When you’re starting out in photography, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available online. You know YouTube is a goldmine, but with thousands of creators out there, how do you find the ones that truly help?
The truth is, some channels are just better at teaching than others — not just because of their knowledge, but because they genuinely care about helping you grow.
In this article, you’ll discover a carefully curated list of the best YouTube channels to learn photography as a beginner. But more than that, you’ll understand why these channels matter, what type of photographer they’re best for, and how to actually apply what you learn.
Let’s get into it.
Why YouTube Works So Well for Photography Learning
YouTube is visual, free, and allows you to learn at your own pace. You can pause, rewatch, slow things down, and follow along step-by-step. That’s a huge advantage for photography — a craft that’s visual by nature.
Plus, many of the creators on this list started from scratch. They know what it feels like to be confused by camera settings or overwhelmed by editing software. They speak your language.
Whether you’re using a smartphone or your first DSLR, the right videos can help you improve faster than you think.
1. Sean Tucker
Sean Tucker doesn’t just teach photography — he teaches you how to be a thoughtful creator. His videos explore topics like artistic purpose, creative self-doubt, and storytelling through images.
He also shares behind-the-scenes breakdowns, gear opinions, and how he works with light. But what really sets him apart is his philosophical and emotional approach to creativity.
Watch Sean if you’re someone who wants more than technical advice — you want to create with meaning.
2. Mango Street
Julia and Daniel (the duo behind Mango Street) make short, fast-paced videos that are easy to digest and full of value. Their tutorials cover composition, posing, editing, and creative exercises you can try immediately.
They focus on real-world scenarios using minimal gear. If you’re the kind of learner who wants to see how to make great photos without overcomplicating things, Mango Street is a great place to start.
Watch them if you want to level up your creative thinking in small, consistent doses.
3. Peter McKinnon
Peter brings energy, storytelling, and inspiration to every video. While his channel includes filmmaking and gear reviews, his passion for photography always shines through.
What makes Peter special is his ability to make you excited to go shoot. His content is cinematic, but still approachable. And he’s honest about what works and what doesn’t.
Perfect for days when you feel stuck or need a creative kick.
4. Jessica Kobeissi
Jessica focuses primarily on portrait photography, sharing full photoshoot breakdowns, posing tips, editing workflows, and often collaborates with other photographers to explore different approaches.
She’s approachable, fun, and isn’t afraid to show when things go wrong — which makes her content both relatable and educational.
If you want to learn how to photograph people and direct them confidently, Jessica’s channel is a must.
5. The Art of Photography (Ted Forbes)
This is a channel for the more reflective learner. Ted Forbes explores the artistic side of photography, including historical context, visual design principles, and book reviews of legendary photographers.
His voice is calm, and his content feels like a quiet conversation with a mentor. He doesn’t chase trends — he teaches with depth.
If you’re someone who loves art and wants to build your visual literacy, this is your place.
6. The Bite Shot (Joanie Simon)
If you’re curious about food photography, Joanie makes it incredibly fun and accessible. She teaches lighting, styling, editing, and camera settings in a friendly, no-pressure way.
But even if you’re not into photographing food, her lessons on artificial light apply to product, portrait, and still-life photography too.
She’s known for breaking down complex concepts in a way that feels like learning with a friend.
7. Nigel Danson
Nigel is a landscape photographer who teaches from the field — forests, hillsides, coastlines — and always brings the viewer into his thought process.
He talks about composition, light, gear, and most importantly, how to slow down and see.
His honest style (he shares mistakes too) makes it feel like you’re learning with someone who’s walking the same path — just a few steps ahead.
8. PiXimperfect (Unmesh Dinda)
This is one of the best channels on the internet for learning Photoshop. Unmesh is a fantastic teacher who explains every tool, concept, and technique with clarity.
He doesn’t just show what to click — he tells you why it matters.
Whether you’re editing portraits, fixing lighting, or doing creative retouching, PiXimperfect will become a long-term resource.
9. Thomas Heaton
Thomas combines landscape photography with storytelling. His videos often follow an entire day (or trip) where he scouts a location, waits for the right light, and reflects on the experience.
It’s not always about getting the perfect photo — sometimes it’s about the process, and Thomas captures that beautifully.
Ideal for those who want to combine photography with travel and mindfulness.
10. Jamie Windsor
Jamie explores creativity, originality, and the psychology behind photography. He talks about topics that most channels ignore — like dealing with comparison, finding your style, or working through creative fear.
His videos feel like conversations with a thoughtful friend who “gets it.”
If you’re struggling with your identity as a photographer, Jamie’s channel can be incredibly reassuring and practical.
How to Make the Most of These Channels
It’s easy to fall into the trap of watching too much and doing too little. The best way to learn is to take action — even small action — after every video.
Here’s a smart approach:
- Pick 2 or 3 channels to focus on for now
- Watch one video per topic (lighting, composition, editing, etc.)
- Take notes
- Go practice that exact technique
- Review your photos and evaluate what worked
You’ll learn faster by doing than by watching a hundred videos in a row.
Suggested Weekly Plan for Self-Taught Beginners
Here’s an example of how you could organize your learning:
Week 1 – Camera Basics & Exposure
- Watch Mango Street and Peter McKinnon tutorials on manual mode
- Practice shooting in different light conditions
Week 2 – Composition & Natural Light
- Study Sean Tucker and Jamie Windsor on framing and visual balance
- Take daily photos using one new composition technique
Week 3 – Portrait Photography
- Watch Jessica Kobeissi and The Bite Shot
- Practice directing a friend or using yourself as the subject
Week 4 – Editing & Style Development
- Dive into PiXimperfect tutorials
- Edit 10 photos using what you’ve learned
Remember, you don’t have to master everything at once. Photography is a journey — and the best part is, you’re already on it.
Bonus: Keep a Learning Journal
Create a simple document or notebook where you log what you learn each week:
- What video you watched
- What you practiced
- What went well
- What didn’t
- What questions you still have
This reflection helps solidify your knowledge and track your progress. You’ll start seeing patterns — the types of photos you love, the skills you’re naturally good at, and the areas you need to work on.
Plus, looking back on this journal months later is a great way to see how far you’ve come.
Bonus: Don’t Copy — Deconstruct
It’s normal to want to replicate the look of your favorite photographers. But instead of copying, try deconstructing their work.
Ask yourself:
- What is the light doing here?
- Where is the subject placed?
- How does the background support the story?
- What emotion is this photo expressing?
This kind of active viewing builds your visual intelligence. It trains your eye to understand why certain images work — which will improve your own work faster than you think.
Bonus: Join Communities and Interact
Don’t forget — many of these YouTubers have communities. Look for:
- Comment sections full of insights and questions
- Discord groups
- Facebook communities
- Patreon or newsletter extras
Engaging with others who are also learning creates accountability. You’ll feel less alone, and you’ll get better feedback — something beginners often miss out on.
Even asking one question or sharing your photo in a group can lead to new discoveries.
Final Thoughts: Learn by Watching, Grow by Doing
YouTube is an incredible tool. But it’s just that — a tool.
The real learning happens when you take what you watch and apply it with your own eyes, hands, and heart.
Photography is not about memorizing settings. It’s about learning how to see — how to find beauty in ordinary things, how to express emotions visually, and how to connect with your subject.
So pick one channel from this list. Watch one video. Then put your camera in your hand and shoot. Your next breakthrough might be one photo away.
The best photographers aren’t the ones with the most expensive gear — they’re the ones who kept going.
You’ve already taken the first step. Now go take the next one — and bring your vision to life.
