We're excited to launch our latest e-course today: Capture Real Life in 52 Weeks.
Every year we aim to create a class that inspires documenting and celebrating everyday life! This year our course is filled with new, fresh ways to capture your life each week. You can use any camera for this class, even your smartphone! We don't cover the technical side of photography, but instead focus on getting inspired to just take photos (the really fun part!). This course is a great way to kick start yourself into high gear and take amazing, personal photos all year long!
This course is BIG. I mean, it's meant to push you to capture your real life for an entire year. You can get the full details about the course here, but here's the short and sweet of it. This course is formatted so every month you'll have three to four photography based prompts. These are designed to challenge you to document your life this year. Life moves fast and sometimes if we don't intentionally challenge ourselves to photograph the everyday, it just gets missed. Let's make this year different!
Each session includes example images taken by the teachers (Elsie Larson, Candice Stringham, Mandi Johnson, and Janae Hardy) as well as instructions, tips, and challenges for getting great photos yourself. Each month includes one mini album challenge as well. This is to get you printing and using those beautiful photos that you take, or ones that you already have. Each mini album focuses on a different craft supply or technique, giving you lots of variety throughout the year. The teachers of the course have completed their own mini albums that they share in the lesson, showing through photos and text how you can create your own. If you want to see a full list of all the photo prompt sessions and mini album challenges, click here.
One super exciting feature is that this e-course comes with a kit (while supplies last)! In addition to the e-course, the kit includes: a 4" x 4" booklet (28 pages), 3" x 4" stamp set, and a mini pigment ink (in lipstick red!). There are a limited number of kits (one thousand), so once they are sold out, they are gone! We will still offer the course for sale after kits are sold out, but the price will not change. So, if you want the kit, be sure to order ASAP. (Once the kits are sold out, we will update the shop listing so that customers will know the kits are gone.) You can check the shop listing to see what the stamps/kit look like. Also—the kit ships free US and international customers!
The course (including kit while supplies last) costs $36 USD. (Whatta deal!)
This course allows you to work at your own pace. It is designed so you have a session to complete each week for an entire year, but if you find that you fall behind, don't worry! Just keep going. You receive access to all the sessions when you purchase the class. The goal is to push yourself to document those memories, so it's OK if you need to work at a slower pace some months.
Candice even traveled all the way to New York to photograph Naomi and Josh and their beautiful family for this e-course. It's really special, and we can't wait to share it with you!
We are SO excited to see what you all create with this course. To read more, check the shop listing here. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments! xo. Elsie and the ABM team
Credits//Author: Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman. Photography: Elsie Larson, Candice Stringham and Janae Hardy.
98 Comments
Hi, I’m trying to sign up for the class but am stuck in a sign up loop. I can’t purchase the class as I need to sign in, but when I sign in, I get invalid username and password. I can’t re-sign up as I’m told my user name already exists. Any help would be appreciated.
thanks
Hi Trish! Someone from our customer care team would be happy to assist you with that! Just click on the “contact us” link at the bottom of shop site to start a conversation with them. 🙂 -Jacki
I just ordered it and I’m so excited! I’m working on my first Project Life album and can’t wait to use these ideas. I have a toddler and an infant and these days are so fleeting it makes me want to capture everything. And with the kit, this is a killer deal! =)
Eek! I am so tempted! I think I might just do this!
Oh wow, so exciting!!!! Just signed up for this, I can’t wait to be inspired. I’m not sure whether the kit has sold out or not? Thanks 🙂
Awesome! You’re gonna love it! We’re really excited about this course, I personally think it’s one of the best 52 week courses we’ve launched to date. 🙂
-Emma
Nope, it’s not sold out yet. We’ll be sure to update the listing so everyone will know when the kits are gone. Thanks for your support!
-Emma
Hi,I just signed up for this e-course and tried to print the PDF for the classes and it’s not available yet. I’m just wondering if I will be notified when it’s available? Thanks
Oh great, thanks for the confirmation Emma 🙂 I’m so excited to start this!
Hi Rosalin! Sorry about that! The PDF will be available tomorrow morning 🙂 -Jacki
This is such a great idea! Will there be an additional shipping cost to send the kit overseas to the UK?
This is so great. http://www.hannamarielei.com
Hi Jacki,
I bought the class and live in the UK but didn’t get charged any extra shipping. With I get another invoice for this?
Thanks, Estelle
Thanks Jacki! I’ve just ordered but the $5 international shipping did not come up in the order. Will my card just be charged the additional $5 when the kit is shippped?
Am I allowed to sign up even though I live in the UK? And would I still get the kit? What would the total price be?
