If you are looking for a video series on "How to Use Your Camera Settings," you will be disappointed. You won't find tutorials on shutter speeds or histogram readings.

Most photography courses start with a painful lecture on the exposure triangle. Annie’s course does the opposite.

For decades, Annie Leibovitz has defined the visual landscape of American culture. From the raw, intimate final portrait of John Lennon to the regal grandeur of Queen Elizabeth II, her images are not merely photographs; they are historical artifacts. When it was announced that she would be teaching an online course via MasterClass, the photography world held its collective breath. Could a master of such high-concept, expensive production actually teach the average hobbyist or aspiring professional anything useful?

In the final video, Leibovitz sits by a window, the light catching her face, and delivers a message that resonates with every creative soul: "Don't put the camera down."

If there is a single photographic image that has stopped you mid-scroll, made you cry, or redefined how you see a celebrity, there’s a good chance Annie Leibovitz was behind the lens.

The course is structured like a private studio visit. It runs just over 3 hours, split into 15 video lessons. Here are the highlights that stuck with me:

While she isn't a "gearhead," Leibovitz does dedicate videos to the technical aspects of her work, specifically lighting and location. And the revelation here is surprisingly refreshing: