Photography Course

Photography ✹Course Frequently Asked Questions

 
 
 
 

Why did you make this course?

If you’re here (hiii 👋), you probably love the world of photography, whether you're already taking photos professionally or want to get into it. But, many people have asked how to go beyond that and build a lucrative business. While we cover technical skills in this course, we will also help you strategize and map out your vision as an artist while still making money. For those already bringing in the dough.. this course will help you keep that passion and creativity alive while defining your voice vs losing yourself to the client.

 

“I wanted to create something that isn't just your Photography 101 Course. Yes, we’ll show you how I approach photography technically, but I think there are more important skills before and after you click the shutter that got me the career I have today. This is where you develop your voice — enhance what you already have and what you’re already passionate about. This course mixes Creative and Business to pull back the curtain on areas that are often overlooked in the industry.”

- Kanya Iwana, Course Instructor

Why photography?

Photography is a multifaceted art form that resonates with many people because it combines creativity, technical skill, and meaningful communication. Artistry is inherently subjective, but the essential skills to launch a project can be learned. This course nurtures your unique voice and passions by exploring creative direction. We’ll cover everything from finding inspiration and defining your project to assembling a team and crafting a treatment. Additionally, we’ll address the crucial steps after creation: determining where and to whom to send your work and how to assign value to your photographs. By blending creative and business strategies, this course aims to fill a critical gap in the industry.

Why is this course better?

At ilovecreatives, we’re all about edutainment (that’s if education and entertainment had a baby), so we wanted to teach you photography in the most fun way possible. At the core of this course is the philosophy that you deserve the space to find and grow your artistic voice. Beyond solidifying the basics of working a camera (which we will cover), we’re here to show you that a robust career in photography IS possible if you desire it.

There are thousands of photography courses out there. Still, people want to know the business and marketing side of photography, like cold pitching, proposing big budgets, creating a treatment that will sell, putting together a crew, building a crew for the first time because you never had a big budget, etc. ALL VALID, and this course has it all. 

We took extra time to make this course as edutaining as possible by being super transparent about our experiences vs. just giving you general information, and designing exercises that you’ll be able to apply right away because learning is way more fun when you can actually do something with it.

Are you super excited and want a head start?

Amazing! We love that and are super stoked, too! You can enroll here. Once you enroll, make sure to check all your email folders, including Spam, Junk, and Promotions, because we send important info through email. Definitely check your email on the day class starts. That’s when you’ll get your course portal login information and all the details about how to get started.

Who is this course for?

If you use a phone with a built-in camera, chances are, you’re no stranger to capturing moments that are meaningful to you. This course is truly for anyone who wants to dive deep into the process of intentional image-making and storytelling (and learn how to build a strategic career from it!). 

So, if you’re a hobbyist looking to freelance, a burnt-out photographer searching for a fresh perspective, or someone who’s always wanted to befriend a camera, you were 100% our muse for creating this course.

  • Photographers at all levels who are open to learning a new perspective

  • Freelancers that really want to learn the business side

  • Established Photographers who are burnt out from the endless content game and need a system that will reinspire them

  • You have a camera, but you are not confident in calling yourself a “Photographer”.

  • You are surrounded by photography, but not the photos you need to land jobs.

I want to learn how to use a camera.

I have a camera at home, but don’t know how to take good pictures. I want to learn the basics of photography and be more intentional about documenting my life!

I take photos as a hobby, but I want to start making money.

I’m a self-taught photographer, and I can really see a future in building a career out of photography, but I have zero clue as to where I should start.

I’m a freelance photographer, but I’m feeling a little stuck.

I’ve been doing freelance photography for 3+ years, but I’m not landing the type of clients I want to work with long-term.

I’m a commercial photographer, and I’m hella burnt out.

Honestly, I just want a safe space to re-learn the excitement of creating for myself.

I’m an established photographer, and I want to learn from a new lens!

I want to revamp my creative process and see how I can improve my business.

I’m a small business owner.

I’ve hired photographers to take photos for my small business in the past, but they’ve never really turned out the way that I envisioned so it got me thinking: what if I just learned how to take professional photos myself?

I’m a recent grad, but they don’t teach us how to find a job.