Thank you! 🙂
Wow, it’s like you guys are mind readers or something! I’ve been trying to get into something like this recently but without a ton of focus – this is exactly what I needed to kick it into high gear! Thanks! xoxo
Hi this has happened to me too. I got a new code to insert, which I did. It let me sign in the once. Since then, I have been unable to sing in again…
Hi Jess! Actually, shipping is free with this kit. Yay! 🙂 -Jacki
Hi Estelle! Actually, shipping is free for the kit. 🙂 -Jacki
Oh, thanks very much! 🙂
Hi Becky! Anyone can sign up, and the total cost for the class + kit is $36 (free shipping) 🙂 -Jacki
This is exactly what I’ve been needing–it’s been hard to feel inspired by my daily life lately! So excited to start the course. Thank you!!
Anna | richaskings.com
Just purchased. So excited. I feel like my photography could use a spark and I think this might just be what I need. And I am SO excited for the kit too!!!
Cheers!
This sounds really cool. I am going to look into it. beautyjunkkie.com
This is fabulous! I love 52 week series on blogs like bleubird – and Naomi’s family is so so sweet. I am definitely looking into this opportunity!
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
Oh perfect, thanks Jacki 🙂
Awesome concept! In the past I’ve been so bad at taking daily photographs, even when we go do fun/special things. I’ve found that blogging has really gotten me into a better habit of documenting things, but I love the idea of a deeper challenge!
Enrolled!!! So excited! I have been chugging along with my 365 challenge to take one picture every day, and doing well, but this is definitely going to keep my momentum going!
What a wonderful idea! So cute! And I love that you feature Naomi and Josh.
Circus & Bloom
♥♥♥
What a wonderful idea! So cute! And I love that you feature Naomi and Josh.
Circus & Bloom
♥♥♥
What an awesome deal! This is really affordably priced and sounds like a ton of fun – and inspiration!
xx Kathryn
http://www.throughthethicket.ca
Hi. I just orderer.. and i was wondering… since im from aegentina and is dificult to send packages here… can i contact you in any way to give you a us direccion for the mailing of the kit?
Thanks you so much
loving the blog
Hi Romina! Someone from our customer care team would be happy to assist you with that! You can start a conversation with them here: http://shop.abeautifulmess.com/conversations/new 🙂 -Jacki
love this! what a great idea. thanks for inspiring me as usual! xx. gigi. http://www.gigikkitchen.com
What a good idea! I would love to do that, I think I might sign up for this because I love taking pictures of everyday life.
I just signed up! Can’t wait!
Same login problem here :S
I really want to join the class and can’t wait to register. I’m looking forward to all your great ideas. I wish i could have grabbed my camera a lot more often last year! Don’t wanna miss this 2015!
I would be so glad if I could catch one of these georgous kits. I live in Austria/Europe. Do you calculate additional shipping costs?
Someone from our customer care team can assist you with the login issue! The total cost of the class + kit is $36 (free shipping!) 🙂 -Jacki
oh wow these look amazing im of to have a peak now and sign up
This happens to me every single time I sign in. What I do is click the “forgot password?” link and try a new one, which is usually the old one but works anyway.
This is super awesome! I didn’t even finish reading, I just went and clicked “add class”. 😀
Just signed up. This is going to be so fun with my newborn!
what is the stamp that is in the picture? Just bought this course and can’t wait to learn
what a fun idea!
xx nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
I love the idea!
May I sign up even though I’m from Europe (Prague to be exact)?
I just placed an order and I’m so excited!! I’ve been wanting to start scrapbooking for a long time, so this is really perfect.
-Ceci (cecirsalas.blogspot.com)
I love the idea!
Is it ok to participate even though I’ m from Europe (Prague to be exact)?
Just signed up (: very excited!
Hello! I just signed up for the course, woohoo! If there are still kits left, what’s the deal with shipping to Canada?
All your e-courses are awesome! I’d love to do this one.
http://insidesai.blogspot.co.uk/
Very excited, just signed up!!
Thank you so much, Jacki!!! For your help and the free shipping! I’ve already contact your customer service!
Bye 🙂
How exciting! Keep up the wonderful work 🙂
This is amazing! I definitely want to sign up, but I also really want a kit. However, I want to save this for my first year of marriage – which begins May 2nd! Can I purchase it now (to insure I get the kit) and then wait until then to start?
Just purchased it, plus a few more goodies too 🙂 so happy the emoji ink stamp set if finally back! yay!!
Hi Sara! Definitely! The course is self-paced so you can start it anytime 🙂 -Jacki
Since this is a self-paced course, it would be possible to start this whenever, right? Because the place I live in right now is absolutely not photograph worthy… I don’t ever want to look at pictures with it in it 😉 but hopefully there is a move in the cards later this year!
I am relly intrigued by the idea and would love to do it… just not where I am now.
Wow, this sounds like so much fun!! Just the inspiration I’m looking for.
Hi Maria! Yep! You can start is whenever you want. The material will always be available 🙂 -Jacki
Yeah! Ordered & can’t wait for it to snap me out of my photography slump 🙂
Took the plunge and ordered it! Can’t wait to get started!
