Lethbridge Journal called asking about photography classes
A number of years ago The Lethbridge Journal did an article on my teaching.
Click here for a large format of the Lethbridge Journal article to read.
I’m always surprised by how many people don’t realize they can actually take a course in photography.
Back in the day, the only way to learn was through a university or college program. When I started teaching, I became the first private photography instructor in southern Alberta—and a couple of students even told me I was the only one they knew of in all of western Canada.
It’s funny to look at the teaching world now. These days, it seems like everyone is offering lessons. Some photographers will post a few nice shots and suddenly they’re teaching.
When I began, I was so nervous because I didn’t even know what to cover. At the time, I was teaching film photography, and two hours felt like a long class. Today, two hours isn’t even enough to scratch the surface of a basic digital camera.
With modern technology I do all my teaching in person ONLINE. The reasons are several fold. First I prefer to teach in the evening, although I teach during the day as well, teaching from my home after hours it reduces interruptions. It is also a lot easier for the students to not have to travel, especially in bad weather, and it eliminates students having to find child care. Secondly teaching online I find students are a lot more relaxed in their surroundings. It is common for me to teach a one on one class for a student in eastern Canada one day, then the next day teach a student from the other side of the world.
Looking for a course, hire a professional
If you’re thinking about taking a photography course, I strongly suggest finding an instructor who is truly qualified to teach. Don’t be afraid to ask about their background, how long they’ve been in the industry, what experience they bring, and exactly what topics they’ll be covering.
Unfortunately, many so-called “teachers” are simply repeating things they’ve heard from others without ever having real-world experience. Some have only been in photography for a short time, while others aren’t active in the industry at all, they’re just adding photography to a long list of courses they teach.
A good photography class should give you more than a lecture. You should have the chance to ask questions and get clear, practical answers. If you’re just standing in front of someone who’s rattling off information without interaction, that’s not really a personal learning experience.
There should always be time for Q&A. Make sure the course you choose offers that opportunity, it’s one of the best ways to get real value from your learning.
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