Photography 101 FAQs

Is this course really for beginners? I’ve never even dabbled in manual mode before.

Hell yes! PHOTOGRAPHY 101 is perfect for true beginners. Even if you haven’t picked up a DSLR camera before, that’s ok too. I’ll talk you through the entire process and give you the step by step foundations for building your understanding. You’ll become a kick ass confident photographer in just 4 weeks.

What about intermediate photographers? Will I still get lots of value out of the course?

Abso-freakin-lutely! I have purposefully created this course to get beginners up to speed quickly while at the same time giving more advanced photographers plenty of gold. I often find that more advanced amateur photographers THINK they have all the basics covered when in fact it’s some of the techniques they learnt at the start that is holding them back. I’ve had moments with more advanced photographers where one simple explanation or new way of doing things completely transformed their photos. So, I would strongly recommend working your way through all the material as intended and you’ll be surprised at what might be a special ‘aha’ moment for you.

What does LIFETIME ACCESS mean? Can I do the course whenever I want?

Absolutely! Lifetime Access means you have access to the course materials and videos forever! So you can do the course WHENEVER SUITS YOU! Whether that is with the majority of Shutterbugs in the official timeframe of the course or later in the year when you have more time. So if you are unsure if you will be able to keep up due to life getting in the way or you are going away for a few weeks but still want to sign up for this round, you still can!

I have an (insert camera brand and model here). Can I still do the course even though you primarily teach on Canon and Nikon manual mode cameras?

Yes you can still do the course so long as your camera has full manual mode capabilities. To find this out, you can Google your camera brand and model with the word ‘manual mode’ to find out more about your camera.

I’m pretty busy. How much time do I need to invest in the course to get results?

The great thing about my course is that you can learn from anywhere, anytime during the course week, as long as you have an internet connection and a computer or smart phone! The course is all done online via video tutorials, meaning, if you have a spare 20 minutes on the bus on the way to work or time waiting at the dentist, you could watch the videos while you wait! In terms of timing, the video content runs for about an hour per week (all up) and the time it takes you to work through the exercises varies depending on you as a person. That’s the beauty of online learning. You can rewind, go back, re-watch parts, or zip through certain sections and spend longer on others. So really it’s up to you!

I’ve seen photography courses for literally triple the cost. Will I get what I need out of this course?

The quick answer here is a big fat yes! After you’ve completed this course, you’ll have rock solid skills (and sparkle!) to go out into the world as a creative and confident photographer. I’ve condensed a vast ocean of information and created a course that covers everything in the most effective, visual and enjoyable way. I’ve created a price point that I think is fair to give you all the tools you need to be released into the wild as a pro. If this course is a lower price point than others then that’s fabulous news! But I assure you that this course covers everything you need to know.

I’ve seen photography courses for half the price. What’s the difference?

This is NOT an introduction course like so many lower cost photography courses.  Those courses tend to give you bites of information but don’t connect the dots for you. Trust me, I’ve done them. My course is a fully comprehensive, all inclusive photography course teaching you the key fundamentals you need to master MANUAL MODE, plus so much more.

• ​Each week is jam packed with video tutorials with step by step ‘How tos’
• Hand held guidance from me including feedback on your photos
• The modules are drip fed to you week by week to ensure you have the best chance of success (rather than giving you countless documents to download and leave you for dust to work it all out by yourself. Ugh!)
• PLUS! You’ll get access to an amazing Facebook community of creative new shutterbugs like yourself.
• PLUS!! I’ll give you my hard earned photography tips, cheats and secrets.
• PLUS!!! You get the chance to take part in the #ShutterBugClub 15 Day Awaken PHOTO CHALLENGE (reserved exclusively for course graduates).

I have a really old DSLR camera from years and years ago. Can I use this or do I need to upgrade first?

Good news here folks! You can definitely use your old dusty DSLR camera. All the same principles apply no matter what the model. In fact, I’m still using a DSLR camera from over 4 years ago and it’s brilliant!

Is it really possible to make a career as a photographer? Will this course give me what I need to become one straight away?

I’m so glad you asked this question! I’ve created a course that gives you ALL the tools you need to be a successful photographer. This course is the ideal launchpad for taking the steps to becoming Pro. Remember I’m a self taught pro photographer using these techniques. So if I did it, you can too!

When does the course kick off?

Please check the home page for the next course dates.

How often do you run the course?

As a general rule of thumb, twice a year. I select course dates based on my shooting schedule so it varies from year to year. Please check the home page for the next course dates.

What’s the format of the course?

PHOTOGRAPHY 101 with GEMMA PEANUT is an online e-course. You’ll be streaming a collection of engaging video tutorials at the beginning of each week (4 weeks in total + one BONUS week) to watch and work through including ‘real world’ activities where you test your newfound knowledge.

