Joyfully Green E-Courses

Pocket Photography: Making Art with Your Phone {Social Media Friends Discount}

 

Even though I own two high-end, fancy-shmancy, pro-level cameras (plus a few not-so-professional but still perfectly good cameras), the camera I use the most is the one I carry in my pocket: my phone. The reasons are simple:

• It's with me (almost) all the time. That means I (almost) never miss a shot when something strikes me as beautiful, inspiring, or worth capturing. And believe me, there are MANY things I find beautiful each and every day, from a newly blooming flower to my velvety-eared dog taking yet another snooze on the couch, to a little patch of paint peeling on an old barn. I love discovering and celebrating the extraordinary beauty of the ordinary.
• It's fun and easy to edit photographs right in the palm of my hand, anywhere and anytime I want, without being virtually chained to my desktop computer. (It's also a LOT easier and faster than editing in Lightroom or Photoshop!)
  
• It's a more creative and uplifting way for me to spend those little pockets of time (waiting in line, or before an event, or in between appointments) instead of scrolling mindlessly through the latest (often depressing) headlines on my phone.

I'm also an unabashed app fanatic. I love to search out and experiment with the latest creative photography apps to see how they can transform everyday shots into ART.

Now I'd like to share with YOU everything I've learned about creating art with my phone, including all of the innovative, time-saving apps that are really worth the precious storage space on your phone. That's why I've created...

Pocket Photography: Making Art with Your Phone

 

Course Overview

The next session of this course will run from Monday, June 15 through Friday, July 3, 2020.

Together, through a combination of written lessons, step-by-step tutorials, creative multi-layer projects, and downloadable "cheat sheets" of all the apps and resources we cover, we will explore the following mobile photography topics in-depth:

Week 1: The Essential Toolbox to Boost Your Phone Photography Skills

• The dedicated camera apps that are most likely better than your phone's built-in camera
• The fine-tuning features of my favorite editing apps that make the most difference in your photos
• The best apps to add professional-looking text to your pictures
  
• How to easily protect your photos with my favorite watermarking app
  
• Step-by-step guide: Follow along with my process of taking a simple photo and making it into an artful, multi-layered Instagram post

Week 2: Working with Tones and Textures

• Mastering black & white (and other monochromes)
  
• Working with sepia tones and other retro techniques to "age" the shot
  
• How to use my favorite apps to add texture and atmosphere
  

Week 3: High Art with your Phone!

• Creating double exposures with my favorite apps
• Painting and sketching with your phone
• Apps that replicate special lenses (without the hefty price tag of special lenses!)
• Deconstructing and distorting the shot to make abstract art

There will be three lessons emailed to you per week:

Mondays: A carefully curated collection of my favorite apps for each topic, with detailed tips on how to use them to achieve the best results. Mondays are for the "Big Lessons," jam-packed with super-useful pointers to get you fired up for the week ahead.

Wednesdays: A step-by-step tutorial for a multi-layered creative project. In other words, we will use more than one app to achieve the desired result. You can complete the project and then jump off from there into your own creative territory, playing with the newest apps in your toolbox.

Fridays: Further inspiration from mobile artists who excel in the areas we're covering, plus more of my photo-finishing techniques to make your shots really POP!

You can spend the rest of the days of the week working on the lessons, honing your techniques, and sharing your work in our private, online classroom. I'll be checking in at the classroom several times per day to guide you along with your new creations and answer any questions.

 

What's included in this course?

• Three weeks of online guidance with 9 written lessons and bonus apps in the classroom, dedicated to helping you create "WOW!" snapshots with your phone.
  
• A beautiful, downloadable book of all the lessons (PDF file format) for you to keep and delve back into whenever you need a refresher or a little inspiration.
  
• A private, online classroom to share your work, get constructive critiques and answers from me, and meet like-minded photography friends. (You can check into the private classroom and post your work as much as you like.)
  
• Optional Instagram participation.

What You'll Need:

• A smart phone (it doesn't matter what make or model).
• A free Facebook account, so you can join our private online classroom, post your own photos, and give/receive feedback with the other class members.
• Before starting the course, you will need to know how to download apps (and purchase them, if you choose to do so) from your phone's app store (for iPhones: the Apple App Store; for Androids: GooglePlay). If you don't know how to download apps to your phone, there are plenty of Youtube videos to guide you along, such as this one: How to download apps on an iPhone.
  

Before the class begins, it would be helpful to know how to upload photographs from your mobile phone to Facebook. Never done that before? This link explains how to upload photos to Facebook, with step-by-step visual directions and a YouTube tutorial.

Please note: If you do not currently have a Facebook account and do not want one, you can open an account just for this course and close it right after the course ends, if you choose. It is not mandatory that you join the private Facebook group, but it is a huge part of the course experience as we work through the lessons, so I strongly recommend it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level photographer is this course intended for?

This course is for anyone who enjoys mobile photography, beginner to intermediate.

Can I join this course if I know nothing at all about my smart phone other than how to make a call?

I love to be welcoming, but this is not the course for you if you do not know how to take a basic picture with your phone. Please see the section above entitled "What You'll Need" so you can see what you'll need to know before the course begins.

Do I need an iPhone?

No. This course is for iOS and Android phones and all lessons will apply to both. There will be a few "bonus" app suggestions for iPhones that are not yet available for Android, but those apps will not be integral to the lessons.

Will there be any assignments?

There will be optional exercises to you give you a better "hands-on" understanding of the apps and what they can do to transform your phone photos.  If you don't have time to do the exercises within the week, you can finish them whenever you find the time, even after the class ends. Having said that, the more you can participate in the class while it's running, the more you will get out of it.

Do I really need to join the Facebook group for the online classroom?

No, but if you participate by sharing your work and seeing the photos that your classmates are creating with the apps, you will learn much, much more. You'll also be able to ask me any questions you might have. I highly recommend the classroom component of the course.

What if I have a full-time job?

That's fine, and it's one of the best parts of participating in an online course instead of a traditional course in a classroom. If you miss a day or two due to a heavy work schedule, just catch up whenever you can. This is basically a self-paced course, so you will get out of it what you can put into it.

How do I pay for this course?

You can securely pay with PayPal at the bottom of this page. If you don't have a PayPal account, it's free to open one and easy to sign up.

What if I'm not located in the United States?

I'm happy to welcome students from around the world, and since it's an online course, there is no specific time for you to be "in class." Previous sessions of my photography e-courses have included students from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

PayPal will convert any foreign currency to U.S. dollars.

Do I need to buy anything?

Some of the suggested apps are free; some are not. It will be totally up to you to decide if you'd like to purchase certain apps through your mobile device's app store so that you can create some of the effects demonstrated. You can pick and choose. Keep in mind that paid apps are usually less than the price of a cup of coffee, usually ranging between 99 cents and $4.99, and they are yours to use forever. Suggested books may be recommended to you, but you can find them at the library (which I recommend) or preview their contents online when available through Amazon.

Will refunds be offered?

(I'm including this just for legal reasons--nobody's ever requested a refund for any of my online courses. In fact, quite the opposite: I've been told on more than one occasion that my courses were worth more than the prices paid.) Due to the digital nature of this course, I cannot offer refunds, so please purchase mindfully. Ask me any questions or let me know any of your concerns before you register, by emailing me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com.

 

 

 

My Background & Qualifications

• In 2015, I was one of seven Honorees worldwide for the Photo of the Year from BlogHer Voices of the Year. Here's the story: Nervous, Honored, Grateful!
  
• In 2016, I was an Honoree for the BlogHer Voices of the Year, for a post I'd written about my son. You can read more about that here: The Opposite of Crickets.
• In December 2016, I was selected as a Judge for the 2017 Voices of the Year from BlogHer (Photography/Short Video/Eye Candy categories).
• My photographs and written work have been published five times in national magazines. In Spring 2017, Artful Blogging magazine contacted me to write an article for them about my creative process. Here's the announcement about its publication: The Heart-Warming Thrill of Getting Published. Bella Grace magazine published a full-length article about my work in Fall 2017.
• Since July 2012, I've been the sole photographer at the blog JoyfullyGreen.com. If you are unfamiliar with my blog, I encourage you to take a look through the archives at my photographs, as well as the collection of my favorites available for purchase at society6.com/JoyfullyGreen.  Although I started my blog in July 2012 as an eco-blog, I quickly realized that the part of blogging which gave me the most joy (no pun intended) was finding the "perfect" picture to accompany my posts.
  
• In March 2014, I introduced my first online photography course, How to Take Better Photos of Nature and the World Around You. Since then, I've added several online photography courses to my teaching roster, including Beyond Auto Mode: How to Really Work Your DSLR Camera; Soul Focus: Finding Peace Through Photography;  Soul Focus 2: Delving Deeper into Mindful Photography; and Pocket Photography: Making Art with Your Phone.
• I've been taking photos for over four decades, ever since I was a little girl and received my first Kodak Instamatic camera for a Christmas present at the age of 7. Before my senior year at Vassar College (where I majored in Art History), I was a photography counselor at Wesleyan University's Center for Creative Youth in Middletown, CT, where I helped instruct high school students in photography (including darkroom development--anybody remember those days?). I have taken traditional courses in Black and White Photography, Landscape Photography, and Digital Photography in Philadelphia, as well as Visual Art and Design courses at Parsons School of Design in New York.

