Photography for Teachers

7/10/2026

State: PENNSYLVANIA

This class was challenging and rewarding for me! I have never taken a photography class prior to this one, so at first I was very intimidated by the terminology and logistics. The lessons were organized in a tiered manner that made it not so overwhelming for me to tackle each step along the journey. Not only did I learn about my camera and taking beautiful photos, but I learned to be more observant about the space around me. I didn't have to go far to "see" things that I had grown accustomed to in my every day life. I was able to "bring them to life" using the techniques in the modules. I also was thankful that the lessons were provided in "print" form (ie. links to articles) and in video options. The professor's timely feedback was a valuable part of the course. Thank you!

7/6/2026

State: NEBRASKA

Great class!

7/4/2026

State: MARYLAND

This course helped me improve my beginner level technical skills with a DSLR and editing in Lightroom and Photoshop. The assignments gave me an opportunity outside of the classroom to practice those skills with my own photos. My experiences in this course has already impacted my professional life. It was great to use what I was learning in this course immediately in my own teaching units in real time. I also gained an appreciation of frustrations and triumphs students may feel learning content I teach. Personally I gained a sharper photographic eye and more confidence in my ability to learn hard technical details. The most valuable lesson was that time on task really does work. Professor Westland's knowledge of the subject matter was clear in the expertise presented in the lessons through his own lessons, resources provided and feedback specific to my work. I truly appreciated the quickness of grades and feedback, even when my submissions were spread out over a long period of time.

6/23/2026

State: CALIFORNIA

Overall, I really enjoyed this photography class. Photography has always been an interest of mine, especially landscape photography, so I appreciated the opportunity to continue developing my skills and learning new techniques. Throughout the course, I was introduced to several useful programs and tools that I had not used before and will continue to use in the future. I also want to acknowledge the instructor for doing an excellent job supporting his students. Whenever I had questions, emails were answered promptly, and when I struggled with a particular assignment, the instructor provided helpful videos that clearly explained the process. Those resources made a big difference in helping me complete some of the more challenging assignments. Overall, this was a positive learning experience, and I gained both technical skills and a greater appreciation for photography.

6/13/2026

State: OHIO

Everything was wonderful! Eric was very helpful and meticulous. Thank you!

1/25/2026

State: Armed Forces AP

Great Lessons! Great Course!

1/14/2026

State: ILLINOIS

Loved it. Professor was great and I actually learned some great stuff in this class. Have already recommended to a colleague.

7/26/2025

State: ILLINOIS

This class opened many doors into the art of photography. The modules are very focused and informative. This course has inspired me to work with my students to improve their photography skills as well as my own.

7/23/2025

State: OHIO

Great resources and helpful instructor. Would recommend!

7/23/2025

State: OHIO

Eric Westland is WONDERFUL. An absolute DELIGHT

7/22/2025

State: ILLINOIS

Excellent Course and Great Instructor!

7/15/2025

State: KENTUCKY

I absolutely love working with Eric! This is the second course I've taken with him, his positivity and encouragement are unmatched. He is very knowledgeable in the content he's teaching and I appreciate his quickness when it comes to grading and feedback on assignments. He is very laid back, which I appreciate as a working mother.

6/20/2025

State: CALIFORNIA

Loved the class, learning skills that I can teach my students, while also creating items that I can use in my instruction!

6/18/2025

State: MISSOURI

Great course which taught a lot of different photography and photo editing skills. The professor was very sincere and helpful.

1/28/2025

State: FLORIDA

I had a fantastic experience with this class. My instructor was prompt, helpful and very encouraging. I would recommend this course to other educators looking for certification.

12/4/2024

State: PENNSYLVANIA

Fantastic class, fantastic teacher!

11/7/2024

State: CALIFORNIA

This was an excellent course! I had never used a DSLR camera before, and I am leaving the course with some great skills (do I need more practice? Yes. But am I already applying my new skills successfully to my work? Also, yes!). Eric, the instructor, was patient, kind, and incredibly thoughtful in his approach. His passion for photography was clear, and he went above and beyond by sharing a wealth of personal insights through video and written instruction, complemented by additional online tutorials from others. He seems to have a real talent for meeting students at their skill level and adapting to individual needs and the equipment each person is using. His prompt and personal feedback made the learning experience even more engaging. Overall, it was a fantastic course with an outstanding instructor! Thank you!

