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Taking good photos doesn’t need to be rocket science, with photography courses in Melbourne you’ll learn how to master your camera and turn your surroundings into beautiful works of art. Whether you would like to learn photography to remember special moments, share precious milestones or even explore a new career path, these Melbourne activities will give you all the tools to work on a range of different styles.
2026 is the perfect time to embrace new skills and creative pursuits. Photography not only allows you to capture memories but also helps you see the world from a fresh perspective. With expert guidance from Melbourne’s talented photographers, you’ll not only improve your technical skills but also find your unique creative voice. Let’s dive into nine photography styles you can master this year to elevate your photo-taking game and create stunning visual stories.
Smartphone photography
While some die-hard photography fans may argue that the rise of smartphone photography has spelled the death of an art form, others are embracing the new technology. The main drawbacks of smartphone photography (as opposed to using a proper digital camera) are that the image can’t be blown up and viewed on a large scale without pixelation, but in the current digital age, does it really matter? According to a Guardian interview with fashion photographer Nick Knight, smartphone photography allows a sense of freedom and a capacity to authentically capture fleeting moments.
Our pick: smartphone photography class
Grab your smartphone and head into Melbourne’s picturesque CBD to capture sharp shots of the city’s iconic buildings including the RMIT and the State Library of Victoria, as well as candid moments on the crowded streets. This laid-back hands-on workshop will teach you all the basic tenets of photography – smartphone style.
You’ll practice street portraits, architecture shots, still life, abstract images, landscapes and nature photography. Throughout the session, your teacher will teach you about photo composition, ISO control, and exposure and how to edit your snaps on your phone. You’ll also get instant one-on-one feedback on your shots so you can improve throughout the course. All you need to bring is your smartphone (any brand is fine) and your creativity.
Portrait photography
To the uninitiated, portrait photography is simply close-up images of a human face, but in reality, this art form is about so much more. The aim of portrait photography is to capture the subject’s personality, attitude and their essential essence. Although portraits may appear simple, there’s a science behind finding the right angles, position and backgrounding to emphasise the subject’s key features.
Night Photography
Sick of taking blurry, poorly-lit night-time shots that completely fail to capture the beauty right in front of your eyes? It is possible to properly capture the stunning night lights of the city, but you need the right training. When it’s done right, night photography is an art form of its very own.
Our pick: night photography course
Take your digital camera skills to the next level and add stunning night cityscapes to your creative repertoire with this comprehensive night photography course. Your experienced instructor will teach you to control ISO, shutter speed and aperture using your camera’s manual mode to capture perfect night light shots.
The class meets at St Paul’s Cathedral but over the course of the night, you’ll capture shots of some of Melbourne's most picturesque attractions, like Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, Grafitti Laneways, and the Yarra River. This is not an absolute beginner’s photography course – you’ll need to bring your own digital camera (not a smartphone or point and shoot) as well as a tripod and cable release or remote.
Landscape photography
Landscape photography can be a great way to explore your passion for the outdoors, while also creating stunning photos that could become works of art. Depending on your level of interest, you can choose to focus on shooting sunsets, waterfalls and beaches or embark on a journey to capture the vastness of the Australian wilderness.
Day Photography
Taking day-time photos outdoors is one of the most common situations an amateur photographer will find themselves in but do you actually have the skills to get the most out of these shots? There’s an art to capturing street portraits, architecture, still life, abstract, landscapes and nature shots and you may be surprised to learn you’ve been missing out on some simple techniques to elevate your shots to the next level.
Our pick: day photography class
Grab your digital camera and slip it into auto mode as you learn about composition, ISO control, aperture and shutter speed in one of the most useful photography classes you’ll ever attend. You’ll receive ongoing feedback as you explore Melbourne’s streets and your own creativity, capturing Melbourne’s famous cafes and graffiti laneways, RMIT, and the State Library of Victoria. You’ll need to bring your own digital camera, so if you only have a smartphone, check out the smartphone class instead.
Street photography
Street photographers capture candid moments in time and space by giving the public the camera and encouraging them to take photos of anything they find interesting in their immediate surroundings. Whether it’s capturing fast-moving objects with a long-exposure shot or taking a portrait of someone who is oblivious to being photographed, street photography requires keen observation skills and an eye for details. It’s also about exploring new locations, meeting new people and making connections with strangers as you capture their natural presence on film.
Action photography
Action photographers love to capture their subject at just the right moment, whether it’s a sports match or a landscape scene, this type of photographer needs to be quick-fingered and have a good eye for when something special is about to happen. Action pictures are often considered more exciting because they capture something that we don’t normally get to see; they also provide us with a little insight into what things are like ‘behind the scenes’ before all the action begins!
Food photography
Capturing the beauty and deliciousness of food is an art form in itself. Food photography isn't just about snapping pictures of your meals, it's about telling a story through visuals, evoking emotions and making mouths water. With the rise of social media and culinary trends, mastering food photography has become a valuable skill for food bloggers, chefs and anyone who appreciates a well-presented dish.
Wildlife photography
Venture into the wild and capture the beauty and majesty of nature's creatures with wildlife photography. Whether you're fascinated by birds in flight, curious about elusive mammals, or captivated by underwater life, wildlife photography offers a thrilling and rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. You'll learn the art of patience and observation as you wait for the perfect moment to capture wildlife in its natural environment.
