Whether you’re diving into photography, videography, graphic design, or storytelling, YouTube is packed with free masterclasses—you just need to know where to look.
If you want inspiration, practical skills, and the occasional kick of motivation, below are 7 YouTube channels aspiring creative should follow.
1. Peter McKinnon
Peter McKinnon is a photographer and filmmaker who shares energetic tutorials on shooting and editing.
He breaks down camera gear, shooting tips and post-processing tricks in an energetic, easygoing style.
He packs a lot of info into short, engaging videos, teaching you creative effects and editing techniques.
Beginners will appreciate how he explains complex ideas simply – for example, check out his popular video “8 Camera HACKS in 90 SECONDS!!” for fun, practical tips (it has over 8 million views!).
With McKinnon’s guidance, you’ll learn the fundamentals of photography for beginners and videography in no time.
2. Mango Street
Mango Street creates concise, creative tutorials on photography and filmmaking. Their short videos jump right into practical tips on posing, composition, camera settings, and editing without fluff.
They cover basics (like posing non-models or fixing beginner mistakes) and post-production (Lightroom/Photoshop) in an engaging way, making the content easy to follow for novices.
Mango Street’s project-based approach inspires learning by doing.
Popular video: “6 IN-CAMERA Video Transitions in 120 Seconds” (4.3M views)
Channel link: Mango Street YouTube Channel
3. Tony & Chelsea Northrup
Tony & Chelsea Northrup are a husband-and-wife team offering in-depth photography tutorials and gear reviews. They explain camera fundamentals (composition, lighting, exposure) and review gear in a friendly, accessible style.
Shotkit notes their content “largely focuses on gear talk but also offers value to photographers of all skill levels – from beginners to experts”. Their comprehensive videos (like photography fundamentals series) are organized for learners at any stage.
Popular video: “Beginning Photography Fundamentals: Composition, Lighting & Camera Settings” (665K views)
Channel link: Tony & Chelsea Northrup YouTube
4. Jessica Kobeissi (Fashion & Portrait Photography)
Jessica Kobeissi’s channel is a goldmine of fashion and portrait photography tutorials.
She often films behind-the-scenes of her shoots, offering invaluable tips on posing, lighting, and editing.
Her friendly, step-by-step style makes even tricky concepts easy to follow.
Beginners will love her “shoot with me” videos, which walk you through the entire process of a photo session.
For example, her video “BEST Posing Tips for Beginner Photographers” (100K+ views) gives practical, beginner-friendly advice on how to pose anyone.
Start here to pick up portrait-photography basics and creative inspiration.
(Channel: Jessica Kobeissi) https://youtube.com/@jessicakobeissi?si=cle9pxB2LHeCckkU
5. The Art of Photography (Photography Fundamentals)
Hosted by Ted Forbes, The Art of Photography dives deep into the art and craft of photography.
This channel goes beyond gear, exploring the philosophy, history and composition behind great photos.
Ted’s videos cover camera fundamentals and creative techniques alike. For instance, his popular talk “Photography Composition: Simplification and Negative Space” breaks down how to compose striking images.
Beginners will find this channel invaluable for learning the why behind photography principles, not just the how.
It’s perfect if you want to blend creative inspiration with practical tips.
(Channel: The Art of Photography) https://youtube.com/@theartofphotography?si=Nodh6RS6LHhFYOpX
6. The Futur (Design & Creative Strategy)
Led by Chris Do, The Futur (a.k.a. Futur Academy) is a powerhouse of design and branding education.
The channel offers bite-sized lessons on graphic design theory, logo creation, branding and even business strategy.
Chris Do’s engaging teaching style makes complex design concepts approachable.
Beginners can learn how color and layout work, or pick up practical software tips.
One standout is “What Is Branding? 4 Minute Crash Course”, a concise intro that’s easy to digest.
If you’re interested in creative entrepreneurship or want to understand why design matters, this channel delivers clear insight.
(Channel: The Futur) https://youtube.com/@thefutur?si=jfx8BFwmTSF1DXRF
7. Film Riot (Filmmaking & VFX Tutorials)
For aspiring videographers and indie filmmakers, Film Riot is a hilarious, info-packed channel.
With nearly 1.5 million subscribers, it’s the resource for learning DIY filmmaking tricks.
Every episode breaks down film effects, camera techniques and storytelling tips in a fun way.
Beginners can pick up videography basics and editing skills while watching creative projects.
For example, check out their “Disintegration Effect (After Effects Tutorial)” – it shows how to make a cool VFX effect step-by-step.
Film Riot’s mix of humor and hard-won knowledge makes even advanced techniques feel accessible.
(Channel: Film Riot) https://youtube.com/@filmriot?si=mm-mVMKwApVg5qM9
Conclusion
These channels cover a wide range of creative fields – from cameras and photo editing, to design theory and crafty DIY. Each one is easy to follow for beginners and packed with inspiration.
Grab a notebook or your camera, hit subscribe on these channels, and start practicing what you learn.
With consistent creative learning and fun tutorials at your fingertips, you’ll see your skills grow fast.
So go ahead: click subscribe, dive into these videos, and enjoy the journey of making something new every day!
Sources: These channel recommendations are informed by expert lists and reviews of top creative YouTube content.