9/24/2024

State: ILLINOIS

This course not only enhanced my photography skills, but also it will have a ripple effect on my student. Professor Westland went above and beyond in offering suggestions and advice.

8/7/2024

State: CALIFORNIA

8/5/2024

State: CALIFORNIA

7/26/2024

State: NEVADA

7/20/2024

State: CALIFORNIA

Excellent, understanding instructor with kindness and accessibility.

6/23/2024

State: NEW JERSEY

Another great class with Eric Westland! I've loved all his classes and this one did not disappoint. I've learned so much and have become a better photographer.

6/19/2024

State:

6/3/2024

State: CALIFORNIA

This was a great class to share the world through my camera's lens.

3/28/2024

State: CALIFORNIA

Great instructor with great feedback, structure, and experience.

3/28/2024

State: OHIO

2/6/2024

State: ILLINOIS

This class was fun to take and I learned about elements of digital photography that I have never experienced. The instructor had easy to follow directions, super helpful videos, some great tips and gave good feedback in a timely manner. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to work on improving their digital photography.

1/18/2024

State: PENNSYLVANIA

8/29/2023

State: CALIFORNIA

The course was an amazing experience! The course is well written and the instructor is always there to help when needed. I highly recommend this class to any photography enthusiast.

8/4/2023

State: CALIFORNIA

I enjoyed this course and think it is definitely great for beginners and photo enthusiasts. I like that the professor allows you to explore your own environment and even create your own projects in the last module. I felt free to create and make up things as I went while also getting meaningful feedback on my work.

6/26/2023

State: PENNSYLVANIA

This was another awesome class by Eric Westland. He never disappoints. The course was well organized, very clear and informational, and he always adds humor. The only thing that could make this better would be to have a part 2 to this course, because it left me wanting to know even more about photography. I feel so much more confident in my photography now and know how to actually use my camera without relying on the auto function. This course has inspired me to want to start a photography class at my school. I would highly recommend this course!

6/22/2023

State: CALIFORNIA

5/9/2023

State: Armed Forces AP

I liked the course. Eric does a good job explaining things with plenty of samples to look at. I recommend this course to anyone who would like to improve their photography skills.

3/23/2023

State: Armed Forces AP

Awesome course!!

2/20/2023

State: MICHIGAN

This class was informative, fun, and very interesting. The instructor took his time giving individual feedback promptly. I would highly recommend this class!

1/17/2023

State: OHIO

I learned many things from this course! I thought it was thorough and left open to creativity. I felt like all parts of the camera and photography were introduced in a nice manner that didn't overwhelm me. The textbook was also helpful to have something concrete to look through for ideas. I am a yearbook advisor at a high school. I am a soccer and swim coach and mother of swimmers and soccer players. I am an avid scrapbooker. Being able to take photos that are cooler and look better will help me to capture all the memories that I am also looking to record! It will also help my students to take better photos of there peers. All of the lessons were valuable to me for my future in the classroom and as a parent/scrapbooker. I can even apply some of the lessons to taking pictures on my phone. The professor was available and prompt with feedback throughout the entire course. He had advice, but was also good with compliments about the what we were working on. Bottom line was that I loved all of it! And while some of my assignments were not perfection, I now have the tools to just keep getting better. It was a fabulous class, and I loved it!

1/14/2023

State: PENNSYLVANIA

This was an amazing course for all level photography aficionados. Most educators know at least the basics on the digital camera but this course will help you delve deeper in the bells and whistles that your equipment offers! I have learned so very much here and this course not only offers written material but video as well which is helpful for all learners. This course will help with slowing down your thought process on photographing what you see and how to translate that into an amazing photo using the appropriate settings. This course personally and professionally has made my photos cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. I work for a campground as well and produce the social media posts for 5 months out of the year for them, this course has been a great way to learn how to fix issues that would arise with being set to “Auto”. Action photos and lighting in general were always a problem for me. I know getting the best images takes practice but this course is a great starting point to get you to that amazing print worthy image. Even if you think you have the best photo you have the help of editing software to make it more beautiful, besides learning about what my camera can do the editing software was a great plus. I was always eager to let the camera take over with “Auto” until this course. I took this course to go beyond the “Auto, to enhance and improve my skill set, so I may be a better educator, a better photographer. I believe we are all lifelong learners, even if you think you are advanced in digital imagery and editing software, there is bound to be something you can take away from this course. I would most definitely recommend this course. Eric is extremely knowledgeable in all thing’s photography, whether it is camera, added equipment, editing software, composition, or final imagery, he provides the help needed and relevant, constructive feedback. Take this course, you will not regret it, your students will thank you.

