- Orientation: Understanding Videography Courses
- Cheat Sheet
- Top 10 Best Videography Courses 2024
- 1. Best Overall: Video Production Bootcamp: Videography, Cinematography+
- 2. Best Package for Filmmakers: Complete Filmmaker Guide: Become an Incredible Video Creator
- 3. Best For DSLR Cameras: DSLR Video Production & Videography: Better Video Today
- 4. Best for Videography with Drones: Stunning Aerial Videography and Photography Using Drones
- 5. Best For The Basics: Film using ANY Camera! Basics of Shooting Video Correctly
- 6. Best For Wedding Videography: Cinematic Wedding Films: A Guide To Wedding Videography
- 7. Best for Cinematography: Video Storytelling: Creative Excellence Class
- 8. Best Way to Put it All Together: Making a Short Film: Start to Finish
- 9. Best for Corporate Videography: Corporate Video Essentials: Production
- 10. Best for Business Skills: Running a Video Production Business
- FAQ
- Extra Credit: An Extended Look at Videography Courses
- Conclusion
Many of us record life moments on our smartphones every day. Did you know this is (technically) considered videography? The concept of videography has usually been delegated to huge, bulky cameras and the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, but no longer! There are many ways to become a hobbyist or professional videographer. You don’t even need to spend a fortune on fancy equipment or high-level training, either.
In this article, we will showcase the best videography courses on the web. All these instructional materials are hosted by some of the most popular educational platforms in the market today, such as Udemy, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning.
First, we’ll review the knowledge you should have before diving into the exciting world of videography. After that, we’ll go over our top ten videography courses that hit all the high marks we expect out of quality educational material. Finally, we’ll provide a detailed section on videography, including some of the most frequently asked questions about the profession.
So, get some popcorn and sit back. If you’ve got a desire to learn film, we promise this will be a next-level spectacle!
Orientation: Understanding Videography Courses
Learning videography could potentially enrich you on a personal/hobbyist level as much as a professional one. Which path do you want to take?
In this section, we’ll look at some of the key elements to keep in mind before purchasing one of these high-quality educational courses. It’s good to know where you stand before shelling out your hard-earned dollars. After orienting you in the right direction, we’ve provided a chart that showcases the courses we chose so you can find what is best for your goals — and fast.
Things To Look For in a Videography Course
Your time is valuable; that’s why you’re here, right? Below is the bare minimum you need to know about videography before investing in an online educational course.
Personal Goals
Do you want to be a professional videographer? Or maybe just learn a few things to enrich yourself personally? There are different courses aimed at different goals in mind. Be sure to pay attention to the contents of the course you are pursuing to determine if they align with what you want.
Level of Competency
If you’ve never picked up a camera before, it’s best not to select a course that is more oriented towards building someone up to a professional-level videographer. You might very well have career aspirations in cinematography and videography, but it’s far more prudent to learn the basics first. Remember, slow and steady always wins the race; there is no rush.
Course Absorption
The quality of absorption ultimately depends on the amount of free time you have to learn a new skill. Many of the videography courses on this list aren’t very time-consuming in terms of watching them.
However, when it comes to embodying what they teach and putting the knowledge into practice, it could take much longer. Again, be aware of your goals and set realistic benchmarks based on your lifestyle and the amount of free time you can devote to learning something new.
Cheat Sheet
Here’s a quick look at all the best videography courses we chose for this article. It is meant to give you an idea of what specific course might fit your educational needs best. So, if you’ve got a time crunch or perhaps a limited budget, we’ve given you the ability to parse through and quickly find what you need.
