10 Top Photography Courses in India for Beginners and Professionals
Photography in India is more popular than ever. From social media influencers to event management companies, beautiful photographs are in high demand, attracting many people to take up photography as a hobby and a career. Event photography and photoshoot skills are particularly valuable, with weddings, corporate events, and celebrations requiring professional photographers who can capture moments flawlessly. The opportunity for a profitable career in photography holds strong appeal. Whether you want to become a professional event photographer or simply learn photoshoot techniques for joy, the right training can make all the difference.
We have curated the 5 best online photography courses in India and the 5 top offline photography institutes. These have been selected based on reputation, faculty, study material quality, and alumni success. Many of these courses cover event management photography, wedding photoshoot techniques, and professional photography skills that are essential for photographers working in event management. Whether you want to develop your skills or specialize in event photography, portrait photoshoots, or other niches, you'll find ideal options here.
Certificate vs Diploma in Photography
Certificate courses are perfect for hobbyists and beginners seeking quick training in photography fundamentals, including basic photoshoot techniques.
Diploma programs, on the other hand, are more comprehensive — covering editing, portfolio building, event photography, and commercial photoshoot assignments. Both paths can prepare you for a career in event management photography.
| Course Type | Duration | Cost Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 3–6 months | ₹10,000 – ₹2,00,000+ |
| Diploma | 9–12 months | ₹20,000 – ₹5,00,000+ per year |
“In creativity, the brightest minds have no place. You have to think from the heart.” — Raghu Rai
5 Best Online Photography Courses in India
Online photography learning is now flexible and accessible, offering expert guidance, exercises, and feedback to develop your skills. Many of these courses now include event photography fundamentals and photoshoot training modules that prepare you for event management photography careers.
1. Pixel Institute of Photography (Delhi) 🌐
Mode & Length: Online/Offline; 6 months access
Highlights:
- Affordable, EMI options, Govt certification
- Covers camera basics to editing, lighting, framing, angles
- Includes event photography and photoshoot fundamentals
- Workshops, equipment access, post-training assistance
Ideal For: Hobbyists, beginners, and professionals interested in event management photography and photoshoot training.
2. The Photography Institute (Bangalore, Online) 🌐
Mode & Length: 12-month certificate or 18-month diploma
Highlights:
- 12 expert-led modules covering event photography and photoshoot techniques
- AQF Level 5 compliant diploma
- Portfolio building and mentorship
- Special focus on event management photography workflows
Ideal For: Students aiming to expand skills in India and abroad, particularly in wedding photography and event photoshoots.
3. Delhi College of Photography (DCOP, Delhi) 🌐
Mode & Duration: 1-year diploma, 5 days/week
Highlights:
- Variety of genres: fashion, food, interior, wedding photography, event photography, film
- Specialized photoshoot training for events and celebrations
- Short-term & weekend courses available
Ideal For: Aspirants wanting hands-on event management photography experience and photoshoot skills.
4. AAFT Diploma in Still Photography (Noida) 🌐
Mode & Duration: 3 months, online/offline (Hindi & English)
Highlights:
- Recruiters include Canon, MakeMyTrip, Livspace
- Covers foundation, product, food, event photography, and smartphone photography
- Photoshoot techniques for corporate events and celebrations
Ideal For: Career-focused learners enhancing creative skills in event management photography.
5. Indian Institute of Photography (IIP, Noida) 🌐
Mode & Duration: 11 months to 3 years
Highlights:
- Dual diploma, BFA, and Masters available
- Indoor/outdoor classrooms, field shoots
- Covers event photography and photoshoot fundamentals
Ideal For: Learners exploring new media, visual storytelling, event management photography, and documentary photography.
5 Top Offline Photography Institutes in India
These offline institutes offer comprehensive training in event photography, photoshoot techniques, and event management photography, providing hands-on experience crucial for professional photographers.
1. Light & Life Academy (Ooty, Tamil Nadu) 🌐
Mode & Duration: 6–12 months, full-time residential
Highlights:
- "Modern Gurukul" with natural light and studio setup
- Mentorship from award-winning photographers
- Specialized training in wedding photography and event photoshoots
Ideal For: Students seeking immersive, hands-on learning in event management photography.
