Photography 101 – The complete course

Full program covering all the fundamentals of photography practice, ideal for amateur photographers from beginner to intermediate level.

Content:

Types of cameras
How your camera works
Lenses / Optics
Main settings
Accessories and equipment
Basics of photographic composition

Training materials:

E-learning course (+40 video tutorials)
Quizzes / Questionnaires
Personalized support via integrated chat
Live Q&A session once a week
3 individual coaching sessions (30 mins each)
1 positive critique of a personal project (max. 5 images)

Certificate awarded upon completion of the course.

Course content

Up to 12 months

self-paced learning

40 videos

Free access in your customer area

5 quizzes

Check your knowledge at the end of each module

Practical exercises

Optional exercises to validate your progress

3x Coaching 1to1

Video sessions for customized follow-up

Positive review

Constructive feedback on your images

What you will learn with this program

Camera types available on the market (Compact, Bridge, Reflex, Hybrid)
The difference between amateur and professional cameras
Sensors (4/3, APS-C, small format, medium format…), their size and their influence on your photos
The main features of a good camera: ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, autofocus, stabilization…
Purchase options and which to choose: New, used, reconditioned
Camera comparisons and examples to choose according to your needs and style

Lens composition and operation
Key features: maximum aperture, bokeh, stabilization, autofocus, minimum focusing distance…
The impact of focal length: angle of vision, compression, optical distortion
The difference between fixed and zoom lenses
Kit goals vs. individual goals
Amateur vs. professional goals
APS-C lenses (multiplier) vs. full-frame lenses
Macro lenses (true vs. false)
Lens price
Assess your needs to control your budget
Portrait, landscape, animal, street photography… which lens to choose?
Specific lenses: tilt, extra wide angle/ fisheye
Purchase options: new, used, leasing

Exposure triangle: understanding the relationship between ISO sensitivity, aperture and shutter speed
Shutter speed: motion freeze vs. blur vs. trail
Aperture: mastering depth of field + the notion of hyperfocal length
Sharpening: getting a sharp image in the right place
Frame rate per second
Shooting modes: automatic, semi-automatic (aperture priority/shutter speed/sensitivity), manual
Focus modes: single (AF-S), continuous (AF-C), automatic (AF-A), manual (MF)
Control image exposure with the histogram
Using the viewfinder vs. the LCD screen: advantages and disadvantages
ISO sensitivity: adapt your ISO settings to the scene and your lenses
Exposure: camera vs. visual control
White balance control: automatic vs. manual
Recording format: RAW vs JPEG

Shooting :

ND filters
Carrying bag
Memory card & storage case
Batteries
Tripod
Wipes / Microfiber cloths / etc.

Image processing/ Postproduction :

Computer
Screen/ Monitor
Screen calibration probe

To find out more :

External flash
Remote trigger / remote control
Reflectors
Diffusers

Contrast vs. homogeneity
Color combinations (complementary vs. analogous)
The basics of portraiture
The basics of landscape photography
Control brightness during shooting (+ inverse square law)
Traditional composition patterns: rules of thirds, lines of force, symmetry/asymmetry, etc.
Use of negative space

The advantages of this course

Customized support

7/7 support with our integrated chat module

Pro photographer coaches

Professional photographers with over 5 years' experience specializing in Nikon/ Canon/ Sony

Resources

Video tutorials, downloadable PDF exercises, quizzes

Certificate

At the end of each course, you will receive a certificate of completion.

No obligation

Seven-day money-back guarantee

Your trainer

Jean-Francis Gothuey, founder of My Photography Coach, is responsible for each coaching session and for feedback on your work and photos.

After a career in communications and running a training center for five years, Jean-Francis trained in photography at the Agnès Varda School of Photography and Visual Techniques in Brussels in 2015. He launched himself as a professional photographer two years later and opened his photo studio.

Since then, Jean-Francis has specialized in portraiture, wedding photography and events, and now concentrates on producing photography training courses and supervising My Photography Coach students.

Frequently asked questions/ FAQ

Who is the "Photography 101" program for?

Photography 101 has been specially designed for beginner to intermediate amateur photographers. It covers all the fundamentals needed to practice photography and develop your skills: camera operation, optics/lenses, settings during shooting, and the basic rules of photo composition.

At the end of this course, you’ll be able to control your camera perfectly and take high-quality photos whatever your preferred style (portrait, family, wildlife, street, event, night, sport…).

How long does this program last?

You’ll have access to resources and can schedule your coaching sessions over a period of up to twelve months, but on average our students complete this program within four to six months.

What equipment do I need to take these courses?

You’ll need a camera with manual settings (ISO, aperture, shutter speed). Ideally, you’ll need an SLR or hybrid camera, so that you can change lenses, but you can also take this course with a bridge or compact camera. A tripod is desirable, but not compulsory.

How do the courses work?

The Photography 101 program consists of an e-learning module, practical exercises, individual coaching sessions and feedback (positive criticism) on your personal projects:

e-learning: video tutorials are freely available via your personal space. Quizzes will help you validate what you’ve learned.
practical exercises (optional): downloadable documents will enable you to put your acquired knowledge into practice. Once you’ve taken your shots, you can send us your images (raw) to validate your skills.
Coaching sessions: you can organize your coaching sessions at your convenience using our integrated scheduler.
Feedback on your images (optional): you can send us up to 5 images for which we’ll indicate the strong points and areas for improvement.

I'm not sure I want to commit myself, can I change my mind?

Yes, of course it’s perfectly normal. You have up to seven days to change your mind at no charge. There are no requirements other than not having organized any individual coaching sessions in this interval.

I don't want coaching sessions and positive criticism of my work, is that possible?

Yes, you can opt for the “Photography 101 – E-learning” program.

Emilie, 29, Paris

I loved my experience with MyPhotographyCoach! The online courses were super clear and well explained. Thanks to Jean-Francis’ precise advice, I really improved my photos, especially in terms of light management and composition. I thoroughly recommend this platform to all photo enthusiasts.

Philippe, 47, Liège

I recently completed the Photography 101 program and am thoroughly satisfied. The content is of the highest quality, both precise and accessible, even for the sometimes complex technical aspects. Thanks to the sessions with my coach, I feel much more confident in my work. I highly recommend it.