Quick Take
If you're stepping into craft maker photography, choosing among these four Great Courses DVD sets comes down to scope. The lineup runs from a six-lesson travel course to a 13-disc library with three sealed courses. There are also two complete lecture sets in between. Here's how they compare.
The most important difference is scope, not quality. The Fundamentals set gives you a structured path through camera operation and image-making. Masters of Photography turns the camera over to a dozen different working photographers. The Art of Travel Photography is a tight, trip-focused seminar. The Photography Library Lot includes those areas in a single large package. Knowing how much content you need will tell you which price makes sense.
Price at a Glance
| Product | Price | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Photography 4-Disc DVD Set w/ Book | $14.95 | |
| Masters of Photography Video DVD | $11.95 | |
| Photography Library Lot: 4 Courses / 13 DVDs | $109.99 | |
| The Art of Travel Photography: 6 Expert Lessons | $9.45 |
Which Set Matches Your Goal?
- Need a guided beginner path with a workbook? Choose Fundamentals of Photography.
- Want to see how many working photographers think? Choose Masters of Photography.
- Want one purchase that covers multiple levels? Choose Photography Library Lot.
- Want fast, travel-specific help before a trip? Choose Art of Travel Photography.
Product Notes
The Great Courses Fundamentals of Photography 4-Disc DVD Set w/ Book, New Sealed
Joel Sartore, a National Geographic Fellow, teaches this 24-lecture set across four discs, and the included course workbook turns it into a self-paced class. It starts with camera equipment and shutter basics, then moves into light, composition, and workflow, so it works well if you're new to manual shooting or need a structured refresh. The trade-off is that this is strictly a fundamentals course: it doesn't dig into travel-specific situations or show you the personal styles of many different masters. If you already know the basics, you'll finish and want a second course fairly quickly.
GREAT COURSES - MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Video DVD
Rather than one teacher, this set brings together a range of National Geographic masters for 24 half-hour lectures. It's a survey course, so you'll see different approaches to subjects like people, wildlife, and visual storytelling. The guidebook is included, and the like-new condition means it's a solid way to add a second perspective without buying a full library. The limitation: the title shown on the item has a typo, and the disc is described as like new rather than new-sealed, so if you're a collector who wants a pristine box, this one may feel a little less polished than the sealed sets.
Great Courses Photography Library Lot: 4 Courses / 13 DVDs / 3 NEW Sealed
This lot bundles four courses and their printed guidebooks into a single 13-disc package, with three of the four courses factory sealed. You get fundamentals, master lessons, and additional photography instruction in one purchase, which makes it the fullest educational path in this comparison. The reason to consider it is the breadth: no other option here gives you this many hours of material at once. The reason to pause is the price: at $109.99 it's the largest upfront cost, so it makes sense only if you know you'll work through several courses rather than just one.
Great Courses The Art of Travel Photography: 6 Expert Lessons DVD Sartore NEW
This is the smallest investment in the group and also the most focused. Joel Sartore leads six lessons specifically about capturing travel photos, with commentary and a standard tall DVD case. It's aimed at young adults and adults, and it suits anyone who wants a quick, practical upgrade before a trip rather than a full semester. The catch is scope: six lessons won't cover the ground of the longer courses; this is a concentrated seminar on travel photography, not a broad beginner-to-advanced curriculum.
Final Recommendation
Start with the Fundamentals set if you're new to photography and want a single structured course. Choose the Art of Travel Photography if you have a trip coming and need quick, practical guidance. Pick Masters of Photography if you'd rather study a range of working photographers than follow one instructor. And if you already know you'll consume a full course library, the Photography Library Lot gives you the deepest collection for one purchase. For most craft maker photography beginners, the Fundamentals set is the right first step; the rest can follow as your skills grow.
