Upon scrolling the lineup of legendary photographers teaching courses for the Masters of Photography online educational platform—names like Albert Watson, Steve McCurry, Cristina Mittermeier, Paul Nicklen, Joel Meyerowitz, and more—it’s easy to assume their brilliance can’t be taught. With decades of iconic imagery, countless publications, and world-shaping perspectives behind them, learning what they know can feel, well, out of reach.
That insecurity lasted mere seconds once I did a deeper dive. Yes, these instructors are living legends—but their teaching styles on the platform are surprisingly down-to-earth. The lessons feel more like engaging conversations than lectures, packed with insight but easy to follow. Will you walk away as a master yourself? Most likely not. But you will start to understand how these photographers see the world—and how you can begin to shape your vision, too.
With time, practice, and a little creative risk-taking, mastery starts to feel within reach.
Overview: Who, What, Why
A couple of hours in, I begin to realize how well Masters of Photography blends storytelling, creative philosophy, and practical instruction in a way that’s not only approachable—but downright exciting. Why? Because suddenly I am learning from some of my most revered mentors and heroes, rather than a textbook.
From curious beginner to enthusiastic hobbyist or seasoned pro, there is plenty of fresh inspiration for everyone. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. I wondered if it was possible to learn photography from someone who was just talking on a screen? But the answer is a resounding yes. As the lessons delve deeper, many instructors take their skill sets into the studio or out into the field, doing what they do best, allowing us to witness the results of those specific shoots. I was able to go at my own pace, revisit lessons whenever I wanted, and learn from some of the most respected names in photography, all from the comfort of my couch! But when you so choose, the passive observer quickly becomes immersed in a more interactive phase. It’s a robust mix of philosophy with practical demonstrations (shooting, editing) as well as portfolio and project insights.
Access and Course Offerings
Once you purchase a course, it remains yours for life and is easily accessible in the “My Classroom” section. And unlike that unused gym membership we’ve all had at some point, this is one investment I can promise you’ll stick with—and feel good about.
Here is a list of pre-recorded video lessons by instructor and genre currently available on the Masters of Photography online platform:
- Albert Watson, Portraiture
- Cristina Mittermeier, Conservation and Wildlife
- Paul Nicklen, Conservation and Wildlife
- Steve McCurry, Documentary and Photojournalism
- Nick Danziger, Photojournalism
- David Yarrow, Fine Art
- Joel Meyerowitz, Street Photography
Below is a list of the ones I explored in more depth. Each course consists of multiple lessons—some with dozens of episodes. It’s nice to see there’s a Discovery Class option, with a curated selection of classes from the larger Masterclass, before having to make a bigger commitment. (Gold Access includes bonus and BTS episodes as well as a recording of a live “Ask Me Anything” session with the instructor.)
- Albert Watson, Masterclass: 54 episodes
- Albert Watson, Discovery Class: 10 lessons
- Paul Nicklen, Masterclass: 50 episodes
- Cristina Mittermeier, Master Class: 45 episodes
- Steve McCurry, Master Class: 25 episodes
- Steve McCurry, Discovery Class: 6 lessons
A complete listing of free photo content and links is available on a separate tab. It includes conversations with Sebastião Salgado, a documentary on Richard Avedon, Nick Knight breaking down lighting techniques, and more. But I digress.
Meet the Masters of Photography
I’ll admit, I was especially excited to dive into Albert Watson’s class. Portraiture is my favorite photo genre, and I’d had the honor of interviewing the incredibly talented and successful Mr. Watson years ago when I was an editor at Photo District News. Back then, I was starstruck. Now, I had the chance to go deeper—to hear about his creative journey, explore what he calls his “library of ideas,” and pick up his portrait shoot prep tips firsthand.
Watson
The course begins with Watson walking through his villa in Marrakesh, setting the tone: “I’m hoping to share several things I’ve learned over the past 50 years that I hope will help you.” What stood out most—not just from him, but from every instructor whose course I sampled—was the genuine passion behind their craft. As Watson says, “From the first minute I picked up a camera, I’ve had the passion. And when I was shooting last week, I still had the passion.”
Mittermeier
Cristina Mittermeier’s course also struck a deep chord with me. Trained as a marine biologist, she’s managed to weave her love of conservation into photography, creating work that feels both urgent and full of purpose.
McCurry
Steve McCurry’s path couldn’t be more different. He began studying filmmaking at Penn State, then traveled to India, and later to Afghanistan—just before the Soviet invasion. The images he smuggled out offered the world its first look at the conflict and earned him the Robert Capa Gold Medal.
