Basics of Light, Composition, and Color

Learn the creative fundamentals of photography in this structured course that includes assignments & quizzes. Learn how to see light, what makes a good composition, and how to work with color and black & white photography.

Light

Light

Light is the language of photography. Learn the basics of photography's grammar and vocabulary. How to think of light, its direction, quality, and more importantly, where light isn't - shadow.

Composition

Composition

Composition isn't a set of rules. It's a philosophy, how to take a jumble of words and arrange them into a strong sentence. See what makes an impactful photo and how to bring those elements together.

Color

Color

Color and tone are the adverbs & adjectives of photography. See when color and black & white treatments better suit a photo. How do you think in color schemes, and how do you think in black & white tones?

10 Video Lessons

Ten short videos are accompanied by a text outline.

Four Downloads

Download reference material and exercises for each chapter.

Three Assignments & Quizzes

Take quizzes to assess your understanding and turn in optional assignments for feedback.

Instructor Support

Live chat and email support.

"The course made me think more about what my image would look like before I hit the shutter button. Also, made me consider B&W photography, which didn't interest me."

Kevin Lamport

Marco Silva

I recommend this course to everyone who wants to improve their shooting style. Great for everyone!

Bill Farrell

This is another of John's very well designed courses that covers important basics of good photography. Clear explanations and solid examples followed by very useful and engaging assignments. Well worth the time.

Course Curriculum

    1. Learning About Light, Composition, and Color

      FREE PREVIEW
    2. Virtual Classroom Orientation

    3. Student Survey

    4. One-on-One Consult Call

    1. What is Light?

      FREE PREVIEW
    2. Direction of Light

      FREE PREVIEW
    3. Quality of Light

    4. Test: Light

      FREE PREVIEW
    5. Download: Light

    6. Assignment (Optional): Light

    1. Philosophy Behind Composition

    2. Using Perspective & Geometry

    3. Layering Photos

    4. Test: Composition

    5. Download: Composition

    6. Assignment (Optional): Composition

    1. Creation in Color vs B&W

    2. Elements of Color Photography

    3. Elements of B&W Photography

    4. Test: Color

    5. Download: Color

    6. Assignment (Optional): Color

    1. Download: Practice List

    2. Final Test

    3. Next Steps

    4. Course Review & Feedback

About this course

  • $59.00
  • 26 lessons
  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Downloads & exercises
MEET YOUR TEACHER

John Peltier

I have a unique background in education that started in the U.S. Air Force where I was an F-15E flight instructor for ten years and wrote F-15E training curricula. I continued to teach helicopter lessons after transitioning to civilian life.

However, I soon discovered my passion was telling stories through photography. I've completed documentary projects throughout the world and have also taught photography on three continents. I've been a professional photographer for over ten years, having been published in places like New York Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, Tahoe Quarterly, and the U.S. National Park Service.

I've been teaching in-person photography lessons since 2017 and have brought a proven method to these online courses. Photography is a joy that everyone should have access to, and I'd like to pass it on to you, too!

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