When you need to gain new skills and knowledge as soon as possible or simply get some practical advice from a professional, watching YouTube tutorials is the quickest way to do that. It is also the most effective way, as in addition to explanations, you get demonstrated how to implement skills in an easy-to-follow format.

The only issue is how do you choose which channels are really helpful from the endless list on YouTube? We’ve scrutinized the supply and compiled a list of the most subscribed photography YouTube channels that will serve a source of inspiration and motivation for you.

Our list of the best photography YouTube channels to subscribe to

Jessica Kobeissi

Jessica Kobeissi is a Lebanese American designer and photographer, whose YouTube channel has over 1 million subscriptions and it’s no surprise. On the platform, she generously shares her knowledge in photography, creates tutorials on editing and showcases her creative process as it is.  

The Cooperative of Photography

The Cooperative of Photography is actually a photography online magazine that publishes useful and inspirational articles. It also has a YouTube channel with more than 700,000 subscribers and videos that get 20 million views. There are tutorials and workshops, tips and hacks for both professionals and beginners in the field, as well as videos for those interested in mobile photography.

Peter McKinnon

Peter McKinnon is a photography and film professional who creates video tutorials on photography. He shares easy editing tricks and points out bad habits and mistakes photographers usually make. He also loves to challenge his fans and himself by asking if they are professional enough to spot a difference between photos taken from different devices.  

Mango Street

Mango Street is a YouTube channel, the description of which says, they feature “tutorials that don’t waste your time”. Now you have a chance to check if it is true by watching a couple of their videos.

Brandon Woelfel

Brandon Woelfel is a New-York-based photographer. His works are a source of inspiration for many, as he has no equal in creating magic photo effects with improvised means like glitter and lights. If you’re open to experiments or just want to try something unusual, you should definitely watch one of his tutorials.

Irene Rudnyk

Irene Rudnyk is a Canadian photographer with almost 500,000 subscribers at her YouTube channel. Her videos teach you how to make art out of basic things. For instance, there’s a video on how she turned her old camera into art and a variety of tutorials on how to turn cheap things into good-looking and useful photoshoot props.

Tony & Chelsea Northrup

For everything photography-related from tutorials and tips, camera and lens reviews to photography news updates, subscribe to Tony & Chelsea Northrup’s channel. In addition to a depository with 100+ videos, there’s a weekly Tony & Chelsea Northrup live show that you can watch every Thursday at 5 PM ET.

Kai W

Kaiman Wong says he’s a photography nerd, gear addict, tech lover, and vlogger. Since his first video in 2012,  Wong’s channel got over 40 million views. He definitely deserves such an appreciation, as his videos are always very detailed and useful. Just check out the one where he compares the 50mm vs 35mm vs 28mm photography lens.

Karl Taylor

The international photographer Karl Taylor (with 20 years of professional experience) has consulted on photography techniques the BBC and has collaborated with a number of famous brands. At his YouTube channel, he posts on how to make good product advertising and still life photography and also has some live Q&A’s.  

Thomas Heaton

Although landscape photography seems to be a romantic business for many, Thomas Heaton shows the ugly truth in his videos. No matter which season or weather is outside, he goes wild camping overnight, waits for long hours, messes up, but as a reward, he spots the incredible views of nature. If you’re wondering whether getting out of your comfort zone for the sake of photography is worth it, watch some Thomas Heaton’s videos for motivation.

The Art of Photography

The Art of Photography is a YouTube channel by a photographer and filmmaker Ted Forbes. He covers all the basics – the history, composition, and main techniques, providing a complete look at the world of contemporary photography.  

Fstoppers

Fstoppers is not just a YouTube channel but an entire online community the aim of which is to educate young professionals. Photo tricks and tips, tutorials, and news are what for one should subscribe to the channel with over 700,000 followers.

DigitalRev TV

Perhaps, you’ve already heard about this channel, but we could not help but include it in this list. DigitalRev TV is a photography platform that incites photographers to see photography not only as a hobby but as a way of self expression. They have almost 2 million subscribers and 420, 749, 590 views. Not surprisingly, they claim to be the most viewed photography show on the Internet.

As a side note, every marketer has questioned when and how they should be using video in their projects and campaigns. While you’re still chewing over whether you should get on board, your competitors are producing how-to videos, promo campaigns with video bloggers and using an animated header for their Facebook page. They know where the future is headed.

And finally…

Whether you’re looking to gain profound knowledge, some practical skills or simply get inspired and motivated, this list on photography YouTube channels will be useful for both a beginner and a professional. All this requires is some time set aside to relax and focus on new knowledge without (technically) leaving your couch.

Subscribe to these channels and save our list of must-read books for photographers.

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