Hello ,
It can happen in group classes like the Introduction To Photography class and during private lessons.
What happens is I'll teach a technique to students that works for them while teaching it but doesn't work for them when we meet again.
It happened yesterday during a private lesson.
Specifically, a focusing issue was
discovered while the student was critiquing their photos between our scheduled meetings.
They smartly tried another way to get the desired results, but frustratingly, the camera wasn't giving them the expected outcome.
During the lesson, they made a picture to demonstrate the problem.
They gave me their camera, and to make sure they were doing the technique correctly, I made a picture while applying the technique, and sure enough, the technique should have resulted in a different outcome.
I scratched my head in frustration because I knew this technique worked for them the last time we met.
When stuff like this happens, it's one of two
things.
- Photographer's error.
- Camera malfunction.
If it's number one, that's a relief.
We can correct our errors and learn from our mistakes.
If it's number two, we gotta get the camera fixed.
That means we're out of a camera for a while, and if the camera's out of the warranty, it'll hit us in the wallet.
Luckily, it was number one.
What we got out of the mistake was a reminder of the importance of self-critiques and paying attention to camera settings.
Especially to the camera settings that influence the problem we're experiencing.
In this case, the solution was straightforward.
It was a focusing mode setting that was working against our technique.
I pointed it out to the photographer, who switched the mode, and, Voilà! Problem solved.
Remember, the technique serves creativity.
So, if we're incorrectly applying technique, our creativity is diminished.
Self-critique is a technique that serves as a method to identify how to improve our work.
If it wasn't for the self-critique the photographer performed that identified the problem, understanding what camera settings were associated with the problem, and knowing enough about camera operation to get the settings right, the frustration of not getting the desired outcome of camera technique that worked for us before would've continued, and the photographer's creativity
would've suffered.
We've gotta critique our work to ensure we understand camera operation and how camera operation is related to compositional outcomes.
And our ability to do that is tied directly to our studies and practice.
While private lessons are an excellent way to learn photography because of the individualized approach to the lessons and flexibility in scheduling, group classes are just as practical.
Register for one of the upcoming Introduction To Photography group classes to learn to observe light, think like a photographer, operate a camera effectively, and create unique compositions.
One starts on Wednesday, January 10, and the other on Sunday, January 14.
The January 14th class has one spot left.
Smaller classes mean better learning, So there are no more than five participants and me
in each class.
Just email me when you need help with your studies and practice, and we'll figure out a course of study that'll help you.
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
