I teach a photography 101 class at the local library.
Started this community based volunteer gig about 3 years ago, on a whim.
Turns out, I really like teaching it.
Who’d a thunk?
I think what’s working for me in it, underlined by the fact that I have decades of being in the trenches with this photography thing, is that I decided to teach based on what I thought would make sense.
And I tell the students this. (By the way, it’s not a beginners class. It’s promoted for serious amateurs only.)
I tell this, day one, minute one, I want to help them see light and learn to paint with it.
Not some equipment-centric academic vomit. I want to help them see, really see, and create a style unique to them.
Photography isn’t about the cameras and lenses and all the other crap.
He who has the most toys wins. Enough already.
It’s about tapping into that passion and creating. The camera part is easy. Don’t fool yourself.
And you know what? It’s working. So far. Yes, I’m still adjusting, tweaking and modifying my curriculum.
But that’s part of the plan, isn’t it? Change. For the better.
One of the first things I bring up is “why”?
Why are you into photography?
Fair query me thinks. And it got me thinking about why I’m into it. I mean, I wanted to be a sailor once.
Even bought, and sold (the same year) a sailboat. I love playing guitar. Motorcycles.
Pick an obsession. Why photography?
Why has photography been the one solid consistent event and truth in my life?
As I pondered, a little voice said to me: “Because it’s therapy. And the money’s good.”
🙂
It’s why I bring my camera everywhere. Walks, concerts, trips, events, gatherings, launches etc etc etc….
I tell my students they ought to get a decent point and shoot camera too. So they get to always be shooting.
(Cell phones don’t count…they lack intention)
All that, and the business side too. I guess photography is an obsession which makes me feel good about myself and pays the bills. I’m ok with that.
Guess that’s why I never liked the ego part. The bullshitty side.
And I love not only teaching serious amateurs. I have this thing about the business side.
“Pros”, those who want to actually make some dough.
Whatever your reason for being into photography is ok with me. Knowing why is valuable too.
The business side, read about that HERE
Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher
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