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bec griffiths
cami turpin

Welcome.

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A black and white photo shows three people in a rocky, outdoor body of water. Two children and a woman are visible, with the woman and one child above the water and the other child partially submerged. The woman and children appear calm and relaxed, with rocky formations in the background. 
summer murdock

We’re so glad you found us.

If you’re a photographer looking for education to build your technical skills, discover creative inspiration and find your voice

you’re in the right place.

Explore Classes
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Come for the technical skills,

leave having found your inner artist.

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didi von boch
A woman sitting on the ground, illuminated with red light, with long hair and a thoughtful expression, against a black background. 
AMY elizabeth
A woman running through a field with three children following her at sunset, with hills and a partly cloudy sky in the background. 
iris hu

Illuminate Classes - the pathway to Find You 

Explore classes
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Registration for interactive classes opens January 7th

 6pm EST
EXPLORE
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“Even after being a photographer for 15+ years, I still learned things through Illuminate Classes that challenged me, wowed me, and inspired me”

Becky, usa
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We teach the ‘rules’ and then invite you to break them

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BEC GRIFFITHS
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Didi VON BOCH

Classes that teach you ‘how to.’ Teachers that encourage you to consider ‘how could you…’

Our classes are typically online but your learning experience will be anything but typical. All Interactive classes include daily interaction with teachers and opportunities to meet live online. Questions are encouraged and all Guided students receive personalized feedback videos on their assignments. 

LEARN MORE
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Featured class

The Process is the Point

This hands-on, analog film and mixed media workshop will push you out of your comfort zone into experimental techniques to help you let go of perfectionism and fear, and help you learn to work by instinct and trust.

Although results can be magical, we are here to discover that the experimental process can be instrumental in our creative development, whether or not we succeed in fulfilling our original vision.

class by Cami Turpin
tell me more

Learn

free

Illuminate Classes is excited to introduce our library of Free Mini Classes. Designed to inspire and educate photographers of all levels.

Whether you’re curious about new techniques like freelensing, want to know how to master long shutter images using your phone, or want to try shutter drag, these mini classes deliver powerful insights in just a short time. It's the perfect way to learn something new, refresh your skills, and fall in love with photography all over again. 

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learn free now
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image by cornell watson
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Meet the Teachers

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Our teachers are practicing artists deeply committed to their own creative growth—and they love sharing that journey with others.

Masters of their craft, generous with their time and knowledge, they’re passionate about helping photographers discover and develop their own unique artistic voice. No matter which class you take, you’ll be supported by teachers who truly know their stuff—and who are here to help you grow in a way that feels true to you.

OUR TEACHERS
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IMAGE BY LEAH ZAWADZKI

IMAGE BY LEAH ZAWADZKI

IMAGE BY LINDSEY BERGSTROM

IMAGE BY LINDSEY BERGSTROM

IMAGE BY ROXANNE BRYANT

IMAGE BY ROXANNE BRYANT

IMAGE BY CORNELL WATSON

IMAGE BY CORNELL WATSON

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Lessons that
ignite awe
and wonder

and inspire experimentation

Logo of Illuminate
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Beginner Classes

Start your photography journey with the essential skills every beginner needs to shoot with confidence. Whether you’re just unpacking your camera or want to feel more confident capturing everyday moments, these interactive online courses will help you build the photography skills to create photos you’re proud of.

Learn more
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Editing Classes

Editing helps bring your photos to life. Our photo editing classes show you how to take what you capture in-camera and elevate it into art. You’ll learn to work in Adobe Lightroom, exploring both the organizational tools and the creative possibilities. Along the way, we’ll dig into different photo editing techniques—from color correction, exposure adjustments, color theory and more.

Learn more
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Composition Classes

Composition is the secret sauce of photography—the part that takes an ordinary image and makes it unforgettable. Learn how to use the rule of thirds, leading lines, negative space photography, and framing to create stronger, more intentional images. You’ll also explore symmetry, balance, and how depth of field and perspective can build mood, layers, and focal points.

Learn more

How does it work?

At Illuminate, we believe there’s more than one way to grow as an artist—which is why we offer three unique ways to learn. 

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Interactive classes

Dive deep into your practice with our signature Interactive Classes—a warm, engaging online experience where you can ask questions, connect with others, and enjoy daily interaction with your teacher.

Interactive Classes
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Free Mini classes

Want to start learning right now? Our self paced Mini Classes are perfect for learning a specific skill in a quick, approachable way at your own pace and at no cost!

MINI CLASSES
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Free Quick Fix classes

One off lessons that you can watch immediately Quick Fix Classes are little doses of creative joy.

QUICK FIX CLASSES
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“In a digital world that can feel so overwhelming, Illuminate Classes delivers an experience that is valuable, rich and best of all human”

monique, argeNtina
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