Title | Platform | Course Length | Price | Focus | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Video Production Bootcamp: Videography, Cinematography+ | Udemy | 9 hours | $109.99 | Video production fundamentals | 5.0 |
Complete Filmmaker Guide: Become an Incredible Video Creator | Udemy | 5.5 hours | $119.99 | Complete filmmaking course in around 5 hours | 4.5 |
DSLR Video Production & Videography: Better Video Today | Udemy | 3.5 hours | $119.99 | DSLR-camera filmmaking fundamentals | 4.5 |
Stunning Aerial Videography and Photography Using Drones | Udemy | 6 hours | $94.99 | Videography concepts via drones | 4.5 |
Film Using ANY Camera! Basics of Shooting Video Correctly | Udemy | 3 hours | $49.99 | How to shoot footage well with any camera type | 4.5 |
Cinematic Wedding Films: A Guide To Wedding Videography | Skillshare | 49 minutes | $13.99 per month or $167.88 per year | Wedding videography with a cinematic flair | 4.5 |
Video Storytelling: Creative Excellence Class | Udemy | 4.5 hours | $119.99 | Visual storytelling via videography | 4.5 |
Making a Short Film: Start to Finish | 4.5 hours | $19.99/month annually or $29.99/month monthly | Complete short filmmaking tutorial | 4.0 | |
Corporate Video Essentials: Production | 4 hours 52 minutes | $19.99/month annually or $29.99/month monthly | Corporate video production techniques | 4.0 | |
Running a Video Production Business | 1 hour 51 minutes | $19.99/month annually or $29.99/month monthly | Organizing a video production business of any size | 3.5 |
Alright, the show must go on! Here’s what you’ve been waiting for. Without further ado, here are the very best videography courses on the market today. Please be sure to stick around at the end of the course reviews and take a gander at our Extra Credit section for a more detailed look at the nuances of videography and why it’s important.
Top 10 Best Videography Courses 2024
1. Best Overall: Video Production Bootcamp: Videography, Cinematography+
- 9 hours $109.99
- Course Highlights
- Focus of Course: Video production fundamentals
- Teacher: Phil Ebiner, William Carnahan, Sam Shimizu-Jones, Video School Team
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Why we like it
Learn the fundamentals of video production from the ground up in this bestselling course hosted by Udemy that has taught more than 160,000 students!
What You’ll Learn
This is an all-encompassing videography course that will take you wherever you need to go. If you’re a future YouTube sensation, an amateur filmmaker, or even a business owner who wants to take things to the next level, this course will open creative doors for you.
Topics include how to come up with inspiring stories, DSLR camera tips and tricks, smartphone and webcam shooting techniques, and even drone videography. There’s also coverage of audio production and editing techniques that will sharpen your videos to the next level of professionalism.
There’s a lot to cover here, which isn’t a surprise given the title of the course! If that’s not enough to convince you, statistically speaking, this is one of the best-selling courses on Udemy when it comes to videography. It’s difficult to argue with over 160,000 students and numerous five-star reviews!
Verdict
It’s difficult to give this course a low mark, as it’s quite the “kitchen sink” in terms of all the videography information one could ask for in a single course.
Perhaps the wide-sweeping amount on display here could intimidate newer students, but we think that’s not much of an issue considering the price point of the course and the sheer level of information to chew on here. This is a steal and easily takes the #1 spot on our list on the scope of the course alone.
Pros
- Includes all you need to know about videography in one course
- Suitable for all kinds of videographers in mind
- Over 160,000 students taught
Cons
- The scope could be intimidating for novices
2. Best Package for Filmmakers: Complete Filmmaker Guide: Become an Incredible Video Creator
- 5.5 hours $119.99
- Course Highlights
- Focus of Course: Complete filmmaking course in around 5 hours
- Teacher: Julian Melanson
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Why we like it
Learn how to become a filmmaker in a little over five hours from an expert with 7+ years of experience in this piping-hot course hosted by Udemy.
What You’ll Learn
Filmmaking involves a lot of planning. You may have dreamed of becoming a filmmaker in the past but didn’t think you had the resources, money, or time to do it properly. Well, this course hosted by Udemy can reassure you that your fears are not only unfounded, but they’re also wrong. This course goes over every conceivable aspect of filmmaking one could think of. Get acquainted with your equipment, lighting and sound, shot choice, editing, and more.
The best thing about this course is the instructor’s passion for the craft. Filmmaking is the reason they wake up every morning, and it stirs a fire in their heart. We think this passion translates well to students watching this course, especially if you have ever aspired to create films in your life.
Verdict
There’s a lot of information to process in this course despite being only five hours long. Because of this, it might be potentially overwhelming to novice filmmakers. We’re confident that if you take this course slow and steady and sink your teeth into it, you’ll come out with a strong theoretical background in filmmaking and have more than enough vision and drive to pursue the work of your dreams.