I’ve built a pretty solid portfolio of projects throughout college, but I have no idea how I want to translate my skills into a career (I’m panicking). 
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Who is Kanya Iwana?

A photographer, director, and writer, Kanya is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia.  Through visual mediums such as Motion Pictures and Photography, her use of color and composition elicits a romantic aura.

Commercial clients include Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Prada, Ferragamo, Jordan Brand (Nike), Reebok, Christian Louboutin, Toms, with editorial cover stories for The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, and Flaunt Magazine.

I have no photography experience, is that OK?

That's more than OK! You don’t need any experience to take the course. You're set if you have a camera, like a phone, disposable, or professional! Photographers at all levels who are open to learning a new perspective are welcome!

Do I need a professional photography camera or expensive equipment to take this course? What tools will I learn in this course?

We wanted this course to be available to anyone interested in learning how to create photos, regardless of what equipment they own. Many successful photographers today started with their smartphones, and we’re sure you’ve snapped some photos on your phone! Do you have a disposable cam? A DSLR? Film? Any camera will work!

You’ll dive into mastering Lightroom, the ultimate tool for post-production magic! Get ready to transform your shots and bring your creative vision to life like a pro.

With dedication and creativity, you can build a strong photography portfolio using just your phone! We will help you strategize and map out your vision as an artist while still building a sustainable career and define (for you) when and where to be flexible in this industry.

Can I become a full-time freelancer after this course?

That’s definitely the goal! That’s why we have a whole section dedicated to the business side of photography. We break down:

  • How to cold pitch to clients and win work

  • Budgeting and budget-friendly solves

  • Building project proposals and estimates

  • Studio management

  • Legal and gotchas

  • How to be your own agent  

  • Marketing yourself and getting work you want

Will this course help me get clients?

Certainly, this course will teach you the business side, like how to cold pitch clients and win work, budgeting, building proposals and estimates, studio management, legal, how to be your own agent, and most importantly, marketing yourself and getting the work YOU want!

I don’t need to freelance, is this course for me?

Most definitely! Not everyone who takes the course wants to be a freelance photographer. For some students, it’s another great tool to add to their creative tool belt. The business section of the course isn’t just about freelancing—it’s designed to help you become a smarter, more strategic photographer. You’ll gain valuable skills to navigate the industry, protect your work, and thrive as a creative, no matter your career path.

What if I am an employee?

How to convince your employer for education reimbursement. Did you know that $5,250 of education assistance benefits are tax-free per employee (US only)? That means your employer wouldn’t have to be taxed on this course. See Employer-provided educational assistance.

If you’re unsure whether your company offers education assistance benefits, just ask!

What materials do I need to take this course?

You’ll need a computer, an internet connection, and a camera; any camera, like a smartphone, will work!

What is the course structure like?

Great question! The course is entirely online and completely self-paced. There aren’t any set class times, so you can watch the lesson videos and work on your assignments on your own schedule — it’s designed to be a really flexible learning experience. The recommended schedule is to complete the course in 6 weeks, working on it a few hours each week. But you might want to put more time into your video assignment, so it could take longer (go for it)!

When the course starts, you’ll get an account on our course portal to watch all the lesson videos and track your progress. 

If you join the waitlist, we’ll send you the full syllabus aka the curriculum, but here’s a breakdown of each Section:

Section 1

In this section, we learn the technical basics of the top three graphic design programs: Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator. You’ll learn the tools of each program, and the reasons why you should use one program versus the other. Upon completion of this section, you’ll have a range of deliverables, and a strong foundation of how to use each program.

Section 2

In this section, we’ll teach you how to create a treatment deck from scratch—an essential tool for pitching to clients and brands. You’ll learn how to articulate your vision and the goals of your shoot or content, transforming them into a clear artistic statement with a distinct tone. We’ll guide you in breaking it down into key components to help bring your vision to life, from the first spark of pre-production to the final touch of post-production.

Section 3

It’s called a Studio, whether it’s brick and mortar or not. In this section, you’ll learn all biz related–managing archives, emails, negatives, schedule, budget, etc. Add legitimacy. You are your own “Studio Manager”. Your agent won’t do everything for you!

 

What is your refund policy?