 

Some kind words from students of my e-courses 

"I am sure to take another course with you. You inspire your students, as well as teach." -- Penny M., Scotland

"I learned so much in Joy's online courses... it's changed the way I take pictures, but even more, it's changed the way I look at the world. I can't thank her enough." -- Amy K., California

"I have taken two of Joy's courses and learned SO much. I highly recommend her courses. You don't even need a camera. The second time I did a course I ended up having to use my phone and got some sensational shots." -- Eliza F., Australia

"I have taken many of Joy's classes, some more than once...and I learn something new every time. Did I mention she is an award-winning photographer? Another bonus: You will make lots of new friends in the supportive, private classroom!" -- Jerri D., Colorado

Registration

Will you join me for three super-creative weeks of mobile photography fun? Spaces are limited, so please don't hesitate to say "YES!"

 

Sorry, this course is currently closed. If you would like to be notified the next time this course opens, send an email to JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com

 

With gratitude,

Joy Sussman

 

P.S. Any other questions? Please don't hesitate to contact me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com

Pocket Photography: Making Art with Your Phone {Writing with Light Subscriber Discount}

Even though I own two high-end, fancy-shmancy, pro-level cameras (plus a few not-so-professional but still perfectly good cameras), the camera I use the most is the one I carry in my pocket: my phone. The reasons are simple:

• It's with me (almost) all the time. That means I (almost) never miss a shot when something strikes me as beautiful, inspiring, or worth capturing. And believe me, there are MANY things I find beautiful each and every day, from a newly blooming flower to my velvety-eared dog taking yet another snooze on the couch, to a little patch of paint peeling on an old barn. I love discovering and celebrating the extraordinary beauty of the ordinary.
• It's fun and easy to edit photographs right in the palm of my hand, anywhere and anytime I want, without being virtually chained to my desktop computer. (It's also a LOT easier and faster than editing in Lightroom or Photoshop!)
  
• It's a more creative and uplifting way for me to spend those little pockets of time (waiting in line, or before an event, or in between appointments) instead of scrolling mindlessly through the latest (often depressing) headlines on my phone.

I'm also an unabashed app fanatic. I love to search out and experiment with the latest creative photography apps to see how they can transform everyday shots into ART.

Now I'd like to share with YOU everything I've learned about creating art with my phone, including all of the innovative, time-saving apps that are really worth the precious storage space on your phone.

That's why I've created Pocket Photography: Making Art with Your Phone.

 

Course Overview

The next session of this course will run from Monday, June 15 through Friday, July 3, 2020.

Together, through a combination of written lessons, step-by-step tutorials, creative multi-layer projects, and downloadable "cheat sheets" of all the apps and resources we cover, we will explore the following mobile photography topics in-depth:

Week 1: The Essential Toolbox to Boost Your Phone Photography Skills

• The dedicated camera apps that are most likely better than your phone's built-in camera
• The fine-tuning features of my favorite editing apps that make the most difference in your photos
• The best apps to add professional-looking text to your pictures
  
• How to easily protect your photos with my favorite watermarking app
  
• Step-by-step guide: Follow along with my process of taking a simple photo and making it into an artful, multi-layered Instagram post

Week 2: Working with Tones and Textures

• Mastering black & white (and other monochromes)
  
• Working with sepia tones and other retro techniques to "age" the shot
  
• How to use my favorite apps to add texture and atmosphere
  

Week 3: High Art with your Phone!

• Creating double exposures with my favorite apps
• Painting and sketching with your phone
• Apps that replicate special lenses (without the hefty price tag of special lenses!)
• Deconstructing and distorting the shot to make abstract art

There will be three lessons emailed to you per week:

Mondays: A carefully curated collection of my favorite apps for each topic, with detailed tips on how to use them to achieve the best results. Mondays are for the "Big Lessons," jam-packed with super-useful pointers to get you fired up for the week ahead.

Wednesdays: A step-by-step tutorial for a multi-layered creative project. In other words, we will use more than one app to achieve the desired result. You can complete the project and then jump off from there into your own creative territory, playing with the newest apps in your toolbox.

Fridays: Further inspiration from mobile artists who excel in the areas we're covering, plus more of my photo-finishing techniques to make your shots really POP!

You can spend the rest of the days of the week working on the lessons, honing your techniques, and sharing your work in our private, online classroom. I'll be checking in at the classroom several times per day to guide you along with your new creations and answer any questions.

 

What's included in this course?

• Three weeks of online guidance, with 9 written lessons and bonus material in our Facebook classroom, dedicated to helping you create "WOW!" snapshots with your phone.
  
• A beautiful, downloadable book of all the lessons (PDF file format) for you to keep and delve back into whenever you need a refresher or a little inspiration.
  
• A private, online classroom to share your work, get constructive critiques and answers from me, and meet like-minded photography friends. (You can check into the private classroom and post your work as much as you like.)
  
• Optional Instagram participation.

What You'll Need:

• A smart phone (it doesn't matter what make or model).
• A free Facebook account, so you can join our private online classroom, post your own photos, and give/receive feedback with the other class members.
• Before starting the course, you will need to know how to download apps (and purchase them, if you choose to do so) from your phone's app store (for iPhones: the Apple App Store; for Androids: GooglePlay). If you don't know how to download apps to your phone, there are plenty of Youtube videos to guide you along, such as this one: How to download apps on an iPhone.
  

Before the class begins, it would be helpful to know how to upload photographs from your mobile phone to Facebook. Never done that before? This link explains how to upload photos to Facebook, with step-by-step visual directions and a YouTube tutorial.

Please note: If you do not currently have a Facebook account and do not want one, you can open an account just for this course and close it right after the course ends, if you choose. It is not mandatory that you join the private Facebook group, but it is a huge part of the course experience as we work through the lessons, so I strongly recommend it. Seeing what other students are creating with the apps is a wonderful source of inspiration and will help you to more clearly understand how to use the tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level photographer is this course intended for?

This course is for anyone who enjoys mobile photography, beginner to intermediate.

Can I join this course if I know nothing at all about my smart phone other than how to make a call?

I love to be welcoming, but this is not the course for you if you do not know how to take a basic picture with your phone. Please see the section above entitled "What You'll Need" so you can see what you'll need to know before the course begins.

Do I need an iPhone?

No. This course is for iOS and Android phones and all lessons will apply to both. There will be a few "bonus" app suggestions for iPhones that are not yet available for Android, but those apps will not be integral to the lessons.

Will there be any assignments?

There will be optional exercises to you give you a better "hands-on" understanding of the apps and what they can do to transform your phone photos.  If you don't have time to do the exercises within the week, you can finish them whenever you find the time, even after the class ends. Having said that, the more you can participate in the class while it's running, the more you will get out of it.

Do I really need to join the Facebook group for the online classroom?

No, but if you participate by sharing your work and seeing the photos that your classmates are creating with the apps, you will learn much, much more. You'll also be able to ask me any questions you might have. I highly recommend the classroom component of the course.

What if I have a full-time job?

That's fine, and it's one of the best parts of participating in an online course instead of a traditional course in a classroom. If you miss a day or two due to a heavy work schedule, just catch up whenever you can. This is basically a self-paced course, so you will get out of it what you can put into it.

How do I pay for this course?

You can securely pay with PayPal at the bottom of this page. If you don't have a PayPal account, it's free to open one and easy to sign up.

What if I'm not located in the United States?

I'm happy to welcome students from around the world, and since it's an online course, there is no specific time for you to be "in class." Previous sessions of my photography e-courses have included students from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

PayPal will convert any foreign currency to U.S. dollars.

Do I need to buy anything?

Some of the suggested apps are free; some are not. It will be totally up to you to decide if you'd like to purchase certain apps through your mobile device's app store so that you can create some of the effects demonstrated. You can pick and choose. Keep in mind that paid apps are usually less than the price of a cup of coffee, usually ranging between 99 cents and $4.99, and they are yours to use forever. Suggested books may be recommended to you, but you can find them at the library (which I recommend) or preview their contents online when available through Amazon.

Will refunds be offered?

(I'm including this just for legal reasons--nobody's ever requested a refund for any of my online courses. In fact, quite the opposite: I've been told on more than one occasion that my courses were worth more than the prices paid.) Due to the digital nature of this course, I cannot offer refunds, so please purchase mindfully. Ask me any questions or let me know any of your concerns before you register, by emailing me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com.

 

 

 

My Background & Qualifications

• In 2015, I was one of seven Honorees worldwide for the Photo of the Year from BlogHer Voices of the Year. Here's the story: Nervous, Honored, Grateful!
  
• In 2016, I was an Honoree for the BlogHer Voices of the Year, for a post I'd written about my son. You can read more about that here: The Opposite of Crickets.
• In December 2016, I was selected as a Judge for the 2017 Voices of the Year from BlogHer (Photography/Short Video/Eye Candy categories).
• My photographs and written work have been published five times in national magazines. In Spring 2017, Artful Blogging magazine contacted me to write an article for them about my creative process. Here's the announcement about its publication: The Heart-Warming Thrill of Getting Published. Bella Grace magazine published a full-length article about my work in Fall 2017.
• Since July 2012, I've been the sole photographer at the blog JoyfullyGreen.com. If you are unfamiliar with my blog, I encourage you to take a look through the archives at my photographs, as well as the collection of my favorites available for purchase at society6.com/JoyfullyGreen.  Although I started my blog in July 2012 as an eco-blog, I quickly realized that the part of blogging which gave me the most joy (no pun intended) was finding the "perfect" picture to accompany my posts.
  
• In March 2014, I introduced my first online photography course, How to Take Better Photos of Nature and the World Around You. Since then, I've added several online photography courses to my teaching roster, including Beyond Auto Mode: How to Really Work Your DSLR Camera; Soul Focus: Finding Peace Through Photography;  Soul Focus 2: Delving Deeper into Mindful Photography; and Pocket Photography: Making Art with Your Phone.
• I've been taking photos for over four decades, ever since I was a little girl and received my first Kodak Instamatic camera for a Christmas present at the age of 7. Before my senior year at Vassar College (where I majored in Art History), I was a photography counselor at Wesleyan University's Center for Creative Youth in Middletown, CT, where I helped instruct high school students in photography (including darkroom development--anybody remember those days?). I have taken traditional courses in Black and White Photography, Landscape Photography, and Digital Photography in Philadelphia, as well as Visual Art and Design courses at Parsons School of Design in New York.

 

Some kind words from students of my e-courses 

"I am sure to take another course with you. You inspire your students, as well as teach." -- Penny M., Scotland

"I learned so much in Joy's online courses... it's changed the way I take pictures, but even more, it's changed the way I look at the world. I can't thank her enough." -- Amy K., California

"I have taken two of Joy's courses and learned SO much. I highly recommend her courses. You don't even need a camera. The second time I did a course I ended up having to use my phone and got some sensational shots." -- Eliza F., Australia

"I have taken many of Joy's classes, some more than once...and I learn something new every time. Did I mention she is an award-winning photographer? Another bonus: You will make lots of new friends in the supportive, private classroom!" -- Jerri D., Colorado

Registration

Will you join me for three super-creative weeks of mobile photography fun? Spaces are limited, so please don't hesitate to say "YES!"

Sorry, this course is currently closed. If you would like to be notified the next time this course opens, send an email to JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com

Warmly,

Joy Sussman

P.S. Any questions? Email me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com

The Art of Photography: How to Take Your Pictures to the Next Level (50% Off - Stay at Home Sale)

"Joy, you are an excellent teacher. Your classes are the perfect combination of education and inspiration, and your comments and nudges always come through a positive lens. Each lesson is so well-presented with wonderful photos as references, and links to additional information and inspiration. I have grown as a photographer, both in my ability to 'see' a photo and in my technical skill to bring what I see in my mind's eye to life. When not one of your students wants the class to end, that pretty much sums up what an outstanding experience we all had. Thank you so much." -- Nancy Thompson

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *   

Once you know the basics of photography, you can become a true artist and not just a witness. You have a unique vision, and it's time to let it shine through your lens. Creative photography isn't just about what's directly in front of you. Everything you experience has a way of influencing your creative vision. As Ansel Adams said, "You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved... You don't take a photograph, you make it.” 

This online course is perfect for you if...

• You're a blogger who wants to improve the photographs you share with your audience.
  
• You enjoy photography but need a little inspiration and prodding to get "out there" with your camera.
• You're in a creative rut. This course will help you break out of it, through daily lessons.
  
• You already know the basics of photography, but could use a boost in the creativity department.
• You LOVE photography, period.

 

"Joy, thanks. You must accept much credit for my success because yours was my first photography course, ever! Your examples and explanations were inspiring and clear. The encouragement and support was very helpful as well, to see if I was on the right track, and to spur me on." -- Mary O.

 

How does this online course work?

• This is a self-paced course. Shortly after you submit your payment, you will receive the 15 lessons via email, plus 4 bonus mini-lessons. (I send them out personally, so if it's the middle of the night in the eastern United States at the time when you purchase the course, then you would receive the lessons when it's morning here. Please keep in mind that there's a real person on the other end of the transaction, not just an automated button, so I'll deliver the lessons as quickly as my schedule allows, usually within a couple of hours.) After you receive the lessons, you can pace yourself by reading one lesson each day (which I highly recommend to give yourself time to absorb the material and work through it), or you can set aside a block of time (such as a weekend) to read through a few lessons at a time, or all of them at once. It's really up to you and your schedule!
  
• All enrolled students will have the opportunity to share their photos, comments, and creative thoughts in my private Facebook group, Writing with Light Photography Club. You'll also be able to ask me any of your photography questions there. You will have access to the group for as long as you remain a member in it, even after you've finished the lessons. (FYI: My students from previous courses are still sharing their work and kind comments there.)
  
• You'll receive a beautiful, downloadable book (PDF file format) of all lessons, for your personal reference, to keep forever.
  

 

 

"Thank you so much, Joy. This class was fantastic! It was challenging but super-fun, too, and I loved the way each lesson revealed another piece of the big picture. Your classes have been a huge influence on my artistic growth and on my confidence. Please keep teaching and blogging!" -- Kat Denton

 

 

Course Overview

 

Lesson 1: Minimalism

• How to strip back the composition for maximum impact
  
• Minimalist artists and photographers
  
• Where else to look for guidance and inspiration
  

Lesson 2: The Chaos Principle

• How to fill the frame without losing the balance
  
• Frame-filling artists and photographers who got the balance right
  
• Where to find the best current examples of organized chaos

Lesson 3: Color Exploration

• Working in monochrome without monotony
  
• Using chromatic blends, complementary colors, and neutral shades
  
• Color inspiration from the masters
  
• Where to explore colors today

Lesson 4: Shape-Seeking

• Creating a cohesive image with different shapes
  
• Artists through history who used shapes to create
  
• Where to stretch your shape-seeking abilities
  

Lesson 5: Intentional Blur

• How to create drama from softness
• Learning from the Impressionists and Expressionists with your camera
  
• Where you can find more examples today
  

Lesson 6: Line, Texture, and Depth

• How to create and emphasize the form and space within your images
• Masters through history

Lesson 7: The Art of the Pattern

• Seeking out patterns in nature
  
• Creating works of art with photographic patterns
  
• Professional "pattern-makers" through history
  

Lesson 8: Tell Me a Story

• Adding the element of storytelling to your photographs
• Masters of the form
• Where to look for further inspiration

Lesson 9: Self-Portraiture, Part 1

• The perfect "selfie": How to take beautiful, artful pictures of yourself
• Masters of self-portraiture through history
  
• Where to view current examples of excellent self-portraits
  

Lesson 10: Self-Portraiture, Part 2

• Portraying and defining yourself through objects of love and interest
  
• Masters of the form through history
  
• Further resources to check out today

Lesson 11: Still Lifes

• How to be your own photo stylist
• Setting up shots cleanly and creatively
• Still life masters through history
• Where to find inspiration today

Lesson 12: Food Styling

• Tips and tricks to make your food photographs look their most delicious
• Where to learn more and share more of your food photography
  

Lesson 13: Playing with Perspective

• How to create a Trompe L'Oeil
• Storytelling with perspective
• Masters of the form

Lesson 14: Frame It!

• Diptychs, triptychs, and other classic groupings
  
• Finding themes that work perfectly together

Lesson 15: Final Thoughts/Next Steps

• How can you continue to develop as a photographer?

Four Bonus Mini-Lessons:

• Movies
• Books
• Finding and Creating Symmetry
• Putting Your Stamp on an Apple

 

 

What You'll Need:

• A digital camera or a smart phone (it doesn't matter what type).
• Access to a computer where you can upload your photographs.
• A Facebook account, so you can join my private photography group, share your photos, and ask me any questions about them. (This is optional, but highly recommended.) If you do not currently have a Facebook account and do not want one, you could open an account just for this course and close it right after you complete the lessons. However, I think you'll find that sharing your work will greatly add to your enjoyment and understanding of the lessons, and you'll meet like-minded photography friends in the group to help you learn and grow.
  

Before you begin the lessons, you should know how to upload photographs from your computer (or smart phone) to an online page. Never done that before? This link explains how to upload photos to Facebook, with step-by-step visual directions and a YouTube tutorial.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What level photographer is this course intended for?

• This is an intermediate level course.
• If you've already taken my first course, How to Take Better Photos of Nature and the World Around You, this is the perfect follow-up course for you!
• If you haven't taken the first course, but already are very comfortable with the basics of photography (composition, lighting, focus, etc.) as well as post-processing your own images with online applications (such as PicMonkey or PhotoShop), then you will do just fine in this course. 

Will there be any assignments?

There are 15 lessons, but you are under no obligation or schedule to complete them. The assignments are merely suggestions to improve your experience in the course and get constructive, positive feedback from me in our private Facebook group. Do as much as you wish, but please know that the more you participate, the more you will get out of the course.

What if I miss a daily lesson?

There is no set time for you to be "in class." You will be emailed the lessons within the password-protected site, and you can check the lessons at your leisure. If you miss a day or two of reviewing lessons and posting your photographs, no worries! Catch up and post to the online group when you can.

What if I have a full-time job?

That's fine, and it's one of the best parts of participating in an online course instead of a traditional course in a classroom. If you miss a day or two of lessons due to a heavy work schedule, just catch up when you can. This is basically a self-paced course, so you will get out of it what you can put into it.

Do I need to join the online Facebook group?

No, the online group is optional, but personally, I think it's a vital part of the course experience. That's the place where you'll get creative and constructive feedback from me so you can really improve your photography. You'll also be able to learn alongside fellow photographers (and most likely make new friends in the process).

How do I pay for this course?

You can securely pay with PayPal at the bottom of this page. If you don't have a PayPal account, it's free to open one and easy to sign up.

What if I'm not located in the United States?

I'm happy to welcome students from around the world, and since it's an online course, there is no specific time for you to be "in class." Previous sessions of my photography e-courses have included students from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

PayPal will convert any foreign currency to U.S. dollars.

Do I need to buy anything?

No. Suggested texts will be recommended to you, but you can find them at the library (which I fully recommend) or preview their contents online when available through Amazon.

Will refunds be offered?

(I'm including this just for legal reasons--nobody's ever requested a refund. In fact, quite the opposite: I've been told that the course was worth more than the price paid for it.) Due to the digital nature of this course, I cannot offer refunds, so please ask me any questions or let me know any of your concerns before you register, by emailing me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com. Depending on your own background and personal experience with photography, there may be times when you might already know some of the information being shared in the lesson. However, you still will be able to connect to the online group, and share your images and experiences with photography.

