Hello, .
Think about the phrase, "We don't know what we don't know. "
That's a modern-day version of a nugget of wisdom from Socrates, who stated, "I only know that I know
nothing."
The intentionally redundant maxim means we can only work with the information we have, and of course, we can't work with the information we don't have because we don't know about it.
Ain't that the way it goes with a lot of things in our life?
We only know what we don't know when we know what we don't understand.
And the way we get to know it is by being curious and learning about it.
When working with photographers during classes or private lessons, I hear photographers respond to the stuff I teach by saying, "I didn't know that" or "Now I understand."
I remember saying similar things when I started working with a teacher.
I
didn't know what I didn't know, but I knew I didn't know enough to do what I wanted to do as a photographer.
I got to the point where trying to teach myself still left me with a lot of not knowing.
That's why I sought out a teacher.
I recall knowing that I wanted to be a better photographer.
And it wasn't until I started working with a good teacher that I realized all I didn't know.
I learned more about photography while working with a teacher than I ever could.
And on the rare occasion that I come into contact with one of my teachers, they remind me of where I was and how far I've come because of their help.
There's still a lot of
things I don't know.
For example, since I don't particularly appreciate being stuck in a darkroom or on a computer using editing software beyond the bare necessities, darkroom/computer editing skills aren't my strong points
But, I'm confident in my abilities, skills, and understanding of camera operation, light, and composition.
I'm the kind of photographer who prefers to get everything done on camera when I'm taking the picture.
My approach to photography probably has a lot to do with my background in photojournalism and using film during that time.
Still, whatever the reason, that's how I prefer working regarding my photography studies and
practice.
And as a teacher, that's what I teach.
If you want to learn how to use your camera effectively to compose the best pictures possible, I can help you.
You’ll learn effective camera operation, gain a
good understanding of light, and know how to make the best pictures you can confidently.
The Introduction to Photography classes scheduled for March are now open for registration. Other scheduled group classes are below.