Students who reviewed Phototactic most often say it taught them to see pictures they used to walk past, and that the ideas kept showing up when they went out to shoot. Others point to more thoughtful composition and a clearer personal style. A few compare it with workshops and courses they paid for elsewhere.
Below are all 14 student testimonials from the Phototactic sales page, quoted as written, typos included, with the name each student gave. Nothing is paraphrased or trimmed. This site belongs to the course's authors, so read these as selected praise from happy buyers, not an independent street photography course review. For our own assessment, with downsides, see the Phototactic review.
Phototactic at a glance
Phototactic: Street Photography Secrets is an online street photography course by Olivier Duong and Don Springer. The sales page presents it like this:
- Short videos of 3 to 5 minutes, designed to change your images in as little as 10 days.
- Modules on picture patterns, intent, composition keys (5 laws, 6 elements, 8 arrangement principles), emotion, priming the mind, cheat sheets, editing and fearless street photography.
- Six bonuses, including a live shooting demo, a camera basics course, 10 winning images broken down, and a two hour interview with Don Springer about Garry Winogrand and Minor White.
- One payment of $297, with a 60 day money back guarantee.
It has no critique of your photos, no mentoring, no forum and no community. Some students below mention the authors or sending photos. Those comments don't mean the course includes feedback.
Several testimonials use older names for the course, such as "Street Photography Secrets" and "the Inspired Eye course." Inspired Eye is the magazine and site where Olivier and Don first sold it.
Result 1: learning to see the picture in front of you
This is the result students mention most. The course's core idea is picture patterns: short lessons show a visual structure, then you practice spotting it until it comes to you without thinking.
"By far the biggest benefit of this course is learning how to SEE and evaluate the different scenes because many photographers can't see the images that are right in front of them. This course will change that. I kept watching the material over and over so that I will be able to use them subconsciously when I'm out shooting in the streets. I would highly recommend this course. Amazing job! 👌" Gian Maagad
"Anyone who goes through this material will become a much better photographer trough a deep understanding of images (That subconscious method is brilliant). I was very impressed." William Dowell
"This is more than a photography course, it is a journey into the mind and heart of the photographer. Having gone through the course, I feel that it has definitely inspired me to find my own rhythm and help me to stand on my own as a photographer. Instead of using formulaic methodology, the Inspired Eye course is a mind training exercise that preps you to subconsciously use what you learn to use instinctively on the field. I finally got some time to go out and shoot and I have noticed the concepts/rhythms are constantly present as I shoot. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to grow as a photographer." Jeff Tidwell
Ray Smith wrote to the authors about his first roll of film after starting the course. He mentions sending the authors a set of photos. Reviewing student photos isn't part of the course.
"The first photo in the set I sent is from the first roll of film I shot while going through your course. I was intent on using what I learned and the scene just jumped out at me. Mundane subject but I saw something interesting and made it pleasing. It's one of my favorites." Ray Smith
If this is the problem you have, the free articles on how to see like a photographer and why your street photos look boring are a good test of whether the approach suits you.
Result 2: more thoughtful composition
Two students single out composition and the course's Eye, Heart and Mind framework, which holds that good composition needs feeling behind it.
"Don and Oliver's philosophy and methods are spot-on and have helped me understand more clearly critical aspects of my own approach to street photography, guiding me to incorporate different, more thoughtful compositions. A deeper, more philosophical understanding of what is important while documenting your surroundings in real time is vital toward becoming a better photographer, and a person." Mike Lee
"It offers great insights into the technical and compositional aspects of picturemaking, as well as profound discussions of the 'Eye, Heart and Mind' of the photographer. I wish I had this when I started out! A truly passionate and inspirational journey, that I would happily recommend everyone who is seriously into the art of photography, or just about to enter this beautiful world." Tommi Lina
The composition lessons build on graphic design: visual elements such as line and shape, and the arrangement principles that organize them. You can read a version of that in photography composition and Gestalt principles in photography.
Result 3: a personal style and pictures that mean something
These students care less about technique and more about why they photograph and what their pictures say.