 

 

My Background & Qualifications

• In 2015, I was one of seven Honorees worldwide for the Photo of the Year from BlogHer Voices of the Year. Here's the story: Nervous, Honored, Grateful!
  
• In 2016, I was an Honoree for the BlogHer Voices of the Year, for a post I'd written about my son. You can read more about that here: The Opposite of Crickets.
• In December 2016, I was selected as a Judge for the 2017 Voices of the Year from BlogHer (Photography/Short Video/Eye Candy categories).
• My photographs and written work have been published five times in national magazines. In Spring 2017, Artful Blogging magazine contacted me to write an article for them about my creative process. Here's the announcement about its publication: The Heart-Warming Thrill of Getting Published. Bella Grace magazine published a full-length article about my work in Fall 2017.
• Since July 2012, I've been the sole photographer at the blog JoyfullyGreen.com. If you are unfamiliar with my blog, I encourage you to take a look through the archives at my photographs, as well as the collection of my favorites available for purchase at society6.com/JoyfullyGreen.  Although I started my blog in July 2012 as an eco-blog, I quickly realized that the part of blogging which gave me the most joy (no pun intended) was finding the "perfect" picture to accompany my posts.
  
• In March 2014, I introduced my first online photography course, How to Take Better Photos of Nature and the World Around You. Since then, I've added several online photography courses to my teaching roster, including Beyond Auto Mode: How to Really Work Your DSLR Camera; Soul Focus: Finding Peace Through Photography;  Soul Focus 2: Delving Deeper into Mindful Photography; and Pocket Photography: Making Art with Your Phone.
• I've been taking photos for over four decades, ever since I was a little girl and received my first Kodak Instamatic camera for a Christmas present at the age of 7. Before my senior year at Vassar College (where I majored in Art History), I was a photography counselor at Wesleyan University's Center for Creative Youth in Middletown, CT, where I helped instruct high school students in photography (including darkroom development--anybody remember those days?). I have taken traditional courses in Black and White Photography, Landscape Photography, and Digital Photography in Philadelphia, as well as Visual Art and Design courses at Parsons School of Design in New York.
  

I'm ready to guide you on your photographic journey, so let's get started!

 

The regular fee for this course is $115 (U.S.). The current sale price is $57, or 50% off (until further notice).

Includes all of the following components:

• 15 comprehensive lessons.
• Lifetime access to our private photographers' group on Facebook where you can post your photographs and discuss them with your fellow students and with me. Any questions on the lessons? I'll be there to help!
  
• A beautiful, downloadable book (PDF file format) of all the lessons for your personal reference, to keep and refer back to whenever you like.
  
• Ongoing advice and guidance from me about your photographs during your coursework and beyond. (Just because you finish the course doesn't mean your learning is over.)

Ready? Let's begin!

To purchase The Art of Photography: How to Take Your Pictures to the Next Level, click the "Buy Now" button below:

 

 

 

 

With gratitude,

Joy Sussman

P.S. Any other questions? Please don't hesitate to contact me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com

How To Take Better Photos of Nature and the World Around You (40% Discount - Stay at Home Sale)

"Thank you so much, Joy, for this wonderful class. I really enjoyed the enthusiasm and interaction of the group.We inspired each other! I learned a great deal more than I expected to from an online course. Your lessons flowed so well from day to day and you provided encouraging and extremely helpful feedback to help us develop our own photographer's eye. I already had one of my blog readers ask about your course when I posted a few of my photos last Friday. I'll definitely sing your praises to others and will take another course if you offer one."

-- Nancy Thompson

Ever wish you could take prettier, "more professional" photographs of your pets, a wild animal passing through your back yard, a child playing at the beach, a vase of flowers, your evening view, the changing seasons? Do you feel that a photography course would be too technical and full of jargon for you, but think you would enjoy one that is more creativity-focused? Would you like to create more artistic images of nature and the world around you to share with your friends and family, or just add some beauty to your life and home?

I've created a ten-lesson online course (plus two bonus mini-lessons) that will help you with all of the above goals. Perhaps even better, it will help you relax into a photographic routine, adding some meditative time outdoors for you to simply appreciate the beauty available in front of your camera lens. Whether you're a professional blogger who would like to add more attractive photographs to your posts, a "creative type" who would like to learn within a community of like-minded students, or you just want to take better pictures on your next vacation, this course will help you move forward.

                "Once again, Joy, today's lesson was super helpful. This will completely change how I work with my photos. Thank you!" 

-- Debi Huang

  "Joy Sussman, you rock!
What an awesome photography class. 
I am feeling so very much more creative, and excited about the future!"

-- Kat Denton

 

How does this online course work?

• This is a self-paced course. Shortly after you submit your payment, you will receive the 10 lessons (plus two mini-lessons) via email. (I send them out personally, so if it's the middle of the night in the eastern United States at the time when you purchase the course, then you would receive the lessons when it's morning here. Please keep in mind that there's a real person on the other end of the transaction, not just an automated button, so I'll deliver the lessons as quickly as my schedule allows, usually within a couple of hours.) After you receive the lessons, you can pace yourself by reading one lesson each day (which I highly recommend to give yourself time to absorb the material and work through it), or you can set aside a block of time (such as a weekend) to read through a few lessons at a time, or all of them at once. It's really up to you and your schedule!
• All enrolled students will have the opportunity to share their photos, comments, and creative thoughts in my private Facebook group, Writing with Light Photography Club. You'll also be able to ask me any of your photography questions there. You will have access to the group for as long as you remain a member in it, even after you've finished the lessons. (FYI: My students from previous courses are still sharing their work and kind comments there.)
  
• You'll receive a beautiful, downloadable book (PDF file format) of all lessons, for your personal reference, to keep forever.

 

Course Overview

Lesson 1: Starting Your Journey to Better Photographs

• The basic equation for a good photograph
• Which cameras and lenses to use?
• Suggested photography books and art history resources
  

Lesson 2: Better Composition: How to Set Up and Frame Your Shots

• Horizontals, verticals, and the Rule of Thirds
• When should you shoot subjects at the center of the frame?
• Seeking out "natural frames"
• When and how to recompose the shot in post-processing

Lesson 3: Better Lighting

• Using natural light
• Flash photography and editing tips for lighting
• Back-lighting, sun flares, and other challenges

Lesson 4: Better Focus (and Better Softening)

• How and when to sharpen or soften the focus while shooting
  
• Depth of Field explained in easy terms
  
• Experimenting with the Bokeh Effect

Lesson 5: Better Angles

• How and when to shoot from above and below
  
• "One subject, many shots"
• How to use Leading Lines for a more compelling shot
  

Lesson 6: Better Close-Ups

• Macro photography in a nutshell
  
• How to shoot subjects up-close
• How and where to look for subjects

Lesson 7: A Better Final Product: Post-processing

• How to use low-cost online tools and apps
• What to focus on when you edit
• Protecting your work

Lesson 8: Interview with Photographer Laura Karin: "Finding the Quiet Moment." Laura has her own photography business in Florida, where she shoots portraits and fine art photographs for private clients and businesses.

Lesson 9: Interview with Photographer Russell Rowland: "Photographing Nature in the City." Russell has his own photography business in New York City, where his portraits and landscape photos run regularly in top national publications, including The New York Times' front page, Style section, and Arts & Leisure section.

Lesson 10: Putting It All Together

• How to manage your digital photographs
• Social media for photographers
• Helpful ways to further develop your photography

Bonus Mini-Lesson 1: Looking Closer

Bonus Mini-Lesson 2: Nature Indoors

 

What You'll Need:

• A digital camera or a smart phone (it doesn't matter what type).
• Access to a computer where you can upload your photographs.
• A Facebook account, so you can join my private photography group, share your photos, and ask me any questions about them. (This is optional, but highly recommended.) If you do not currently have a Facebook account and do not want one, you could open an account just for this course and close it right after you complete the lessons. However, I think you'll find that sharing your work will greatly add to your enjoyment and understanding of the lessons, and you'll meet like-minded photography friends in the group to help you learn and grow.
  

Before you begin the lessons, you should know how to upload photographs from your computer (or smart phone) to an online page. Never done that before? This link explains how to upload photos to Facebook, with step-by-step visual directions and a YouTube tutorial.

 

"Your class has been very helpful. I was so happy this morning to read that our group's classroom will continue to be open. It's so wonderful to see work from all the others, especially from their different locales. There were many stunning images. Thank you for offering this course and for your patience and sympathetic
help! Looking forward to keeping in touch!"

-- Lorraine H.

 

"This is way too much fun. House-cleaning is going on the back burner!"

-- Jerri DeCarolis

 

"I loved the composition of the photo

and wouldn't have taken it this way

had I not had your lesson. Cool!!!"

-- Debby Rauch Lissaur

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What level photographer is this course intended for?

Whether you're a beginner or you have some years of experience behind the lens, this course will help you find the art within the frame, and to enjoy the meditative moments available to you when you photograph nature and the world around you. It also will help you connect to a community of people who love photography and want to learn more about it.

Will there be any assignments?

There are 10 lessons (plus two mini-lessons), but you are under no obligation or schedule to complete them. The assignments within the lessons are merely suggestions to improve your experience in the course and get constructive, positive feedback from me in our private Facebook group. Do as much as you wish, but please know that the more you participate, the more you will get out of the course.

What if I miss a daily lesson?

There is no set time for you to be "in class." You will be emailed the lessons within the password-protected site, and you can check the lessons at your leisure. If you miss a day or two of reviewing lessons and posting your photographs, no worries! Catch up and post to the online group when you can.

What if I have a full-time job?

That's fine! And it's one of the best parts of participating in an online course instead of a traditional course in a classroom. If you miss a day or two of lessons due to a heavy work schedule, just catch up when you can. This is basically a self-paced course, so you will get out of it what you can put into it.

