A journey of growth, smartphones, and stunning images from my July 2025 class
Teaching photography is not just a profession for me, it’s a calling. Since the COVID-19 lockdown, I have been mentoring photography enthusiasts from around the world through online photography classes. What began as a way to stay connected during uncertain times has now become a mission to empower individuals to see the world differently through a lens, even if that lens is on a smartphone.
This July, from the 11th to the 24th, I conducted a two-week intensive Photography Masterclass via Google Meet. Every night from 10 PM to midnight, 18 passionate individuals joined me live from across Pakistan and beyond. Most of them were absolute beginners, some had never even held a professional camera before. In fact, the majority used smartphones instead of DSLRs or mirrorless gear.
And that was the beauty of it.
Adapting to Smartphones and Simplifying the Art of Photography
Understanding my students’ needs, I modified the workshop to focus on smartphone photography. I broke down complex concepts into digestible lessons that could be practiced immediately. Composition, lighting, color theory, storytelling through photos, editing basics — all were taught with real-world applications in mind.
The first few assignments? Not great. But that was expected. What happened next, however, was magical. Within a matter of days, the transformation began. One after another, students submitted dramatically improved work. By the end of the course, their galleries were filled with photos that made me proud.
A Learning Community That Lasts
We formed a WhatsApp group where students could share their work, get feedback, and stay motivated. Even after the masterclass ended, they continued posting images, each better than the last. The group has become an active, supportive hub for peer-to-peer learning and creative inspiration.
And to think, all of this was created using smartphones and a beginner’s understanding of photography.
Why I Love Teaching Photography Classes in Pakistan and Worldwide
This is not the first time I’ve seen beginners bloom into talented photographers. Over the years, I have trained hundreds of photography students, and many of them are still in my WhatsApp groups, creating beautiful work and pursuing careers in photography. I feel honored that I could be a small part of their journey.
Some of my international students have truly excelled:
- Angela is now traveling through Jamaica, creating stunning travel photography, and preparing to publish her first book.
- Talia is capturing magazine-worthy fashion and editorial photography.
- Bek is working as a real estate photographer, and I’m currently guiding him to further sharpen his visual storytelling.
This diversity, creativity, and impact are what keep me motivated to offer photography classes online.
Certification and Pride
As I now prepare to distribute certificates to the graduates of my July masterclass, I do so with immense pride. Each student has grown. Each student has found a new way to express themselves. And for me, that is the greatest reward.
Looking Ahead: A New Photo Book and Upcoming Videography Course
Now that this chapter has concluded, I’m about to set off on a short travel break. Once I return, I will begin working on my next photo book, “Landscapes of Pakistan” — a passion project that aims to follow in the footsteps of my previous title, “Faces of Pakistan”. Through this new book, I hope to pay tribute to the natural beauty of my homeland through landscape photography.
Meanwhile, my recent book on Iran has been doing incredibly well on Amazon KDP. Thank you to everyone who has supported it.
Explore My Photography Books:
Faces of Pakistan
The Soul of Iran
More Books on Amazon
Coming Soon: Videography Masterclass (Live, Interactive, 3 Weeks)
Next up, I’m launching a brand-new Videography Masterclass. This 3-week live workshop will cover:
- Vlogs, reels, and storytelling for the modern creator
- Basics of cinematography and visual composition
- How to speak on camera with confidence
- Editing workflows and tools
- Where and how to publish your video content
It will be a comprehensive and hands-on experience designed for anyone who wants to learn how to create impactful video content using the tools they already have.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this is your chance to learn from real-world experience.
Final Thoughts
Teaching photography, whether online or in-person, in Pakistan or globally, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my creative life. This July’s online photography masterclass reminded me once again how much potential people have, no matter their background or equipment. With the right guidance, a little patience, and community support, anyone can take great photos.
To all my students — past, present, and future — thank you for trusting me with your creative journey.
Stay tuned for updates, and feel free to browse more of my work and workshops at:
🌐 www.faysalkhanelahi.com
