Online Photography Course Foundation Modules
Welcome to the - Alan Ranger Photography Academy
Thank you for joining the Alan Ranger Photography Academy. With over fifteen years of experience teaching all abilities, I aim to create a community for continued learning. This inaugural offering is free; however, there are paid subscription plans for those who want personal input and feedback from me.
Alan Ranger Photography Academy
Online Photography Course
No time limit on individual exams or all exams - take when you are ready at your own pace.
Retake any exam as many times as you like, whether you fail or pass.
Perfect for beginners & improvers who want regular, personalised guidance. Cancel anytime — no long-term commitment Become a stronger photographer with expert support, every month.
Do you want to become a better photographer? The Premium Membership plan will give you 1-2-1 power-up time and troubleshooting clinics with Alan on a monthly basis to answer your questions, review images or whatever you need to step forwards. Plus you get access to all new PDFs, exams, and add-ons released over the next 12 months.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Purchased this as it’s easier than clicking through the online course and as a way of donating for the free course. Course is exactly what I was looking for and the course book is excellently written and a great reference. All the authoring effort much appreciated Alan - thank you!!
Michael 14 July 2025
All Sixty Modules in a single PDF eBook
If you're enrolled in the Academy and benefiting from this FREE online course, consider donating to support the continued creation of topics and lessons.
Donate any amount you can afford, whether a cup of coffee or a three-course meal. All donations are greatly appreciated.
🙏 Enjoyed the Free Academy?
Over 1,000 photographers have used the 60 free Academy modules in the past year. I’m now adding quick-tip downloads, practical exercises, and online clinics to make the content even more useful.
If you’ve benefitted, the best way to say thanks is with a 2-minute Google Review. It costs nothing but makes a big difference—helping others discover the Academy and motivating me to keep building new resources.
“I just wanted to thank you for this course... I’m a retired Veteran with plenty of time but no money and you’ve made it possible for me to follow my new passion... ”
“Alan’s support and expertise provide a continuous journey, from beginner courses and workshops to qualifications, fostering ongoing growth and learning.”
Starter - 101 Foundation Course
The Sixty Modules
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1. What is Exposure
2. What is Aperture
3. What is Shutter Speed
4. What is ISO
5. What is Manual Exposure
6. What is Metering
7. What is Exposure Bracketing
8. What is Focusing
9. What is Depth of Field
10. What is dynamic range
11. What is White Balance
12. What are camera drive modes
13. JPEG vs RAW Image Formats
14. Full frame vs Cropped Sensor
15. What is focal length in photography
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Tripods - How to use and which ones
UV Filters - Do you really need them?
Ten Things to configure on a new camera
Sensor Cleaning - Ultimate Guide
Best camera bags UK - My Picks
What do Filters do in photography
Hiring camera lenses or buy new or secondhand
What is the best software for photo editing?
Seven essential camera accessories
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What is composition rules
What is framing
What is visual storytelling
What are leading lines
What is negative space
What is contrast
Finding your Compositional Balance
Photography is an art of observation
How to improve your composition
How to find your photography style
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3 Key Introduction Messages:
1 - FEEDBACK - Please use this feedback form for anything you want to comment on or give feedback on so I can consider ways to make the learning process easier. Don’t worry about being honest - I need to know what works and what doesn’t for you! I won’t be offended.
2 - SELF-LEARNING METHOD - Self-learning is the method of gathering, processing, and retaining knowledge without the help of another person. Any knowledge you get outside of a formal educational setting, such as through self-study or experience, is self-driven learning.
3 - STEPS TO LEARNING - 60 modules for you to choose which photography areas (technical, creative, genre) you want to refine and hone your skills. The practical assignments allow you to turn theory into practice at your own pace. Purchase the add-on to take exams and receive certificates. Feel free to book some 1:1 time with me to help.
15 Camera Settings for A Foundation
Exams & Certification add-on
Already learning with the free course? Unlock all 15 module exams and earn downloadable certificates.
- All 15 modules with progress tracking
- Instant scores & PDF results
- Personalised certificate on every pass
- One-time access — no subscription
The email you enter inside the exam pages is only for saving progress. You must be logged in as a paid member to view the exams.
There’s no avoiding the technical side of photography—it is a mix of science and art, so embrace it. These 15 camera setting modules cover all the basics and key settings on the camera any photographer needs to be comfortable with if they want to progress.
10 Essential Gear and Accessory Guides
Every photographer requires additional gear, including lenses, filters, tripods, camera bags, and many other accessories. This is a short selection of the main gear and accessories I am regularly asked about.
10 Composition Guide Modules
This is the number one question from amateurs. Understanding camera operation is essential, but so too is creating images that are well-composed and balanced. These ten articles should help you learn the basic tenets of photography composition.
10 Photography Genre Modules
We are all unique and, therefore, connect differently with different subjects photographically. This is not an exhaustive list of photography genres, but it provides a solid introduction to the most popular and common interests.
15 Photography Practice Assignment Modules
Theory is great, but without practice and experience, you don’t learn and develop. This series of 15 practical assignments will challenge and help you grow as a photographer. I encourage you to “have a go” at them all to help you learn and find your niche.
1. Depth of Field
6. Portraits
11. Abstracts
2. Movement
7. Landscapes
12. Black and White
3. Triptych
8. Close-Up or Macro
13. Architecture Photography
4. Minimalism
9. Still-Life
14. Shadow Photography
5. Dice Roll
10. Street Photography
15. The Four Seasons
