If you’re passionate about nature, animals, and photography, wildlife photography classes are the perfect way to turn that passion into a skill. These classes teach you how to capture compelling images of animals in their natural habitat, whether you’re exploring African savannas, national parks, or your own backyard.
With wildlife photography becoming more competitive and specialized, structured courses help beginners and even seasoned photographers sharpen their eye, improve their composition, and master camera settings for fast-moving or elusive subjects.
In this guide, we’ll cover the 10 best wildlife photography classes available in 2025, including options for all skill levels and budgets.
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10 Best Wildlife Photography Classes
1. iPhotography – Wildlife Photography Course
Best for: Beginners to Intermediate
Website: www.iphotography.com
iPhotography’s Wildlife Photography Course is one of the most popular online classes for aspiring wildlife photographers. It offers a rich mix of theory and practical exercises, video tutorials, and self-paced learning. The course covers everything from tracking animals, shooting in difficult lighting, to choosing the best gear for the job.
Why it stands out:
- Created by professional wildlife photographers
- Downloadable resources and cheat sheets
- Private feedback gallery
- Lifetime access and community support
Whether you’re looking to build a portfolio or just want to level up your hobby, iPhotography gives you the full toolkit to succeed in the field.
2. Wildlife Photography Masterclass – Udemy
Best for: Budget-conscious learners
Website: www.udemy.com
This Udemy course is a comprehensive masterclass designed to teach you how to shoot animals in different environments and lighting conditions. It includes nearly 4 hours of video content, gear recommendations, and hands-on shooting tips.
Highlights:
- Lifetime access
- Affordable one-time fee (often on sale)
- Certificate of completion
- Suitable for all camera types (DSLR, mirrorless, even smartphones)
It’s perfect for beginners or hobbyists who want a low-cost introduction to wildlife photography.
3. Joel Sartore’s Fundamentals of Wildlife Photography – Great Courses / National Geographic
Best for: Learning from a National Geographic expert
Website: www.joelsartore.com
Joel Sartore, a National Geographic photographer and founder of the Photo Ark, teaches this class through The Great Courses platform. With real-world footage, insightful commentary, and professional tips, this course goes beyond the basics and into the mindset of a working wildlife photographer.
Features:
- 24 lectures (30 minutes each)
- Real-life case studies from the field
- Emphasis on ethical wildlife photography
- Part of the National Geographic series
If you want to learn from someone who’s been photographing endangered species for decades, this course is an ideal choice.
4. Wildlife Photography Online Course – Nature TTL
Best for: Action-focused wildlife shots
Website: www.naturettl.com
Nature TTL offers a specialized wildlife photography course that focuses on techniques to photograph animals in motion. It includes lessons on camera traps, long lenses, and using natural light effectively.
Course includes:
- Over 7 hours of HD video
- Lifetime access
- Specific modules on birds, mammals, and macro wildlife
- Tips from award-winning photographers
You’ll also learn how to edit wildlife photos using Lightroom and Photoshop, making this a well-rounded course.
5. Photographing Wildlife – KelbyOne
Best for: Lightroom users and Adobe fans
Website: www.kelbyone.com
KelbyOne’s “Photographing Wildlife” course by David Kaplan focuses heavily on camera setup, subject tracking, and post-processing. It’s part of a wider platform known for its high production quality and clear instruction.
Key benefits:
- Short, digestible video lessons
- Focus on real-world wildlife encounters
- Post-processing with Adobe tools
- Great for Canon and Nikon users
KelbyOne offers a subscription model, so you’ll gain access to many other photography tutorials along with this one.
6. Online Wildlife Photography Course – The School of Photography
Best for: Structured lessons and certification
Website: www.theschoolofphotography.com
This course is tailored for photographers who want structured, academic-style lessons. It’s great if you’re looking to eventually pursue photography as a profession or even sell your wildlife images.
Course format:
- Video tutorials
- Assignments and quizzes
- End-of-course certification
- Mentorship from experienced photographers
With feedback and grading included, it’s ideal for someone who prefers an educational framework rather than a self-guided course.
7. Wildlife Photography Workshops – Wild Eye
Best for: In-field African safaris
Website: www.wild-eye.com
If you’re ready to take your wildlife photography global, Wild Eye offers in-person workshops and safaris across Africa. Their photography guides are seasoned professionals, and they cater to beginners and pros alike.
What you’ll get:
- Hands-on training in real environments
- Luxury safari camps
- Image critique sessions
- Small group sizes for focused learning
This is one of the most immersive ways to learn wildlife photography, and an adventure you’ll never forget.
8. Mastering Wildlife Photography – PhotographyCourse.net
Best for: Beginner-friendly blog + course hybrid
Website: www.photographycourse.net
This platform blends articles, how-to guides, and a video course to help new photographers explore wildlife photography without getting overwhelmed.
Perks:
- Easy-to-understand modules
- Access to free and premium materials
- Blog-style tutorials for quick learning
- Includes wildlife photo challenges
Perfect for those who enjoy learning at their own pace and want ongoing content updates.
9. Wildlife Photo Masterclass – Nikon School Online
Best for: Nikon camera users
Website: www.nikonschool.com
Nikon’s wildlife photography class is part of its broader training ecosystem and is ideal for Nikon DSLR and mirrorless users. You’ll get brand-specific tips that help you optimize your camera for wildlife shots.
Course focus:
- Camera settings for action and low light
- Focusing modes and tracking techniques
- Bird and mammal photography
- Gear selection for Nikon systems
Though tailored for Nikon users, other camera owners may still benefit from the techniques shared.
10. Online Wildlife Photography Course – British Academy of Photography
Best for: UK-based learners looking for accreditation
Website: www.britishacademyofphotography.org.uk
This in-depth course offers formal accreditation and is ideal for UK residents looking to turn wildlife photography into a career. It combines creative theory with technical instruction and portfolio development.
Course features:
- Nationally recognized certification
- Optional in-person workshops
- Portfolio reviews
- Business and marketing modules
This is a great option if you’re serious about building a career as a wildlife or nature photographer.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wildlife photography class depends on your goals, budget, and learning style. If you’re a beginner looking for an engaging, flexible, and professional-grade course, iPhotography’s Wildlife Photography Course stands out as the best overall. Meanwhile, those wanting real-world adventure might opt for Wild Eye’s safari-based learning.
Whether you want to take better animal shots on your weekend hikes or dream of contributing to National Geographic one day, these wildlife photography classes can help you take that next step with confidence and skill.
Have a favorite wildlife photography course or looking for more recommendations? Let us know in the comments!