Pros
- A complete course on filmmaking in just over 5 hours
- Instructor has 7+ years of experience under their belt
- One of the best-selling filmmaking courses on Udemy to date
Cons
- Could be overwhelming to novices despite the easy pace
3. Best For DSLR Cameras: DSLR Video Production & Videography: Better Video Today
- 3.5 hours $119.99
- Course Highlights
- Focus of Course: DSLR-camera filmmaking fundamentals
- Teacher: Phil Ebiner, Video School
- Skill Level: Beginner
Why we like it
If you have a DSLR-capable camera and have always wanted to learn how to shoot quality videos with it, this course is tailor-made for you.
What You’ll Learn
If you’ve received a DSLR camera but haven’t known how to use it effectively, this course is your ticket to filmmaking salvation. Here you will learn the best tips and tricks for shooting incredible footage with your DSLR camera.
You’ll also learn the intricacies of your camera’s manual mode, lighting and sound recording practices, and how to edit your videos into a fully realized piece of art once you’re finished filming. By the end of this course, you will be well-suited to take on any kind of videography task with a DSLR camera.
We think the best part of this course is the focus on the manual mode of shooting where you can let your artistry shine bright. Manual gives the most freedom to choose the type of look and feel you want, as opposed to letting the automatic settings of the camera make all the decisions for you.
Verdict
This is a basic course, so there are no real advanced applications here to learn. However, this isn’t explicitly a bad thing as it is marketed as a beginner’s course. We would like to see a bit more focus on editing footage down the line in a course update, but otherwise, this is a solid introduction to using a DSLR camera.
If you’re a novice in this area, look no further than what’s offered here. And if you’re not satisfied, there’s a 30-day money back guarantee. You can’t beat that!
Pros
- Teaches the ins and outs of DSLR cameras
- Focuses on the camera’s manual mode for maximum artistic control
- Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Editing portion of the course could be fleshed out more
4. Best for Videography with Drones: Stunning Aerial Videography and Photography Using Drones
- 6 hours $94.99
- Course Highlights
- Focus of Course: Videography concepts via drones
- Teacher: Bruce Geddes
- Skill Level: Beginner
Why we like it
Have you ever wanted to find out how you can create incredible-looking and professional-grade footage using drones? In this course hosted by Udemy, you can!
What You’ll Learn
Drones are now widely used in the videography world. One only needs to look at the multitude of YouTube videos that provide high-definition aerial shots. These kinds of incredible and dynamic shots are made possible using drones.
In this course, you will learn the basics of how to record quality footage with drones, including how to plan a flight to capture enough material to edit. One of the best things about this course is that special consideration has been made to discuss the legal, ethical, and safety procedures necessary to do this kind of footage correctly.
There are serious regulations when it comes to drones, and it’s not just as simple as firing it up and capturing footage. Some rules must be adhered to, especially if you want to keep your drone operator’s license!
Verdict
The one downside to this course is that it is a niche subject matter, especially in regard to the world of videography. However, it’s an extra tool in the arsenal, and knowledge of this sector of video capture could make you a highly sought-after professional if that’s what you are going for.
Pros
- Teaches how to utilize drones to capture mesmerizing footage
- Provides raw footage for editing practice
- Legal and safety issues relating to drones are discussed in detail
Cons
- Is somewhat of a niche subject matter
5. Best For The Basics: Film using ANY Camera! Basics of Shooting Video Correctly
- 3 hours $49.99
- Course Highlights
- Focus of Course: How to shoot footage well with any camera type
- Teacher: Gene Nagata
- Skill Level: Beginner
Why we like it
If you’re looking for something low impact that doesn’t take too much time, then this course hosted by Udemy is your ticket. Gene Nagata shows you how to take effective video with all variations of cameras by the end of this course.
What You’ll Learn
In just under 3 hours, Gene Nagata shows students the basics of shooting footage. That means the course material covers smartphones, as well as more advanced equipment such as DSLR cameras. Gene even shows the students a bit on cinematic cameras such as the RED.