I signed up and then started looking at your other classes. I am very new to photography so this may be a dumb question, but would it be inappropriate to take the DSLR class if my camera is a MILC?
Hi Megan! That’s not a dumb question at all! We highly recommend that your camera allows you to manually change settings (such as a DSLR) to benefit the most from the photography class. 🙂 -Jacki
I bought the course this morning. I’m already so inspired by it! It really is a great deal with so many wonderful ideas. I’m excited to start work my way through the course. Thanks 🙂
I bought the class and didn’t have any trouble purchasing (other than it wouldn’t redirect to Paypal, but now when I click “enter class”, nothing happens.. the page refreshes but there is no additional content. Also a little unclear if the kit was included in my purchase or if I missed it 🙂 Thanks!
Cannot wait!! Just ordered mine. loved 52 weeks of art journaling last year 🙂
This looks like such a fun course! What a great idea to capture everyday moments for a year (and then, hopefully, to continue throughout the years!)
this sounds awesome – i’m definitely going to check this out. 🙂
xo, cheyenne
Hello! Just wondering how much of the focus is on making the albums, versus how much of the course is focused on the challenges, photography tips, etc.
This is exactly the type of class I’d been hoping you’d announce — and perfect timing too! My birthday is next week and I’ve been thinking about doing a “Year in the Life” project. This class will be a great present to myself and the inspiration / encouragement I need to capture my 24th year! Looking forward to it 🙂
Is the Kit still available?
This is such a nice idea! Think I’m going to have to order!
Katy x x
http://www.whatkatyknows.net
Love the looks and sound of this!
http://www.angeraws.co.uk
I’m very tempted to sign up for this. I received the ABM Photo Idea Book for Christmas and I’m really loving what I’ve read so far! I can’t wait to be more creative with taking photos and I think this class would go well with the book!
An amazing idea and also such a good deal! Really excited to get started!
I really appreciate that you guys keep coming up with these inviting and gratifying ideas and projects. Thank you for all your work!
-Daniela
Yes! We will update the site when it is no longer available. 🙂
xx- Elsie
There are 12 mini books and 40 photo challenges!
xx- Elsie
I love these photos!
http://jillianeliza.blogspot.com
Just saw this and decided (totally impulsively) to go for it. Really looking forward to the challenge, prompts and inspiration!
~Rey
http://www.availableonpaperview.blogspot.co.uk/
Purchased!!! I can’t wait to start! Living in England and having my family back in the States…I these would create awesome gifts.
I immediately signed up. Easy decision.
Awesome. Thanks for letting us know Jacki!
Hi there,
I’ve signed up for the course and am eager to start but I don’t know how to print of photos at custom sizes and multiples on 1 page. I have Adobe Photoshop and can edit the pictures using the a beautiful mess actions, but I just can’t work out how to print them unless it’s a4, a5 or a3.
Any ideas or tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Makala
I really love this. I need the incentive to photograph more. I think it is great that your shop ships abroad (love my planner) and that don’t charge extra for sending the kit abroad.
Hello. Nothing is happening when I click the download pdf button. Is anyone else experiencing this? It could just be a block I am not aware of on my work computer. Thanks!
Hi Lauren! I just double checked and it appears to be working. Be sure you’re clicking on the download button at the bottom. Let us know if still isn’t working! -Jacki
Hey there! I love this idea! I noticed that several of the example photos have children in them. I do not have kids, so I was wondering if the prompts would still apply or could be modified for my own “real life.”
Thanks!
Hi Kendra! Great question! Several of our teachers have children, so they chose for them to be in some of the photos. However, none of the prompts are geared toward children, so you can take any kind of photos that you want 🙂 -Jacki
I can order it, my order “2046 declined” any ideas why?
Hi Egle! I’m sorry about that! A member of our customer care team would be happy to help you with that. You can start a conversation with them here: http://shop.abeautifulmess.com/conversations/new -Jacki
I am so excited. Can’t wait. I had to sign up.
Hi I was wondering if there are still kits available? I’m thinking of ordering today! 🙂
-Chels
I’m very interested and btw love your blog.
Hi!
Two questions: Is the course kit still available? Is shipment to Paris a possibility?
Thanks!!
Emilie
I’m currently on deployment right now with the Navy. Am I able to sign up now and start the course when I get back in a few months?
Hi guys!
I don’t seem to be able to access the course or PDF in the website. When I click “Enter Class”, it just reopen the main page of the course and there is no mention of the PDF. Am I doing something wrong? (yes, I am logged into with my account! LOL)
Cheers!
Hi Alline! Once you enter the class, click on “downloads” (above the lessons) to download the PDF 🙂 -Jacki
I was having the same issue as you and just figured it out by reading the comments. You login, then go up to your name in the top right. Go to My Digital Files instead of My Classes.
ABM people, can you make that more clear in the My Classes section? I’ve put off starting my course because of it. It doesn’t mention this in the email confirmation either. This is my first class with ABM.
Thanks,