What’s an eCourse?

eCourse is short for electronic course. Which means that essentially you learn online. As mentioned above you’ll be learning from me via a collection of video tutorials where I teach you how to become the photographer you’ve always wanted to be. Which also means you have the freedom to learn from anywhere – whether that be in the comfort of your home or poolside in a Mexican villa ! (as long as you have an internet connection of course).

I didn’t get a confirmation email when I signed up. What do I do?

​Hit me up at [email protected]. I’d be delighted to help you.

What do I do if I can’t access my pre-course work?

Oh no we can’t have that! Again, you don’t need to worry about a thing. Simply email me at [email protected] and I’ll get you up and running in no time.

What do I do if I forgot my password?

Simply click the ‘forgot my password’ link under the login section and you’ll be able to set up a brand spanking new one!

I’m based in the UK. Can I still do the course?

Why hello my pommy friends! Absolutely! This course is NOT exclusive to Australia, but is available worldwide. As long as you have an internet connection. That’s the beauty of an online course. Just note that the modules will be released every Monday Australian time (AEST) but you’ll still get access and all the benefits that the Aussies get as everything is online. Huzzah!

The videos aren’t loading properly. What do I do?

Okay don’t panic. First of all check that your internet connection is on and isn’t just having a little moment (like we all know the Internet likes to do). Once you’re sure the Internet is running smoothly, try closing the window and opening the page again and loading the videos. If they still aren’t working, please email [email protected] and we’ll get it sorted once and for all.

What’s the best way to contact you if I have a question about the course?

On the Gemma Peanut Shutterbug Club Facebook page of course! I set up this little community so that we could all become the best of friends ? No but seriously, this is a place for you to share your experiences, progress shots, make photography friends and ask any questions you have on the course and your experience. This way we can all learn from each other’s questions like in a real live classroom setting.

How do I join the Gemma Peanut Shutterbug Club Facebook page?

You’re making the right decision here chicka. All you need to do is go to Facebook and search for the group Gemma Peanut Shutterbug Club and the corresponding month and year of the course you’re enrolled in. Then you need to request to become a member. Can’t wait to meet you there!

What if I don’t have Facebook?

That’s okay if Facebook isn’t for you. You don’t have to join BUT I would strongly recommend setting up an account if only for the course as you’ll get to meet so many amazing peeps like yourself and share your images with each other AND ask questions.

Do I need multiple camera lenses?

The quick answer here is you don’t! You only need one lens to take part in my course. However, if you’d like to try out your camera with a few different lenses, you’re welcome to use as many lenses as your heart desires.

Are transactions secure on the Photography 101 with Gemma Peanut platform?

100%! I respect your privacy big time just as I would hope other businesses would respect mine.

What payment options are available?

You can pay with most debit or credit cards, even Amex!

How much is the course and what currency are the prices in?

There are quite a few different options available including one upfront payment or two instalment payments.The full price of Photography 101 is $697 AUD or 2 x $369 AUD. However, for exact amounts + plans, please see the home page.

What about GST?

GST is already included in the course so need to worry about that. Boom!

What’s all the fuss about?

If I can have a humble brag for a wee moment… I promise to make this course worth your while. I am literally GIVING AWAY my hard earned secrets and helping you to fast track your career or passion as a professional photographer. By the end of the 4-week course, you’ll be empowered to capture whatever image you want, whenever you want without having to pay (or beg) for someone else to do it for you or your business. This is my guarantee if you do the course as it’s intended and you throw everything you’ve got into it.

What software do I need to do the course?

Nada. All you need is a computer/laptop and access to the internet.

What equipment do I need to do the course?

A Digital SLR camera (your own or borrowed), a memory card, internet connection and a notepad.

How long do I have access to the course materials after the course ends?

FOREVER! I want to give you lifetime access to the course materials plus the community so that you can continue to learn and grow and to benefit from any upgrades I make to the course. This way if life gets in the way or the timing doesn’t work you can simply login and watch when it is convenient for you.

Do we ever meet face to face?

We do in virtual spirit as you’ll see my face in the video tutorials however as this is an online e-course we won’t meet in the flesh this time. But who knows what the future will bring!?

Can I call you?

Sorry but unfortunately not. You can however email me at [email protected] or contact our amazing tech guru David at [email protected] for any technical issues you have on the course and post questions in the Gemma Peanut Shutterbug Club Facebook Page. I’d love to hear from you and how you’re going!

How long do the video tutorials go for?

The videos are different lengths depending on what we’re learning that week as some activities take longer than others especially if we’re having fun outdoors. However generally they vary between 5 – 15 minutes.

I’m hearing impaired. Can I still do the course?

Yes you absolutely can! I have transcripts available for each of the modules as well as the BONUS module ready to go! So you can watch the training videos while reading through the transcripts. If you have any other questions on how it works or anything else I can do to improve your experience, please let me know.