Welcome to my HONEST iPhone Photography School review 2025!
I’ve been a student of IPS for a while, and after going through all their courses, I can say with confidence that they’re absolutely worth it!
If you want to take better photos with your iPhone without making things complicated, this is the best place to begin.
In this review, I’ll walk you through:
- what iPhone Photography School is about
- the people behind it
- the courses they offer
- if IPS is worth your money
And a lot more!
So without further ado, let’s get started!
iPhone Photography School Review (Summary)
- Company: iPhone Photography School
- Founder: Emil Pakarklis
- Product Type: Digital Courses
- Price: From $99-299
- Best For: Beginners/enthusiasts
- Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days
- Recommended: Yes!
Look…
An iPhone can do so much more than most people realize.
I honestly thought I was already getting the most out of it, but it turns out I was only using a fraction of its potential.
iPhone Photography School makes you realize that the only camera you’ll ever need is already in your hands.
Here’s a list of their award-winning courses that have helped over 600,000 of iPhone users level up their photography skills:
- iPhone Photo Academy
- iPhone Editing Academy
- iPhone Landscape Mastery
- Capture It All
- Drone Mastery
- Instagram Academy
- iPhone Video Academy
- Video Editing Academy
- iPhone Food Photography
- Urban iPhone Photography
Now, is iPhone Photogaphy School worth it?
A hundred percent YES!
It’s a one-time payment with lifetime access, so you can learn at your own pace, which makes it perfect even if you’re just starting out.
==> Start with introductory iPhone Photo Academy course.
What is iPhone Photography School?
First things first.
What is iPhone Photography School?
IPS offers courses that teach people how to really get the most out of their iPhones.
They’ve been around since 2013, back then it was just a couple of courses, but now they’ve grown into 10 award-winning ones (which I’ll get into later) taught by seasoned instructors.
By the way, if you’d rather watch than read, I also made a video review you can check out below.
For me, the cool part is they’ve got something for everyone, whether you’re into photography, videography, or even aerial shots.
And don’t worry about getting overwhelmed, the lessons are super easy to follow, the instructors explain things simply, and some courses even come with multiple language options.
And even better news:
IPS loves to run discounts, so make sure to check for deals on their flagship introductory course here!
Usually they’re around 80% off (sometimes even 90%), which is honestly a steal for everything you’re getting.
Meet The People Behind IPS
Look…
One thing that IPS takes pride in is their instructors.
They’re true experts in their craft and have a knack for making lessons simple and easy to follow.
Now, let’s get to know them one by one.
Who Is Emil Pakarklis?
If you’ve heard of iPhone Photography School, you’ve probably come across the name Emil Pakarklis.
He’s the founder, the face of the brand, and the driving force behind everything IPS has become over the years.
Emil is also the main instructor for their two flagship courses that most students begin with:
He’s a self-taught photographer, which is why his teaching style feels so simple and easy to relate to.
And today, his platform caters to over 600,000 students worldwide, which is honestly impressive, but not surprising given the quality of content IPS consistently delivers.
Beyond IPS, Emil also founded the Photography Pro platform, where he’s teamed up with another talented photographer, Mark Hemmings.
Who Is Clifford Pickett?
Here’s another instructor you’ll definitely want to learn from.
Clifford Pickett teaches four courses inside IPS, and he brings a unique mix of experience and creativity to the table.
Cliff is a travel and commercial photographer who’s worked with brands like Apple, Adobe, and National Geographic.
He’s also taught at NYU, co-hosted The Future of Photography, and led workshops around the world.
With all that experience, there’s no doubt that if you take one of his courses, you’ll be in VERY good hands.
Who Is Andrew Scrivani?
When it comes to food photography, IPS brought in someone who really knows the craft inside out.
Andrew Scrivani is a photographer, director, and producer with over 20 years of experience, and his work has appeared everywhere: from The New York Times to Apple and Disney campaigns.
In IPS, he teaches the course:
What’s impressive about his teaching style is that he doesn’t just show you how to take food photos, he shows you how to make them look irresistible (YUM!).
Who Is Simone Ferretti?
Here’s another instructor you’ll want to pay attention to: Simone Ferretti.
So many students had been asking for more in-depth video lessons, and IPS brought in the perfect guy for it.
Simone Ferretti brings serious experience to the table.
He’s a professional photo/videographer and content creator who’s worked with some of the biggest names out there like: Google, Adobe, DJI, Intel, Bentley, and The Ritz-Carlton.
At IPS, he teaches:
And trust me, if you’ve ever wanted to step up your video game, I really recommend these courses.
Who Is Hannah Birtwistle?
The newest addition to the IPS team is Hannah Birtwistle, and she brings something totally fresh to the table.
She’s a skillful content creator and Instagram growth expert who turned her own account into a page with over 190,000 loyal followers.
Hannah now teaches the newest course:
She shares the exact formula she used to grow, land brand deals, and build confidence online.