9/19/2022

State: MASSACHUSETTS

I thought the course was great. I only gave it 4 out of 5 because learning photography on my own was hard. I would have preferred this class to be in person.

8/27/2022

State: PENNSYLVANIA

This class was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I couldn't be happier that I went for it. I hit a few roadblocks but the Eric Westland is fantastic. He provides strong structure for the first half (or so) of the class to make sure you are acquiring the skills and then near-total freedom for the series of projects at the end. He is quick to give insightful answers to questions and provides consistent, substantive, positive and constructive feedback. I recommend this course and recommend asking for help when you need it (even if you are stubborn like me).

8/25/2022

State: PENNSYLVANIA

Great class! I learned a lot and am so much more confident using my DSLR. I really enjoyed learning to utilize the photo editing software as well.

8/17/2022

State: ILLINOIS

This was an awesome hands-on course that includes a ton of great resources and most importantly an excellent instructor!

7/22/2022

State: Armed Forces AE

An extremely well-paced and engaging course, TEC-998 has greatly improved my knowledge of photographic composition and technology. It has already improved my ability to take personal photos and I look forward to sharing these skills with my students. Eric was very supportive, always available and prompt with both grading and feedback.

6/21/2022

State: NEW JERSEY

This course was one of my favorite classes so far at FPU. The professor was very helpful and engaging. I learned more than I anticipated and look forward to using the skills learned in my classroom.

3/16/2022

State: PENNSYLVANIA

2/28/2022

State: IDAHO

Great class professor was great to work with.

9/23/2021

State: CALIFORNIA

Great class. If I didn't have a deadline to get units for salary credit, I would have liked to stretch this class out longer, and continue to enjoy hunting for good shots.

9/20/2021

State: PENNSYLVANIA

9/15/2021

State: PENNSYLVANIA

Great course, the instructor was super helpful! I owe him a lot of my photography knowledge. What a great experience.

8/23/2021

State: NEW YORK

I learned so much about photography by taking this course. The instructor is extremely prompt and helpful. He even provided individual help and tutorials on both the photography and technology issue ends through personalized videos- typically the same day! I would highly recommend this course to any educator interested in learning more about photography!

8/22/2021

State: MICHIGAN

Now I know what online teachers are supposed to be like! The original lessons were well done and included videos of the professor teaching (not just videos on the topic done by others). Whenever I needed help, he not only responded quickly, but with very helpful videos made just for me addressing my exact problem. Feedback was specific, very helpful, and poositive. He was just very enjoyable to work with, and any other class is going to have a hard time living up to this new standard I have set.

8/21/2021

State: PENNSYLVANIA

The teacher was fantastic. This was a challenging course, but he was friendly, encouraging, and very timely with his grading and feedback.

8/20/2021

State: MARYLAND

Great class! The professor is very helpful

8/10/2021

State: NEW JERSEY

I really enjoyed the class. I found the tutorials and videos a great introduction to the various technical and design aspects of taking engaging photographs. Eric's responses to questions were insightful and expedient. Great Course!

7/30/2021

State: CALIFORNIA

The class was great! If you are looking for a course to teach you how to use the different settings on your camera as well as inspire you to use photography in your classroom, this is the class for you!

6/9/2021

State: NEW YORK

I was a newbie to photography and for me, using a digital camera was like trying to understand a foreign language! Fortunately, the instructor was very patient, responsive, helpful, and supportive to clear up my confusion and challenges with the concept/assignments. I learned a lot from Mr. Westland:)

12/22/2020

State: PENNSYLVANIA

12/14/2020

State: MISSOURI

This was a great class, I really learned a lot!

9/7/2020

State: PENNSYLVANIA

Great experience- I learned a lot!

8/21/2020

State:

Absolutely wonderful course that starts with the basics. Ideal for anyone interested in photography but not knowing where to begin.

7/27/2020

State: NEVADA

This was an excellent course, I really enjoyed getting out and working with the camera again and the feedback provided was very helpful!

