Last updated: May 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson, OnlineCourseing editor. See our review methodology. We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on this page — it never changes what we recommend.
QUICK VERDICT
Bottom line: Travel and street photography are about shooting fast with available light on the move — skills a studio course won’t teach. For most people the best value is a focused Udemy course you own for life. Our top pick is the Travel Photography Specialization with Jellis Vaes.
- Best travel photography: Travel Photography Specialization (Udemy)
- Best street photography: Street Photography From A to Z (Udemy)
- Pricing: Udemy courses are one-time buys, often $12–$25 on sale
- Don’t forget editing: travel shots live or die in post — see our photo editing courses
See Our #1 Travel Photography Course →
What makes travel and street photography different
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Travel and street work share a core challenge: you don’t control the scene. The light is whatever it is, the moment is gone in a second, and you’re often carrying minimal gear. So the skills that matter aren’t studio lighting setups — they’re reading available light, composing quickly, working unobtrusively in public, and getting it right in-camera because there’s no second take. The courses below are chosen for teaching those real-world skills rather than generic camera theory. If you want broad fundamentals first, start with our best online photography courses hub and come back here to specialize.
The best travel and street photography courses
1. Best for travel photography — Travel Photography Specialization with Jellis Vaes (Udemy)
This is the most complete travel-specific course we’d recommend. It’s built around the realities of shooting on location — planning a shoot, working with changing natural light, composition for landscapes and people, and the workflow of coming home with images worth keeping. Best for: travelers who want a structured, travel-focused path rather than a general photography course. Worth noting: it assumes you know your camera’s basics, so pair it with a fundamentals course if you’re brand new.
2. Best for street photography — Street Photography From A to Z (Udemy)
Street photography is as much about confidence and timing as it is about camera settings, and this course covers both — the technical side (settings for fast candid work) and the human side (working in public, finding moments, the ethics of shooting strangers). Best for: anyone who wants to shoot confident candid work in public. Also good: if you prefer a quieter, more contemplative take on the genre, look at Street Photography: The Quiet Moments.
3. Best for going professional — Becoming a Professional Travel Photographer (Udemy)
If your goal is to earn from travel photography rather than just improve, this course leans into the business side — building a portfolio, finding clients and outlets, and the practical realities of the job. Best for: competent shooters who want to turn the skill into income. Skip if: you’re learning for personal enjoyment — the travel specialization above is a better fit.
Travel & street photography courses compared
| Course | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Photography Specialization | Travel | Structured travel path |
| Street Photography From A to Z | Street | Confident candid work |
| Becoming a Professional Travel Photographer | Business | Earning from the craft |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an expensive camera for travel photography?
No. Travel photography rewards portability, and many great travel images are shot on modest mirrorless bodies or even phones. The skills that matter — light, composition, timing — apply to any camera, so learn on what you already carry.
What’s the difference between travel and street photography?
They overlap, but travel photography is broader (landscapes, people, food, architecture on location) while street photography is specifically candid work in public spaces. The street course above goes deeper on shooting strangers; the travel course covers the wider range.
Should I learn editing too?
Yes — travel and street images often need cropping, exposure, and color work to reach their potential. Once you’re shooting well, our photo editing courses cover the Lightroom and Photoshop skills to finish them.
Related guides
- Best Online Photography Courses — the full hub
- Best Photo Editing Courses — finish your shots in Lightroom & Photoshop
- Best MasterClass Photography Classes