This is a crash course for absolute beginners who don’t know much about their equipment at all. By the end of this course, you will have a solid idea of the core aspects of what makes a video camera work its magic. The idea here is that you can utilize any tool in your arsenal to the greatest extent possible. This is because, according to the instructor, the basics are fairly similar no matter what you use to capture your cinematic masterpieces.
Verdict
This is a very basic course. Perhaps it’s a little too basic for individuals with a more intermediate understanding of how video cameras function. However, if you’re a complete newbie and want a fast and dirty crash course on how these pieces of tech work, then you can’t do much better than this course.
Pros
- Students learn how to use a range of video camera types
- Learnt course material can be transferred to any equipment that shoots film
- Course can be completed in 3 hours
Cons
- Might be too basic for intermediate videographers
6. Best For Wedding Videography: Cinematic Wedding Films: A Guide To Wedding Videography
- 49 minutes $13.99 per month or $167.88 per year
- Course Highlights
- Focus of Course: Wedding videography with a cinematic flair
- Teacher: Matti Haapoja
- Skill Level: Beginner
Why we like it
Weddings are one of the hottest niches in the videography business. Matti Haapoja shows you the best cinematic wedding videography secrets out there in this lean course from Skillshare.
What You’ll Learn
Weddings are a hot niche when it comes to videography. In this very short course hosted by Skillshare, you will learn the basics of how to make a memorable experience for your clients by learning the best practices for shooting weddings. You’ll learn how to set up proper lighting, camera settings, color gradients, editing, and more. By the end of the course, you should have a strong idea of what makes good wedding cinematography so that you can provide your clients with unforgettable memories of their special day.
The best part of this course is the community-based project. In this section, you can post your attempts at wedding videography and receive feedback from the instructor and the individuals taking the course. This collective project system is a great motivator, and we can’t recommend it enough for someone who needs that extra push to get creative.
Verdict
The worst part about this course is how short it is. We would like more detail since wedding videography is a common and popular niche. However, the concise nature of the course is one of its biggest strengths as well.
Pros
- Teaches the basics of wedding videography
- Course is under an hour, making it informative as well as concise
- Provides a great community-based setup for sharing and critique
Cons
- More detail on the subject matter could be provided
7. Best for Cinematography: Video Storytelling: Creative Excellence Class
- 4.5 hours $119.99
- Course Highlights
- Focus of Course: Visual storytelling via videography
- Teacher: Andrew St. Pierre White
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Why we like it
Learn how to utilize videography to create effective visual storytelling that adds a real punch to your filming. This course is taught by an award-winning filmmaker who has 38 years of experience.
What You’ll Learn
Many of the courses on this list teach the technical aspect of videography. However, there’s much more to the craft than just that. Composing effective and moving stories is the final piece of the puzzle that turns this discipline into a true art form.
In this course, Andrew St. Pierre White guides you in how to craft a visual feast of the senses. And since he has 38 years of filmmaking experience, he’s got a thing or two to say about the subject that’s worth looking at.
In this course, you’ll learn many things, including how to use various camera angles, B-roll footage and why it’s important, editing tips and tricks, and much more. You’ll also get a taste of Andrew’s philosophy on how equipment can be the biggest hindrance to your artistic output. More expensive isn’t necessarily better. So, if you only have a smartphone handy, never fear; you can still create intense and moving videos with the flair of an artist if you pay attention to the nuances of the craft that he shows you.
Verdict
Andrew has a lot of experience, and it shows. While he can sometimes wax on a bit too long, he’s coming at it from an artistic angle. That means it sometimes requires more exposition to be understood to its fullest potential. If this is a sector of videography that appeals to you, then don’t hesitate to pick this course up.
Pros
- Instructor has 38 years of experience in the videography field
- Provides instruction on how to make compelling cinema with any equipment
- Teaches how to make non-fiction scenarios more cinematic
Cons
- Instructor can take time to get to the main point, which might irritate impatient students
8. Best Way to Put it All Together: Making a Short Film: Start to Finish
- 4 hours 52 minutes $19.99/month or $29.99/month (depends on monthly or annual subscription)
- Course Highlights
- Focus of Course: Complete short filmmaking tutorial
- Teacher: Avi Glijansky
- Skill Level: Beginner
Why we like it
Learn the full scope of what goes into a short film production from the ground up in this lean yet informative course provided by LinkedIn Learning.