Nicklen
Paul Nicklen’s course is pure visual poetry. A marine biologist (as well as Mittermeier’s husband), the National Geographic photographer has made it his mission to get up close with polar wildlife. That resonated with me as I’ve always been drawn to the polar bear exhibits at the Museum of Natural History. And I admire that Nicklen’s and Mittermeier’s SeaLegacy organization is devoted to protecting oceans and the creatures that depend on them.
Each of these photographers has taken a completely different path, yet they all share the same drive: an unshakable vision and a passion for sharing it with others.
Life Lessons
Many of the courses don’t focus heavily on technical aspects like f-stops and shutter speeds. Instead, they aim to foster a creative vision—and that worked well for me.
For example, in Albert Watson’s fourth lesson, he shares how he discovered his passion for photography and became fascinated with the camera’s ability to “stop time.” At this point, he is still seated in his Moroccan villa—looking quite stylish, I might add—speaking directly to the camera.
By Lesson 5, we’re transported to his library in lower Manhattan, with a stunning view of the Empire State Building. Surrounded by shelves of books, he walks us through the titles that shaped his vision—19th-century photography, reportage, landscape, and portraiture—and recommends must-reads for inspiration. Later lessons, like 11 and 12, take us into the studio. Here, we watch Watson in action—guiding a subject, adjusting for overexposure, and adding ambience as needed.
A Standout Moment
One standout moment for me was listening to his thought process behind his iconic 1973 portrait of Alfred Hitchcock holding a plucked goose by the neck—shot for Harper’s Bazaar. Watson calls it one of the most important images of his career, the one that changed everything. As he recounts how he reimagined the original brief and pulled it off with a simple setup (a strobe through an umbrella, two lights behind), it all clicks—the blend of vision, instinct, and technical know-how that defines his work. This is a pivotal moment for anyone watching, in my opinion, as skill merges with creativity and suddenly you’ve found your signature voice (something I feel is critical for photographers and other creatives).
“The shooting was magical in two ways,” Watson describes. “I got a half-decent shot, and I got to sit and talk with Alfred Hitchcock”—over tea and biscuits, no less. What makes the lesson truly special is the story behind it, the creative process, and the sheer joy of creating something unforgettable. After perusing other courses on the platform, this one seems to have more technical content (lighting setups, camera settings), whereas others are more focused on why than how (which I enjoyed immensely!).
To Make a Great Portrait
Steve McCurry’s lessons explore his belief that a great portrait should reveal something true about the person you’re photographing—or even about humanity. And as some of his most unforgettable portraits fill the screen, he casually shares tips that feel like quiet little gifts: “talk to people, get permission, build a connection. Try shooting both vertical and horizontal. Look your subject in the eye—at their eye level—and never from above. And keep it simple. Let the person’s face tell the story, without letting technique shout over it.” His courses’ overall emphasis is on storytelling, emotion, and travel; his lessons are great for visual thinkers.
Cristina Mittermeier, on the other hand, takes us out on the water at sunrise to photograph local fishermen in Mexico. As the light changes, she emphasizes the importance of collaborating with communities and sharing their stories in a way that’s honest and meaningful, capturing the essence of a moment, one frame at a time.
Of course, there’s no shortage of practical advice, too, including Paul Nicklen’s 20-60-20 rule for tough shots: “Spend the first 20 percent of your shoot nailing the basics—clean composition, solid exposure, nothing fancy. Use the next 60 percent to play—try new techniques, unusual angles, and compositions that help shape your style. Save the final 20 percent for those bold, “go big or go home” shots that push your creativity and technical skills to the edge.”
All told, it’s part photography class, part call to action—and wholly inspiring.
Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Most of the courses are beginner-friendly in terms of accessibility and tone. While some technical sections may be beyond a beginner’s grasp, most lessons are more philosophical and inspirational.
Each course varies slightly in structure and length (Watson has 54 lessons, Mittermeier 45, etc.), and some (in Gold Access) include bonus content, such as behind-the-scenes episodes and “Ask Me Anything” sessions. There are also downloadable study materials and a Facebook group for feedback and community building. I like that assignments are not heavily structured and seem well-suited for self-directed learners.
As for my own learning process, I’m a linear thinker. At first, I dutifully worked through the lessons in order—1, 2, 3. But I soon found myself getting a little impatient, wanting to jump ahead. Luckily, the platform lets you hop around. Many of the introductory lessons are quick and skippable if you’d rather dive right into the meat of things. That flexibility is a real plus.
Not ready to commit to a full course? You can sign up for seven free sample lessons and get a feel for each instructor’s style. I found it perfect for deepening your understanding of vision and voice, and it’s a smart way to dip your toes in before diving deeper.
