General Questions

Who are your photography trainings for?

My trainings are designed for anyone who wants to improve their photography skills, from beginners who are just starting to learn about their camera to more experienced hobbyists looking to master specific techniques like understanding light, editing in Lightroom or organizing their digital photos.

Do I need a professional camera to take your trainings?

Yes, it’s best to have a DSLR or mirrorless camera to take the photography trainings. The price range, brand, or age of your camera doesn’t matter. I offer trainings that cover a range of topics, ensuring you can learn and grow regardless of your equipment.

Where can I find more photography tips?

The blog is filled with "binge-worthy" content, including tips on composition, lighting, editing, and more. I regularly share new articles to help you continue your photography journey. In addition to this, you can find me on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube. Links to the profiles are at the top and bottom of this page!

How can I get help if I have questions about a training?

I offer support for all students. The best resource is our student exclusive student Facebook page where you can ask questions, share your work, and so much more. If you have questions about any of my trainings, you can email me at nancy@nancysmiley.com, and I will be happy to help you.

Which of your photography trainings is right for me?

If you're a beginner who wants to get off of auto mode, start with The Camera Series. This will give you a strong foundation in the core concepts of photography. If you have a solid understanding of your camera but want to improve your editing and organization skills, consider The Editing Series. Furthermore, if you’re well-versed with your camera in Manual mode, but feel like your images are falling flat, or don’t turn out how you envision them, The Light Series teaching you to take your photography to the next level by understanding light and how to use it to your advantage. And finally, for a comprehensive business path, The Business Series is the ideal choice.

Do I need any prior photography knowledge to take your trainings?

This is one of my favorite questions! No, The Camera Series specifically is designed to be accessible to everyone, including absolute beginners. I break down complex concepts into simple, actionable steps. If you're new to photography, starting with The Exposure Training is highly recommended.

Will I become a better photographer by taking your trainings?

Yes! My goal is to empower you to become a more confident and skilled photographer. The trainings provide the practical knowledge you need to take control of your camera, capture beautiful moments, and create images you are proud of. I focus on cutting through the technical jargon to give you the skills you need to see real improvement.

How long does it take to complete a training?

Each training is self-paced, so you can learn at your own speed and on your own schedule. There are no deadlines, and you can revisit the lessons as many times as you like. I believe in lifelong learning, and the trainings are designed to fit into your life, not the other way around.

Most trainings will take 1 to 2 weeks to complete if you choose to do one lesson per day. Again, you can take as much or as little time as you’d like going through the lessons, and you can go through your training more than once, or revisit any lesson at any time!

Will I have lifetime access to the training content?

Yes! Once you purchase a training, you have unlimited access to all of the content, including any future updates, for the lifetime of the training. This allows you to learn at your own pace and revisit the material whenever you need a refresher.

What equipment do I need for your courses?

For The Camera Series courses, you will need a DSLR or mirrorless camera to get the most out of the lessons. For The Editing Series, you will need to have Adobe Lightroom installed on your computer. If you decide to take The Speedlight Training in The Light Series, you’ll need a speedlight of any brand.

Need help with something else? I’d love to hear from you! Reach out to nancy@nancysmiley.com