Last year I took a beginning photography class at the local art center. It was a great class, and I'm really excited that the teacher will now be offering two more levels of the course. The Intermediate class finally starts at the end of this month. I'm so excited!
This class will focus on off-camera flash, custom white balance and shooting in RAW, as well as continuing to explore aspects of composition and light. There will also be weekly photo critiques and possible off-site meet-ups for shooting. I cannot wait!
I've wanted to learn about off-camera flash for a while now. I have come to realize that no matter what I do, I am not going to be able to shoot strictly "natural light" in my house. I'm going to have to learn how to bounce flash. The only problem? I don't HAVE an off-camera flash. I will need to get one. So, of course, I turn to my photo bloggy friends out there for recommendations. Anyone have one they love? Hate? Care to share?
There's also a reading list involved this time. Shoot! This class is hard core. I've got both books already. I started the first one. I'm loving this one so far because the author is a choreographer. So, even though the book is for any creative pursuit she does refer to dancing quite a bit. And you know, we love us some dance around here.
I'm not even halfway through yet, but I like the message. A lot of it is basic. But, I like that she's saying you don't have to be born with the gift of genius to be great at something creative. You can LEARN it. Through practice. Copying. Commitment.
"There's a process that generates creativity -- and you can learn it. And you can make it habitual." Sounds like a resounding endorsement for a Project 365. No?
She also says that you need skills to be creative. You need the proper prep work. "Without the time and effort invested in getting ready to create, you can be hit by the thunderbolt and it'll just leave you stunned." So, I'm hopefully going to get me some skillz by taking this class.
The other book is written by a photographer. This one is a beautiful book. Filled with amazing photos. I've only read the intro and I'm on board already. The book is "not a manual." It's not going to teach "technical stuff." It's a book about vision. And how to "chase it."
It's a rainy night. Excuse me. I'm off to chase some vision.
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12 comments:
How exciting for you Kim! I hope we get to hear all about it! I already think your pictures are amazing....and NOW you're going to get even better?! Whatever....maybe someday I'll get to join the ranks of all my bloggy friends and get me a fancy shmancy camera!! In the meantime...I'll just take notes from all of you! :)
BTW, I have ALWAYS loved your header!
congrats on moving on to the next level!! cannot wait to see your spring & summer pics! hugs, cathy
Me...blushing over here! You certainly know how to make a girl feel good. I want to take your comment and frame it and hang it hang it on my mirror so I can read it first thing every morning and last thing every night. You really are the best and if you were within 100 miles of me, I'd be giving you a great big hug.
I love what you wrote in this post because I am not a creative person by nature. I struggle with art and decorating and being all together about stuff that comes so easy for other people, so I really related to the part about learning creativity...that is so me with all of this. I feel like photography has always come pretty naturally for me, but I'm really having to step up to the plate to get creative, but I'm getting there slowly but surely by doing it over and over again and learning it and making it habitual. I had a fun session today and it reinforced a lot of what I've learned and made me feel pretty good about my skillz....well and you have too, so thank you for making my day! :o)
Very envious! Another course sounds exciting and fun and I may invest in that last book. It looks inviting xo
SO happy for you Kim! I can't wait to hear about all that you learn....you will share right?:)
I feel like I can be creative, when I stand still long enough to block out all the noise around me...that sadly doesn't happen too often!:)
Have a happy day
I've put both books in my shopping cart. And I'm looking into a local photography class. Time to move it to the next level. Thanks for the inspiration!
I agree...your photos are alreay amazing, so looking forward to learning a few things from what you pass along.
That class sounds fantastic. I'm so excited for you! Both of those books sound great too. I'm not at all creative and really struggle with that, all the time.
I am so excited for you! I can't wait to see your pictures, they are already so amazing!
And I NEED that first book! Sounds amazing!
So on my wish list to take a photography class. Kudos to you - what a wonderful gift to yourself - I'm excited for you.
Sounds like a great class! I am going to have to read that book. I just got Understanding Exposure last night, I figured it was time to read it since EVERYBODY seems to mention it.
I have a speed light and use it every once and a while. I was told to buy one that has the ability to be flipped backward so you can bounce light off the wall behind you. I have one that does it and it's pretty cool.
Have a good night
Good for you, it sounds amazing! I have yet to take a photography class and am dying to take one. I'm thinking it will have to be an online course because they don't offer anything like this around these parts! So excited for you!
The books sound great! I hope you blog some tips and tricks while taking the class!
My Mom has a flash and it's amazing. She doesn't use it as much as she should so I'm thinking about stealing it. I'll let you know how it goes. It flips every which way, I can get the details for you if you'd like!
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