iPhone Photo Academy Review: Best Photography Course for Beginners?

You might be wondering:

• What’s the best way to learn iPhone photography as a beginner?
• Can an online course really teach me how to take great photos with my iPhone?
• Is iPhone Photo Academy actually worth the price?

You’re not alone in asking these questions because we’ve had the same thoughts too.

iPhone Photo Academy is a popular course created by Emil Pakarklis, the founder of iPhone Photography School. It’s designed to help everyday iPhone users take beautiful, well-composed photos using the camera they already have in their pocket.

And since your iPhone likely costs over $1,000, doesn’t it make sense to learn how to use it to its fullest potential? Most of us use our phones every day, but few of us know how to truly unlock the power of its camera.

Here’s what often happens. You snap a photo that turns out beautifully, maybe it’s a landscape, a portrait, or a small moment with perfect light. You feel proud of it. That one photo sparks something, and you suddenly want to know how to create more images like that on purpose. That’s when the desire to learn more seriously kicks in. This course is built exactly for that moment.

From what we learned from this course and other learners, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before deciding if it’s right for you.

You’ll discover:

• Who Emil Pakarklis is and how he teaches
• What you’ll learn inside the course
• Who this course is best suited for
• Common concerns about the course
• Is it truly worth your time and money for this course

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by your iPhone photos or overwhelmed by all the camera features, this review will help you answer whether this course can guide you toward real improvement.

To find your answer, keep reading on our review below.

What is Iphone Photo Academy course?

Course overview

Course Name: Iphone Photo Academy
Instructor: Emil Pakarklis, the founder of iPhone Photography School
Best for: Iphone users
Price: $49
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Recommend: Yes

This photography course is for beginners looking to make steady progress of taking photos with your iPhone. It is a great starting point. This course lays a strong foundation for more advanced creative work, such as food, travel, or landscape photography - all with the iPhone in your hand.

About the instructor

Emil, the founder of IPS, built the platform from scratch without formal training, relying purely on passion and practice. Today, it’s one of the most trusted sources for learning iPhone photography. He’s also the instructor behind best-selling courses like iPhone Photo Academy and iPhone Editing Academy.

This course is taught by Emil Pakarklis, who guides you through each step with clear explanations and real-world demonstrations. The lessons are practical, easy to follow, and structured in a way that helps you apply what you learn right away. Most of the course is filmed in Riga, offering a scenic and inspiring backdrop.

From reviews of some learners, Emil speaks quite slowly in the videos, so they prefer watching at 1.25x speed for a smoother experience. If you feel the same, speed up like them.

Course modules

Now, let’s break down what you are taught in this course. Here’s what’s included in the five core modules:

Module 1: Learn how to master the iPhone camera you already have in your pocket
Module 2: Explore the pro features of the iPhone camera and how to use them effectively
Module 3: Discover simple yet powerful techniques for capturing beautiful photos
Module 4: Learn how to create impactful, storytelling images that stand out
Module 5: Apply what you’ve learned to shoot stunning photos in everyday situations

When you enroll, you’ll also receive eight free bonus lessons, which means you’re getting far more than just the five main modules. With everything included, this course offers excellent value at just $49, especially for beginners who want to learn how to take consistently beautiful photos using only their iPhone.

With nearly 11 hours of content, this is one of the most comprehensive iPhone photography courses available, perfect for anyone who wants to go from casual snapshots to confidently capturing professional-quality images.

What is good about this Iphone Photo Academy?

Although this course is built for beginners, it doesn’t sacrifice accuracy or depth. Even technical topics like resolution and compression are explained in a simple way. Emil’s clear teaching style makes complex concepts feel accessible.

“Not only do you learn how to use the tools, you learn why each tool is important. The sample shot setups are explained in detail. The explanations are clear and easy to understand without being oversimplified. Each module builds on the previous. They take a little time in the follow-on module to remind you of the importance of various tips that were covered previously. Excellent flow and pacing. I’m more energized to practice.”

In terms of quality, the videos are shot in 4K with excellent audio. Moreover, the interface is user-friendly, with a video navigation panel, chapter markers, and summaries at the end of each section. It is perfect for quick reviews or jumping to specific lessons.

A standout bonus is the Photo Analysis module. Emil reviews real iPhone photos and gives feedback to help you build a sharper creative eye.

The course also includes access to a large and active student community. You can leave comments, ask questions, join challenges, and connect in the private Facebook group. Feedback is prompt and the team behind the course is responsive and supportive.

Overall, iPhone Photo Academy is not only well-produced but also thoughtfully designed for learners who want structure, clarity, and a real path to improving their mobile photography.

Who is it for this Iphone Photo Academy course?

Not everyone is ready to invest in an expensive DSLR or mirrorless camera. Unless you’re pursuing a photography career or have a deep passion for camera gear, it rarely makes sense to spend that kind of money.

Most people simply want to take better photos to capture moments, share memories with family, promote handmade products, or build a presence on social media. Since your iPhone is always in your pocket, it’s the most accessible tool you already have.

The iPhone Photo Academy course is designed for people who want to level up their photography skills using just their iPhone. No professional background, no complicated gear, and no guesswork required. Here’s who the course is especially helpful for:

People who are new to photography

If you’ve never taken a photography class or don’t know where to start, this course is built for you. It teaches you the foundations that make a photo work, how to hold your phone correctly, how to use natural light, and how to compose a balanced shot.

