Habits and Techniques to Achieve Success
Allow yourself to make mistakes — expect to make them — it's part of the learning process. Attempt to create as many images as you can this semester while placing more value in the journey, not the destination.
Read the textbook as assigned and take notes as you progess through each chapter. Attempt to apply the techniques you've read about to the images you wish to create. Don't limit the learning process solely to what the instructor says and does in class — the instructor is only ONE opinion.
Take notes during class demonstrations and lectures — attend all classes and be on time — since you will be barraged with a great deal of new information; so find a way to trap it.
Download and READ assignment sheets and handouts provided for your class. Learn what is expected from you in the grading criteria to ensure completion of the course.
Expect to give 6 to 8 hours per WEEK to the class (inclusive of lecture / lab time) to gain the most benefit from its concepts and techniques — what you PUT IN will equal what you GET OUT of the experience.
Continually build your photographic vocabulary. Learn technical language and terms — it's the jargon of your profession — to become conversant in the medium with your peers. If you identify something as "that do-hicky-thing," it doesn't make a very good impression.
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Orientation to the studio and/or digital lab environments by the instructor are intended to be comprehensive, but serve only as a starting place. You are strongly encouraged to handle as many different kinds of equipment available to you, as frequently as possible, in order to deeply learn and retain how they function. Take ownership of your education.
Arrive adequately prepared with hard drive, papers, props, materials, and other items to make efficient use of studio and/or digital lab time. Think & plan ahead!
A state of mind that leads to mediocrity says,
"not enough money / not enough time / not enough technology / not enough education / not enough support." But a state of mind that leads to greatness says, "it's not about resources, it's about resourcefulness."
Creating great images requires practicing your craft on a daily basis and maintaining "Beginner's Mind" — "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few." Chinese Zen Philosophy.
Be self-motivated and self-disciplined — keeping up with the assignments is critical to success.
Visit a gallery or museum. Look at several books, magazines, or Web sites to see what others are doing photographically. Get ideas and get inspired.
Review current written materials provided by the instructor before each class, and re-write your notes prior to an exam — it will increase retention of the material. Find one or two study partners to share what you know and ask questions.
Don't hesitate to ask the instructor questions during lab/studio times, and expect to spend more time setting-up and preparing than actually photographing.
Have your images processesed with time to spare for editing, and prepare your image(s) as needed before arriving to a critique.
Contribute work to each critique and verbally participate in them.
Make your final portfolio presentation the most professional looking as possible. You are presenting work to a critical audience — so get dressed!
Don Werthmann
professional faculty — photo
washtenaw community college
washtenaw community college