Better Photography Through Visual Storytelling

How do you make memorable photos? By telling stories with them. This course will teach you how to tell stories through photographs and prepare a long-form photography project.

How do you make your photos more engaging?

Everyone wants to capture the "postcard" photos. The single hits. But how do you make your photos more memorable?

Through visual storytelling.

Free Previews available

"This course outlines a less random way of capturing images and therefore adds a layer of interest for myself, my photography, and for the final product."

Kevin Lamport

9 Video Lessons

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

4 Downloads

PDF download for offline reference, including sample Model & Property releases.

2 Assignments

Submit two optional assignments for instructor feedback.

Instructor Support

Live chat and email support.

Course Objectives

  • Create visual stories with identifiable characters, settings, and styles
  • Capture the essential "storytelling photos" when out with your camera
  • Plan a long-form photography project to work on over a period of time
  • Know when a Release form is required and how to get one (with downloads)
  • Edit your captured photos down to a selection that presents the story to viewers
  • Understand what the "Decisive Moment" is and how to use it in your storytelling
  • BONUS: Learn how working with a nonprofit can benefit both your community and your photography

Course Curriculum

    1. Better Photography through Visual Storytelling

      FREE PREVIEW
    2. Virtual Classroom Orientation

    3. Student Survey

    4. One-on-One Consult Call

    5. Referral Program

    1. Elements of a Story

    2. The Storytelling Photos

    3. The Decisive Moment

      FREE PREVIEW
    4. Test: Elements of Visual Storytelling

      FREE PREVIEW
    5. Download: Elements of Visual Storytelling

    6. Assignment (Optional): Visual Storytelling

    1. Long-Form Photography Projects

    2. Researching your Project

    3. Editing a Story

    4. Ethics & Legal Considerations

      FREE PREVIEW
    5. BONUS: The Legacy of the Pony Express Story

    6. Test: Taking Visual Storytelling Further

    7. Downloads: Taking Visual Storytelling Further

    8. Assignment (Optional): Long-Form Projects

    1. Final Test

    2. Practicing your Storytelling

    3. BONUS: Getting Started in Nonprofit Photography

    4. Course Review & Feedback

About this course

  • $59.00
  • 23 lessons
  • 3 hours of video content
  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • 4 PDF Downloads

Level-Up Your Photos

Practicing visual storytelling can connect viewers to your photos in ways that singular "eye-candy" photos just can't do. Humans are storytellers and story consumers at heart. Leave a lasting impression. Entertain. Inform.

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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