Over the past ten years, India has seen a sharp increase in demand for professional photographers and videographers. Visuals are used in everything from weddings and events to corporate films, fashion shots, YouTube videos, and over-the-top (OTT) initiatives. In order to pursue a profession in this rapidly expanding field, more students and creative enthusiasts are undoubtedly looking for photography and videography courses in other cities.
However, the choice of whether to enroll in an in-person institution or learn online becomes crucial in 2025. Each choice has advantages and disadvantages. Let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks of online versus in-person learning so you can choose the one that best fits your objectives.
Why Training Matters in 2025
Today’s audiences demand high-quality material, cameras are smarter, and editing tools are more sophisticated. Having a mirrorless or DSLR camera is insufficient. You require organized instruction that teaches:
- Camera handling and lighting techniques
- Storytelling and composition
- Editing on industry software
- How to adapt content for YouTube, Instagram, weddings, OTT, and ads
- Professional workflow from pre-production to final delivery
Most students find it difficult to make the transition from pastime to career without assistance. A formal course is crucial in this situation.
The Rise of Online Photography Videography
In India, online education has taken off since 2020. By 2025, it will be typical to see classes offered through Google Meet, Zoom, or even specialist learning applications. Numerous Indian and foreign institutions provide online courses in photography and videography.
Pros of Online Courses
- Flexibility
- No matter where you are in India—Mumbai, Kolkata, or a little town—you can learn.
- Study at your own speed while juggling obligations to your family, job, or college.
- No matter where you are in India—Mumbai, Kolkata, or a little town—you can learn.
- Affordable
- Online courses usually cost less than in-person training.
- No travel, hostel, or accommodation expenses.
- Online courses usually cost less than in-person training.
- Access to Global Trainers
- You don’t have to leave your house to learn from famous photographers and filmmakers throughout the world.
- Exposure to various fashion trends and industry norms.
- You don’t have to leave your house to learn from famous photographers and filmmakers throughout the world.
- Recorded Sessions
- A lot of platforms offer lectures that have been videotaped. Concepts may be reviewed at any time, which is useful for intricate camera or editing approaches.
- A lot of platforms offer lectures that have been videotaped. Concepts may be reviewed at any time, which is useful for intricate camera or editing approaches.
- Diverse Communities
- Students all throughout India are connected through Discord channels, WhatsApp groups, and online forums.
- You can network outside of your city.
- Students all throughout India are connected through Discord channels, WhatsApp groups, and online forums.
Cons of Online Courses
- Limited Hands-On Practice
- Watching a video on lighting is not the same as setting up lights yourself.
- Errors are often overlooked in the absence of monitoring.
- Watching a video on lighting is not the same as setting up lights yourself.
- Dependence on Personal Equipment
- To practice, you need a decent camera, lighting, and editing software.
- For novices, this can be expensive.
- To practice, you need a decent camera, lighting, and editing software.
- Lack of Immediate Feedback
- During video conferences, trainers might not always notice minor flaws in exposure or framing.
- You may have to wait for the review of your assignments.
- During video conferences, trainers might not always notice minor flaws in exposure or framing.
- Motivation Challenges
- Without a classroom setting, it’s simple to become distracted.
- Lack of self-discipline causes many pupils to leave school in the middle.
- Without a classroom setting, it’s simple to become distracted.
- Limited Access to Industry Projects
- Opportunities for studio employment, internships, and live shoots are scarce for online learners.
- Opportunities for studio employment, internships, and live shoots are scarce for online learners.
The Value of In-Person Training
A completely different experience can be had by enrolling in an offline photography and videography course. Organizations that offer organized classes, labs, and live projects include MAAC, Arena, and specialized photography academies.
Pros of In-Person Courses
- Hands-On Practice
- Direct access to studios, lighting supplies, cameras, and lenses.
- As you shoot, trainers provide guidance and instantaneous error correction.
- Direct access to studios, lighting supplies, cameras, and lenses.
- Structured Environment
- Classrooms and set schedules foster discipline.
