Visual Education
Visual Education is an award-winning online education platform dedicated to helping visual artists from around the world expand their knowledge and enhance their skills.
We are committed to providing the very best education in the concepts, techniques and tools you need to succeed in the visual arts.
We prioritise experience and provenance in our instruction. Our selective pool of instructors is made up of seasoned professionals with a proven track record in their field of expertise, with a clear ability to present crucial information in the most effective and absorbing way.
Our lead Instructor, founder, and CEO, Karl Taylor, has been a pro photographer for more than 25 years. Commissioned by leading global brands for his attention to detail and exquisite control of light, Karl is also known as an instructor who explains complex subjects clearly and effectively. His unique expertise and has led him to work for Hasselblad, Broncolor and Adobe, as well as to appearances on the BBC.
Visual Education
*Ever tried shooting portrait photography in harsh midday sunlight with just one light?*
That was the challenge I set myself in my latest shoot - underexposing the whole scene by nearly 4 stops and then using a single off-camera flash to bring the models back to life.The results? Deep skies, dramatic rock textures, and portraits that look like they were lit with multiple lights — all created with one setup.
I’d love to hear from you 💬 Have you tried one-light portraits outdoors before? What’s your go-to trick for handling harsh sunlight?
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 5
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Visual Education
🚨 New video just dropped: Hasselblad X2D II – The Ultimate Review (The Ghost is Discovered)
After months of beta testing, I’ve put the X2D II through fashion shoots, low-light challenges, stabilisation tests, and head-to-head comparisons with the original X2D.
What stood out?
✅ A huge leap in autofocus accuracy with new eye detection
✅ A surprisingly powerful joystick that changes the way you shoot
✅ Rock-solid image stabilization that let me handhold down to 1/10s
✅ A new 35–100mm zoom lens that rivals primes at half the cost
❌ And yes… one hidden “ghost” most reviews won’t show you
📺 Watch the full review here. Let me know in the comments if you already shoot medium format, is focusing speed your biggest frustration - or would you take the trade-off for that Hasselblad image quality?
2 months ago | [YT] | 4
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Visual Education
📢 NEW VIDEO: ISO in Photography – Finally Explained!
Ever wondered why your camera's ISO is 100, 160, or even 64? Or why cranking it up sometimes ruins your shots?
In this new video, I break down what ISO really is, where noise comes from, and how modern cameras handle it differently. By the end, you’ll know exactly how far you can push your ISO without destroying image quality and why lighting still matters more than anything else.
💬 What’s the highest ISO you’ve ever shot with and still liked the results?
2 months ago | [YT] | 14
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Visual Education
Ever freeze up when it comes to posing your subject?
You’re not alone -- I’ve seen it happen even to experienced photographers. That’s why I’ve put together this deep-dive video covering 10 portrait poses that actually work in real-world shoots.
I’ll walk you through each one. From confident full-length stances to seated business portraits and even tricks for working with nervous clients. There’s no fluff here, just practical techniques I use on commercial shoots every week.
Whether you shoot people in suits, creatives in their workspace, or even the occasional jumper or dancer, these strategies will help you get the shot and help your subject feel great in front of the camera.
👇 Let me know in the comments. What pose do YOU fall back on when a subject says, “I don’t know what to do with my hands”?
3 months ago | [YT] | 18
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Visual Education
Color Accuracy in Photography: How Much Does It Really Matter?
Still wrestling with color checker cards and over-the-top calibration setups?
You’re not alone — and honestly, it doesn’t need to feel like a lab experiment. In this new video, I take a practical look at what color checkers are actually useful for… and where they’re just adding unnecessary steps to your shoot.
We’ll cover:
✅ When calibration genuinely helps
✅ When it’s just slowing you down
✅ How to nail neutral color quickly
✅ And why most photographers are overthinking the whole thing
🎥 Watch it here: [insert video link]
👇 Do you use a color checker every time, or just trust your eye and tweak in post? Would love to hear how you handle it.
4 months ago | [YT] | 1
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Visual Education
She’s 9. She’s Award-Winning. She’s the Eagle Eyed Girl. 🦅📸
Meet Jamie Smart, a young wildlife photographer whose images are blowing away pros — and she’s only nine years old.
