Learn Portrait Photography from Annie Leibovitz: MasterClass Review

If you’ve ever dreamed of learning portrait photography from a world-famous photographer, Annie Leibovitz’s MasterClass might be exactly what you’re looking for. As someone who has explored dozens of online photography courses, I dove deep into this one with a simple question in mind:

Does it really help you become a better portrait photographer?

The short answer? Yes—but only if you’re looking for creative inspiration, not camera settings or gear talk.

Let’s break it down.

What Is the Annie Leibovitz MasterClass?

This MasterClass is part of the MasterClass All-Access subscription and gives a rare look into the mind of Annie Leibovitz—a legend in modern photography who has captured iconic portraits of major cultural figures for decades.

Unlike other online classes that focus on technical training (aperture, lens choice, shutter speed), this course is more about the creative process:

• How to visualize a portrait
• How to connect with your subject
• How to tell a story with your photos

It clocks in at about 3.5 hours across 15+ video lessons, combining interviews, shoot breakdowns, and quiet moments where you see into Leibovitz’s approach to art and storytelling.

Who Is This Class Really For?

Here’s where you need to be honest with yourself.

This course is NOT for the total beginner who just bought their first DSLR.

Instead, it’s perfect for:

• Intermediate and advanced photographers wanting to sharpen creative skills
• Aspiring portrait photographers looking for creative inspiration
• Visual artists and storytellers interested in lens-based mediums
• Fans of Annie Leibovitz’s work

To put it another way: If you already know how ISO works and want to elevate your eye for subjects, this is worth every penny.

On the flip side, photographers expecting a step-by-step guide on lighting setups or camera gear might find it underwhelming.

What You’ll Learn (and Not Learn)

Let’s get into what you really get from this MasterClass.

✅ You Will Learn:

• How to approach a subject with empathy and vision
• Real creative challenges from assignments given to her students
• Behind-the-scenes mindset during historical photo shoots
• How to decide “what to shoot” and “why it matters”
• How to create cohesive photo series and bodies of work

❌ You Won’t Learn:

• Camera settings or gear recommendations
• Editing or retouching in software like Lightroom or Photoshop
• Technical lighting setups
• Composition rules or checklists

This might sound like a drawback, but it’s intentional. Annie’s course shines in the realm of creativity, aesthetic decision-making, and developing personal vision.

Want practical know-how too? Consider pairing this with Jimmy Chin’s MasterClass, which blends technical and creative instruction for adventure photographers (source: MasterClass Photography Comparison, 2025).

Standout Lessons in the Course

A few lessons really stood out and gave me an “aha” moment:

• “The Story Is More Important Than the Technical”: Annie teaches why the story behind the image trumps gear or resolution.
• “Working With Light”: Instead of talking about meters and modifiers, she discusses how light “feels” and how natural vs studio light can affect a subject’s expression.
• “Looking Back at Working with Celebrities”: This behind-the-scenes walk-through of her work with Whoopi Goldberg and Queen Elizabeth is eye-opening.

And yes, the classroom-style segments can feel slower, but give them a chance—they offer a glimpse into how she pushes students creatively (without overwhelming them technically).

Is It Worth the Money?

Let’s talk numbers.

The Annie Leibovitz MasterClass isn’t available à la carte at the moment. You need to subscribe to MasterClass, which starts at about $10–15/month billed annually.

But that gets you access to over 100+ classes—from photography to cooking to business.

If you’re planning to explore two or more courses (and you should—Jimmy Chin or Brandon Stanton’s photography classes are great too), the value is hard to beat.

Plus, there’s a 30-day refund policy if it’s not your vibe.

Real Student Reviews

The general feedback is mixed—but fair.

👍 Positive Reviews:

• “As an intermediate photographer, it shaped the way I see people and photographs.”
• “I finally understood how to develop a project—not just take a single image.”

👎 Critical Feedback:

• “Too slow and abstract. I wanted to learn more about gear and lenses.”
• “Felt more like sitting in on a conversation than an actual class.”

So yes—your experience will depend on your expectations.

You can read more verified feedback on the official course page or trusted sources like LearningRevolution.net, which also gave the course high marks for creative insight but noted its lack of technical training.

My Final Take: Who Should Enroll?

If you already know how cameras work, but you feel stuck on the creative side, Annie Leibovitz’s MasterClass is one of the best creative photography courses available online.

It won’t teach you how to use a flash—or even how to retouch a portrait—but it will change how you think about the story behind every click.

And that makes it worth it for:

• Artists who want to infuse emotion and meaning into their work
• Aspiring portrait photographers seeking artistic direction
• Followers of Annie Leibovitz wanting a rare look into her thoughts

But skip it if you want a full crash course in photography basics.

Want to elevate your creative eye and see the world through Annie Leibovitz’s lens?

Looking for something else? You might want to try Jimmy Chin’s MasterClass if you like more action-based content. Or combine both for the ultimate creative and technical experience.

Either way, don’t stop learning. Your next great photo could come from a different way of thinking.