- Peer education increases motivation.
- Classrooms and set schedules foster discipline.
- Industry Exposure
- Numerous organizations in India help students find internships, live events, and commercial partnerships.
- Real confidence is developed via working on short films, advertising campaigns, and weddings.
- Numerous organizations in India help students find internships, live events, and commercial partnerships.
- Mentorship and Feedback
- You are guided step-by-step through technical configurations by trainers.
- Online trial-and-error learning is slower than immediate feedback.
- You are guided step-by-step through technical configurations by trainers.
- Portfolio Development
- With professional equipment, institutes assist students in creating portfolios and showreels.
- Getting clients or jobs depends on this.
- With professional equipment, institutes assist students in creating portfolios and showreels.
Cons of In-Person Courses
- Higher Costs
- Generally speaking, fees are greater than in online programs.
- Additional expenses for equipment, travel, and lodging (if coming from a different city).
- Generally speaking, fees are greater than in online programs.
- Geographic Limitation
- If you’re not based in a city like Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata, you’ll have to commute or move.
- If you’re not based in a city like Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata, you’ll have to commute or move.
- Rigid Schedules
- Because of their set schedules, classes might not be convenient for working professionals.
- Because of their set schedules, classes might not be convenient for working professionals.
- Limited Access to International Trainers
- In contrast to international online programs, most institutes rely on local specialists, which may limit exposure.
- In contrast to international online programs, most institutes rely on local specialists, which may limit exposure.
Online vs In-Person: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Online Courses | In-Person Courses |
| Flexibility | High — learn anytime, anywhere | Limited — fixed timings |
| Cost | Usually cheaper | More expensive |
| Hands-On Practice | Limited, requires your own gear | Extensive, institute provides equipment |
| Trainer Feedback | Delayed, often through assignments | Instant, face-to-face |
| Industry Exposure | Rare, mostly theoretical | Frequent — live shoots, internships |
| Networking | National/global online groups | Local peer and mentor networks |
| Portfolio Building | Self-driven, depends on personal practice | Guided, with institute equipment |
| Best For | Beginners testing interest, remote learners | Serious learners aiming for careers |
What Works Best for Indian Students in 2025?
For Indian learners, the choice often depends on career goals, budget, and location.
- Choose Online if:
- You’re a novice determining whether you’re cut out for photography or filmmaking.
- You want flexible, reasonably priced instruction and already have a camera.
- There are no professional institutions in the tiny town where you are headquartered.
- You’re a novice determining whether you’re cut out for photography or filmmaking.
- Choose In-Person if:
- You take your desire to pursue a career in photography or videography seriously.
- You desire access to industrial projects, practical training, and organized mentoring.
- To gain clients or work, you must construct your portfolio under guidance.
- You take your desire to pursue a career in photography or videography seriously.
For instance, an in-person photography and videography course would be more beneficial for a student who wants to work as a wedding cinematographer because it would allow them to practice using editing suites, lights, and drones. However, online learning might be more useful for a working professional in a Tier-3 city who wants to produce YouTube video.
The Future: Hybrid Learning
By 2025, a lot of Indian institutions will be providing hybrid models that combine the finest aspects of both approaches.
- Flexible online theory courses.
- Workshops offline for practical experience.
- Live coaching in addition to recorded sessions.
- Chances for online learners to participate in live shoots.
Students can learn at their own pace while still gaining real-world experience in professional studios by enrolling in hybrid photography and videography courses.
Conclusion
Choosing between online and in-person learning isn’t about which is “better” — it’s about what works for your goals. While offline training offers mentorship and practical experience, online courses offer flexibility and affordability.
An in-person photography and videography training provides a stronger foundation if you’re hoping to pursue a professional career in India’s cutthroat photography and videography market, particularly with help for your portfolio and practical experience. Online courses, however, can be a fantastic place to start if you’re just starting out in the area.
What’s the best option for 2025? Seek out institutions that provide hybrid learning, which combines flexible online theory with hands-on, offline instruction. In this manner, you experience videography rather than merely learning it.