What You’ll Learn
Have you ever wanted to make your very own short film? If you’re on here, there’s a good chance you’ve probably had this dream at least once in your life. It seems like such an insurmountable thing to accomplish by your lonesome, though, right? Not at all! And this course will show you how it’s done in under 5 hours.
Filmmaking is for anyone that has a vision and something to say. In this course, you’ll learn how to write a proper script, deal with the logistics of cameras, sound, and best lighting practices for your set. You’ll also get a sense of how to work with actors, which is crucial when it comes to bringing your ideas to life on the screen.
Verdict
Many courses tend to cram information in, which means a certain level of detail is lacking. This course is no exception. Don’t expect to learn every single aspect of filmmaking in this course. After all, any subject covered here (lighting, for example) could take years to master by itself. That said, if you need a crash course on how small-scale filmmaking is accomplished, this is what you are looking for.
Pros
- Teaches the logistics of small-scale filmmaking
- Provides tons of information in a little under 5 hours
- Comes with a certificate of completion
Cons
- More detail would be appreciated
9. Best for Corporate Videography: Corporate Video Essentials: Production
- 1 hour, 52 minutes $19.99/month or $29.99/month (depends on monthly or annual subscription)
- Course Highlights
- Focus of Course: Corporate video production techniques
- Teachers: Amy DeLouise, Richard Harrington
- Skill Level: Beginner
Why we like it
Corporate videography has its own peculiarities that make it different from other kinds of artistic videography. Learn the tools of the trade in a professional setting in this informative course hosted by LinkedIn Learning.
What You’ll Learn
Corporate videography is a fast-growing niche that is slated to be even more of a powerful force in this increasingly digital landscape. As it turns out, however, there are a lot of nuances to corporate videography that need to be addressed before an individual can effectively partake of the craft. That’s where this course comes in.
Hosted by LinkedIn Learning, this course goes over what you need to know and nip in the bud before planning a corporate video shoot. Both instructors go over their workflow strategies to make sure you have a simple and error-free photoshoot. You also get a feel for how it all properly works out from front to back.
One of the best aspects of this course when it comes to corporate videography is the emphasis on getting your actors proper release forms to use their likeness in the video itself. These legalities need to be followed to the letter in the corporate landscape, and we were pleased to see such a visible inclusion on the matter.
Verdict
The biggest downside to this course is it’s a bit light on actual videography methodology, but that is to be expected in such a broad, short course. If you’re interested in the corporate videography field, consider investing in the DSLR course earlier in this list, especially if you lack the fundamentals of shooting footage. DSLR cameras are a professional staple nowadays, and having a working knowledge of them is crucial in the corporate videography field.
Pros
- Provides a full immersion course on corporate videography
- Offers step-by-step instructions on how the process works in the corporate world
- Provides a certificate of completion
Cons
- Not specifically about videography, though an aspect of the trade
10. Best for Business Skills: Running a Video Production Business
- 1 hour 51 minutes $19.99/month or $29.99/month (depends on monthly or annual subscription)
- Course Highlights
- Focus of Course: Organizing a video production business of any size
- Teachers: Amy DeLouise, Richard Harrington
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Why we like it
If you’re interested in starting a video production company but don’t know where to begin, take a gander at this course hosted by LinkedIn Learning.
What You’ll Learn
If it’s always been your dream to run your own production company, you’re not alone. Many aspiring filmmakers want to keep their legacy etched in people’s minds via a powerful and memorable company name. Branding is crucial, especially in an artistic field such as videography. How does one get such an endeavor off the ground? Well, in this course hosted by LinkedIn Learning, you’ll find the answers to these questions and more.
This course is for all levels of video production companies, big or small. So, if you’re just starting, this course will scale to your level of expertise and availability of resources easily. The instructors show you how to create an effective plan based on demographics and target markets first and foremost. This sets the theme of your company for years to come.
Afterward, you’ll learn how to put together a dream team and get a primer on the best ways to land the highest-paid contracts for commercial work.
