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.
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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4 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 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. Take exams and receive certificates.
Ask Alan – Q&A Library
Use the two support pages alongside the course: browse the Academy Q&A Library for member questions and answers, or ask Robo-Ranger AI Chat for quick, topic-based guidance.
4. Support & Knowledgebase – You have two extra resources to help you progress. Use the Members Q&A Library to browse real questions and answers from other members. If you can’t find what you need, use Robot-Ranger (the AI chat assistant) for quick, topic-based guidance.
15 Camera Settings for A Foundation
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
Bonus Modules
I have added some extra modules here to help support the practical assignments and your understanding of photography.
Foundation Modules — FAQs
What are the Foundation Modules?
The Foundation Modules are the core learning path that builds confident camera control and strong composition. Each module is short, practical, and designed to be applied immediately.
Where should I start (recommended order)?
If you’re new to photography, start here:
- Exposure (the big picture)
- Aperture → Shutter Speed → ISO
- Focus and Metering
- Composition modules to shape better images
If you already shoot in Manual, you can jump straight to Composition, Genres, or any topic you want to improve.
How long does each module take?
Most modules are designed to be completed in around 10–15 minutes, then reinforced with a short practice task.
Is this included in the 30-day trial?
Yes. The free trial gives access to the learning experience: modules, exams, certificates and core Academy features.
Downloads (Practice Pack PDFs, eBooks and 1-page field checklists) are included with paid membership and are not part of the free trial.
Do the modules include exams and certificates?
Yes. Exams, progress tracking and certificates are included within the Academy experience. Your progress is saved to your account as you go.
Can I learn at my own pace?
Yes — everything is self-paced. You can complete one module per day, binge a full topic in a weekend, or revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher.
Can I access the modules on a phone or tablet?
Yes. A laptop/desktop is recommended for the best experience with diagrams and side-by-side examples, but the modules are designed to work on mobile too.
What support is available if I get stuck?
The Academy includes a Q&A module. Improvements are planned to make it more forum-style, so members can post questions, share answers, and learn together.
Do you cover phones as well as cameras?
Yes. Many concepts apply directly to phone photography too (exposure control, composition, focus, light direction). If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you’ll also learn how to control settings precisely.
Membership and access terms (summary)
- Access to member-only modules requires an active membership status (trial or paid, depending on the page).
- One trial per person unless otherwise agreed.
- Membership is linked to the email address used to sign up.
- Please don’t share logins or redistribute member-only materials.
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