2. MIT-WPU School of Photography (Pune, Maharashtra) 🌐
Mode & Duration: 1–3 years; optional 4th-year Honours
Highlights:
- UG, PG, and advanced certification courses
- Job offers from Ogilvy, News18, HT Digital
- Comprehensive event photography and photoshoot curriculum
Ideal For: Students pursuing a structured career path in event management photography and professional photoshoots.
3. Creative Hut Institute of Photography (Kottayam, Kerala) 🌐
Mode & Duration: 1-year residential
Highlights:
- Gurukul-based, AI-integrated program
- PDAP, KGTE, NCVET, and Adobe certifications
- Focus on event photography and photoshoot skills for events and celebrations
Ideal For: Learners seeking practical, government-certified training in event management photography.
4. Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT, Noida) 🌐
Mode & Duration: 1–3 years, Diploma/BA programs
Highlights:
- Lighting, color theory, photojournalism
- Media ethics & storytelling
- Event photography and photoshoot techniques for corporate and social events
Ideal For: Students exploring photography within media and journalism, including event management photography.
5. Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication (Delhi) 🌐
Mode & Duration: 14 months, full-time
Highlights:
- 4-semester PG diploma
- Covers street, documentary, lighting, event photography, exhibitions
- Photoshoot techniques for events and professional assignments
Ideal For: Students pursuing professional photojournalism, event management photography, and studio photography.
Exploring Photography Specialisations
Learning at top institutes opens opportunities to specialise in your desired field:
- Fashion Photography: Capture elegance for campaigns & magazines
- Wildlife Photography: Document animals and nature
- Wedding Photography & Event Photography: Tell emotional, human stories at weddings, corporate events, and celebrations through professional photoshoots
- Event Management Photography: Specialize in capturing corporate events, conferences, and celebrations with professional photoshoot techniques
- Travel/Street Photography: Capture culture & life in motion
- Commercial/Advertising Photography: Create brand imagery
- Documentary/Photojournalism: Influence and inform with authenticity
Leveraging AI Technology in Event Photography
Modern event photography workflows have been revolutionized by AI face search technology. Platforms like FotoOwl use advanced AI face recognition to automatically organize event photos, making it easier for photographers to manage large photoshoot galleries and share images with clients. This AI photo recognition technology helps event photographers streamline their workflow from photoshoot to delivery.
Want to make your work stand out? Use FotoOwl.ai to deliver AI-powered face search photo sharing galleries for your event photography clients. With AI face recognition, FotoOwl automatically organizes your photoshoot images, making event management photography workflows seamless and efficient.
Building Your Portfolio with Event Photography
Your portfolio reflects your photographic identity, especially important when showcasing event photography and photoshoot work. Here are three quick tips:
- Select your best work: Showcase your strongest event photography and photoshoot images
- Show variety: Include diverse genres—wedding photography, corporate event photography, and portrait photoshoots
- Easy navigation: Keep layouts clean and labeled for impact
- Use AI face search platforms: Tools like FotoOwl with AI face recognition can help clients quickly find their photos from large event photography galleries
Conclusion: Building Your Event Photography Career
If you are serious about a photography career, especially in event management photography and photoshoot services, India offers diverse options — from short online courses to immersive degree programs. These courses equip you with essential photoshoot skills, event photography techniques, and the expertise needed for wedding photography and corporate events. Choose what fits your goals, schedule, and budget.
For photographers specializing in event photography, mastering photoshoot techniques is crucial, but equally important is having the right tools to manage and share your work. When it's time to showcase your event photography and deliver photoshoot galleries to clients, FotoOwl.ai is your best partner.
FotoOwl offers AI face search technology that uses AI face recognition to automatically organize event photos. This AI photo recognition feature revolutionizes event management photography workflows by allowing clients to quickly find their photos from large photoshoot galleries using face search. FotoOwl's AI-based face recognition, branded galleries, and smart delivery tools ensure your event photography work stands out while streamlining your client workflow from photoshoot to delivery.