Verdict
This course is more theoretical and weighs heavier on the business side than the technical side of videography. However, if you’re interested in the business of videography, learning the nitty-gritty of the dollars and cents side of things will be crucial for your success in the field.
Consider pairing this course together with a videography course geared toward novice videographers if you are a beginner and looking for some instruction on the technical side of things.
Pros
- Teaches how to start a production company from the ground up
- Course is geared towards any kind of production company, big or small
- Provides a certificate of completion
Cons
- Focuses more on the business side and less on the technical side of videography
FAQ
Formal education isn’t necessary at all to become a professional videographer. It doesn’t hurt your hiring potential if you happen to have a higher education background, but it won’t be a determining factor in whether you get the job. What hiring managers look for in a candidate is internship or apprenticeship work and a solid portfolio (in this case, known as a demo reel).
So, if you’re hesitant to get into the videography industry because of a lack of a degree, don’t sweat it. Many make their entrance into the business without higher education. Talent, a solid portfolio, and a drive to succeed matter more than anything else.
There isn’t much difference between these two terms. Videography is seen as the more commercial side of shooting moving footage. So, in this case, think commercials and corporate instructional videos.
Cinematography, on the other hand, is often used for dramatic films, such as what is produced in Hollywood. That said, these two modes of filmmaking can coincide with each other quite easily. For example, a video done for a corporation can be shot in a highly cinematic way to get people’s attention and interest in their public image/brand.
Absolutely. With the advent of social media and high-quality YouTube channels, the need for professional videographers is arguably higher than ever. Not only do these things have to be filmed impeccably, but there’s a serious need for people with video editing skills as well.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the estimated job outlook for videographers is anticipated to increase quite rapidly until 2030 at least.
There’s a unique flexibility approach to videography as well. One could either work for an in-house studio or as a freelancer. So, if you have a camera and editing skills, you don’t have to be tied down to one avenue of work. If this sounds appealing, then perhaps videography is a suitable career choice to pursue.
The biggest videography niche is special events. Many people are interested in more than just still photos of special events like weddings and family gatherings. There’s an increasing demand for skilled videographers that can capture timeless events and edit the footage in a dynamic and unforgettable way.
Other common areas where videographers are in high demand are corporate videography, sports events, and documentaries. There’s also a new subset of videography that involves the ever-increasing social media industry. Big names on YouTube and other streaming video platforms are hiring outside videographers to give their channels a professional sheen that they cannot provide themselves.
Extra Credit: An Extended Look at Videography Courses
Below is a more in-depth look at videography and its nuances to flesh out the subject matter a bit more. So, if you have any lingering questions about the discipline, we will try to answer them here.
The Applications of Videography
Videography has a lot of different uses. If you’re interested in it as a hobby or potential career path, it’s good to know what niche you’re interested in. That way, you can determine the knowledge base you need to acquire before going deep into it. Here are a few areas where videography is crucial.
YouTube and Social Media
This is possibly one of the fastest-growing aspects of videography right now. Social media and streaming video influencers are stepping up their game by either hiring skilled videographers or becoming videographers themselves.
Advertising and Corporate Videography
Every commercial you see on television has been devised by a videographer in some way, shape, or form. They are painstakingly created to convince their target audience that the product or service on display is high quality and worth your time and money.
Documentaries
Capturing interviews in a dynamic and interesting way is one of many things that a talented videographer does for a documentary. It also helps that the individual has a keen eye for cinematographic flair, especially when filming pastoral and urban areas to create a certain mood.
Big-Budget Feature Films
Videography and cinematography are interchangeable terms nowadays. However, when it comes to Hollywood-level filmmaking, the term cinematography is usually used. That said, the same standards are applied to bigger-budget projects as they are to smaller, more intimate films.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or someone who wants to go a little deeper on the professional side of things, it never hurts to receive more instruction on your craft. While it may seem like videography is a complex and difficult subject matter with many moving parts, like anything, if you take it slow and steady, you’ll get the hang of it in no time. And, if the adage rings true, can it be considered work if it’s something you truly love doing?
Our goal in this article has been to give you direction when it comes to the dynamic world of videography (pun intended). We hope to see you on the red carpet someday!