Since two months of silence on LensClear.net, I know a great many of you have been wondering where I was. Today, I want to unveil something that I’ve been working very passionately behind the scenes – a free comprehensive photography fundamentals course that will change the way beginners learn photography. This is not another blog article; this is the beginning of something new for our community.
The Story Behind My Two-Month Absence
These past eight weeks were not idle. Though my regular camera reviews and photography tips took a back seat, I’ve been working diligently on something that addresses the most common question I receive: “Leo, how do I begin learning photography?” With eight years of experience teaching photography and having spoken to many a newcomer, I realized there was no readily available, structured learning material out there.
Every day, I receive emails from aspiring photographers bogged down by technical jargon, conflicting advice, and expensive courses promising overnight stardom. The world of learning photography is abuzz with shallow solutions and shallow tutorials that just barely touch the surface. I had a different idea in mind – a course building genuine understanding from scratch.
I’ve used this time to study learning processes, to find out how professional photographers learned, and most importantly, to hear criticism from our LensClear community. The result is a systematic learning course that eliminates confusion and boosts confidence step-by-step.
What Makes This Photography Basics Course Unique
This is not your typical photography class. I’ve designed it on three basic principles that set it apart from everything else on the internet. It’s completely free – no additional charges, no paid accounts, no upselling. Mastering photography needs to be accessible to everyone, regardless of economic level.
Second, the course is focused on fundamental understanding instead of technicality. Most first-time students are led astray by megapixel discussions and lens definitions before they can understand basic composition principles. My approach sets up conceptual knowledge as a basis first, then introduces technical ideas once they naturally contribute to creative goals.
The no-homework differentiator is the third. Traditional photography school classes burden students with homework that actually doesn’t equate to actual shooting scenarios in the real world. Instead, each lesson has a direct application in your photography endeavors whether you shoot with a smartphone camera or an expensive DSLR system.
You will see one significant difference, and that is my expanded coverage outside of Panasonic Lumix cameras. While I will continue to review Panasonic’s excellent mirrorless systems like the GH6 and S5 II, I’m now reviewing cameras, lenses, and accessories from all major manufacturers globally.
This means in-depth analysis of Canon EOS R systems, Sony Alpha range, Nikon Z-mount bodies, Fujifilm X-series, and upstart brands experimenting at the boundaries. My aim is to provide you with impartial, experience-based guidance that allows you to make knowledgeable kit decisions regardless of your brand ecosystem of preference.
The latest developments in the camera industry have been fascinating. Canon EOS R5 Mark II provides gigantic video performance upgrades, and Sony A7R V continues to break resolution records. Nikon Z9 proved that veteran camera manufacturers could keep pace with mirrorless pioneers. All these developments deserve detailed deliberation from the perspective of a user and not on specification documents alone.
The Weekly Content Schedule That Changes Everything
From next week, I am implementing a structured publishing schedule that will suit both amateur and professional photographers. One or two photography fundamentals course articles each week will proceed from the previous lessons sequentially.
These course articles will vary in subject matter from camera grip methods and basic exposure triangle principles to refined theories of composition and lighting. Each lesson includes real-world examples, visual explanations, and practical applications that make abstract theories tangible.
Aside from the course content, I will still be publishing camera news, lens reviews, industry analysis, and technique tutorials discussing current photography trends and equipment releases. This two-path approach ensures new photographers have affordable, organized learning content available while professional photographers stay up to date with industry developments.
The course progression is carefully planned. We’ll start with fundamental concepts like understanding light, then gradually introduce camera controls, exposure settings, and creative techniques. By the course’s end, you’ll have a solid foundation to explore any photography genre confidently.
Why Free Education Matters in Photography
The photography industry has become increasingly commercialized, with valuable information behind expensive workshops and courses. This is a limitation for aspiring students who are keen but don’t have much money. I believe quality photography teaching should be accessible to all.
My own eight years of teaching experience have shown me that enthusiastic students will shine brighter than those who pay only for expensive classes. Drive and consistent practice beat premium access to high-end material. In presenting wonderful education for free to everyone, we’re democratizing photography knowledge and leveling the creative playing field.
This philosophy extends to my gear recommendations. Rather than pushing expensive pro-level camera bodies and pricey lenses, I’m focused on helping photographers make the most of what they already have. Shoot with a budget DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone – technique and understanding are more valuable than expensive equipment.
Free schooling builds trust. As I recommend specific cameras, lenses, or accessories like XT Filters UV protection filters or lens adapters, you can have confidence that these recommendations come from on-the-job experience, not pecuniary interest in affiliate commissions.
Building a Whole Photography Resource
LensClear.net is growing into something beyond a photography blog – it’s turning into an in-depth guide for photographers of all skill levels. Our photography fundamentals course is our educational bedrock, and consistent articles tackle individual techniques, gear reviews, and industry news.
This method enables us to cater to varied needs in our community. Newcomers can take the course structure as a guideline, whereas pros can jump into particular articles on complicated autofocus techniques, working lighting setups, or special lens uses.
The integration of course content and weekly articles provides a rich learning ground. Course lessons provide theory, while technique articles demonstrate practice. Equipment reviews provide readers with well-informed purchasing decisions based on thorough understanding of photographic principles.
What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
The inaugural course article comes out in a week on “Understanding Light: The Foundation of All Photography.” It’s not basic theory – it’s practical knowledge about recognizing, anticipating, and working with different lighting conditions that all photographers need to be aware of.
Upcoming lessons will cover the basics of camera handling, exposure, composition rules, and creative techniques. Each article takes advantage of what has been learned previously but remains accessible to absolute beginners. Visual explanations and practical exercises ensure the concept is thoroughly comprehended.
RPM coverage will remain dedicated to camera releases, lens tests, accessory tests, and technique articles. The latest news about the industry, including computational photography innovations and AI-assisted editing tools, is deserving of in-depth analysis from a photographer’s perspective.
I’m also excited about upcoming field testing articles where we’ll compare different camera systems head-to-head in real-world shooting conditions. Real-world comparisons provide us with data that spec sheets can’t, helping photographers make equipment decisions based on real-world performance and not mythical promises.
Join the Photography Learning Journey
This fresh page on LensClear is my commitment to delivering the photography community actual value over quick content. The photography basics free course is my gratitude to a community which has supported me for so many years.
Whether you’re new to a camera or you’re looking to solidify your foundational knowledge, this class will provide systematic, down-to-earth training that improves your photography immediately. No homework, no anxiety – just plain-old schooling presented on a regular schedule.
I invite you to join me in developing this comprehensive photography resource together. Ask your questions, suggest topics you’d like to see covered, and above all, apply what you learn to improve your own photography process. Your input and feedback help guide content that best serves our audience.
If you are interested in investing in higher-level camera gear, check out the professional-level accessories provided by XT Filters, including UV filters for protection and lens adapters that will protect your investment while also opening up new creative possibilities. As always, I am here to help you with your purchasing choices about any photography equipment or technique questions.
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