7/22/2020

State: CALIFORNIA

This was an amazing class to take! The assignments were very detailed and beneficial. The instructor had great communication and was extremely helpful.

5/13/2020

State: MICHIGAN

I enjoyed learning all of the camera details/settings from this course.

2/23/2020

State: NEW JERSEY

10/20/2019

State: OHIO

Eric is great! I've been into photography for several years and am self taught. I took the class to backfill any information I had missed and Eric really helped me out a lot. I really enjoyed his use of technology, creating videos of him improving my images. Obviously, using my image to show me how to improve my image was a great teaching/learning tool. I have already suggested this class to my friends-coworkers.

10/12/2019

State: MISSOURI

Great Class, I like how it is set up, very easy to follow along.

7/17/2019

State: OHIO

7/2/2019

State: OHIO

Lots of fun!

6/28/2019

State: MISSOURI

Prof Westland was phenomenal and SO kind and helpful.

6/15/2019

State: OREGON

This is a very informative class and was very useful in learning how to use a digital camera. All of the videos and tutorials provided throughout the class were really helpful in understanding how to be successful with each lesson. More constructive criticism would have been okay.

6/12/2019

State: MISSOURI

Eric Westland is a terrific professor. He responds promptly and is very helpful and flexible. I encountered several problems with my cameras and pc throughout the course. He offered solutions and was even willing to allow me to turn my work in via email. Fortunately I was able to resolve my issues and turn my work in the way it was intended.

2/5/2019

State: OHIO

The best class I've taken! The information was well presented and it challenged me to take photos beyond the auto settings on my camera!

12/31/2018

State: WISCONSIN

Mr. Westland, the instructor, created an enjoyable course. I appreciated the format and Moodle worked well to house the course curriculum. The course lays a good foundation for beginners to get off of automatic camera settings and instead, use their camera with intention. The course also allows those with some base knowledge to review, practice, and expand by trying new things. I like that the course focuses primarily on technical prompts, lighting, etc., but allows the student to photograph subjects of personal meaning. Mr. Westland was readily available via email to answer questions. He even recorded a video specifically to provide a more detailed explanation to one of my questions. This course allows the student to create work of personal significance, while considering how it may be used in the classroom. Thank you for this positive experience.

12/29/2018

State: OHIO

This was an excellent course. Very informative and easy to follow. I'm sure I will be using what I learned here in the courses that I teach.

11/29/2018

State: CALIFORNIA

11/10/2018

State: CALIFORNIA

11/1/2018

State: CALIFORNIA

8/6/2018

State: CALIFORNIA

6/28/2018

State: PENNSYLVANIA

I learned a lot from taking this course, and was especially impressed with Eric Westland, the course instructor. His feedback is immediate, constructive, and relevant. I have recommended this course to friends and colleagues who are striving to improve their photography skills.

6/20/2018

State: PENNSYLVANIA

A very well organized course with an fantastic instructor. Mr. Westland is very responsive to questions and provides constructive feedback on all lessons submitted. I enjoyed this course very much and I greatly looking forward to implementing all that I learned in the Digital Photography:Open Source course.

6/12/2018

State: OHIO

The course was well organized, enjoyable, relevant, and taught me a great amount about photography and introduced me to a variety of resources that I will be using in my classroom. Eric was a wonderful professor! His feedback was valuable, timely, and constructive. I look forward to enrolling one of Eric's other courses in the future.

6/10/2018

State: NEW JERSEY

Instructor feedback is useful and prompt. Course materials are relevant, free, and easy to use. Great course! Would recommend!

6/5/2018

State: CALIFORNIA

6/4/2018

State: OHIO

For a photography illiterate (like myself)in the classroom, this is a GREAT course to get you started! 5 of 5 stars!

5/30/2018

State: OHIO

5/14/2018

State: OHIO

4/11/2018

State: OHIO

10/7/2017

State: PENNSYLVANIA

8/21/2017

State: CALIFORNIA

Loved learning how to use my camera in multiple ways.

8/9/2017

State: OHIO

8/4/2017

State: CALIFORNIA

8/1/2017

State: OHIO

Mr. Westland gave me a lot of material that I can take back to my classes. This was the most useful course I have taken and I think it will benefit my classes tremendously

7/10/2017

State: WISCONSIN

6/16/2017

State: CALIFORNIA

This is the third course I have taken from this professor and he is great. I really appreciate his timely responses and help with assignments.