Hello ,
I often get calls about whether my classes include hands-on practice with the camera.
Of course,
they do.
But those calls always remind me of this saying; "Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn."
That's a saying frequently attributed to Benjamin Franklin.
But if we dig in a bit deeper, the quote seems to have been inspired
by Xunzi (Xun Kuang), a Confucian Philosopher who lived between (453-221 BCE), toward the end of the Warring States period in China.
Regardless of who said it first, it encapsulates what learning is all about.
Of course, the first two, "telling" and "teaching," are required, but the last part, "involving," is what's most important. I think of
the "involving" as "doing."
And if you take any of my classes or a private lesson, you'll get the telling and teaching parts, but there's a BIG emphasis on the involving part.
And that's because, in my experience, it's in the "doing" that the most significant part of the learning happens.
That's why we start doing photography immediately and don't stop until we finish the meeting.
And if you take a multi-meeting class, like the Introduction To Photography class, you'll keep "doing" during your homework.
As I tell people, I'll talk enough to make sure you know how to do photography.
But the emphasis is always on getting you involved in camera operation, composition and light so we can make the best pictures possible.
Here's what Brian K. from Washington, DC, had to say about how helpful
the hands-on teaching is during the Introduction To Photography class.
"...I just finished the beginner class. I didn't know how much I didn't know. This was a nuts a bolts course on using your camera in Manual mode. You'll begin to understand light and how it affects your photos,
and how you can manipulate it to create the photos that you want.
I've watched online tutorials on photography in the past, and the information never stuck. Because of the small class size we got hands on teaching I was able to get a much better understanding of my camera..."
The hands-on teaching gave Brian a "much better understanding" of his
camera, composition, and light. And the small class size didn't hurt either.
Now, I'm not saying online learning doesn't have its place. I'd be a hypocrite if I did because it's something I do.
But the best online learning happens with one-on-one, real-time remote instruction or via an online platform where you can contact the teacher who created the video tutorials with any questions.
And that's what I offer in addition to in-person instruction.
However you learn with me, there's always plenty of hands-on "doing" and "involvement," and you'll always have the opportunity to ask me questions.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture today.
That's all for now; thanks for reading!
Sam
I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me.
And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? If that's the case, let's schedule a one-time lesson or a series of in-person or online private instruction that covers the same things as my group classes.
Ways to work with me are listed below.