With clients like Mazda, Calvin Klein, Marks & Spencer, and Betty Crocker, you can be sure her course is packed with amazing lessons.
Now that you’ve met the instructors, let’s move on to the courses themselves and talk about what they cover.
iPhone Photography School Courses
This wouldn’t be a full iPhone Photography School review without giving you a look at their courses, right?
So, let me give you a quick rundown of the 10 programs they offer and what you can expect from each.
Starting with their most popular one.
Course 1: iPhone Photo Academy
This is one of the two courses Emil Pakarklis (the founder) actually teaches himself, and it’s also their most popular one.
If you’re just starting out, this is the course I’d recommend first because it’s beginner-friendly and takes you from “just snapping pics” to “wow, that’s incredible” photos step by step.
Most people join IPA as their starting point, and it’s easy to see why.
It covers all the essentials you need to finally understand your iPhone camera.
In just 625 minutes, you’ll learn how to take spectacular photos, and the best part is you get lifetime access with just a one-time payment (just like any other IPA course).
==> Read my in-depth iPhone Photo Academy Review here.
Course 2: iPhone Editing Academy
Now, this is another course I really enjoyed, and it honestly felt like a big mindset shift for me.
iPhone Editing Academy shows you that the magic doesn’t stop when you take the photo… a few simple edits can make it look way more stunning.
It’s kind of crazy how much better my shots started looking once I picked up these techniques.
The whole thing takes just 369 minutes, and it’s available in 8 languages, with lifetime access so you can learn whenever you want.
If you’ve ever felt your photos were “almost there,” this is the course that’ll take them over the top.
==> Keep an eye out for iPhone Editing Academy discounts here!
Course 3: iPhone Landscape Mastery
iPhone Landscape Mastery is honestly one of the most fun courses I’ve taken at IPS.
This is where you get to meet Clifford Pickett and literally follow him around the Dolomites while he shows how he captures those breathtaking landscape shots on an iPhone.
With about 8 hours of hands-on lessons that comes in English and Portuguese, it feels less like a class and more like you’re on the trip with him, while learning as you go.
I loved how relaxed and down-to-earth his teaching style is, it made me want to grab my phone and head out right after watching!
==> Don’t forget to check for iPhone Landscape Mastery discounts here!
Course 4: iPhone Video Academy
This course actually came out because so many students had been asking for a deeper dive into video, and IPS brought in Simone as the perfect fit.
With his experience working with big brands and his easy-to-follow style, he teaches everything from cinematic shots to time-lapse and slow-motion in a way that’s not overwhelming.
One think that I was impressed at is how it made video feel less intimidating and more fun.
I actually started capturing moments that felt alive, with sound, movement, and emotion.
==> Read my in-depth iPhone Video Academy review here.
Course 5: Video Editing Academy
Simone Ferretti teaches another course that shows off his videography skills—but this time, it’s all about editing.
Video Editing Academy is perfect if you’ve ever felt lost with apps or settings, because Simone breaks it all down in 357 minutes of super practical lessons.
It honestly feels like he’s sitting next to you, walking you through every step.
Just like any IPS course, you get lifetime access with just a one-time payment, which means you can always come back whenever you need a refresher.
And since IPS loves running big discounts, make sure you keep an eye on that because TBH, it’s such a steal for all you’re getting.
==> Check out Video Editing Academy discounts here.
Course 6: Capture It All
The other course Clifford teaches at IPS is Capture It All, and honestly, it’s one of the most vibrant experiences they’ve created.
Shot in Mexico, this course feels like you’re traveling right alongside Cliff as he shows how to capture wide, cinematic views on an iPhone.
From colorful villages to sunsets on the beach, and even drone shots in the sky, it really does live up to its name.
After going through it, I never looked at my iPhone camera the same way again.
==> Check out Capture It All discounts here.
Course 7: Urban iPhone Photography
In this course, Cliff walks you through skylines, architecture, street scenes, and even candid moments, showing how to turn everyday surroundings into scroll-stopping shots.
If you’re like me and enjoy the energy of city life, or even just want to make your local town look more exciting, you’ll want to check this one out.
TBH, this course opened my eyes to how much beauty there is in places I used to walk past without noticing.
==> Check out Urban iPhone Photography discounts here.
Course 8: iPhone Food Photography
Look…
Food is already yum on its own but the right photography can take it to a whole new level and make it look absolutely scrumptious.
In this course, Andrew shows you how to capture mouthwatering food shots with just your iPhone.
It’s super useful if you run a food or beverage business and need professional-looking images, but honestly, even if you just want to take better food pics for Instagram, it helps a ton.
This one will have your friends hungry just scrolling through your feed.
Next!
==> Join iPhone Food Photography now!
Course 9: Instagram Academy
Here’s the newest course addition to IPS: Instagram Academy, taught by Hannah Birtwistle.
