A self-paced homeschool photography course they’ll use for life.

Your student will need a DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses and Manual mode—not a basic point-and-shoot camera. The course teaches the same essential photography principles across camera brands and models, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and others.

The camera does not need to be new or expensive. Students have started with everything from older used cameras costing a few hundred dollars to brand-new models available through the Step Up Marketplace. There is no single right camera—it simply needs Manual mode.

If you’re unsure, email us the brand and model number of a camera you already own. We’re also happy to help you choose the right camera for your student and budget.

No. The course begins with the fundamentals and explains each concept one step at a time. Students do not need any previous photography experience—even if their camera has always stayed in Auto mode. Students who already understand some basics can move at their own pace and use the assignments to strengthen their skills.

Students as young as 11 or 12 have successfully taken the course, and younger homeschool students may also be ready with occasional parent support. You know your student best. If they are already interested in using a camera, the short, easy-to-follow video lessons make it simple to watch, learn, and begin practicing.

No. The course teaches photography step by step, beginning with the fundamentals. The first lesson gives your family everything needed to begin, including a getting-started video, parent guide, fast-track guide, and printable reference materials. You don’t need to teach photography yourself—although younger students may need help logging in, printing their resources, and establishing time to practice.

Yes. The course can be used as a structured photography elective or followed more casually at your student’s own pace. The optional 12-week pathway provides a clear plan, while 365 days of access gives families room to repeat lessons, pause during busy seasons, and spend more time practicing. Students can work independently or with ordinary support from a parent or learning guide.

Live Wonderful Photography is an approved Step Up For Students provider, and eligible scholarship funds are accepted for the course.

Yes. This is an elective course. When purchasing it with Step Up funds, choose Photography/Videography Classes/Courses — $200 Program, named Your Storyteller’s Journey — Self-Paced Online Photography Course.

The optional 12-Week Course & Portfolio Guide gives families a clear way to structure the course. Students complete hands-on assignments, develop a photography portfolio, and can earn a certificate of completion. Families can document the course according to their own homeschool program’s requirements.

Want a broader planning framework? Read How to Use Photography as a Homeschool Elective for camera guidance, project ideas, scheduling and recordkeeping.

The lessons build step by step, and students can pause, replay, or revisit them throughout their 365 days of access. The assignments, Fast Track to Manual Mode Guide, and printable Photo Field Guide reinforce the concepts in different ways. Parents do not need to teach the photography material themselves.

Students and parents are welcome to reach out anytime with questions or suggestions at hello@livewonderful.com. Student questions receive priority replies.

As students advance, optional personalized video critiques are available for assignment feedback and portfolio guidance.

Students can mark lessons complete as they move through the course, use the optional 12-Week Course & Portfolio Guide to stay on track, and complete hands-on assignments that show what they are learning. Over time, they will build a collection of photographs that demonstrates their growing technical skills, creative confidence, and personal style. Students can also earn a certificate of completion when they finish the course.

The photography assignments are designed for hands-on practice, not pressure. Students do not have to submit work or meet grading deadlines as part of the self-paced course. Families can use the completed assignments, growing photography portfolio, and certificate of completion to evaluate and document the elective according to their own homeschool requirements.

Most lessons are approximately 2–10 minutes long. The optional 12-Week Course & Portfolio Guide gives your family a simple path to follow so the course does not get lost in the shuffle, but there is no pressure to follow a strict schedule or rigid order.

The lessons are designed to be easy and fun enough that students feel inspired to keep coming back. Each new idea encourages them to step away from the computer or classroom, pick up the camera, and practice creatively in the real world.

Your student receives 365 days of course access. The 12-week guide is simply an optional pathway—not a deadline. Students can pause, repeat lessons, spend additional time practicing, or move ahead when inspiration strikes.

Yes. Students can use the Thinkific mobile app to watch lessons and pick up wherever they left off, making it easy to learn wherever they are. They can also download or print resources such as the Photo Field Guide and take them into the field—so the course supports real-world practice instead of keeping them tied to a computer.

Once Live Wonderful receives the service order, we will enroll the student by the next business day. Thinkific will then send a welcome email with account and course-access instructions.

Please select Photography/Videography Classes/Courses — $200 Program, named Your Storyteller’s Journey — Self-Paced Online Photography Course.