Value You're Getting

There's a lot in this course that isn't apparent at first sight. Here are the major benefits:

  • Core Video Course (2.5 hours of training)

    $6000+ Value

    My billable hours are $250/hour and I put at least 10 hours of time for every hour on screen. 250 hours @ 25 hours = $6250. Plus, with the knowledge you gain from this course, you'll learn how to shoot your own photos and sell them for thousands of dollars.

  • Real-World Shooting Scenarios + tools and key web sites

    $500 Value

    Lessons on taking portraits, action photography, how to think like a photographer, and key apps and charts to use in the field.

  • Walkthroughs on Buying Cameras & Camera Setups

    $300 Value

    No guessing. Just the confidence that you know how to properly assess a new camera or lens, and then how set up your camera properly from the very start.

Why I Made This Course

I remember the day I shot someone's portrait and the results... sucked.

And the day I took a photo of my kids playing soccer and the results... sucked.

It was incredibly frustrating to own a fancy camera and still take bad photos.

The manuals were confusing. The YouTube videos assumed I already knew what half the buttons did. Every time I tried to figure it out, I ended up more overwhelmed.

But I kept at it. I spent years mastering what should have been simple techniques, and sometimes I even questioned if I would ever get good enough at photography at all.

Sometimes, I even doubted whether I could legitimately call myself an artist. Major imposter syndrome.

I'm here to tell you that I learned all the necessary lessons and along the way, I realized just how much I love teaching others, too.

So I created this course for absolute beginners with these three goals:

  1. Demonstrate the foundational information you need;
  2. Get you familiar with a DSLR camera (or any pro camera), and;
  3. Get you shooting as quickly as possible!


We learn best by making mistakes and—equipped with the right knowledge—you can cut the time it takes to learn from those mistakes by an order of magnitude.

FAQ

  • What kind of camera do I need for this course?

    I demonstrate lessons with my Canon DSLR, but really any DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings will work.

  • Do I need any photography experience to take this course?

    No experience required. You’ll learn from the ground up—even if you’ve never taken a single photo manually.

  • Will this course help me take better photos of my kids, pets, or vacations?

    Absolutely. The course covers portraits, action shots, and how to set up your camera to get sharp, well-lit images in real life.

  • How long is the course and does it include any assignments?

    About 2.5 hours of video content, broken into short lessons so you can go at your own pace. Assignments and quizzes will be added soon to help reinforce key concepts.

  • What happens after I buy the course?

    You’ll get immediate access to all modules and bonus materials. Watch anytime, as many times as you like.

  • Will I learn how to shoot in manual mode?

    Yes. You’ll learn how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO work together so you can shoot confidently in manual mode.

  • What if I have questions while taking the course?

    You can reach out for support anytime. A more interactive Q&A section may be added in the future.

  • Will I learn how to edit my photos?

    No, this course focuses on getting the shot right in-camera. Editing will be covered in a future course.

  • Is there a refund policy?

    Yes. If you’re unhappy for any reason within 14 days, you can request a full refund—no questions asked.

Meet Your Instructor

Ross Pruden

Owner, Ross Pruden Fine Art

Ross Pruden is a fine art photographer, filmmaker, speaker, and author. His work has appeared in libraries, hospitals, hotels, galleries, and books.

How to know if this course is for you:

  • No more “spray and pray” photos. You’ll learn exactly how your camera works—finally.

  • Built for people who feel overwhelmed with manuals and just want someone to walk them through it.

  • Short lessons, straight to the point. No rambling. No jargon (well, as little jargon as possible). Just the stuff you need to know to start taking better photos today.

  • Get out of Auto Mode for good, and embrace Manual mode with confidence.

  • Real-world examples, not just abstract theory. You’ll learn how to shoot portraits, action shots, and everyday moments—on purpose.

  • You don’t need expensive gear. Any DSLR (or mirrorless) camera with manual controls will work. No upgrades needed.

  • Use the camera you already bought. Stop feeling guilty for letting your DSLR collect dust. This course will help you make the most of it.

  • Take photos you’re proud to frame. Not just good photos—your photos. That’s the point.

  • Lifetime access, no pressure. You can watch and rewatch every lesson, whenever you want. Learn at your own pace.

This is NOT for you if...

  • You already shoot confidently in manual mode. If you understand the exposure triangle and adjust settings on the fly, you’re too advanced for this course.

  • You want editing tutorials. This course doesn’t not really cover Lightroom, Photoshop, or editing workflows. It’s all about getting the shot in-camera.

  • You shoot only on your phone. This course is mainly for DSLR or mirrorless camera users. If you don’t own one (or plan to), it won’t help much.

  • You’re looking for creative composition tips. This course focuses on how to use your camera, not the artistic side of framing or visual storytelling.

  • You want a photography degree or certification. This is a no-fluff crash course, not an academic program.

  • You expect live feedback or coaching There’s no private group, critique sessions, or 1-on-1 coaching included (yet).

  • You hate self-paced learning. This course isn’t live so if you need real-time accountability, you might struggle to finish.

  • You think gear matters more than skill. This course is about mastering technique, not selling you on fancy lenses or camera upgrades.

  • You want fast hacks without learning the basics. There are no gimmicks here—just clear fundamentals. If you want shortcuts without understanding why they work, this course won’t satisfy you.

What Others Have Said

“Incredible how much excellent tutelage can be offered in such a short and digestible format. An amazing course. Thank you for creating it!”

Guy Holloway (former Headmaster, The Harrodian School)

“Ross explains things so clearly in the course that it really helped me learn the foundational ideas behind photography. Incredibly helpful and I always go to Ross to help me figure out my photography problems.”

Darren Stamos, Industrial Designer

“This course helped clear up some things I should have known, and it's made me a better photographer as a result. Well worth it.”

Melissa Bixby (Photographer, Sacralocean.com)

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome! (an overview)

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. M1V1: Foundational Ideas—The Big 4

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. M1V1: Quiz

    3. M1V1.1: Camera Settings Walkthrough

    4. M1V2: The Exposure Triangle

    5. M1V3: Depth of Field

    6. M1V4: Perfect Depth of Field with f/ Tools App

    7. M1v5: White Balance

    1. M2V1: Selecting Your Camera & Lenses

    2. M2V1: Lesson Review—Selecting a Camera

    3. M2V2: Back Button Focus

    4. M2V3: Picture Styles

    5. M2V3.1 Setting up Picture Styles

    6. M2V4: Shoot in RAW

    7. M2V4.1: How to set RAW & JPEG

    1. M3V1: First Steps to Taking Photos

    2. M3V2: The Process (in depth on taking photos)

    3. M3V3: Print, Present, Archive

    4. M3V4: Portraits & Action Photography

    1. Resources: Links, etc. (more to come)

About this course

  • $97.00
  • 20 lessons
  • 2.5 hours of video content
  • Key Concepts
  • Camera Settings
  • Take Your First Shots

Take your first step to become a master photographer

Enroll today