Is Basics of Composition - Online Course worth it if you’re shopping in Photography?
You’ve taken thousands of shots, and the camera settings are finally dialed in. But when you look at the gallery, something still feels off. The image is sharp, the exposure is correct, but it lacks that magnetic pull that makes a viewer stop scrolling. That gap is rarely about hardware; it’s about visual language. You’re likely guessing at placement, relying on instinct, or over-relying on the Rule of Thirds without understanding why it works in one frame and fails in another. (Basics of Composition - Online Course)
If you want to move from “taking pictures” to “designing images,” Basics of Composition - Online Course by Olivio Sarikas Tutorials is a structured way to bridge that gap. At $70, you’re paying for a comprehensive video library that breaks down the mechanics of visual storytelling—specifically how color, scale, and ratio interact to create emotion. It’s not a quick hack or a single-tip cheat sheet; it’s a 150-minute deep dive into the design elements that separate amateur snapshots from compelling compositions.
Quick answer
| Best for | Photographers and visual artists who understand their camera settings but struggle with framing, color theory, and visual hierarchy. |
| Skip if | You are looking for post-processing tutorials, lighting setups, or a quick 10-minute tip rather than a foundational design course. |
| Price | $70 |
| Format | 28 video lectures (150+ minutes total) |
| One-line take | A rigorous, example-heavy breakdown of how to use ratio, color, and scale to control viewer emotion. |
What you’re actually buying
At $70, you aren’t just buying a playlist; you’re buying a structured curriculum on visual language. The course consists of 28 video lectures totaling over 150 minutes, which is substantial enough to cover complex topics without being so long that you lose focus. Sarikas Tutorials approaches this by stripping away jargon and focusing on the “vital Design Elements of Visual Language.” (Basics of Composition - Online Course)
The core of the value here is the shift from mechanical rules to expressive intent. You’ll get deep dives into specific ratio concepts, including the Phi Grid, the Rule of Thirds, and the Golden Ratio. But unlike generic tutorials that just tell you where to place a subject, this course explains the dynamics behind placement and scale. You’ll learn how to use brightness, darkness, saturation, and desaturation not just to make an image look “good,” but to tell a story and evoke specific emotions in the viewer. It’s a toolkit for making deliberate design choices rather than accidental ones. (Basics of Composition - Online Course)
There is also a strategic bundle option worth noting. For an additional $15, you can add the Micro World Online Course to your purchase. If you are already invested in expanding your visual vocabulary, this add-on offers a way to diversify your skills in macro or small-scale photography without paying full price for a second standalone course. (Basics of Composition - Online Course)
Why it’s on our radar
This course stands out because it treats composition as a design discipline, not just a photography trick. Many photography courses focus heavily on exposure and focus, leaving composition as an afterthought. Basics of Composition flips that script, dedicating its entire runtime to the aesthetic and psychological impact of how elements are arranged.
The specificity of the curriculum is what makes it interesting for serious hobbyists and professionals alike. By breaking down color expression and dynamic placement into distinct lectures, it allows you to isolate and practice specific skills. Whether you are struggling with cluttered frames or flat, emotionless portraits, the focus on “simple words” and “many examples” suggests a teaching style that prioritizes clarity over academic density. It’s a resource for people who want to understand the why behind the how. (Basics of Composition - Online Course)
What actually matters
Before you check out, consider how you currently approach framing. If you already have a strong, intuitive grasp of visual hierarchy and color theory, this course might feel like a refresher rather than a breakthrough. However, if you find yourself consistently second-guessing your crops or wondering why certain images “pop” while others don’t, this is the kind of foundational knowledge that pays off for years. (Basics of Composition - Online Course)
- Check your current pain point: If your main issue is technical (focus, white balance, ISO), this course won’t help. It is strictly about composition and visual design. (Basics of Composition - Online Course)
- Evaluate the video format: With 28 lectures, you’ll need to carve out time to watch and, more importantly, apply the concepts. It’s a course, not a reference sheet you’ll glance at once. (Basics of Composition - Online Course)
- Consider the bundle: If you are interested in macro photography or small-scale subjects, the $15 add-on for the Micro World course is a strong value proposition that expands the utility of your purchase. (Basics of Composition - Online Course)
Mid-check
If you’re still on the fence, open Basics of Composition - Online Course, skim two reviews (if any), and ask: would I use this this week?
FAQ
Is this course suitable for complete beginners? Yes. The course is designed to explain concepts in “very simple words.” If you are new to photography, learning composition early will save you from developing bad habits. However, you should have a basic understanding of how to operate your camera to fully apply the lessons. (Basics of Composition - Online Course)
Does this cover post-processing or editing? No. The focus is strictly on composition, color theory, and visual language at the point of capture. It does not cover Lightroom presets, Photoshop techniques, or lighting setups. (Basics of Composition - Online Course)
What is the difference between this and free YouTube tutorials? While there is free content available, this course offers a structured 150-minute curriculum with 28 distinct lectures. The value lies in the organized progression from basic ratios to complex emotional evocation through color and scale, saving you the time of hunting for disjointed videos. (Basics of Composition - Online Course)
Bottom line
If you are ready to stop guessing and start designing, Basics of Composition - Online Course is a solid investment. At $70, you get a comprehensive, example-driven look at the mechanics of visual beauty. It’s not a magic wand, but it is a clear map of the tools you need to make your images communicate exactly what you intend.