The best photographers rise to the top by practicing, while second-best photographers rise to the top by shooting blackmail photos of the first-best. Snap like a champ with today's Groupon: for $39, you get a self-guided Better Photography 101 online course (a $97 value) from BetterPhoto.com.

BetterPhoto.com embraces the fundamentals of photography, gifting pupils easy-to-grasp self-paced education with 24-hour access to eBooks, instructional videos, a private feedback forum, and more. Give cameras a last-ever "it's not you, it's me" apology before diving into lessons on exposure basics, portrait techniques, creative composition, and lighting. The 74-page eBook shines perfectly placed light over all the basics of crafting stunning images and is joined by guides on manipulating camera phones, acquiring inspiration, and the instructor's tips and tricks. The course's 31 instructional videos impart tools to engage visual learners and assist in knowledge retention, and the online forum allows virtual pupils to post links to snapshots, receive constructive feedback, and discuss progress through emoticons.