I’m thrilled to announce a special project I’ve been quietly working on—a complete, master-the-basics guide on natural light photography called Simply Exposed: Mastering the Basics of Natural Light Photography.
But instead of waiting until it’s fully finished, I’m sharing it with you as I write, piece by piece, totally free, directly through the email list and also publicly here on my website. My hope is that by releasing each chapter one by one, we can explore, practice, and grow together in real-time.
Why This Guide Exists
Most beginners focus on gear—not fundamentals.
They chase expensive cameras, lenses, and presets, hoping it’ll improve their photos.
But gear doesn’t create great photographs—understanding light and settings does.
This guide sets you straight from the start.
Skipping fundamentals costs you confidence and growth.
Without understanding the basics:
You’ll always guess your settings.
You get lucky shots every once in a while.
Frustrations about inconsistencies pop up and imposter syndrome sets in.
Fundamentals unlock creativity, clarity, and control.
They’re your superpower. 🚀
By reading this guide, you will walk away knowing:
Exactly how to get the photo you envision.
How ISO, aperture, and shutter speed truly work.
How to confidently use natural light in every situation.
You’ll photograph intentionally, with consistency. No more guesswork.
Sign up below for FREE to receive each section of the guide, FOR FREE!
How This Guide Is Written
This guide uses a clear, concise approach to learning photography—no complicated jargon, just actionable insights. Each section is written to empower you with quick wins and easy-to-remember analogies (“it’s kinda like…”) to simplify complex concepts.
Every chapter is short, direct, and practical—designed to build your confidence step-by-step.
By focusing on the essentials and avoiding fluff, you’ll quickly master photography fundamentals, capture better photos consistently, and rediscover joy behind the camera.
The Guide is separated into into 4 main parts. Each of those parts are separated into chapters. Each of those chapters are separated into sections:
PART I: UNDERSTANDING THE CAMERA – THE TOOLBOX
Chapter 1: Exposure – The Foundation of Every Photograph
Chapter 2: ISO – Your Camera’s Light Sensitivity
Chapter 3: Shutter Speed – Freezing or Blurring Motion
Chapter 4: Aperture – Depth and Drama
PART II: PUTTING IT TOGETHER – LIGHT AND DECISIONS
Chapter 5: The Triangle in Action – Choosing Settings
Chapter 6: Natural Light Mastery
Chapter 7: White Balance & Color Temperature
PART III: SHOOTING WITH PURPOSE
Chapter 8: Choosing Settings Based on Intent
Chapter 9: Practice Sessions with Real World Scenarios
PART IV: MOVING FORWARD
Chapter 10: Editing Starts With Good Light
Chapter 11: Build Muscle Memory with Shooting Drills
Chapter 12: The Artist’s Eye – It’s More Than Settings
Skip the Line and Work One on One With James
