Back to Basics:

Black & White Still Life Photography

Back to Basics is a practical, confidence-building still life photography class designed to strip things right back and help you truly understand light, shape, tone, and composition in black and white.

This class isn’t about fancy props, expensive gear, or complicated setups. It’s about learning how to see light, control contrast, and work intentionally with simple objects, clean backgrounds, and thoughtful lighting.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure why your images don’t match what you see in your head, this class is your reset. A chance to slow down, simplify, and create strong, purposeful black and white photographs from the ground up.

Who this class is for

This class focuses on the core foundations of still life photography using everyday objects, simple setups, and a mix of natural light, constant light, and flash. You’ll learn how to observe light first, how it falls, wraps, and creates shadow, then how to shape and control it with intention. Working in black and white, including white on white, black on black, and mixed tonal setups, trains your eye to see shape, texture, and form without the distraction of colour. You’ll learn how subtle shifts in light and tone can completely change the mood and balance of an image. Back to Basics is about slowing down, paying attention, and building practical lighting and composition skills you can use across all styles of photography, long after this class is finished.

Common Questions & Concerns

  • How much time do I need to commit?

    This is a fully online, self-paced class, so there are no deadlines and no pressure to keep up. You can work through the lessons at your own pace, revisit them whenever you like, and download the content to fit around your schedule. Whether you dip in for a short session or spend a weekend shooting, the class adapts to you.

  • Is this class too basic or too technical?

    Back to Basics is designed for beginners through to intermediate photographers, but it’s not “dumbed down.” The focus is on understanding light, tone, and composition, skills that benefit photographers at any level. Even experienced shooters often find value in slowing down and revisiting the fundamentals with fresh eyes.

  • Will I get support or feedback?

    Yes. You’ll have access to my private Facebook group where you can share your images, ask questions, and receive feedback in a supportive, encouraging environment. It’s also a great place to see how others are approaching the same exercises and stay inspired as you work through the class.

What's included

No pressure. No deadlines. Just solid foundations and space to create.

  • Step-by-step video lessons you can watch at your own pace

  • Behind-the-scenes demonstrations of simple lighting setups using natural light, constant light, and flash

  • Clear guidance on shooting in black and white, including camera settings and RAW vs JPG considerations

  • Creative prompts and mini projects to help you apply what you’ve learned

  • Access to my private Facebook group to share your work, get feedback, and stay inspired

  • This class works with DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and the principles apply equally to film cameras and smartphone photography.

Course curriculum

    1. Introduction

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Lesson 1: Backgrounds and Visual Simplicity

    3. Lesson 2: Props, Objects, and Visual Weight

    4. Lesson 3: Working with Flowers and Organic Subjects

    5. Lesson 4: Camera Gear, Lenses, and Practical Setup

    1. Lesson 1: How Light Behaves

    2. Lesson 2: Working with Constant Light (LED)

    3. Lesson 3: Working with Flash

    4. Lesson 4: Working with Natural Light

    1. Lesson 1: Using Black & White Camera Profiles

    2. Lesson 2: Using Black & White Camera Profiles

    3. Lesson 3: Applying and Adjusting Profiles in Lightroom Classic

    1. Lesson: Seeing Tone, Not Objects

    2. Project: Seeing Tone in Practice

    3. Image Review: Discussing Outcomes and Observations

    1. Lesson: Hard Light vs Soft Light

    2. Project: Hard Light vs Soft Light

    3. Image Review: Image Comparison & Discussion

    1. Lesson: Shape, Silhouette & Negative Space

    2. Project: Shape, Silhouette & Negative Space

    3. Editing Demo: Refining Shape in Lightroom Classic

About this course

  • $99.00
  • 37 lessons
  • 3 hours of video content

Create a little bit of magic, every day

If you’ve been craving clarity, confidence, and a return to simple, thoughtful photography, this class is for you. Take a step back, rebuild your foundations, and rediscover how satisfying it can be to create with intention.

Enroll today