Key takeaways
- Aspiring photographers can choose from many available photography lessons in Houston, easily findable through a Google search for ‘Camera classes Houston’.
- Whether you are a hobbyist or an aspiring professional photographer, you will find a photography class suited to your career aspirations.
- Photo Academy offers a 4-workshop photography course for beginners, where they learn the basics and benefit from hands-on learning opportunities.
- Those seeking online classes can explore courses by Course Horse or by professional photographer Kathy Adams Clark, who also offers in-person sessions.
- The Houston Center for Photography offers a critique group ideal for intermediate photographers looking for constructive criticism to improve their skills.
- If you want to become a professional photographer, a degree in digital photography is the ideal option.
- University of Houston, Houston Community College, and Sam Houston State University all offer photography degrees.
Photography is a dynamic field serving as both an art form and an important medium of communication. Where it can capture emotions, culture, experiences, love, and more, it can also document reality and provide factual information. Some use it as a form of therapy, many pursue it as a hobby, and a significant number have turned it into a source of income.
Regardless of which path you want to pursue, a formal education in the field can help you become a better photographer. If you live in or around Houston and want to learn, this guide is for you. Here, you will find a range of camera classes Houston, from beginner to pro, from workshops to degrees, and more.
Related: Explore colleges for digital photography degree
Explore photography classes – Houston
Photography classes come in all shapes and sizes. You have multi-session courses that can last a month, two, or even more. You can also take an all-day workshop or one that lasts only a couple of hours. But if you aspire to pursue photography as a profession, you can opt for a degree in photography. Here, we list a range of photography classes in Houston, from beginner to pro, for aspiring photographers.
Beginner photography classes – Houston, Texas
Whether you are a hobbyist wanting to gain better command over your camera or an aspiring professional, beginner courses are the way to get started. Whether you have been out in the field for ages or are just starting out, starting from the ground up is the way to go. Through these beginner photography classes in Houston, you will learn the camera basics and how the camera works, how to capture visuals, lighting, settings, and so on.
Photo Academy Houston
Cost: $421
The Photo Academy in Houston offers an Introductory Photography Course for Beginners. The course includes 4 photography workshops where you will learn basic photography techniques and immediately apply them through practical learning opportunities. Essentially, you will learn camera basics and then be encouraged to use what you’ve learned and produce images. Your mentors will guide you through the process, discuss creative decisions with you, and encourage you to channel your unique vision and creativity into your work.
What sets this program apart? There are many reasons why this is one of the best photography classes in Houston for beginners.
- It is taught by industry professionals who bring personal experience to the classroom.
- It is a 4-workshop course, so you will have ample time to discuss and address any issues you may be having.
- You get to learn by practice, which is the best way to learn.
- You will get theoretical materials that you can refer to whenever you need to.
Course Horse
Cost: $89
Course Horse offers an online beginner’s photography class by Princeton Photo workshop. The program is called Digital Camera Basics and is a 2-hour-long class in which you will learn the fundamentals of camera operation. It is ideal for those who do not want to commit to lengthy multi-session photography lessons in Houston, TX.
Here, you will learn the essential techniques and functions needed to capture stunning visuals. In the second half of the class, you will be encouraged to apply what you have learned to capture images, get real-time feedback from your instructor, and refine your photography skills.
What sets the program apart?
- It is an online class, making it incredibly convenient
- Open for everyone aged 13 and above
- A single 2-hour class that even working professionals can commit to.
Kathy Adams Clark
Kathy Adams Clark is a professional photographer sharing her techniques and love for photography through a range of photography lessons in Houston. Whether you are a beginner or a professional photographer, Kathy offers a range of courses where you will likely find one that suits your needs. For beginners, Kathy offers ‘Basic Photography – The Basics’.
Here, you will learn camera basics such as aperture, ISO, shutter speed, and more. The class is designed for a wide range of DSLRs, including mirrorless and hybrid cameras. The class is available online via Zoom and consists of two sessions. It is ideal for those who are looking for something more detailed than a single session class but don’t want to commit to a month-long training class.
What sets it apart?
- These classes are very personal, and you can even sign up for a one-on-one session.
- You can immediately choose a follow-up course from the same instructor.
- You get to learn from a renowned industry professional.
Related: Find the best fine art photography classes for you
Intermediate photography classes – Houston, TX
Now that you have the basics down and you have been practicing for a while, you want to take your skills to the next level. Consider the following intermediate photography classes.
Related: Exploring free photography workshops near me
Houston Center for Photography – Critique Groups
Criticism, primarily constructive criticism, is often the best teacher. If you’ve been in the photography industry for a few years now and would like to improve your skills, consider enrolling in the Critique Group at the Houston Center for Photography. Here, budding and seasoned professionals all come together to share their work and obtain valuable feedback from fellow professionals.
Creative individuals often get stuck in their ways and comfort zones, and such groups can help them come out of their element and gain a fresh perspective. It can help broaden one’s horizons and improve not just their vision, but also their technical skills.
However, the catch is that Critique Groups are only for members of the Houston Center for Photography. We suggest you consider becoming a member, not just to be able to join the critique group, but also because you get access to a world of resources that can help you become a pro photographer. HCP is the one-stop shop for those searching for ‘Houston Photography Courses’.
You may be interested in: Explore the best photography workshops for everyone
Pro photography classes Houston
If you want to become a professional photographer and make it your career choice, a degree in photography is the way to go. While photography classes can help you, giving you the start you need to get into photography, if you really want to develop professional expertise and learn all a photographer needs to know, a degree is the way to go.
You can either pursue an associate’s degree in photography or a bachelor’s degree at the undergraduate level. Here are some options you can explore.
Houston Community College
The Houston Community College offers an Associate’s Degree in Digital Communications with a specialization in digital photography. It is a 2-year program focused on equipping students with the skills needed to pursue photography professionally. Here, you will not only learn camera basics, but also photography basics, theories, concepts, studio photography, field photography, and post-processing tools and techniques.
Related: Should I get a photography degree?
University of Houston
If you want to take your learning up a notch, consider a Bachelor of Fine Arts – Digital Photography by the University of Houston. It is a four-year program that combines hands-on learning opportunities with theoretical learning. Moreover, you have to undertake experiential learning opportunities in the form of internships or apprenticeships.
Through a bachelor’s degree, you not only gain the skills needed to become a professional photographer, but also get networking opportunities through industry placement programs, seminars, photography exhibitions, and more.
Related: 5 things you need to know about digital photography major
Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University also offers a Photography BFA degree. The program features a comprehensive curriculum in the photography field. Here, you will get a blended curriculum that prioritizes learning through doing. Moreover, you can refer to the university’s academic advisor after completing the general education requirements to ensure you are choosing the courses you need to fulfill your career aspirations.
Additionally, students benefit from professional guidance for portfolio creation. Industry leaders and professionals guide students to help them hone their skills and develop into experts in their chosen area of expertise.
You may also be interested in: A guide to starting your own photography business
Learn professional photography through photography courses in Houston, TX
When it comes to finding ‘camera classes in Houston’, the sheer number of options will astound you. In this case, though, the more the merrier. From free photography lessons in Houston, TX, one day photography classes in Houston, to multi-session courses, there is something for everyone. If you are just starting out in photography or want to pursue it as a hobby or therapy, beginner courses are the way to go.
You can, of course, later polish your skills with intermediate courses and maybe even advanced photography courses in Houston, TX. However, if you want to pursue photography as a profession, then enrolling in a digital photography degree is the way to go. Here, you will develop the complete range of competencies needed to succeed as a photographer. Make sure you give your future career aspirations considerable thought before enrolling in a program.