When you're setting up a photography routine for craft maker photography, the first decision often comes down to how you learn best: through long-form video lectures, or through a written guide backed by a DVD. These two sets both tap into National Geographic's pool of photography talent, yet package the experience differently.
Quick verdict
If you want more lecture time for a lower listed price, the Great Courses - Masters of Photography - Video DVD is the fit. It lists at $11.95 and carries 24 half-hour lectures on 4 discs with a course guidebook included. If you'd rather have the National Geographics Masters Of Photography Course Guide Book & DVD Video Series at $18.00, the written guide anchors the program and the DVD works alongside it.
At a glance
| Compared on | Great Courses - Masters of Photography - Video DVD | National Geographics Masters Of Photography Course Guide Book & DVD Video Series |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 11.95 | USD 18.00 |
| Price bar | ||
| Format | DVD | Book + DVD |
| Condition | Like New | Brand New |
| Course package | 4 discs, 24 lectures, guidebook included | Guide book plus DVD video series |
| Instructor / author | Various National Geographic Masters | National Geographic Photographers |
Where each set stands out
The Great Courses set is the stronger choice for structured, video-led study. The package is built around a full sequence of lectures, so you can work through lessons in order and keep your attention on the screen. The lower price makes it the easier entry point if you are still exploring photography basics.
The National Geographic set stands out when you want the written guide to lead. Because it is presented as a guide book and DVD video series, you can read a section, think about the examples, and then watch the accompanying DVD. It is also the Brand New option in this pairing, which matters if you prefer a new copy.
Product notes
GREAT COURSES - MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Video DVD
This is the video-first option in the pairing. The lessons are taught by various National Geographic Masters, so you get a range of voices and approaches under one banner. The set is built like a lecture series, so you can watch one lesson after another and build skills sequentially. The lower price makes sense for a Like New copy, so the trade-off is buying a pre-owned set rather than a brand-new one. If you are comfortable with that condition and want the most structured teaching time for the money, this DVD course is the easier entry point. It suits a craft maker who likes to watch a lesson, pause, and try the technique immediately before moving on.
National Geographics Masters Of Photography Course Guide Book & DVD Video Series
This set puts the book at the center of the experience. Authored by National Geographic Photographers and carrying the National Geographic name, it combines a written guide with a DVD video series. That layout makes it a strong option if you like to read a technique, study the examples, then watch the DVD for demonstration. The guide is the framework of the program rather than a small supplement. This is also the Brand New option in the pairing, so you are getting a fresh copy of both components. The trade-off is the higher price and a book-led structure instead of a long chain of lectures. If you prefer learning from a physical guide and using video as a complement, this set will feel more natural.
Final choice by use case
Pick the Great Courses - Masters of Photography - Video DVD if you want a video-led course with the lower listed price and you are comfortable with a Like New copy. Pick the National Geographics Masters Of Photography Course Guide Book & DVD Video Series when you want a brand-new book-and-DVD set with National Geographic as the publisher and the written guide leading the learning. For a craft maker photography shelf, both have a place; the right one simply depends on whether you sit down to watch first or read first.
