YouTube is an amazing resource to learn just about anything. Photography in particular because it’s pretty close to videography..and YouTube is nothing but videos made by people who are at least decent behind a camera for the most part.
Ok, whatever, my logic might’ve fallen apart there but I think you can get the idea. YouTube is a great place for you if you want to learn, brush up on skills, or just be entertained by someone snapping photos.
So without further ado:
Here’s my list of the best photography YouTube channels
1) Thomas Heaton – 532K subscribers
Thomas lives in England and does a ton of landscape photography-related videos. With on-location shooting, self-built camper tips/travels, film photography, printing your work and more it’s a channel to follow.
2) John Branch IV Photography – 173K subscribers
If you’ve read some of my other articles you will know, that I am a huge fan of Fujifilm. I’m pretty obsessed with them. Well, John Branch is a Fujifilm photographer running his own full-time wedding photography business. And YouTube of course.
He also includes all the classic photography tips, but also business owner tips, including budgeting and pricing.
3) KentuckyMan30 – 11.8K subscribers
He doesn’t post super often, but he’s a Fujifilm shooter that documents and produces simpler-style videos in a way that keeps you interested. He takes badass photos and is a huge fan of the X100V. (But who isn’t?) Still, I’ll sit down and watch through all his videos.
4) Lizzie Peirce – 256K subscribers
Lizzie Peirce, a Video Producer and Photographer from Toronto left her job to establish her own business, Know Hau Media Operations Inc., alongside her husband. Through her YouTube channel, she shares her journey as a business owner, inspiring young creators to start their own creative businesses and partner with renowned brands. Follow for photo/video tips, inspirational bits, business tips, and more!
5) Peter McKinnon – 5.86M subscribers
Can’t have a photography YouTube list without mentioning Peter McKinnon on here. And although he does do a lot of video-centric stuff. His photography videos are out there. That’s what got him started.
6) Xing Liu – 68.5K subscribers
If you’re a portrait photographer and want to see what a camera/lens combo produces before you invest, or maybe you’re curious about its potential, definitely check out Xing Liu! He’s a big Fujifilm shooter but will also test out other brands’ offerings.
Most of his videos are POV-style. Showing you exactly how he sees things and then the exact settings used for the images he took.
7) Vanessa Joy – 87.8K subscribers
Just about everything you think you’d ever want from a photography YouTube channel. Photography tips, business running tips, and even marketing tips. Vanessa has been at it since 2002 so she’s got a ton of experience to share.
8) First Man Photography – 157K subscribers
Based in the UK, First Man Photography has a good mix of landscape photography vlogs, photography tutorials, camera gear reviews, and more. He’s also got a lot of printing-related videos.
9) Jared Polin – 1.42M subscribers
Another one of those photographers you simply can’t leave off a list of this kind. So. Here he is. Jared Polin of Fro Knows Photo. But the video below, I wasn’t quite sure which to share of his. There are so many. Until I came across one of his more recent ones, which I hadn’t seen yet. This one below, gave me a little kick in the butt to keep pushing and making photography things happen. I’ve been struggling a little bit with inspiration, specifically with how Instagram and social media has been treating photographers. This helped remind me, it’s not only about sharing the photos for the likes and increasing your reach. It’s about the who, being social and making connections. You never know who or what can come out of a social media connection.
10) Joe Allam – 257K subscribers
Another big Fuji shooter! Joe also ventures out to Japan a lot with his various Fujifilm cameras. A spot that’s on my short list of dream places to visit with camera in hand. So seeing him out shooting there helps scratch some of that itch.
11) Julia Trotti – 564K subscribers
Based in Sydney, Australia, Julia is a portrait photographer using her channel to teach photography-related skills, give you some gear reviews and take you behind the scenes of her shoots.
12) Tony & Chelsea Northrup – 1.58M subscribers
A YouTube duo of Tony and Chelsea Northrup. They hit on all the good photography-related stuff; reviews, tips, and discussions about AI taking over the photo world. It’s a little scary.
13) Lindsay Adler Photography – 102K subscribers
Lindsay is a fashion photographer giving you a lot of behind-the-scenes breakdowns. Going super into detail about her decision-making on set, what gear/settings she used, what the client(s) wanted and her overall goals for the shoot. If you’re a commercial or fashion photographer hopeful, Lindsay would be a great pro to follow.
14) Kai W – 936K subscribers
Another long-time YouTube photographer here. A self-proclaimed bokeh whore, Kai has been reviewing cameras and other photo/video-related gear for a while. In the below video, he gets his hands on the Leica Q3. This a camera I’m really excited about and hope to rent soon, maybe within the next few months!
