colleen_stephens

I love your idea of having them shoot something that day, and bring a print with them the next for critique. I would assume if they're coming to a class that centers one one niche of photography, they at least have some background in photography. As someone at about that same same point, I know learn so much from someone else's critique of my work. The pictures they'd take that day probably won't be their best work, since they won't have enough time to plan out lighting/time of day, angles, shot lists, or to photoshop the pics, so maybe instead focus on only the action aspects (for critique), like what shutter speed, aperture, ISO, etc. they used and how it affected the picture. Perhaps have them all shoot one particular thing - a ball in motion, for example - so you, as a class, can compare something similar. See how this shutter speed compared to that, etc. Or look at the way they framed the shot, looking at basic composition. Talk about which shots are most pleasing and why (there will probably be differing opinions), and then point out that much of photography is subjective, and opinions will almost always vary.

Photography is so hands on, and having a chance to work with a teacher hands on is invaluable. Anyone can shoot a digital pic, send or take it by to wal mart for maybe a 5x7 (so everyone can see it more easily) and pick it up that night or before class tomorrow, for a dollar or less. They wouldn't even need to take it home, they can crop and resize right off their memory card at those booths, if I'm remembering right. In that case, perahaps a "no photoshopping" rule should apply, so they're all on even ground.

Ok, I'm done rambling now, hope that helped!

Colleen

Carine,

I recently enrolled in NYIP's course, and love the way they break everything down into digestible chunks. They've had

a bad rep recently because their material had been so outdated, but my first shipment was all new material,

completely updated. The second one, however, was a mixture of old and new, so I've had them put shipments on

hold until I tell them to send the next one, giving them time to get the new stuff ready. Here's what came with the

first one, if I can remember (sorry if I'm a little off): 4 books, 5 audio CD's, a DVD, quizzes at the end of each book, 3

small tests to send back, and a 3-picture assignment to send in for critique with the end tests. Even if you don't go

through NYIP, a similar course might be great for you. You can take all the time you need - I realized this week that

I need to back track and re-read the technical part of section 1 - I understand the concepts of aperture and depth of

field when I have the camera in my hand, but when they use the terminology later on, (like "stopping down," "opening

up a stop," etc.) I get mixed up which way they're referring to moving. It's one of those backwards seeming things.

Which again is great, I can take all the time I need, and it's broken down into small chunks. I had bought books, but

it was so overwhelming, too much information too fast. I like to learn one or two new things (small things), and then

go play with them, taking pictures and seeing how changing those one or two things changes my pictures. That

helps it sink in much better.

Hope this helps!

Colleen

If you want to shoot a theme, and not just specific objects, what about the NYC commute? Or the busy-ness of NYC? Or just commuters themselves - NYC is so multicultured, you could photograph all sorts of different people you see. Or maybe couples - holding hands, one with their head on another's shoulder on the subway, an elderly couple with his arm around her on a park bench or walking holding hands, etc.

Julie, you remind me of myself - I want to take pictures just like the ones you mentioned of your Nana. I've tried to

understand what it is that draws me to these types of pictures vs studio and traditional posed portraiture, and until

tonight I couldn't put my finger on it. It's soul: I want to produce photographs that have a soul.

There is something so powerful and moving about a pair of hands, aged by time, or eyes that glimmer with the

wisdom of time. They tell a story, and leave us wishing we had that person in our lives. Or reminding us of someone

special we do or did have. I say go with your heart, you've got some powerful, inspiring ideas. Like Anne said,

photography isn't a science, there are no absolutes - beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Some will love your

pictures, others won't relate at all. That's just part of it. Shoot from your heart, and I think you'll touch someone

else's.

Wooot! I just got my first package in the mail. The welcome letter says "You're among the first to experience NYIP's revised edition of the Complete Course in Professional Photography." They're actually mid-revising from what the letter says, they sent out this first unit that's been revised, and will send out further ones as they're ready. They said it may take a little longer to get the next unit, but it will be completely revised when I do get it. They've actually even requested I/we let them know if we find any typo's or come across anything that's not clear with the new materials.

 

So, I have to second what William said... time to send in the application!

 

Cheers,

Colleen

I just enrolled in NYIP - still waiting for the materials and my new camera (my big presents to me finally!) NYIP mentioned that they had recently updated their program - I'm guessing to move it into the digital age more. So maybe it's not as outdated anymore. I'll let yall know when I get my first package :)

Colleen

Andrea, I'm right there with you - 31 and looking into photography again for the first time since High School. It's always been a passion for me, but life got in the way, and now here I am. My problem isn't lack of easy access to great educational materials, it's the overwhelming amount of it out there. With young children, etc., I don't have all that much free time, so I'd rather not waste what I do have - I want to find the most direct route possible. I'm looking into some online and offline courses (not for degrees necessarily) that have assignments so I have a specific assignment to shoot for, and an instructor who will critique my work and offer suggestions for improvement. The other problem I'm having is my own impatience, lol - I want to know it all and I want to know now :) The local college won't have their photo courses again until the fall, thus the hunt for something online instead.

 

Anyhow, just wanted to reply and say I know where you're coming from. I wonder if there are any mentor programs out (online ones)? I've seen them before for other similar professions/hobbies.

 

Good luck, I'd love to hear what steps you do decide to take!

Colleen