Friends in photography,
I just finished teaching a 101 photography course through our local library.
This is my fourth time doing this.
Why, you ask, would I do this? I don’t know.
When I was asked 2 years ago my instant reaction was: “No thanks.”
Then for some reason I hesitated, thought about it, and answered:
“OK, I’ll do it. But it has to be for serious amateurs only. Not rank beginners.”
And so we were off.
I had a blast. So I kept doing it.
Teaching photography, with my own little twisted and bizarrio take on it.
Let me explain. I tell the class that I am not going to teach them an academic by the manual class where they will hear me explain all the camera functions and all the shooting scenarios.
Most of which they will never, ever use again.
If they want to hear that, they’ll get it from the local college
or camera store.
And someone invariably always shakes their head up and down in agreement with me.
They know what I’m talking about. They been there.
“I took a class like that and was more confused then when I walked in” is what I hear.
I created some strong feelings about how to teach photography by volunteering to this community service.
Had I not, I wouldn’t have known what I now know. Cool.
That’s part of what made it fun. And I was developing my voice, so to speak.
What I also like was the fact that the attendance was near perfect, and so was the homework assignments.
This, to me, showed it was working. They were on fire baby!
I really pushed them into the deep end. I pushed them to “see the light”. I pushed them to focus on composition, lighting and impact.
Everything else would fall into place I told them. Learn to “see” and create your own inner style, voice and artistic expression.
I would tell them over and over we’re “painting with light”
Which is what photo-graphy means. Photo=light Graphy=painting
What a concept. I also brought my passion to the game. I showed everyone how I constantly am shooting.
I love photography. I called the course “Love of Photography”…hhhmmmmm.
I have tens of thousands of images from my life, travels, events where I always bring my camera.
Why not? I love photography. It’s not a job. It’s a passion.
And I share my passion.
It’s who I am. What I do. Why I share and teach and try my best to help others.
It’s also why I run a monthly lighting mastermind for my members of noBs photosuccess Inc ™
Where we talk lighting. I analyze, critique, coach others….and I show many, many lighting scenarios, and explanation, from my photography studio.
This my friend is not text book stuff. This is from actual sessions, paid or publicity, where I get dirty and grimy and have to fight through a gauntlet of evil forces always trying to take me down.
Including my own headtrash. But more on that later.
Get clear. Get focused…..
Members can join us on our MasterMind presentations or watch all the replays, of course, which get posted in the forum….
HERE
Not a member? No problem…JOIN US HERE.
Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher
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