Cape Town
Photography Courses in Cape Town with Martin Osner
Learn photography with Martin Osner, an award winning fine art photographer and educator with over 35 years of experience. The Essentials and Advanced courses are taught online, so you work through them at your own pace from Cape Town or anywhere else, with a monthly live session and a community where your work is seen. If you want Martin beside you in person, that is a private lesson, in his Hout Bay studio or out on location around the Cape.
For beginners
Beginner Photography Course
If you are just getting started and want to finally understand your camera, this online course is the place to begin. The course is presented with clear, step by step video lessons that you can complete at your own pace, backed by expert guidance from Martin Osner.
What is included
- Structured video lessons, yours to keep
- Martin's signature “Four Controls” teaching method
- Step by step practical assignments to build confidence
- Optional support through the community or one to one sessions
- A solid foundation in photography for beginners
Creative development
Advanced Photography Course
If you already know the basics and want to take your photography further, this online course is the next step. It gives you structure, support and creative growth without needing to attend anything in person. The course helps you develop consistency, refine your technique and begin building a personal style.
What is included
- Weekly video lessons over six weeks, yours to keep
- Creative assignments that challenge and inspire
- Insights into light, style and photographic voice
- Community support and live mentorship sessions with Martin Osner
- Ideal for hobbyists and anyone ready to go beyond the basics
On your doorstep
Why Cape Town is Perfect for Learning Photography
Cape Town is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a dream destination for photographers. With its iconic mountains, vibrant city streets, golden coastal light and rich cultural diversity, the city offers a stunning backdrop for learning and creative exploration.
If you love outdoor photography
Join the Landscape Photography Course in Stilbaai on the southern Cape coast, 18 to 22 October 2027, nine places.
The Stilbaai landscape course ↗Would you prefer something more personal?
Book a private lesson with Martin, on Zoom from anywhere, in the studio in Hout Bay, or out on location around the Cape.
Private lessons with Martin ↗For the creative photographer
Join Martin and Samantha Lee Osner on the four day art and photography retreat in Swellendam, where you turn your own photographs into painted, mixed media artwork.
The Swellendam retreat ↗
Your teachers
Why Learn with Martin and Samantha Lee Osner?
Martin Osner is a multi award winning fine art photographer and educator with over 35 years of teaching experience. As co-founder of South Africa's National College of Photography and founder of his own photography school and academy, Martin offers a rare blend of technical expertise and creative vision. His online courses are clear, inspiring and designed to help you grow with confidence.
He is joined at the Academy by his daughter, Samantha Lee Osner, an artist known for her soft, abstract impressionist work. Whether you are starting from scratch or returning to photography with fresh energy, the Osners offer a supportive and thoughtfully structured learning experience.