In this special episode, I sit down with Jamie in the studio to talk photography, gear, macro techniques, light control, and even dead sharks on beaches (yes, really). Her knowledge, creativity, and love for nature are next-level — and it’s all self-taught.
We also do a live photoshoot together, talk about wildlife conservation, underwater photography dreams, and how she organises 10+ hard drives of images at her age.
🎙️ You don’t want to miss this one. It’s the most inspiring interview I’ve ever done.
👇 Let Jamie know what you think in the comments — and tell us:
What was your first camera?
#PhotographyPodcast #WildlifePhotography #YoungCreatives #EagleEyedGirl #VisualEducation
6 months ago | [YT] | 12
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Visual Education
Are you still obsessing over camera settings? Think that knowing another photographer’s aperture, shutter speed, and ISO will help you recreate their shot?
Spoiler Alert: It won’t!
In my latest video, I break down one of the biggest myths in photography – that settings alone define a great image. The truth is, your camera doesn’t make the photo – YOU do.
🔹 Here’s what you’ll learn in this video:
✅ Why copying camera settings won’t make you a better photographer
✅ The REAL factors that shape an image (hint: it’s all about light and composition)
✅ How to think like a pro instead of getting lost in technical details
✅ Common beginner mistakes that might be holding you back
🔥 Do you agree? Or do you think camera settings are more important than I’m giving them credit for? Let’s discuss in the comments!
📢 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more pro photography insights!
7 months ago | [YT] | 5
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Visual Education
I'm excited to announce the release of my latest video, "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Camera." In this comprehensive tutorial, I delve into the essential factors every photographer should consider when selecting a camera system tailored to their unique needs.
In This Video, You'll Learn:
Budgeting Wisely: How to balance cost with essential features to get the best value without compromising quality.
Lens Compatibility: Understanding the importance of lens selection and its impact on your photography, including insights into modular transfer function (MTF) charts and lens quality.
Performance and Durability: Discovering which camera systems offer optimal performance for fast-paced genres like sports or wildlife photography and which are built to withstand harsh conditions.
Genre-Specific Features: Whether you're into portrait, fashion, product, or landscape photography, I'll provide insights into the features that are crucial for each genre.
Technical Specifications Demystified: Diving deep into essential camera specs such as frame rates, flash sync speed, ISO range, and more, enabling you to make an informed decision.
You'll gain the knowledge needed to confidently choose a camera that enhances your photographic journey. Don't let confusion hold you back; join me, Karl Taylor, and find the camera that will elevate your craft.
8 months ago | [YT] | 3
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Visual Education
📸✨ New Video Alert: Master the Art of Red Wine Product Photography! 🍷✨
Ever wondered how to create those captivating wine bottle shots with perfect rim lighting and rich, vibrant colours? In our latest video, I take you behind the scenes of one of our live workshops to show you:
✅ How to master rim lighting for wine bottles
✅ Pro tips for controlling light flare
✅ The secret to illuminating wine labels with precision
✅ Easy ways to enhance wine colours and achieve that luxurious look
Whether you’re a pro photographer or just starting, this video is packed with techniques to elevate your product photography. Best of all, you can adapt these methods to any lighting setup—even budget-friendly gear!
🎥 Watch now and learn step-by-step how to create stunning wine photography that stands out: [Insert Video Link]
Got questions? Drop them in the comments—I’ll be answering! And if you want even more advanced tips, check out VisualEducation.com/ for the world’s best photography training.
Let’s elevate your skills together! 🚀
#PhotographyTips #ProductPhotography #WinePhotography #VisualEducation
10 months ago | [YT] | 15
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Visual Education
Hi, photographers and creatives!
My latest video just went live, and it's all about the brand-new firmware update for the Hasselblad X2D. This upgrade takes the camera’s capabilities to the next level with an incredible multi-shot feature that can transform your X2D from a 100MP powerhouse to a stunning 400MP resolution.
In this video, I break down:
* How to enable and use the new multi-shot function
* Side-by-side comparisons of the increased clarity and detail
* Tips on lighting and setup for achieving the sharpest results
Whether you're shooting detailed product photography or working with intricate textures, this update will make a difference! Check out the video to see the X2D in action and discover how this firmware update could enhance your work.
Let me know in the comments what you think of this new feature. Excited to hear how it could fit into your workflow!
11 months ago | [YT] | 4
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