I. Love. Teaching. I don’t perceive to KNOW everything, but when I think about the teachers, mentors, and coaches who have come in and out of my own life, the ones who stick with me did not force feed information into my brain. They shared their passion. Some were truly experts in their field while others where just good at nurturing their student’s passion and stoking the fire. They shared with me the information needed to rise a little more, take another step, and achieve my goals, hopes, and dreams.
The people who come up and ask questions about photography always make my day. They saw something in how I see the world. How I like to take a picture. Maybe they just had a question. It can be that simple after all. I’ve always tried to be that person who someone felt they COULD just come up and be like, “how do you do that?”
All of the above, plus good timing, all lead to the four week workshop I kicked-off on Monday. The students for this first round are each so different from the other. The equipment available ranges from semi-pro gear to point shoots with manual operations. No one has fancy expensive glass. What they all share is they enjoy documenting life and stuff. At least two of them do have professional aspirations while the bulk of them just want to come home from vacation with more beautiful images. Actually, nearly ALL of them enjoy photographing really simple elements of their local communities (this makes me SO happy!!)
They are all off and shooting their first week’s assignments and excited for next week! I’m hoping that the Universe has infused me with a few of my greatest mentors who never really told me “how” to do something, but lead me there and allowed me to learn how to do it on my own. That was and is my approach. Each student has a unique goal. From understanding depth of field, to stopping action, and getting over a fear of photographing people (you’d be surprised, nearly EVERY student in this group is nervous about photographing people!)
Did I mention how excited I am about next week? I’m also terribly nervous. I really just want to be there for them and support them as others have done for me, showing them the way through a sometimes very complicated world of digital photography!
Going forward, I’m taking some advise from a pro in the field of education (always learning!!!) My mom, yes, my mom who is a University Registrar suggested a “rolling admissions” so I would not be trying to assess and create individual assignments all in one day. The student’s 4 weeks of personalized “mentoring” begins ~ 24 hours after registration and can register any day of the week! On-site workshops are in the works for the Northfield, Vermont area – stay tuned!
Rolling Admissions 4 Week Digital Photography Workshops
Current Students on Why They Signed Up:
“Just purchased a new camera and want to become more professional in my picture taking! I have always loved photography! We loved your photography from time at Norwich, so I thought this would be a natural!” ~ Greg
“In August 2011 I got my Nikon D3000, and since I have been practicing with the camera, but there are still types of pictures that I have trouble achieving.” ~ Lindsey
“To have learned new tricks, to feel inspired. I know I will accomplish this because I like your photographic style.” ~ Suzanne
“I always see great pictures (like the ones you take) and wonder what the tricks are to get them.” ~ Kim
“My goal for this workshop would be to learn how to use more of my digital setting in manual mode. I get the idea of speed and F-stop but struggle with what white balance, back lighting etc.” ~ Jenny
“I have always enjoyed taking pictures as memories, but that has changed. Now I want to tell stories, make an impact, make a difference…” ~ Cindi