We are happy to do a partial refund within 7 days of purchase if you mistakenly purchased the course, and have not started watching any of the videos. Once you start watching the videos, we won’t be able to refund your purchase.

What kind of support or feedback will I get during the course?

You’ll be able to get 1:1 portfolio review time with Kanya, so don’t worry—you’re not going into the showcases alone!

What are the Top Questions someone who really wants to take this course would ask?

➀ What specific skills or techniques will I learn in this course that will improve my photography?

In the course, you will learn: 

  • The technical basics of the top three graphic design programs: Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator. You’ll learn the tools of each program, and the reasons why you should use one program versus the other. Upon completion of this section, you’ll have a range of deliverables, and a strong foundation of how to use each program.

  • How to create a treatment deck from scratch—an essential tool for pitching to clients and brands. You’ll learn how to articulate your vision and the goals of your shoot or content, transforming them into a clear artistic statement with a distinct tone. We’ll guide you in breaking it down into key components to help bring your vision to life, from the first spark of pre-production to the final touch of post-production.

  • All biz related parts of photography – managing archives, emails, negatives, schedule, budget, etc. Add legitimacy. You are your own “Studio Manager”. Your agent won’t do everything for you!


➁ Will this course cover how to turn my photography into a sustainable business or side hustle? 

YESSS! It’s actually one of the most important sections of the course—Kanya shares how she had to comb through contracts, redlines, and tapped her photographer peers, so you wouldn’t have to learn the hard way. The course covers: 

  • Legal and Gotchas (Terms & Usage)

  • How to market and protect yourself

  • Be your own agent–because they don’t take care of everything

  • Business admin, which is essential when you are building your career.

➂ What kind of support or feedback will I get during the course?

You’ll be able to get 1:1 portfolio review time with Kanya, so don’t worry—you’re not going into the showcases alone!

What are the Top Questions someone who kind of wants to take this course would ask?

➀  Do I need expensive equipment to take this course?

We wanted this course to be available to anyone interested in learning how to create photos, regardless of what equipment they own. Many successful photographers today started with their smartphones, and we’re sure you’ve snapped some photos on your phone! Do you have a disposable cam? A DSLR? Film? Any camera will work!

You’ll dive into mastering Lightroom, the ultimate tool for post-production magic! Get ready to transform your shots and bring your creative vision to life like a pro.

With dedication and creativity, you can build a strong photography portfolio using just your phone! We will help you strategize and map out your vision as an artist while still building a sustainable career and define (for you) when and where to be flexible in this industry.

➁ How much time do I need to commit to this course?

Great question! The course is entirely online and completely self-paced. There aren’t any set class times, so you can watch the lesson videos and work on your assignments on your own schedule—it’s designed to be a really flexible learning experience. The recommended schedule is to complete the course in 6 weeks, working on it a few hours each week. But you might want to put more time into your video assignment, so it could take longer (go for it)!

➂ Is this course beginner-friendly, or do I need prior photography experience?

You don’t need any experience to take the course. You're set if you have a camera, like a phone, disposable, or professional! Photographers at all levels who are open to learning a new perspective are welcome! 

What are the Top Questions someone who has little interest in taking this course would ask?

➀ What makes this course different from free tutorials online?

Free tutorials are great but they most likely cannot cover what is behind the curtain and then boom, you hit a roadblock or are stuck. Our course is not your average Photography 101. While you will learn the technical side, you deserve the space to find and grow your artistic voice. We’re here to show you that a robust carrer is photography IS possible if you desire it. The course teaches you how to run your own business and comes with industry-approved resources, that you can use for your own projects. Kanya, the instructor, is a visionary photographer who has worked with notable brands, public figures, personal projects, and has industry knowledge to share to students! 

➁ Is the course fun, or is it super technical and serious?

This course is engaging–our courses are known for marrying education and entertainment together because we believe that is effective to retain what you learn especially when it is fun! The course is a mix of technical and serious, because let’s be honest, learning the business side of photography is serious, but you are going to feel confident as an artist knowing that you and your business are protect and growing. 

 

👋🏼 Have a question or want us to assess if this is right for you? Email us at hello@ilovecreatives.com

Charlene Timbol