From deep learning to quick inspiration— we've got you covered

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. 

Pink coneflowers growing in a garden with sunlight shining through, blurred green foliage background. 
celina bailey
Left: A close-up of a newborn baby sleeping in a crib, curled up with knees bent. Right: Two young children, one with short hair and the other with longer hair, sitting by a window with sunlight streaming in, looking outside. 
carolyn fong
A woman in black clothing sitting on a wooden bench in an art gallery, surrounded by paintings and sculptures on dark green walls. 
roxanne bryant
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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 run for 2–6 weeks and are kept intentionally small, so every student gets the thoughtful attention and support they deserve.

Registration for our Interactive Classes opens three times a year and there are two ways to register depending on your learning needs.

Learn more below.

BROWSE INTERACTIVE CLASSES
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Free Mini Classes

Want to start learning right now?
Our pre-recorded Mini Classes are perfect for learning a specific skill in a quick, approachable way at your own pace.

Whether you’re curious about a new technique like freelensing, want to master long shutter images using your phone, or want to try shutter dragging, these classes are the perfect way to learn something new, refresh your skills, and fall in love with photography all over again. 

No need to wait - you can register for a FREE Mini Class right now.

SHOW ME THE MINI CLASSES
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Free Quick Fix Classes

Craving a burst of inspiration, check out our FREE Quick Fix Classes.

One off lessons that you can watch immediately, our Quick Fix Classes are little doses of creative joy. Think behind-the-scenes artist chats, a peek into the process of a working creative, or a quick introduction to a fun new technique.

No homework, no pressure—just fresh ideas to spark your creativity when you need a boost.

TAKE ME TO THE QUICKIES
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Registration for interactive classes opens January 7th

6pm EST
EXPLORE
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How registration works

Enrollment for our interactive classes opens three times a year—based on US seasons and dates:

  • Winter - January 7th 2026

  • Spring - March 25th 2026

  • Fall - August 26th 2026

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REMIND ME
Black bowl filled with yellow rice topped with black beans, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices.
Close-up of a pink and purple flower with a blurred background. 
tiffany kelly
Family of four holding hands, walking on a sunny beach during daytime. 
HAILEY BARTHOLOMEW
Woman with long blonde hair standing on the beach, wearing a white eyelet dress, with her hands in her hair, against a cloudy sky background. 
leah zawadzki

All interactive classes offer two learning options:

Guided Seats

Guided Students get tailored guidance from the teacher including direct feedback on images and exercises as well as personalized feedback videos for assignments.

Independent Seats

Independent students have full access to class content and can participate in class discussions —they just don’t get teacher critique or feedback on images or assignments.

Both learning options offer a rich and inspiring experience and are open to students all over the world.

How to register for Interactive classes

Browse the Classes
Explore our current offerings and choose the class or classes that speak to you.

1

Mark Your Calendar
Check the registration date and set a reminder—classes can fill up fast!

2

When Registration Opens
Head to the page of your chosen class.

3

Choose Your Seat
Guided (with personal instructor feedback on your work)
or
Independent (go at your own pace—no feedback, but full access to all content and written discussions).

4

Follow the Checkout Steps
Our system will walk you through the rest.

5

You’re In!
Let the fun begin.

Some of our classes sell out super quickly (within minutes) and not every class is offered every season. So if you see something you love, don’t hesitate —it might not be back until next year!

browse interactive classes
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cami turpin

Don’t want to wait?

Text on a sign that reads 'FIND YOU' with a black square in the top left corner on a light gray background.

Access our library of mini classes and start learning immediately.

Take me to the free classes
Child taking a shower behind a foggy glass door, with water droplets visible on the glass.
Close-up of a yellow flower surrounded by pink buds against a dark background.
Close-up of a woman lying down, resting her head on a red surface, with sunlight illuminating her face.
A woman with long blonde hair and fair skin looking through a window with reflection, wearing a white shirt and a pearl necklace.
A woman swimming in a pool with her arms outstretched, wearing a striped swimsuit. The water is clear, showing her shadow and the light patterns on the pool floor.
A young girl with red hair and glasses sleeping on a bed, surrounded by several dolls, including one with curly hair and another with a large polka-dotted bow.
A black and white photo of a family sitting on a sofa in a living room. The family consists of two children, two men, and an older woman. Two large framed portraits of a man and a woman are on the wall behind them. The woman has glasses and is wearin
A woman with curly black hair and hoop earrings is lying among purple flowers, looking up and smiling outdoors with trees in the background.
Close-up of a young woman with blonde hair and green eyes, outdoors in sunlight, with wind blowing her hair.
A woman in a swimsuit standing on a beach surrounded by seagulls and pigeons, with a cliff and some onlookers in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
One woman kisses another woman on the cheek while embracing outdoors, both smiling, with blurred trees in the background.
A torn piece of glossy, black plastic with blue specks, revealing a woman's face with blond, wavy hair, closed eyes, and a serene expression.
A blue spray-painted paper with faint, handwritten text and a heart shape in the center.
A girl standing outdoors between two wooden buildings with green trim, wearing a green coat with a large fur-lined hood. The buildings have string lights, and the background is cloudy.
A person smiling and peeking out from a dense cluster of cactus plants with spines and green leaves.
A blurred yellow taxi driving past a city street corner with a building, large windows, traffic lights, and a pedestrian crossing signal showing a red hand.
Two children standing by an open window, looking out at the ocean with a boat in the distance, and waving their hands.
Four women lying on the ground, resting and relaxing, with their heads close together.
A woman in underwear stands on a muddy lakeshore, bending over and holding a black and red polka dot garment, with a young child crawling on the ground nearby. The lake is calm and foggy, with distant land visible across the water.
Happy elderly woman with curly gray hair smiling, reaching towards the camera, outdoors with a clear blue sky.
Two young girls playing and splashing water in a backyard during daytime, with a playhouse and outdoor furniture in the background.
Two hands holding yellow flowers raised against a pastel gradient background.
Two young women are in an outdoor hot spring or thermal pool, with mist rising around them and snow on the ground. The sun is shining brightly in the background.
Colorful geometric pattern of rectangles and squares in black, yellow, light blue, and light gray.

Of all the online courses I’ve taken, the Illuminate class was by far the best in terms of instructor, content, and potential to improve technically while being inspired to try something new.

brooke, usa

Illuminate is such a perfect name … such an amazing group of exceptional photographers, who have created courses that truly do illuminate the way to personal creativity and growth, while sharing the joy that comes with discovery. Such an inspiration and beautiful light in this world. Thank you!

wendy, usa

My absolute favorite place to learn. I know that whatever class I take, the teacher and quality of content will be top notch. I have taken many other classes in other areas and platforms and nothing beats Illuminate for me.

toni, canada