This past January I headed back to school – as a student.
I am taking a photography course at the Glassell School of Art which is part of the Museum of Fine Arts of Houston. My goal is to improve my photography in a way such that a few of my images will perhaps go from nice to special.
The experience of returning to the classroom has been very interesting. I find myself attending class on two different levels. On the primary level I am a student, paying attention to the instructor and the lessons and trying to learn.
On a secondary level the class is a sort of meta-experience, and I find myself constantly doing a mental critique of the instruction. I sit through class thinking "I would have explained this differently" or "he needs a better example here." I have been retired seven years and the old teacher still awakens when stimulated. Fascinating.
Anyway, the class has become interesting, and I am fully enjoying myself. I am out taking pictures rather than just sitting around the house in a comfortable chair thinking about taking pictures.
We talk about our work with the instructor, and he is showing us how to work to our individual strengths. Sometimes I realize just how far I am from the photographer I would like to be, and other times I am surprised at just how close I am to that same goal.
This past week we displayed our first portfolios to the class. Each of us pinned our photos on the wall and class members all had the opportunity to comment. That was quite an experience knowing that people were going to discuss your stuff right in front of you. I am happy to report I survived.
I selected these images from about 20 or so that I displayed in class so you can see some of what I am doing. These were chosen for their variety of subjects rather than any other reason. Just click on an image to see it full size. Whether you like them or hate them, please let me know your thoughts.
I am taking a photography course at the Glassell School of Art which is part of the Museum of Fine Arts of Houston. My goal is to improve my photography in a way such that a few of my images will perhaps go from nice to special.
The experience of returning to the classroom has been very interesting. I find myself attending class on two different levels. On the primary level I am a student, paying attention to the instructor and the lessons and trying to learn.
On a secondary level the class is a sort of meta-experience, and I find myself constantly doing a mental critique of the instruction. I sit through class thinking "I would have explained this differently" or "he needs a better example here." I have been retired seven years and the old teacher still awakens when stimulated. Fascinating.
Anyway, the class has become interesting, and I am fully enjoying myself. I am out taking pictures rather than just sitting around the house in a comfortable chair thinking about taking pictures.
We talk about our work with the instructor, and he is showing us how to work to our individual strengths. Sometimes I realize just how far I am from the photographer I would like to be, and other times I am surprised at just how close I am to that same goal.
This past week we displayed our first portfolios to the class. Each of us pinned our photos on the wall and class members all had the opportunity to comment. That was quite an experience knowing that people were going to discuss your stuff right in front of you. I am happy to report I survived.
I selected these images from about 20 or so that I displayed in class so you can see some of what I am doing. These were chosen for their variety of subjects rather than any other reason. Just click on an image to see it full size. Whether you like them or hate them, please let me know your thoughts.
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