You won’t need to study theory or technical jargon. You’ll just learn what actually works and how to apply it, one step at a time.

iPhone users who want better results

You already use your iPhone to take photos, but something is missing. Maybe the colors are off, the focus isn’t quite right, or the photos just look… average.

This course helps you unlock the full potential of your iPhone’s camera. You’ll learn how to use features like HDR, Portrait Mode, and RAW, and how to shoot like a pro without needing any additional gear.

Busy people don’t have time to learn on Youtube

Some would say “Sounds like a waste of money when taking online photography online. I learn by myself on Youtube and totally free.” But you’ll need to put in more effort to find the specific information or tutorials on Youtube that match your needs. When you are hectic with your own family, or mainstreaming work and just being able to spend 1-2 hours per day to learn, you’ll realize this free source on Youtube is not a wise choice.

This iPhone Photo Academy course gives you a structured learning experience. Lessons are short, focused, well-structured and easy to follow. So you can learn at your own pace, whenever it fits your schedule.

Small business owners and product sellers

If you sell items online, whether it’s handmade crafts, food, or digital products, great photos are crucial to attract attention. Poor lighting or bad framing can turn people away, even if your product is amazing.

You won’t be reassured that this course guides you how to take professional-looking product photos using just your iPhone and natural light. No studio, no photographer, just practical techniques that make your product stand out.

Anyone not comfortable with technology

You want better photos but feel overwhelmed by all the settings, editing tools, and camera features. Some people may be skilled with a DSLR, but struggle to get the most out of their iPhone camera. Maybe you’ve tried, but didn’t know where to begin.

This course is beginner-friendly and easy to understand. Everything is explained visually and clearly, with no tech jargon. Even if you’ve never used editing apps before, you’ll feel confident by the end.

Creatives and visual storytellers on social media

If you’re studying or working in design, marketing, or content creation, photography is no longer optional because it’s now part of your creative toolkit. The ability to take striking, on-brand images using just your phone is a valuable skill.

This course gives you the tools to produce consistent, high-quality visuals that enhance your portfolio, social media, and overall personal brand.

In short, this foundation course is for anyone who wants to take beautiful, well-composed, and impactful photos without buying expensive gear or spending months trying to figure it all out.

What prevents users from taking this course?

Free source on Youtube

Many people hesitate before signing up for the iPhone Photography School course, and honestly, that’s completely understandable. There are some common reasons for holding back, and they’re not without merit.

One of the most common arguments is that you can learn everything for free on YouTube. That’s true to an extent. There’s a lot of content out there, and if you have the time and patience to search, filter, and follow through, you might get what you need.

But in reality, most people don’t finish what they start on YouTube. They jump from video to video, get overwhelmed, or just lose track. And it’s interesting how people often recommend learning from YouTube, but rarely suggest a specific video or channel that truly helps.

Suspicious course pricing

Another thing that puts people off is the pricing. Seeing a course promoted as going from 245$ to just 49$ can feel a bit scammy. It makes it look like one of those typical marketing tricks.

But don’t worry, this course is legit. Once you get inside, the actual content is professionally made and thoughtfully structured. To reassure, read all modules in this course and you will decide whether or not it is worth your paying. From lots of reviews in Trustpilot, it is not a waste of purchase.

Lack of outside practice

Some also believe that photography is something you learn through practice, not by sitting in front of a screen. That’s true in part. You do need to go outside, take photos, experiment with light and angles.

But without knowing what to look for, or what you’re doing wrong, practice alone might not get you very far. This course helps guide your practice so you can improve faster with intention and clarity.

After learning in the course, practice by yourself and post your images to the photo community to get feedback and share your opinion with other learners. That’s great active learning.

No need to learn full course

There’s also the idea that people don’t need a full course. They just want a few quick tips and tricks. If you already have a strong foundation, that might be enough.

But this course is built for those who want to learn basics, who want to truly understand how to take consistently beautiful photos with their iPhone. So determine your goal when learning photography with iPhone and take the suitable online course.

Spamming mails

Most of the negative reviews of this course are from the upselling mails after purchase. Users were annoyed that their mails were spammed with continuous sales offers. It can feel pushy. We think this can leave a bad impression and users might not return to take other courses.

The solution is simple. You can click “Unsubscribe” at the bottom of any email and then select “Manage email preferences” to choose which emails you want to receive or opt out completely.

That’s not a negative feedback about the course but much like a complaint. So you don’t have to take it seriously, just give a try on this course and you can refund if this course doesn’t meet your expectation.

So is it worth it?

The answer is YES for anyone who wants to learn the foundation of taking great photos with their iPhone. If you’re struggling to take aesthetic, well-composed photos and want to learn in a clear and organized way, then yes. The course is practical, beginner-friendly, and priced reasonably. You don’t have to pay the full amount upfront either, since they offer installment options.

In the end, it depends on how you learn best. If you’re confident in learning independently and enjoy hunting for answers, YouTube might be all you need. But if you’re someone who values structure, clarity, and faster results, then this course could be a smart investment in your creativity.

After reading our review, you’ll have 30 days to check the course risk-free, so why not form your own opinion about it?