Photography education for everyone
Thatās our mission. Our passion. To offer photography resources in a variety of ways and in different learning styles. Resources created by established photographers who also have a passion for teaching, that are filled-t0-the-brim with helpful tools, tips, examples, technical skills, and also give you tangible take-aways to be able to implement what you learned.
From free resources to in-depth educational courses, we know that everyoneās needs and budget differ. Our mission is to provide hands-on learning opportunities no matter your skill level or budget.
A 12-Month Self-Portrait Photography Journey
What if photography could help you learn more about yourself?
A Year of You is not your typical photography course. This year-long, self-portrait project is designed to help you explore your identity, tell your story, and use photography as a tool for self-discovery.
Through guided prompts, creative exercises, and reflective self-portrait assignments, you'll create meaningful images that go far beyond simply taking a photo. You'll explore who you are today, where you've been, what has shaped you, and who you're becoming.
Over the course of twelve months, you'll work through themes such as identity, vulnerability, storytelling, emotion, joy, transformation, self-care, and personal growth. Each month builds on the last, helping you create a powerful collection of photographs that reflect your unique journey.
Whether you share your images publicly or keep them entirely for yourself, this course is designed to be a personal experience that can be revisited again and again throughout different seasons of life.
ā What Youāll Explore:
Month 1: Foundations
Month 2: Vulnerability
Month 3: Identity
Month 4: Storytelling
Month 5: Emotion
Month 6: Environment
Month 7: Transformation
Month 8: Shadow Work
Month 9: Joy
Month 10: Body
Month 11: Reflection
Month 12: Celebration
ā Who This Course Is For:
Photographers who want to explore self-portraiture in a deeper, more meaningful way
Creatives looking to reconnect with themselves and their art
Anyone who enjoys thoughtful, reflective photography projects
Photographers wanting to create work with personal meaning and purpose
Anyone looking for a year-long creative challenge
Artists interested in building a cohesive self-portrait portfolio
No prior self-portrait experience is required.
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Whatās Included:
58-page course guide
4 instructional videos
12 months of self-portrait prompts and assignments
Guided self-reflection exercises
Creative storytelling and conceptual photography activities
A year-long framework for building a meaningful self-portrait portfolio
A Different Kind of Photography Course
Most photography courses focus on camera settings, lighting, or editing techniques. A Year of You focuses on something different.
It focuses on you.
Through photography, journaling, and self-reflection, you'll create a visual record of your experiences, growth, strengths, challenges, and transformation over the course of a year. By the end, you'll have more than a collection of self-portraits. You'll have a visual story of who you are, where you've been, and the person you're becoming.
Check Out Our Brand New Courses!
Capturing the perfect shot isnāt just about having a good cameraāitās about understanding light. Imagine watching the sun set over a glistening lake, or seeing your child play in and out of the shadows on a sidewalk. How do you go beyond a simple snapshot and truly bring these moments to life?
This course, taught by Elodie Meyer, is designed to help you master creative lighting effects and explore real-world examples of lighting in photography. Whether you want to harness natural light, play with shadows, or create dramatic effects, youāll learn step-by-step how to make light work for you.
Creative Lighting Effects in Photography: Light & Shadows
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Master lighting in all conditionsāfrom bright midday sun to soft golden hour glow
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Use different types of light intentionallyādirection, intensity, color, and more
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Adapt to harsh lighting and make the most of full-sun conditions
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Create stunning silhouettes and capture breathtaking golden and blue hour shots
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Enhance storytelling with shadows to add drama and depth
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Experiment with creative overlays for unique visual effects
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Push your creative boundaries and elevate your photography
This course is packed with lighting examples in photography to inspire you and give you the confidence to transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary images. Whether you're a beginner or looking to reignite your creativity, this class will give you the skills and inspiration to make magic with light.
Join us and start capturing light like never before!
What's included:
46-page downloadable PDF
1 video on Creative Light, covering golden and blue hour (including silhouette BTS and editing) using a neutral-density filter and time lapse
1 video on Creative Shadow teaching not only how to spot the potential in shadows around you, but also how to edit with overlays and double exposures for added magic
1 video on Painting with Light creatively, showcasing very feasible ICM (in-camera movement) and light painting to try from the comfort of your own home
1 bonus video on creating your own shadow overlay
3 creative exercises
The Mindful Lens: Nature Photography as a Practice of Presence
Instructor-Led Week ~ August 17ā23, 2026
Get personalized feedback from Holly Awwad
Get tips, prompts & peer discussion
Focused support as you learn
Slow Down. See More. Reconnect Through Photography.
Photography has the power to do so much more than create beautiful images.
It can help us slow down, reconnect with nature, and notice the beauty that's been there all along.
The Mindful Lens with Holly Awwad is a mindful nature photography course designed to help you experience photography with greater intention. Through guided lessons, companion videos, and thoughtful exercises, you'll learn how mindfulness can deepen your creativity, strengthen your connection to nature, and help you create photographs that feel more meaningful.
Whether you're photographing flowers or wildlife in your backyard, exploring a local trail, or simply taking your camera on an evening walk, this course will help you slow down, observe more deeply, and rediscover the joy of nature photography.
Inside This Course
You'll learn how to:
Slow down and photograph nature with intention
See light through an emotional lens
Embrace creativity over perfection
Develop a mindful nature photography practice
Find beauty in everyday moments
Use photography as a grounding tool
Included:
109 page PDF course guide
6 companion video lessons
6 guided mindfulness exercises with reflection prompts
BONUS Editing Video
Is This Course Right for You?
This course is perfect for photographers who want to slow down, reconnect with their creativity, and experience nature in a more intentional way. The Mindful Lens will help you create more meaningful photographs while building a deeper connection with nature, mindfulness, and your own creative voice.
Whether you're just beginning your photography journey or have been behind the camera for years, The Mindful Lens is for you. The concepts taught in this course can be practiced with any camera, including your smartphone, because mindful photography is about how you see the worldā¦ not the gear you use.
Meet the women behind The Framed Focus
Courses, Workshops, Freebies & More
Meet Your Instructors
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Holly Awwad
CO-FOUNDER | INSTRUCTOR
Michigan, United States
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Melissa Ortendahl
CO-FOUNDER | INSTRUCTOR
Massachusetts, United States
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Angie Mahlke
CO-FOUNDER | INSTRUCTOR
Minnesota, United States
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Laura Froese
CO-FOUNDER | INSTRUCTOR
British Columbia, Canada
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Kristen Ryan
INSTRUCTOR
Oklahoma, United States
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Melissa Richard
INSTRUCTOR
Alberta, Canada
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Elodie Meyer
INSTRUCTOR
Quebec, Canada
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Samantha Deakin
INSTRUCTOR
Derbyshire, United Kingdom
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Abi Coop
INSTRUCTOR
Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Louise Harmston
INSTRUCTOR
Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
At The Framed Focus, you haveā¦
The Ability to Connect with Like-Minded Creatives From All Over the Globe: Join a vibrant community of photographers from around the world, eager to share tips, techniques, and inspiration to help you elevate your craft.
Access to Exclusive Learning Opportunities: Access a wealth of resources including tutorials, webinars, and masterclasses led by experienced photographers who love to (and are really freaking good) at teaching, tailored to all skill levels from amateur to professional.
Opportunities to Showcase Your Work: Gain visibility and recognition by sharing your photos in themed challenges and competitions, with opportunities to have your work featured and reviewed by seasoned photographers.
Opportunities for Collaboration and Growth in your Photography Journey: Participate in collaborative projects, get constructive feedback on your work, and build meaningful relationships with peers who are just as passionate about photography as you are.
