Teaching photography online is a great way to offer a valuable educational opportunity to your audience, spread awareness of your photography business and build relationships with clients and potential clients.
You can teach an online photography class with minimal resources or budget. You can save time with these pre-made photography lessons, plus. tech requirements minimal. There are some basics that you need to teach photography online and offer a high-value online photography course.
While it’s possible to run online courses through your smartphone or tablet, it’s not ideal. Size of screen is an issue and built-in microphones don’t offer great sound quality. It’s hard to share files and it just doesn't look professional. You’re much better off with a laptop or PC with a large screen.
You need to use some type of video platform such as Zoom or Skype or StreamYard. Each platform has its own features such as screen sharing, file sharing, and chat functionality. Choose a platform that offers the features you need and get comfortable using it before you launch your online course.
Many video software programs offer a free and premium version. Start with the free version and see if it has the functionality you need, and you can then upgrade as needed.
The quality of your videos will impact the success of your online course, so it’s best to use a high-quality webcam. You may even want to hook up your DSLR. Keep in mind you want to offer the best experience possible to your students while they’re going through your course. You can get some great webcam options that are inexpensive and easy to install, Logitech webcam is one example.
In some ways, your microphone is even more important than your webcam. If your words can’t be clearly heard by your students, this will present a serious barrier to their learning and ruin the overall experience. You can use a headset mic if you want the option to move around while teaching, or a standard mic like the Blue Yeti.
You’ll need software to record and edit your course videos. Your chosen video platform may offer built-in functionality. If you record your videos, you can then use bits of your course for marketing or even release it later as an informational digital product. You can also offer the recording for students so they can review the material. Plan ahead of time what you will do with your course so you can choose the proper tools and software.
The above are the essentials but you may also consider using the following:
With a few investments in the proper tools, you’ll be ready to start teaching a photography online, get more clients and earn more income in your photography business.
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