masters of Photography, so I took some time to see what others were saying about it. I Googled ‘Masters of Photography’ and this was the feedback I came across.
Users seem to applaud the mixture between photography-specific advice, with more general life-lessons. One beginner user said:
“I started a new course, this time Steve, Mccurry’s. I am impressed not only by his photographs, which I didn’t know very well, but also by the mood of this quiet man who has lived and lives by and for photography. As I recommended Joel’s course, I recommend Steve’s course. His advice is valuable and his career path seems to me to be straight out of a Hollywood movie. As I say, I’m still just starting out.” - Manu on the comments for Masters of Photography
Users have also highlighted how much they enjoy having access to world-class photographers who they have admired for a long time.
“I’m really grateful and excited about this course. I’ve wanted to learn from Mr McCurry for years and this is perfect. I remember years ago he ran photography tours to India and Myanmar and I so wanted to make it to one but just couldn’t afford it at that time. This course is perfect as it makes it accessible to many people. Thank you” - Andrew Jacona on the comments for Masters of Photography
Learners also admire the way these courses have helped them develop their own photographer identity, with one user saying:
“I’m really grateful and excited about this course. I’ve wanted to learn from Mr McCurry for years and this is perfect. I remember years ago he ran photography tours to India and Myanmar and I so wanted to make it to one but just couldn’t afford it at that time. This course is perfect as it makes it accessible to many people. Thank you” - Leslie Cedar on the comments for Masters of Photography
Overall Masters of Photography students have recommended it thoroughly, loving the teaching style, content, and the way it has transformed their photography lives.
Is Masters of Photography worth it?
If you’re passionate about photography, then Masters of Photography could be a perfect fit for you. When it comes down to choosing the right photography course, it’s vitally important you have good instructors. This is an area Masters of Photography excels at. The clue is in the name!
With the added advantages of being able to sample lessons for free and getting a refund if you're not happy, you've got very little to lose but a lot to gain by trying the platform out.
For me, Steve McCurry’'s course stood out particularly, but of course, take a look yourself to find what works best for you.
Try the free class bundle and see if it’s right for you. If you like it go ahead and get a Discovery Class to start with or jump right into a Masterclass with one of the great photographers.
See also photographycourse.net review
Frequently asked questions
Courses cost between a few tens to a hundred dollars.
You can contact Masters of Photography directly to apply for a refund if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
There are over four Masterclasses and four Discovery Classes, as well as a plethora of member-only features.
You can enjoy four selected taster classes for free when you sign up for a free Masters of Photography account.
Lauryn is an English Literature and Creative Writing graduate and Journalism Master's student. She's passionate about the arts, writing, photography, storytelling, and editing – anything creative really!