How do I pay for this course?

You can securely pay with PayPal at the bottom of this page when enrollment is open. Click the yellow "Buy Now" button. (If you don't have a PayPal account, it's free to open one and easy to sign up.)

What if I'm not located in the United States?

I'm happy to welcome students from around the world, and since it's an online course, there is no specific time for you to be "in class." Previous sessions have included students from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

PayPal will convert any foreign currency to U.S. dollars.

Do I need to buy anything?

No. Suggested texts will be recommended to you, but you can find them at the library (which I fully recommend) or preview their contents online when available through Amazon. In addition, I will recommend some cameras and lenses that I personally use, but you don't need to buy anything at all, aside from the course itself. I will be suggesting free online editing applications and free apps for smart phones.

Will refunds be offered?

(I'm including this just for legal reasons--nobody's ever requested a refund. In fact, quite the opposite: I've been told by a few students that the course was worth more than the price they paid for it!) Due to the digital nature of this course and the already-low price, I cannot offer refunds, so please ask me any questions or let me know any of your concerns before you register, by emailing me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com. Depending on your own background and personal experience with photography, there may be certain days when you might already know some of the information being shared in the lesson. However, you still will be able to connect to the group, enjoy the class community, and share your images and experiences with photography.

"I stumbled onto your Facebook page and as I love to find lovely images, it led me to your website where I learned of your class. I got excited about it, and it was a doable price range. It's been well worth it! I feel like I got more than I expected! I'm really glad I took your class. Just sayin' it again..."

-- Phyllis Johnson

My Background & Qualifications

• In 2015, I was one of seven Honorees worldwide for the Photo of the Year from BlogHer Voices of the Year. Here's the story: Nervous, Honored, Grateful!
  
• In 2016, I was an Honoree for the BlogHer Voices of the Year, for a post I'd written about my son. You can read more about that here: The Opposite of Crickets.
• In December 2016, I was selected as a Judge for the 2017 Voices of the Year from BlogHer (Photography/Short Video/Eye Candy categories).
• My photographs and written work have been published five times in national magazines. In Spring 2017, Artful Blogging magazine contacted me to write an article for them about my creative process. Here's the announcement about its publication: The Heart-Warming Thrill of Getting Published. Bella Grace magazine published a full-length article about my work in Fall 2017.
• Since July 2012, I've been the sole photographer at the blog JoyfullyGreen.com. If you are unfamiliar with my blog, I encourage you to take a look through the archives at my photographs, as well as the collection of my favorites available for purchase at society6.com/JoyfullyGreen.  Although I started my blog in July 2012 as an eco-blog, I quickly realized that the part of blogging which gave me the most joy (no pun intended) was finding the "perfect" picture to accompany my posts.
  
• In March 2014, I introduced my first online photography course, How to Take Better Photos of Nature and the World Around You. Since then, I've added several online photography courses to my teaching roster, including Beyond Auto Mode: How to Really Work Your DSLR Camera; Soul Focus: Finding Peace Through Photography;  Soul Focus 2: Delving Deeper into Mindful Photography; and Pocket Photography: Making Art with Your Phone.
• I've been taking photos for over four decades, ever since I was a little girl and received my first Kodak Instamatic camera for a Christmas present at the age of 7. Before my senior year at Vassar College (where I majored in Art History), I was a photography counselor at Wesleyan University's Center for Creative Youth in Middletown, CT, where I helped instruct high school students in photography (including darkroom development--anybody remember those days?). I have taken traditional courses in Black and White Photography, Landscape Photography, and Digital Photography in Philadelphia, as well as Visual Art and Design courses at Parsons School of Design in New York.
  

 

The regular fee for this course is $95 (U.S.). The current sale price is 40% off, or $57.00 (until further notice).

Includes all of the following components:

• 10 comprehensive lessons and 2 bonus mini-lessons
  
• Lifetime access to our private photographers' group on Facebook where you can post your photographs and discuss them with me and fellow students. Any questions on the lessons? I'll be there to help!
  
• A beautiful, downloadable book (PDF file format) of all the lessons for your personal reference, to keep and refer back to whenever you like.
  
• Ongoing advice and guidance from me about your photographs during your coursework and beyond. (Just because you finish the course doesn't mean your development as a photographer ends, so I regularly check in with my previous students in our Facebook group.)

Ready? Let's begin!

 

 

With gratitude,

Joy Sussman

 

P.S. Any other questions? Please don't hesitate to contact me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com

Soul Focus 3: Further Explorations into Mindful Photography

"The world is holy. We are holy. All life is holy.

Daily prayers are delivered on the lips of breaking waves, the whisperings of grasses, the shimmering of leaves."

                                                         -- Terry Tempest Williams

 

I've always had an eagerness to learn, to grow, to evolve as a person. I feel that it's one of our most important purposes on this earth: To never stop learning new things and to utilize those lessons to improve our selves and the world around us. I know that might sound "lofty" but personally, I think we should always be aiming for higher and higher ground. That's why I created the Soul Focus courses...

To notice more, and truly see.

To experience more, and wisely spend our time.

To create more goodness in the world, sharing what we've learned.

Join me for the third leg of our Soul Focus journey, where we will build upon what we've learned so far and, more importantly, explore brand-new resources for inner peace, daily mindfulness, and more creative photography. Let's deepen our mindful photography practice together.

 

 

Course Overview

Together, through a combination of beautiful art, inspirational writing, music, poetry, and most importantly, photographic practice, we will explore the following themes in-depth:

Lesson 1: Abundance

Lesson 2: Absence

Lesson 3: Attunement

Lesson 4: Permanence and Impermanence

Lesson 5: Instinct

[First Weekend: Rest, recharge, catch up in our online classroom]

Lesson 6: Wonder

Lesson 7: Acceptance

Lesson 8: Aspiration

Lesson 9: Purpose

Lesson 10: Renewal

[Final Weekend: Review and wrap up lessons in our online classroom]

 

What You'll Need:

• A digital camera or a smart phone (it doesn't matter what type).
• Access to a computer where you can upload your photographs.
• A Facebook account, so you can join our private group for the class, post your own photos, and give/receive comments with the other class members.

What this course is and isn't...

• This course is my own personal collection of inspirational resources that I will share with you, so that you, too, can perhaps find more peacefulness, more mindfulness, and more creativity in your daily life.
  

• This course is not about religion, although it will have a healthy dose of spirituality. In other words: It will help you get in touch with ways to creatively express yourself that are elevating, healing, freeing.

• This course is not a substitute for professional therapy if you are seriously depressed. At its core, it is a photography course that can encourage new pathways to creativity.

• This course is a gift from me to you. A gift that won't take up any space on your kitchen counter, but can fill you up with a deep sense of peacefulness and a renewed sense of creativity.

What's included in this course?

• 10 days of gentle letters (via email) from me to you, packed with all of my favorite inspirational resources for mindfulness, inner peace, and creativity, helping you to establish a calming photography practice that quiets your mind in these often-loud times

• A beautiful, downloadable "book" of all the lessons (PDF file) for you to keep and delve back into whenever you need to reclaim a sense of calm creativity

• Daily photo prompts that encourage creativity, reflection, mindfulness, and gratitude

• Private Facebook classroom to make new friends and share your inspirations

• Optional Instagram participation

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to take Soul Focus: Finding Peace Through Photography or Soul Focus 2: Delving Deeper into Mindful Photography before I can take this course?

No, but it would be very helpful, so you can better build on what you learn. This is a continuation of our studies and some of the exercises will use skills that we've already learned in the first two Soul Focus courses. If you cannot take the first and second Soul Focus courses, drop me a note at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com so we can discuss if Soul Focus 3 alone would work for you.

What if I'm going on vacation during part of the course? Should I wait to take it another time?

If you'll have internet access while on your vacation, then I recommend that you take the course this time around. There are no deadlines, and the lessons should help you to relax more fully into your vacation! :) This course runs only once per year.

What level photographer is this course intended for?

This course is for anyone who enjoys photography (beginner to advanced).

Will there be any assignments?

Not in the "obligation" sense of the word. Each lesson is filled with inspirations and a series of prompts to help you reflect and create, whenever you find the time to do so. The more thought you can give to the lessons, the better your experience will be.

Do I really need to join the Facebook classroom?

No, but you will get so much more out of the course if you can share the lessons and creative work with the other students in our private classroom. It's a beautiful and supportive community. You can also choose to share on Instagram.

What if I have a full-time job?

That's fine, and it's one of the best parts of participating in an online course instead of a traditional course in a classroom. If you miss a day or two due to a heavy work schedule, just catch up whenever you can. This is basically a self-paced course, so you will get out of it what you can put into it.

How do I pay for this course?

You can securely pay with PayPal at the bottom of this page. If you don't have a PayPal account, it's free to open one and easy to sign up.

What if I'm not located in the United States?

I'm happy to welcome students from around the world, and since it's an online course, there is no specific time for you to be "in class." Previous sessions of my photography e-courses have included students from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

PayPal will convert any foreign currency to U.S. dollars.

Do I need to buy anything?

No. Suggested texts will be recommended to you, but you can find them at the library (which I fully recommend) or preview their contents online when available through Amazon.

Will refunds be offered?

(I'm including this just for legal reasons--nobody's ever requested a refund for any of my online courses. In fact, quite the opposite: I've been told on more than one occasion that my courses were worth more than the prices paid.) Due to the digital nature of this course, I cannot offer refunds, so please ask me any questions or let me know any of your concerns before you register, by emailing me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com.

