About Us - Cole's Classroom

Our Mission

Connection. Intention. Community.
Empowerment. FUN.

The mission of Cole’s Classroom is to help everyone, regardless of skill level or budget, to become a better photographer. The truth is, getting into photography can be intimidating (we’ve all been there…when the stress of a new path seems to outweigh the benefit)! But we also know what’s on the other side of learning photography; freedom to do what you love, building relationships with people in your community, and spreading kindness through imagery.

Cole’s Classroom offers inspirational and practical, no-fuss training to photographers around the world
(with a heck of a lot of fun mixed in)!

Our VISION

We were tired of searching for a photography
community that felt like home. So we made one.

We believe there shouldn’t be any barriers to learning about and improving your photography, whether you are a complete novice or a skilled professional. We believe in education based on kindness, connection, FUN, and a sense of community that makes EVERYONE feel included and valued. More than anything, we want you to be yourself.

Cole’s Classroom has been formed by a diverse group of individuals that ALL bring value. Yes, YOU TOO! You belong.

Bottle your love for photography, and give it away.

As a team, we’ve learned that taking your love for photography, morphing that love into pictures and THEN giving that love away is where it gets good.

Photography is a mirror.

Sharing your stunning nature photos from your solo SOUL trip to The Rockies, the tears of new parents welcoming their sweet baby on a quiet Tuesday afternoon, cute kitten cuddles, or your sweet neighbor’s emotional battle with cancer. Your photos make an impact on how people feel. And that friend, is exceptional.

“Don’t try to change the world, find something that you love and do it everyday, do that for the rest of your life, eventually the world will change.”

Ben Haggerty

What makes us Cole’s Classroom different, you ask?

We create and foster a supportive, inspirational, and motivational community of aspiring and up-and-coming photographers who can get answers to their questions – without any fear of ridicule or harsh judgment from others!

We aim to break down confusing photography concepts and techniques into simple and easy to understand lessons that any photographer can grasp. We want you to see real improvements right away so you stay motivated and eager to keep mastering your camera.

Cole’s Classroom knows that being a brand new photographer it can be overwhelming, frustrating and many consider giving up thinking they aren’t good enough.

YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH!

(Yes, we are yelling at you… in the most loving way, of course!)

It WILL get better when you have the right support to keep cheering you on. That’s where we can help.

At Cole’s Classroom, you have the training, the tools, and the support you need
(and we’ll provide you with a few good laughs, too).

You belong here!

You’re closer to those heart-stirring images than you think

We KNOW what is possible for you. We just want you to see it, too. You are a freakin’ photography ninja and Cole’s Classroom will give you alllll the superpowers.

Education that doesn’t require a fancy degree!

Cole founded Cole’s Classroom back in 2013 when he was unable to find education that helped regular people learn the basics of photography! That has since snowballed into connecting over 120,000 photographers and creating education that is easy to understand and digestible on-the-go!

Cole’s Classroom has been featured in podcasts such as SPI (Smart Passive Income) and The Six Figure Photography Podcast, documenting the journey on how we have created one of the largest photography communities online.

Photography decoded

The centerpiece of the Cole’s Classroom experience is an extensive collection of online photography courses created by real, boots-on-the-ground photographers just like you. These courses are divided into modules to make them easier to complete in stages, and run anywhere from 13 minutes to 5 hours. (We promise our courses are *almost* as good as Netflix!)

Real life photography education that will leave you feeling prepared and inspired. Ready to go PRO?

To really get the most out of Cole’s Classroom, you should consider becoming a Cole’s Classroom PRO member and join the over 18,000 people who we have learned how to earn an income with their photography through our membership. This will give you unlimited access to all of our premium photography courses.

Beginner photography courses such as Photography Fast Track – our most popular course.
Photography editing courses, covering topics like editing newborn photography, getting the most out of Lightroom & Photoshop.
Courses covering the photography business including marketing and insights into pricing and processes.
Backstage Pass - Behind the scenes with REAL photographers on REAL sessions!

Step-by-Step tips to help you advance your photography! Fast and FREE!

Free Cole’s Classroom tutorials have become the go-to resources for photographers around the world on a variety of topics. Our expert team and contributing authors have poured their hearts into over 700 free photography tutorials, covering categories including:

Business and Marketing
Editing
Software Reviews
Gear
Genres like Family Portraits, Weddings, Boudoir, Headshots, and Sports Photography
Lighting Techniques
Posing
How-To Instructions

Simple downloadable tools that you can actually use!

In addition to education, Cole’s Classroom has created an array of downloadable tools to help you jump-start your photography education. Adobe Lightroom presets, guides for posing and lighting, as well as marketing tools, and templates are available.

Examples of free downloads:

Some of Cole’s Classroom’s Downloadable Products available in the Shop:

Our brand family that cares deeply!

Cole’s Classroom joined the ShootProof family in the summer of 2019. ShootProof, the jet-setter of online photography business tools, joins their vision with Cole’s Classroom to help photographers of every level succeed in the industry they love.

Taking care of our customers is what matters most.

Our customers are provided with 7-day a week customer service as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Better Business Bureau
Rating

Cole’s Classroom maintains an “A” rating at the Better Business Bureau, putting it among the top photography education resources available for transparent business practices, customer service, and addressing issues in a timely manner.

Hear from our customers!

Be sure to check out our many glowing recommendations from professional and beginner photographers alike on our TrustPilot and Facebook pages. With 6,000 current Pro Member Subscriptions and over 400,000 individuals who have signed up for our email list, Cole’s Classroom has a diverse set of customers from all skill levels that we strive to help on a daily basis.

“Over the past 3 years, Cole’s Classroom has helped me tremendously gain confidence. Through the different trainings, I have greatly improved how to get the most out of my camera and equipment, editing, how to find the best angle and lighting for photo sessions to mention a few. I really like the feedback received from other photographers around the world, it is very positive and rewarding. Now I do photography for newborns, weddings, family sessions and just about any occasion. I have come a long way, and I am really glad I joined Cole’s Classroom!”

“Two years ago I was that mom who could only take blurry photos of my toddlers but Cole’s Classroom Pro changed my life! I'll never forget how excited I was when I started taking their courses. It was a GOLD MINE and the stepping stones that led me to where I am today with my FULLY BOOKED photography business. My all time favorite is the private Facebook group where I have made lifetime friends. Thank you Cole's Classroom for helping me turn my dreams into reality!”

“I had zero idea how to use my camera when I joined Cole's Classroom. I was shooting in Auto mode and too nervous to share my photos in photography groups. When I joined Cole's Classroom, I dove in and was shooting in full manual mode by the end of my 10 day trial. The difference was AMAZING! I love having so much content to learn, including how to turn my hobby into a business, and a group of ever-ready and incredibly kind mentors always ready to lend a hand. Now, I am running a successful photography business that brings in income while letting me stay home with my babies.”

We are dedicated to empowering photographers like you with the tutorials, tools, and training you need
to learn your camera, and to earn meaningful income with your passion. Whether you are just learning how
your camera works, or looking to grow your photography business, Cole’s Classroom makes the education
and mentoring you need available at your fingertips.