Why some photos work and others don’t

Most photography problems aren’t caused by camera settings or editing.

They come from not seeing light, composition, and color clearly before taking the photo.

You want a solid foundation in photography that goes beyond camera settings and gear.

This course focuses on seeing and decision-making, not gear, presets, or editing tricks.
This course is for you if...
  • You understand camera settings, but your photos still feel inconsistent
  • You struggle to recognize good light or strong compositions in the moment
  • You rely on luck or editing to rescue images after the fact
  • You want a repeatable way to make better decisions while shooting
  • You’re looking for a clear foundation before exploring more advanced topics

What You'll Learn in This Course

  • See light, color, and composition more clearly before pressing the shutter
  • Anticipate what a scene offers instead of reacting after the fact
  • Make stronger decisions in-camera rather than relying on luck or heavy editing
  • Create photographs that feel intentional and hold attention for the right reasons
  • Build a solid visual foundation you can apply to any subject or camera system

"Clear explanations of the fundamentals, with solid examples and very useful assignments."

Bill Farrell
Everything you need to follow along and build a strong visual foundation.
What's Included in This Course
9 Video Lessons

Just over 2 hours of structured walkthroughs with text outlines.
Captions in English, Deutsch, Français, Polski, and Español.

Practical Assignments

Hands-on exercises to help you apply what you’re learning, with optional instructor feedback.

Quizzes and References

Short quizzes and downloadable outlines to reinforce key ideas and review later.

Access & Support

Revisit the course anytime, with instructor support available if you need help.

How the Course is Structured

The course moves step by step through light, composition, and color, building your skills as you go.

Learn how to use and predict light, including:

  • How to "read" light and use it intentionally
  • How to incorporate shadows
  • Direction, quality, and color of light

Ready for the ultimate philosophy on composition?

  • How to think like a painter
  • The visual building blocks of a strong photo
  • How to direct and draw attention
  • Using layering, and not just in the literal sense

It's not just color, it's also lack of color.

  • When to use - and not to use - black & white
  • Using color to evoke emotion and mood
  • Color harmony and contrast techniques
  • Elements of strong black & white photography

Start learning the fundamentals of light, composition, and color

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Start learning light, composition, and color

Get a clear introduction to the fundamentals and see how the course is taught with the free previews.

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This course is included in...

Also available as part of a bundle

MEET YOUR TEACHER

John Peltier

I've been teaching in-person photography lessons since 2017, primarily to beginners using various camera models. Everyone has the same struggles, and I'm sure you do too. I've brought a proven method of addressing those struggles to these online courses.

Aside from teaching, my photography passion is storytelling. I've completed photodocumentary projects worldwide over the past 15 years, in locations such as Haiti, Guatemala, and Uganda, and have been featured in publications including New York Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and the U.S. National Park Service.