Kind words from Soul Focus students

"I signed up for this class because it's January, which for me means turning inward to create both more peace and more direction for the year ahead. And because when I first explored photography the classes I took with Joy were the best guide to creating images that express what's in my heart and soul. Joy, your classes have taught me SO much. I feel like there's a bit of your spirit in everything I've posted in these classes. And while the guidance has been wonderful, I appreciate even more your holistic and mindful approach to life in general. Taking your classes has truly enriched my life." -- Amy K., California

 

"I have taken countless classes with Joy (every one she has taught, some even 2-3 times!), and each time emerge refreshed. I took this class to learn to slow down and appreciate the little things, and return to the photography that brings me so much joy. I have to thank you all for inspiring me, and bringing back the joy into photography, and I thank Joy for encouraging me to return. I was in a photo funk, feeling overwhelmed with everything, and that my photos were not good enough. Your positive feedback and your wonderful photos have motivated me to get back in the groove. Thanks to all of you. I needed this class more than I knew." -- Meredith R., New Jersey

 

"Soul Focus is my respite and helps me focus on what matters, on the joy in life that sometimes can be hard to find amidst a lot of chatter. The lessons, the exercises, seeing everyone's photos, reading the stories, thoughts, poems, and book referrals is such an enjoyable part of the day. Not to mention the framework they all provide to use after the class ends." --Nancy G., Ohio

 

 

"I am always so sad for the end of Joy's classes, but always so grateful for what I learn from each one. I especially love Soul Focus. Each time I have taken it, it has been at a particularly good time for its messages, and reminding me to look at the larger world, as well as myself, and take care of both. Thank you, again, Joy, for your wonderful heart and guidance, helping us all to understand ourselves and others in so many ways. You really have taught me sooo much, for which I am ever grateful! Gentle reminders to slow down a bit and so many beautiful thoughts and ideas captured and shared. I can't say it enough. I love this class." -- Sue K., Colorado

 

 

 

Registration

 

******************************************************************

Sorry, this course is currently closed.

 Sign up to get emailed when registration next opens (with private discounts!)

 

By subscribing above, you'll get access to my FREE quarterly-ish newsletter, "Writing with Light." No spam ever, just my latest photography tips and tricks, favorite apps for mobile photography, the first word on upcoming courses, and the biggest discounts for them. (Your info will never be sold or shared. That's a promise.)

Warmly,

Joy Sussman

P.S. Another other questions? Drop me a line at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com

Soul Focus 2: Delving Deeper into Mindful Photography

"Slow down and enjoy life.

It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast--you also miss the sense of where you are going and why." -- Eddie Cantor

 

If you've already taken Soul Focus: Finding Peace Through Photography, then you already know that the journey we began together was deeply meaningful. You also know that the two-week course went by far too quickly! Soul Focus II is a continuation of our studies, inside and out. As we've learned, mindfulness can lead to a deeper, more creative photography practice.

Join me for the second leg of our artistic journey, where we will build upon what we've learned so far and, more importantly, explore brand-new resources for inner peace and mindful photography.

 

 

Soul Focus II, like its predecessor, is about giving yourself the gift of quiet, contemplative time each day to focus on what is good, what is true, and what is beautiful.

It's about noticing more, appreciating more, savoring more.

It's about entering a gentle, sacred space of creativity.

It's about discovering what you can create with your camera when you embrace a more peaceful state of mind.

 

What this course is and isn't...

• This course is my own personal collection of inspirational resources that I will share with you, so that you, too, can perhaps find more peacefulness, more mindfulness, and more creativity in your daily life.
  

• This course is not about religion, although it will have a healthy dose of spirituality. In other words: It will help you get in touch with ways to creatively express yourself that are elevating, healing, freeing.

• This course is not a substitute for professional therapy if you are seriously depressed. At its core, it is a photography course that can encourage new pathways to creativity.

• This course is a gift from me to you. A gift that won't take up any space on your kitchen counter, but can fill you up with a deep sense of peacefulness and a renewed sense of creativity.

What's included in this course?

• 14 days of gentle letters (via email) from me to you, packed with all of my favorite inspirational resources for mindfulness, inner peace, and creativity, helping you to establish a calming photography practice that quiets your mind in these often-loud times

• A beautiful, downloadable "book" of all the lessons (PDF file) for you to keep and delve back into whenever you need to reclaim a sense of calm creativity

• Daily photo prompts that encourage creativity, reflection, mindfulness, and gratitude

• Private Facebook classroom to make new friends and share your inspirations

• Optional Instagram participation

Course Overview

Together, through a combination of beautiful art, inspirational writing, music, poetry, and (of course) photography, we will explore the following themes in-depth:

Day 1: Introduction / Reflect

Day 2: Untangle / Release

Day 3: Disconnect / Disappear

Day 4: Wander / Explore

Day 5: Receive / Embrace

Day 6: Stretch / Experiment

Day 7: Deepen / Immerse

Day 8: Sense / Resonate

Day 9: Radiate / Illuminate

Day 10: Soothe / Nourish

Day 11: Sharpen / Realign

Day 12: Elevate / Uplift

Day 13: Rest / Just Be

Day 14: Conclusion / Curate

What You'll Need:

• A digital camera or a smart phone (it doesn't matter what type).
• Access to a computer where you can upload your photographs.
• A Facebook account, so you can join our private group for the class, post your own photos, and give/receive feedback with the other class members.
• Highly recommended but not essential: Completion of the first course, Soul Focus: Finding Peace Through Photography
  

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take Soul Focus: Finding Peace Through Photography before I can take this course?

No, but it would certainly help. This is a continuation of our studies and some of the exercises will use skills that we've already learned in that first course.

What if I'm going on vacation during part of the course? Should I wait to take it another time?

If you'll have internet access while on your vacation, then I recommend that you take the course this time around. There are no deadlines, and the lessons should help you to relax more fully into your vacation! :) This course runs only once per year.

What level photographer is this course intended for?

This course is for anyone who enjoys photography (beginner to advanced).

Will there be any assignments?

No, not in the "obligation" sense of the word. Each lesson is more of an inspiration or series of prompts to help you reflect and create, whenever you find the time to do so.

What if I have a full-time job?

That's fine, and it's one of the best parts of participating in an online course instead of a traditional course in a classroom. If you miss a day or two due to a heavy work schedule, just catch up whenever you can. This is basically a self-paced course, so you will get out of it what you can put into it.

How do I pay for this course?

You can securely pay with PayPal at the bottom of this page. If you don't have a PayPal account, it's free to open one and easy to sign up.

What if I'm not located in the United States?

I'm happy to welcome students from around the world, and since it's an online course, there is no specific time for you to be "in class." Previous sessions of my photography e-courses have included students from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

PayPal will convert any foreign currency to U.S. dollars.

Do I need to buy anything?

No. Suggested texts will be recommended to you, but you can find them at the library (which I fully recommend) or preview their contents online when available through Amazon.

Will refunds be offered?

(I'm including this just for legal reasons--nobody's ever requested a refund for any of my online courses. In fact, quite the opposite: I've been told on more than one occasion that my courses were worth more than the prices paid.) Due to the digital nature of this course, I cannot offer refunds, so please ask me any questions or let me know any of your concerns before you register, by emailing me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com.

 

Kind words from Soul Focus students

"I don't even know how to express how enjoyable I have found this class to be. I appreciate so much the opportunity to broaden my perspective on everything. Sometimes I feel like I just now woke up and I'm finally seeing the things that I just didn't know to appreciate, and I'm only scratching the surface of possibility. I will carry these refreshing concepts with me as I look for opportunities to photograph the world around me. Your blend of spirit and photography is what keeps me coming back for more classes. I love my newest hobby and I'm loving the meditative approach. I know that I will gladly take this class again."-- Phyllis J., Illinois

"I can't say enough about how wonderful this course has been...so perfectly timed! I look forward to reading the day's prompt in the morning, and I carry it with me all day. Your words and photos always put me in a wonderful mood, which is great, because my days tend to be pretty hectic. I'm going to miss this class a lot."-- Sue K., Colorado

"This course has been a blessing in countless ways. I have LOVED it! " -- Kathleen D., New Jersey

"Thank you again for this class. It's put me back in touch with teachings and practices that, for whatever reasons, slipped away from me over the last few years." -- Sharon S., Oregon

 

Registration

 

******************************************************************

Sorry, this course is currently closed.

 Sign up to get emailed when registration next opens (with private discounts!)

 

By subscribing above, you'll get access to my FREE quarterly-ish newsletter, "Writing with Light." No spam ever, just my latest photography tips and tricks, favorite apps for mobile photography, the first word on upcoming courses, and the biggest discounts for them. (Your info will never be sold or shared. That's a promise.)

Warmly,

Joy Sussman

P.S. Another other questions? Drop me a line at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com

Beyond Auto Mode: How to Really Work Your DSLR Camera

 

If you're a creative person, grasping the technical side of taking pictures can seem a little daunting, as if you need another college degree just to get through your camera's user manual. Although I'm a professional photographer now, I can remember when I first began to really get into photography many years ago, and feeling utterly confused at the mere sight of f-stops. As somebody who's always been very good at art but very bad at math, I was baffled with trying to figure out the fractions of a second for a "perfect" exposure.

But here's the thing: I learned the "tech-y" stuff, and you can, too.

Here's the other thing: It takes some dedicated time and practice, practice, practice!

I've put together a 7-lesson online course that will teach you all of the basics you need to know to get out of Auto Mode and start taking more creative control of your shots. It will also give you "that little nudge" you might need to practice what you learn, with an online classroom of students from around the world.

If you've taken other photography courses with me, then you already know one of my mantras to my students: "Be an artist, not just a witness." Well, learning to move off Auto Mode will give you many more tools and options to create art with your camera. Whether you're a professional blogger who would like to add more attractive photographs to your posts, or you just want to take better pictures on your next vacation, this course will help you move forward.

 

 

How does this online course work?

• This is a self-paced course. Shortly after you submit your payment, you will receive the 7 lessons via email. (I send them out personally, so if it's the middle of the night in the eastern United States at the time when you purchase the course, then you would receive the lessons when it's morning here. Please keep in mind that there's a real person on the other end of the transaction, not just an automated button, so I'll deliver the lessons as quickly as my schedule allows, usually within a couple of hours.) After you receive the lessons, you can pace yourself by reading one lesson each day (which I highly recommend to give yourself time to absorb the material and work through it), or you can set aside a block of time (such as a weekend) to read through a few lessons at a time, or all of them at once. It's really up to you and your schedule!
  
• All enrolled students will have the opportunity to share their photos, comments, and creative thoughts in my private Facebook group, Writing with Light Photography Club. You'll also be able to ask me any of your photography questions there.
  
• You'll receive a beautiful, downloadable book (PDF file format) of all lessons, for your personal reference, to keep forever.

 

 

Course Overview

Lesson 1: Let's Get Started

• The nitty-gritty technical things you need to know (and the tech stuff you can skip!)
• The Photographic Triangle
• Which lenses are best for the subjects you want to shoot?
• White Balance
• Histograms
• Shooting in RAW versus jpeg
• Tripods and Image Stabilizers
• Good resources for further study
• Practice: Shooting in Program (P) Mode

Lesson 2: ISO in Detail

• Defining ISO
  
• Different scenarios, different ISOs
• Practice: Shooting with different ISO settings

Lesson 3: Aperture and Depth of Field

• Defining Aperture
• Shallow versus deep depth of field
• Figuring out f-stops once and for all
• The Photography Greats: Aperture Heroes
• Practice: Shooting with different aperture settings (f-stops) in Aperture Priority Mode (A/Av)

Lesson 4: Shutter Speed and Movement

• Defining Shutter Speed
• Blurring or freezing action
• Figuring out your shutter speed fractions once and for all
• The Photography Greats: Shutter Speed Heroes
• Practice: Shooting with different shutter speeds in Shutter Priority Mode (S/T/Tv)
  

Lesson 5: Trouble-shooting the Tough Shots

• Action (from sports to toddlers!)
  
• Different speeds within one shot
• Low light and night shots
  
• Bright light
• Practice: Pick a trouble shot and work it!

Lesson 6: True Manual Mode

Let's take it beyond Aperture Mode and Shutter Priority Mode and dabble in Manual Mode (M)

• What are the key points to remember when shooting in Manual Mode?
• Practice: Getting more experimental and taking the most control of your shots.

Lesson 7: Review and Self-Testing

Let's make sure you're crystal clear on how to work the Photographic Triangle and troubleshoot your shots. Review the past week's lessons and take the comprehensive quiz to track your progress.

 

 

What You'll Need for This Course

• A DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera or a mirrorless digital camera that lets you switch off Auto Mode and control the shots yourself.
  
• Access to a computer where you can upload your photographs and study them.
  
• Optional: A Facebook account, so you can join our private photography group on Facebook, share your photos, and meet fellow photographers from around the world. I highly recommend this option so you can ask me any questions about your photographs as you work through the lessons.
  

        In addition, an inexpensive tripod is highly recommended, but not mandatory.

Before you begin, you should know how to upload photographs from your computer (or smart phone) to an online page (if you're planning to join the Facebook group). Never done that before? This link explains how to upload photos to Facebook  with step-by-step visual directions and a YouTube tutorial.

Please note: If you do not currently have a Facebook account and do not want one, you can open an account just for this course and close it right after you finish the course, if you wish. You can even set it up with a pseudonym (let me know what it is!) so the general public cannot find you on Facebook (but remember, the Facebook group is private and nobody outside of the group will see what you share in it).

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What level photographer is this course intended for?

This course would be perfect for anybody who owns a DSLR camera and is not confident using it off Auto Mode. Even if you're amazingly creative with your DSLR camera on Auto Mode, this course will help you get more comfortable with the technical side of digital photography as you learn how and why to adjust aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and a few other important settings on your camera -- instead of letting the camera make those decisions for you.

If you are a true beginner to DSLR photography and feel completely overwhelmed by your particular camera's buttons and functions (for example, you're unsure how to take a picture with your camera on Auto Mode), I would recommend that you take a one-on-one course at a photography store in your area so you can go over your camera in-person, in-detail. If you're unsure, please feel free to email me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com before you purchase this course, and we can discuss whether this course might be a good fit for you.

Will this course cover ALL of the buttons and functions on my particular camera?

No, it would be impossible to cover the specific buttons and functions of every single camera for every single student (and my goodness, that would be boring, wading through pages and pages of instructions to find your particular camera). We'll be covering the main technical aspects common to all DSLR cameras (which you can see in the Course Outline above for Lessons 1 through 7).

Will there be any assignments?

Each lesson will have a practice assignment at the end, but you're under no obligation or schedule to complete it. The assignments are merely suggestions to improve your experience in the course. Do as much as you wish, but please keep in mind that the more you follow the lessons and their practice assignments, the more you will get out of the course.

How do I pay for this course?

You can securely pay with PayPal (which accepts credit cards) at the bottom of this page. If you don't have a PayPal account, it's free to open one and easy to sign up.

What if I'm not located in the United States?

I'm happy to welcome students from around the world, and since it's an online course, there is no specific time for you to be "in class." Previous sessions of my photography e-courses have included students from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

PayPal will convert any foreign currency to U.S. dollars.

Do I need to buy anything?

No. Suggested texts will be recommended to you, but you can find them at the library (which I fully recommend) or preview their contents online when available through Amazon.

What is your refund policy?

(I'm including this answer just for legal purposes; nobody has ever requested a refund. In fact, quite the opposite: I've been told by several students that my courses were worth more than the prices they paid!) Due to the digital nature of this course, I cannot offer refunds, so please ask me any questions or let me know any of your concerns before you register, by emailing me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com. Depending on your own background and personal experience with photography, there may be certain days when you might already know some of the information being shared in the lesson. However, you still will be able to practice the content and connect to the optional Facebook group to share your work. (Please make sure to read the whole answer to the first question, "What level photographer is this course intended for?")

Any other questions? Just let me know at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com.

 

 

My Background & Qualifications

• In 2015, I was one of seven Honorees worldwide for the Photo of the Year from BlogHer Voices of the Year. Here's the story: Nervous, Honored, Grateful!
  
• In 2016, I was an Honoree for the BlogHer Voices of the Year, for a post I'd written about my son. You can read more about that here: The Opposite of Crickets.
• In December 2016, I was selected as a Judge for the 2017 Voices of the Year from BlogHer (Photography/Short Video/Eye Candy categories).
• My photographs and written work have been published five times in national magazines. In Spring 2017, Artful Blogging magazine contacted me to write an article for them about my creative process. Here's the announcement about its publication: The Heart-Warming Thrill of Getting Published. Bella Grace magazine published a full-length article about my work in Fall 2017.
• Since July 2012, I've been the sole photographer at the blog JoyfullyGreen.com. If you are unfamiliar with my blog, I encourage you to take a look through the archives at my photographs, as well as the collection of my favorites available for purchase at society6.com/JoyfullyGreen.  Although I started my blog in July 2012 as an eco-blog, I quickly realized that the part of blogging which gave me the most joy (no pun intended) was finding the "perfect" picture to accompany my posts.
  
• In March 2014, I introduced my first online photography course, How to Take Better Photos of Nature and the World Around You. Since then, I've added several online photography courses to my teaching roster, including Beyond Auto Mode: How to Really Work Your DSLR Camera; Soul Focus: Finding Peace Through Photography;  Soul Focus 2: Delving Deeper into Mindful Photography; and Pocket Photography: Making Art with Your Phone.
• I've been taking photos for over four decades, ever since I was a little girl and received my first Kodak Instamatic camera for a Christmas present at the age of 7. Before my senior year at Vassar College (where I majored in Art History), I was a photography counselor at Wesleyan University's Center for Creative Youth in Middletown, CT, where I helped instruct high school students in photography (including darkroom development--anybody remember those days?). I have taken traditional courses in Black and White Photography, Landscape Photography, and Digital Photography in Philadelphia, as well as Visual Art and Design courses at Parsons School of Design in New York.
  

I'm ready to guide you on your photographic journey, so let's get started!

 

 

Kind words from students about my online courses

"I love your teaching style and the way you put together your courses." -- Tracy from California

"I have taken two of Joy's photography courses and learned SO much. I highly recommend her courses--you can see how beautiful the results are." -- Eliza from Australia

"I have so thoroughly enjoyed your online classes. Each lesson is so well presented with wonderful photos as a reference and links to additional information and inspiration. I have grown as a photographer--both in my ability to 'see' a photo and my technical skill to bring what I see in my mind’s eye to life. I love how you led us from photography as a witness to photography as a true work of art. What a gift. I know it will be a life-long learning process and I thank you for providing a wealth of information and visual inspiration through your own photos, good feedback for improving our shots, and lots of positive encouragement."  -- Nancy from Oregon

 

"I am sure to take another course with you. You inspire your students, as well as teach." -- Penny from Scotland

 

"Thank you so much for the fabulous course, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m also enjoying the continuing conversations in the online classroom. You’ve created a wonderfully supportive environment for conversations about the art of photography—thank you for teaching, encouraging, and inspiring us." -- Sarah from Nova Scotia

 

The fee for this course is $59 (U.S.) and includes all of the following components:

• Seven days of in-depth lessons.
  
• Access to our private photographers' group on Facebook where you can post your photographs and discuss them with your fellow students and with me. Any questions on the lessons? I'll be there to help!
  