"I had no idea what I was doing as a photographer. But because of Street Photography Secrets I am on the track to understand how I see the world uniquely and how I can translate that into compelling photographs. I love the tons and tons of visual examples and exercises that help to put concepts into action immediately. That is why I would recommend this program to someone who wants to learn their own unique, personal and distinctive photographic style." Chris Tygesen
"You want to make images that look like everyone's? I think it would be best to look elsewhere. You want to make images that breathe life, have soul, that speak your heart, that touch the viewer? Then you're in the right place with this program that shows how to make meaningful images that stand out from the noise that's out there." Keith Goldstein
"I feel that this course will help any level of photographer because it's not just about about the photographs but about the process behind what even drives you to photograph something that is important." Tina Leggio
Finding your own style takes more than a course, and no set of videos will hand you one. Our guide on how to find your photography style covers the practice side.
Result 4: ideas they hadn't found in other courses or workshops
Some reviewers had already paid for workshops or other classes. Keep in mind that Chris Wilson wrote his comment a few videos in, not after finishing.
"I'm only a few videos in but what I have gone through is really top-notch. Much better and more useful for street photographers than some far more expensive workshops I've attended. They set average assignments with relatively minor feedback and minimal input other than 'be brave', they are fine for mustering up your courage, but not for taking your street photography to another level." Chris Wilson
"The way to approach this course is different and brings concepts unknown to me, which until now, I had not found in books or in many other courses (face-to-face and online) I have done with reputed photographers." Jose Manuel
"I've been following these guys for two years now and I wish it was 20 years. Oliver and Don's insights in the video review are valuable for students and anyone looking to up their game photographically. These guys have pointers that were never mentioned by university professor of art; even those who claim photographic arts." Michael Fiore
Michael Fiore mentions a "video review." The course has no video reviews of your own photos. The bonus closest to that phrase is the Image Vault, where the authors break down 10 winning images. If you want someone to critique your work, a workshop or a paid portfolio review is the better buy. Our list of the best street photography courses compares options with feedback.
Doubts before buying
Two students say they weren't sure the course was for them before they started.
"I am an experienced photographer. So I was in doubt if the course would still enrich my photography. But after I started I became very enthousiastic. It is the first course that gave me a complete workflow to express myself with photos. I highly recommend this course to photographers who want more than just a nice looking picture." Ferdi Norten
"I had been quite unsure about whether to enrol or not. I am glad I did because the course did make me feel inspired. I still have quite a few 'picture pattern' from the course to do and I am keeping them like something good for the near future like a piece of dark chocolate or a new book you look forward to." Sven Petersen
If you're weighing it up the same way, is a street photography course worth it? goes through who benefits and who doesn't.
What these testimonials don't tell you
Testimonials are useful, but they have limits. Here is what to keep in mind.
- They're selected. The authors chose them for the sales page. Unhappy buyers rarely write testimonials.
- They're older. They were collected when the course was sold on Inspired Eye as Street Photography Secrets, and some name the course that way.
- No photo proof here. We don't have before and after pairs from students with permission to publish them, so none are shown. The photos on this page are Olivier's.
- No star rating. We don't show an average score, because a score from the seller's own page wouldn't mean much.
The practical way to judge it is to try it. Watch the free sample lesson, then read how the 60 day guarantee works. If the course doesn't change how you see within that window, you can ask for your money back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do students say about Phototactic?
The most common point is that it teaches you to see pictures. Gian Maagad wrote that the biggest benefit "is learning how to SEE and evaluate the different scenes." Other students mention more thoughtful composition and finding a personal style, and some compare it favorably with other courses they took.
Are these Phototactic reviews independent?
No. They come from the course's own sales page, and this site belongs to the course's authors. They are quoted word for word with the names the students gave, but they were chosen by the sellers. Our separate Phototactic review lists the downsides, including the lack of feedback and community.
Does Phototactic include feedback on my photos?
No. Phototactic is a self-paced video course with cheat sheets and bonuses. It has no critique of your photos, no mentoring, no forum and no community. A testimonial that mentions sending photos or a video review doesn't change that. If feedback matters most to you, look at workshops or paid portfolio reviews instead.
Is there a refund if the course doesn't work for me?
Yes. The sales page offers a 60 day money back guarantee on the one payment of $297. You can work through the lessons and ask for a refund within 60 days if it isn't worth it to you.