Photography Courses in Toronto

Master photography, fast. Small, hands-on classes for beginners.

Beginner photography courses in Toronto for adults with DSLR or mirrorless cameras. In-person classes capped at six students, from $480 for the 4-course weekend Accelerator.

See Courses and Prices Private Lessons

Featured in:

Learn Photography Your Way

Get started here:

Transform your photography skills with flexible learning options: fixed program, private lessons, or individual courses.

Beginner Accelerator

Learn photography with this 4-course program. Gain confidence and skills through guided practice.

Start Now Learn More

Most Flexible

Private Lessons

Achieve rapid progress with personalized, one-on-one lessons tailored to your schedule and interests.

Talk to Me Learn More

Travel-friendly

iPhone Photography

Learn to capture stunning photos and improve compositions using the world’s most popular camera.

What people are saying

Top rated

5.0

David M

Paul is an excellent teacher. Explains things patiently and clearly at the student's specific level of understanding. He adapts the lesson to the learner's interests. Heartily recommend time with Paul.

Response from the owner:Wonderful meeting you Dave; see you when you're back!

Brenda Farrell-Tuc

I had the pleasure of having Paul Kounine as my photography instructor. He was patient, knowledgeable, and very thorough when explaining camera modes, techniques, and the fundamentals of photography. Paul helped me overcome many of the challenges I was experiencing and gave me greater confidence behind the camera. His attention to detail and expertise made every lesson an excellent learning experience. I highly recommend Paul to anyone looking to improve their photography skills

Response from the owner:Hi Brenda. You're too kind, thanks so much!

J Lonsan

He compartido una tarde con Paul en la que he aprendido mucho acerca de fotografía, Paul ha sido ameno, interesante y muy didáctico. Me alegro enormemente de haber podido asistir a su clase

Response from the owner:Thank you, J! I hope you enjoy your time in Toronto.

Jason T

Worked with Paul as my photographer for a new business and I cannot say enough about how great his photos turned out—absolutely fantastic! Great guy, very skilled and professional! If you're working with Paul as either a teacher or as your photographer, you won't be disappointed. Thanks again Paul!

Response from the owner:Thanks a bunch, Jason. 🙂

Althea Macdonald

Paul was an excellent teacher, very clear explanations and exercises. The class was small thus allowing for alot of hands on explanations and practise. Highly recommend

Response from the owner:Althea, thanks again for joining the class. I’m glad you had a good experience, and I’m grateful for your kind words!

KATHY English

Paul’s i-phone photography workshop is fabulous. We learned much from him and appreciated his calm patience in explaining the more technical aspects of the phone’s camera app to us. His guidance on the artistic elements of taking good photos will undoubtedly help us create better images that evoke our memories.

Response from the owner:Thanks for your kind words, Kathy! I hope you make many beautiful pictures. 🙂

Kimberly Anne Ricketts-Ireton

Bill and Daniel thought it was great. They both learned a lot. Thank you so much.

Response from the owner:I'm happy they had a great experience. Thanks for leaving a review, much appreciated! 🙂

Nayan Mahady

I am so happy to learn photography with Exposure Therapy. Paul made is so enjoying and easy for me.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Nayan!

Danielle C

Paul is a great teacher. He explains things in a way that is easy to understand and gives concrete examples. The fact that the class takes place outside, in the field, is the perfect way to practice while learning. I really enjoyed his classes, I learned a lot and I highly recommend Paul.

Response from the owner:Hi Danielle, I’m so happy that you enjoyed the program and experience. Take care and have a wonderful photographic journey!

Group Photo Lessons

About the Beginner Accelerator

4-course program over one weekend for $480 (save 25%). Max six students.

3 hours

101: Camera Basics

Learn essential camera settings and functions, and gain confidence in handling your camera. Perfect for beginners and new camera owners.

3.5 hours

102: Aperture & Lens

Get familiar with depth and perspective by mastering the lens and its aperture. Ideal for enhancing portrait, landscape, and travel photography.

3 hours

103: Shutter Speed

Explore the impact of shutter speed on exposure, learn to freeze action or create motion blur, and capture dynamic photos in various lighting conditions.

3.5 hours

104: Manual Exposure

Gain full control over your camera by balancing ISO, aperture, and shutter speed for consistent, perfectly exposed photos in any situation.

Private Photography Lessons with Paul

Get personalized attention from a photography pro.

1 to 3 hours | from $130

1:1 Private Lessons

Lightroom and portfolio reviews by video, or hands-on lessons in person, anywhere in Toronto. Your topic, your schedule.

See Options

8 hours | $940 (save $100)

1:1 Private Accelerator

The full 4-course Beginner Accelerator, one-on-one, in two 4-hour sessions. Ideal before a trip.

Order Now Learn More

Got questions? Please visit the FAQ page before reaching out using the form below.

FAQs

My group courses are entirely in-person. Hands-on learning and immediate feedback are crucial for learning photography effectively. The one exception is the 1-hour private video session, for Lightroom and portfolio reviews.

Most of each lesson is spent shooting outdoors, year-round. From April 1 to October 31, we meet in front of the Royal Conservatory of Music on Bloor St. From November 1 to March 31, we meet inside Brookfield Place. In exceptional cold or heavy precipitation, we continue in nearby covered public spaces, such as the PATH and Union Station.

Each group course runs 3 to 3.5 hours. The 4-course Beginner Accelerator provides 13 hours of hands-on learning and practice.

Yes, private lessons are tailored to your schedule. I offer flexible timing and can meet you at a location of your choice to ensure you get the most out of your learning experience.

For most courses, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with full manual exposure controls is required. If your camera has a mode dial with M, A, S, P (or M, Av, Tv, P on Canon), you’re good to go. Some cameras without mode dials—like Fujifilm X-series or Leica M models—also qualify, as long as you can manually control shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.

Cameras without manual controls—such as basic point-and-shoots, kids’ cameras, or so-called “scameras”—are not suitable. Here’s why you should avoid scameras.

For the iPhone Photography course, an iPhone 11 or newer is required. Lessons focus on standard camera features common across recent iPhones, not the newest exclusive functions.

If you’re unsure whether your camera qualifies, feel free to contact me with the model number before registering.

Absolutely! I’ve taught folks who have shown up a day after getting their first camera. My courses are designed for complete beginners and intermediate photographers.

Photography student with a camera in Toronto