• A beautiful downloadable book (PDF file format) of all lessons for your personal reference, to keep and refer back to whenever you like.
  
• Ongoing advice and guidance from me about your photographs during your coursework and beyond. Just because you finish the course doesn't mean your development as a photographer ends, so I regularly check in with my previous students in our Facebook group.
  

Ready? Let's get started!

To purchase Beyond Auto Mode: How to Really Work Your DSLR Camera, click the "Buy Now" button below:

 

 

With gratitude,

Joy Sussman

P.S. Any other questions? Please don't hesitate to contact me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com

Soul Focus: Finding Peace Through Photography

"Plant seeds of goodness, and well-being will grow..."  Buddha

 

...What if you could infuse your days with more mindfulness and a deeper sense of peace?

...What if that peaceful state-of-mind could inspire you to create more beautiful photographs?

Join me for a 14-day artistic journey that can take you from inner peace to greater creativity.

Introducing my newest online photography course...

 

 

Soul Focus: Finding Peace Through Photography is about giving yourself the gift of quiet, contemplative time each day to focus on what is good, what is true, and what is beautiful.

It's about noticing more, appreciating more, savoring more.

It's about entering a gentle, sacred space of creativity.

It's about discovering what you can create with your camera when you embrace a more peaceful state of mind.

The inspiration for Soul Focus

After the very long and bitter U.S. election season of 2016, I found myself completely wrung out emotionally, physically, and creatively. Although I regularly take time to go outside and photograph nature, I found that I needed much more help each day to soothe my frazzled nerves. I needed more books for guidance. More art to lift my spirits. More music to calm my mind. More poetry that really spoke to me. More ways to express my feelings. Because I couldn't count on the world outside my door, I looked for other ways to create more peace within myself.

I began to journal about the things that gave me the most comfort, collecting all of the resources that uplifted and inspired me. It was no coincidence that these same resources nurtured new ideas of what I wanted to do creatively. By soothing my mind, I was able to refocus my attention on all of the good things again. Art often arises out of dark feelings and experiences, but for me, it was vitally important in these troubled times to create and share art that heals and uplifts my own spirit and those around me.

What this course is and isn't...

• This course is my own personal collection of inspirational resources that I will share with you, so that you, too, can perhaps find more peacefulness, more mindfulness, and more creativity in your daily life.
  

• This course is not about religion, although it will have a healthy dose of spirituality. In other words: It will help you get in touch with ways to creatively express yourself that are elevating, healing, freeing.

• This course is not a substitute for professional therapy if you are seriously depressed. At its core, it is a photography course that can encourage new pathways to creativity.

• This course is a gift from me to you. A gift that won't take up any space on your kitchen counter, but can fill you up with a deep sense of peacefulness and a renewed sense of creativity.

What's included in this course?

• 14 days of gentle letters (via email) from me to you, packed with all of my favorite inspirational resources for mindfulness, inner peace, and creativity, helping you to establish a calming photography practice that quiets your mind in these often-loud times

• A beautiful, downloadable "book" of all the lessons (PDF file) for you to keep and delve back into whenever you need to reclaim a sense of calm creativity

• Daily photo prompts that encourage creativity, reflection, mindfulness, and gratitude

• Private Facebook classroom to make new friends and share your inspirations

• Optional Instagram participation

Course Overview

Together, through a combination of beautiful photography, inspirational writing, music, and poetry, we will explore the following themes in-depth:

Day 1: Silence

Day 2: Sound

Day 3: Warmth

Day 4: Coolness

Day 5: Softness

Day 6: Light

Day 7: Darkness

Day 8: Fullness

Day 9: Pureness

Day 10: Clarity

Day 11: Deliciousness

Day 12: Gifts

Day 13: Spirit

Day 14: Time

What You'll Need:

• A digital camera or a smart phone (it doesn't matter what type).
• Access to a computer where you can upload your photographs.
• A Facebook account, so you can join our private classroom, share your own photos, and get inspired by your classmates.
  

Before the class begins, you should know how to upload photographs from your computer (or smart phone) to an online page. Never done that before? This link explains how to upload photos to Facebook, with step-by-step visual directions and a YouTube tutorial.

Please note: If you do not currently have a Facebook account and do not want one, you can open an account just for this course and close it right after the course ends, if you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level photographer is this course intended for?

This course is for anyone who enjoys photography (beginner to advanced).

Will there be any assignments?

No. Each "lesson" is more of an "inspiration" or series of prompts to help you reflect and create, whenever you find the time to do so.

What if I have a full-time job?

That's fine, and it's one of the best parts of participating in an online course instead of a traditional course in a classroom. If you miss a day or two due to a heavy work schedule, just catch up whenever you can. This is basically a self-paced course, so you will get out of it what you can put into it.

How do I pay for this course?

You can securely pay with PayPal at the bottom of this page. If you don't have a PayPal account, it's free to open one and easy to sign up.

What if I'm not located in the United States?

I'm happy to welcome students from around the world, and since it's an online course, there is no specific time for you to be "in class." Previous sessions of my photography e-courses have included students from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

PayPal will convert any foreign currency to U.S. dollars.

Do I need to buy anything?

No. Suggested texts will be recommended to you, but you can find them at the library (which I fully recommend) or preview their contents online when available through Amazon.

Will refunds be offered?

(I'm including this just for legal reasons--nobody's ever requested a refund for any of my online courses. In fact, quite the opposite: I've been told on more than one occasion that my courses were worth more than the prices paid.) Due to the digital nature of this course, I cannot offer refunds, so please ask me any questions or let me know any of your concerns before you register, by emailing me at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com.

My Background/Qualifications

 

• In 2015, I was one of seven Honorees worldwide for the Photo of the Year from BlogHer. (Here's the announcement: Notes on Being Selected as a BlogHer Photos of the Year Honoree.)
  
• In 2016, I was an Honoree for Voices of the Year from BlogHer. Here's the announcement:The Opposite of Crickets (Notes on Being Selected a BlogHer16 Voices of the Year Honoree)
• In December 2016, I was selected as a Judge for the 2017 Voices of the Year from BlogHer.
  
• In spring 2017, Artful Blogging magazine selected me to write an article for them on my creative process. Here's the announcement about its publication: The heart-warming thrill of getting published.
• Bella Grace magazine featured my writing and photography in their Issue 12.

• Since July 2012, I've been the sole writer/photographer at the blog JoyfullyGreen.com. If you are unfamiliar with my blog, I encourage you to take a look through the archives at my photographs, as well as the collection of my favorites for sale at society6.com/JoyfullyGreen.

• In March 2014, I introduced my first online photography course, How to Take Better Photos of Nature and the World Around You. Since then, I've taught that course several times and have added more online photography courses to my roster (including The Charm of Children: How to Take Better Photos of Babies and Kids; Beyond Auto Mode: How to Really Work Your DSLR Camera; and The Art of Photography: How to Take Your Pictures to the Next Level), with uniformly positive feedback from students.

• I've been taking photos for about four decades, ever since I was a little girl and received my first Kodak Instamatic camera for a Christmas present. Before my senior year at Vassar College (where I majored in Art History), I was a photography counselor at Wesleyan University's Center for Creative Youth in Middletown, CT, where I helped instruct high school students in photography (including darkroom development--anybody remember those days?). I have taken traditional courses in Black and White Photography, Landscape Photography, and Digital Photography in Philadelphia, as well as Visual Art and Design courses at Parsons School of Design in New York.

Kind words from students of Soul Focus and my other e-courses

"I don't even know how to express how enjoyable I have found this class to be. I appreciate so much the opportunity to broaden my perspective on everything. Sometimes I feel like I just now woke up and I'm finally seeing the things that I just didn't know to appreciate, and I'm only scratching the surface of possibility. I will carry these refreshing concepts with me as I look for opportunities to photograph the world around me. Your blend of spirit and photography is what keeps me coming back for more classes. I love my newest hobby and I'm loving the meditative approach. I know that I will gladly take this class again."-- Phyllis J., Illinois

"I can't say enough about how wonderful this course has been...so perfectly timed! I look forward to reading the day's prompt in the morning, and I carry it with me all day. Your words and photos always put me in a wonderful mood, which is great, because my days tend to be pretty hectic. I'm going to miss this class a lot."-- Sue K., Colorado

"I am sure to take another course with you. You inspire your students, as well as teach." -- Penny M., Scotland

"This course has been a blessing in countless ways. I have LOVED it! " -- Kathleen D., New Jersey

"Thank you again for this class. It's put me back in touch with teachings and practices that, for whatever reasons, slipped away from me over the last few years." -- Sharon S., Oregon

"I learned so much in Joy's online courses... it's changed the way I take pictures, but even more, it's changed the way I look at the world. I can't thank her enough." -- Amy K., California

"I have taken two of Joy's courses and learned SO much. I highly recommend her courses. You don't even need a camera. The second time I did a course I ended up having to use my phone and got some sensational shots." -- Eliza F., Australia

"I have taken many of Joy's classes, some more than once...and I learn something new every time. Did I mention she is an award-winning photographer? Another bonus: You will make lots of new friends in the supportive, private classroom!" -- Jerri D., Colorado

 

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Registration

******************************************************************

Sorry, this course is currently closed.

 Sign up to get emailed when registration next opens (with private discounts!)

 

By subscribing above, you'll get access to my FREE quarterly-ish newsletter, "Writing with Light." No spam ever, just my latest photography tips and tricks, favorite apps for mobile photography, the first word on upcoming courses, and the biggest discounts for them. (Your info will never be sold or shared. That's a promise.)

Warmly,

Joy Sussman

P.S. Another other questions? Drop me a line at JoyfullyGreen.com@gmail.com