Hannah is a mom of two who grew her own Instagram to over 190,000 followers, and now she’s showing exactly how you can do the same.
Truly, her experiences make the course feel relatable and inspiring, because she knows what it’s like to start from scratch and figure things out the hard way.
If you’ve ever wanted to present yourself with confidence, grow your following, and finally get noticed on Instagram, this course is a must.
Now, IPS is running a discount on this new course (usually up to 80% off, and on rare occasions even 90%), so make sure to grab it while it lasts!
Course 10: Drone Mastery
Now, last but not least…
When I told you IPS caters to all kinds of audiences with different interests, I wasn’t lying.
They even have a full course just for aerial shots.
Shot with Clifford Pickett, this one teaches you how to fly with confidence and capture breathtaking views that look cinematic.
It’s 428 minutes of lessons that cover everything from safe takeoffs and landings to smooth Hollywood-style moves and even hyperlapses.
If you’ve ever felt nervous about crashing your drone or just not getting the shots you hoped for, this course takes away the stress and shows you how to finally enjoy flying.
==> Check out Drone Mastery discounts here.
Next!
Is iPhone Photography School Legit?
Now, you may wonder:
- Is iPhone Photography School legit?
- Is iPhone Photography School worth it?
A hundred percent!
Here’s an old video that I still stand by:
I’ve actually been a student for a while now, and honestly speaking, the courses feel like money well spent.
The lessons are clear, very easy to follow, and I always walk away with new tricks I can actually use.
For what you pay, it really does give you a bang for your buck.
Is iPhone Photography School Worth It?
Look…
A lot of people ask me: is iPhone Photography School worth it?
When it comes to paying for something, of course we all want to be sure we’re getting real value. Nobody likes spending money on stuff that doesn’t deliver.
With IPS though, you’re actually getting courses taught by skillful experts, step-by-step lessons that are beginner-friendly, and lifetime access for a one-time payment.
I’ve been a student for a while, and if you ask me, I will always say it’s DEFINITELY worth every penny!
Now here’s what I loved most about IPS:
1. Lifetime Course Access
When you join a course at IPS, it’s just a one-time payment and that’s it, you automatically get lifetime access.
That means you can go through the lessons at your own pace, speed them up, slow them down, or revisit them whenever you need.
Personally, I don’t like being rushed, so having the freedom to learn on my own schedule makes a huge difference.
And the best part? I can always go back and review the lessons anytime I want, which makes it feel totally worth the investment.
2. 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
Honestly, I was kind of shocked to find out they actually offer a refund policy for their digital courses. Wow, right?
If you’re not happy with the course, they give you a full 30-day money-back guarantee.
So really, there’s no need to stress, you can try it out risk-free.
3. Excellent Student Support
And if you’re worried about getting stuck after you join, don’t be.
IPS also has super responsive student support. Even when it comes to detailed questions about their courses (or iPhone photography in general), they always jump in with helpful answers.
It really shows they care about their students and want you to actually succeed, not just buy the course.
4. High-Quality Courses
Now like I’ve said, the courses at IPS have super easy-to-follow instructions which you know I REALLY love, but they don’t stop at theory. They also show you how to apply everything step by step.
Some of the lessons even take you to breathtaking locations, which makes the learning experience feel like you’re traveling right there with with them too.
And you know how sometimes a place looks stunning in person but photos don’t really capture it?
With these courses, you finally learn how to bring that same beauty into your shots.
5. HUGE Discounts
And lastly…
Let’s talk about their huge discounts, sometimes they’re honestly unbelievable.
The courses usually range from $99–$299, but with discounts up to 80% (and on rare occasions 90%), you can snag one for as low as $49, which feels like a total steal.
So yeah, always keep an eye out for those deals.
Speaking of discounts: check out their introductory flagship course, iPhone Photo Academy here, I’ve noticed they’ve been running massive discounts on it lately!
iPhone Photography School Complaints
Now, enough with what I like about IPS and time to address another commonly asked qustion
Of course, you probably want to know the other side: Are there any iPhone Photography School complaints?
From what I’ve seen, there aren’t really any major complaints at all; in fact, most of the reviews I’ve come across have been positive, and I’ve included a few of them below.
Based on my own experience, their customer support is super responsive and always gets back to you quickly with whatever concern you have.
Now, time to wrap it up!
iPhone Photography School Review (2025)
Guys, I might sound biased here, but as of right now, there’s really no better company to guide you into the world of iPhone photography.
I genuinely believe IPS is the best platform out there for online iPhone photography courses.
The beauty of investing in their tutorials is that you get to learn directly from industry pros while moving at your own pace.
Sure, you could piece together free lessons online, but it’s the premium, structured content that helps you shorten the learning curve and actually grow faster.
It makes the whole journey way smoother and more enjoyable.
Now, I’d love to hear from YOU:
- What do you think of this iPhone Photography School review?
- Which courses have you tried, and which one did you enjoy the most?
Let us know in the comments below!
