Teaching …
I just returned from teaching my adult photo class in Okotoks, and surprise surprise, I actually have 4 males enrolled! Shocking, as I mostly get women taking my class.
Each time a new session starts, I tell myself the same thing, ‘don’t overwhelm the students with sooooooo much information’ yet I seem to be deaf to my own advice; by the end of the class I tend to have students lose their human looking qualities, some end up looking like cartoons with wobbly big eyes … SORRY!
I do so enjoy teaching though, I always leave class with a big smile and, a sore throat (one of the only things that makes me quiet). And, I just realized something else, I as a photographer, don’t have many pictures of myself, and in the past year or so, the best candid picture of me was taken by one of my students, a 6 year old.
me in May 2009, Okotoks
It is funny that you bring up your teaching style. I must say, as one of your past students from Daytona Beach Community College – whatever the hell that fourth semester editorial class was suppose to really be categorized as – I was probably one of the few students that truly appreciated and miss your blunt, truthful, and ultimately invigorating commentary. I do not believe I would be the photographer I am today or been as patient for a career break as I am today if it weren’t for your teaching style. Be glad that someone had the balls – you – to help students realize that coddling is not the best ideology for personal, visual growth.
Hey Jerry, I appreciate your post! I suppose my teaching style in this industry is based on real life working experience, and I am sad to say, that in the past years, we all need to develop even thicker skin … competition in the editorial field is more intense, budgets are less, gosh, Time magazine’s use of a stock image for their cover generated the photog. a lump sum of $30! If we as instructors don’t share the realities with our students, I think we are not doing our jobs …
Glad you are doing well!
It is definitely an odd feeling turning down work because the client can not understand that even though we don’t primarily shoot film anymore that the upkeep of our equipment is 10x more expensive – especially with the pace of new cameras being released on the market. Oh well, maybe when they realize they get what they pay for, they will come to their senses.
I have been concentrating on staying in school for the next two years and continuing my participation in Geekfest, ATL PJ Seminars, Look3, etc.
Take care.
It’s fantastic to keep involved, good on you! I am trying, I leave for the Eddie Adams workshop in a couple of days, and can not wait!
What a job is worth … people’s interpretation of it, it should be a simple answer yet the simple slogan; get ‘working’ professionals working, isn’t working. I must say I am familiar with that odd feeling.
I had such a wonderful time at my first photography class last evening! I must admit that I almost didn’t go….you know everything else comes first kids, husband, supper, work yadda yadda…..
But I am soooooooo glad I did.
You expanded my brain, with your teaching!! What a wonderful experience. I learned soooo much!!
Excited to put in to practical use what you taught.!
See you next week
PS, checked out your website pic’s MUST say I am impressed!
thanks
Thought I would take a look at your photos to better understand your teachings, very beautiful! I can fully understand and appreciate the “feel the pain” while manuevering your body to get that perfect shot! I am so enjoying your classes and look forwrad to learning more!
I was searching for digital photography when I found your site. Great post. Thank You.