Teaching the Young

[dave lackey]

Teaching the younger generations about photography. Do you do it? Is it worth it? Should we just forget about it with all the point and shoot technology?

The answer for me is YES, YES and NO to the above.

In about a month, Spring will be here and I have an idea for a photography class that uses manual focus Nikon FE2 cameras. A reporter for the local newspaper and an employee at Ritz Camera are my first one-on-one subjects.

The first class will be free (excepting out-of-pocket expenses for film, processing, pizza, beer, etc.). The concept is to loan each student a similar vintage camera to learn the basics. A couple of classes at the local pizza pub. Turn them loose with slide film loaded and have them return with scans for critique. A final presentation of their best work will be the goal.

Paul has donated his FE2 to me for use and am looking to get another for the class. If this catches on, KEH may get some business.

Anyone have a short example of a similar class? Any recommendations?:angel:

 

[mfunnell]

One question: why slide film? I guess, maybe, perhaps, because it is unforgiving regarding exposure. But is that really the first lesson you want to teach? (Oh, and down here in Oz it is much harder to get even C-41 development done than it was just a couple of years ago. E-6 is so expensive, difficult to find and has such delay that I'm almost ready to just throw my remaining slide film away. Self-developed B&W from now on, for me. Digital-only for colour.)

Perhaps the person from Ritz Camera has an inside deal? If so, fine, but that's unlikely to be repeated, I'd have thought.

...Mike

 

[dave lackey]

Hi, Mike...

Thanks for the question. There are a number of reasons for using slide film, least of which is cost as only one roll per student will be used and Ritz does handle the processing.

The reason for using vintage Nikon SLRs is to give the students an appreciation of the history of film photography and a first-hand experience with using a film camera in manual and aperture modes. They will also learn from the slides as nothing beats seeing your first slides through a loupe.

The class will be limited in scope initially and can easily be expanded should enough interest be generated.

Oh, the final assignment will be with black and white film.

 

[Paulbe]

Dave--you might want to check with Mike at Wing's--he gives classes at the local high schools...
Good luck!
Paul

 

[mfunnell]

Hi, Mike...

Thanks for the question. There are a number of reasons for using slide film, least of which is cost [...]

Hi Dave. Would you mind explaining those reasons? No criticism, just asking because I'd like to know. Just BTW, because I didn't say so before, I think what you're doing is an excellent exercise. I just wish your first class were larger (though perhaps, as an instructor giving it for the first time, you're quite happy).

...Mike

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

One question: why slide film? I guess, maybe, perhaps, because it is unforgiving regarding exposure. But is that really the first lesson you want to teach? (Oh, and down here in Oz it is much harder to get even C-41 development done than it was just a couple of years ago. E-6 is so expensive, difficult to find and has such delay that I'm almost ready to just throw my remaining slide film away. Self-developed B&W from now on, for me. Digital-only for colour.)

Perhaps the person from Ritz Camera has an inside deal? If so, fine, but that's unlikely to be repeated, I'd have thought.

...Mike

Before you reach for the bin, Mike, please feel free to let me know!
Regards,
Brett

 

[mfunnell]

Before you reach for the bin, Mike, please feel free to let me know!
Regards,
Brett

While I haven't decided, I'm not kidding either. If I do think "bin", you have first dibs (way better than landfill). I may be in touch...

...Mike

 

[jody36]

Good idea. Im no expert but I gave my daughter when she was 17 a few old cameras and went shooting. she is 22 now and still uses digital primarily but will break out her konica auto s2 and use it at times.

 

[dave lackey]

Hi Dave. Would you mind explaining those reasons? No criticism, just asking because I'd like to know. Just BTW, because I didn't say so before, I think what you're doing is an excellent exercise. I just wish your first class were larger (though perhaps, as an instructor giving it for the first time, you're quite happy).

...Mike

Ha, ha...yes, I am keeping it small initially because I am trying this concept as opposed to teaching a class where everyone walks in with DSLR, P&S, you-name-it. With limited time available, it just works easier. In the past, teaching classes at Georgia Tech with an average of 60 students, I learned how much of a commitment it really is. Later, I hope to have a maximum of 6-8 students. It would be nice to keep this a free class.

Slides? The classes I took years ago were always with slides. Unforgiving? Yes, and it was good to get the students to learn how to get the image as "right" as possible with the shot and not rely on fixing it later. It is also historical. I want them to understand more about film photography from a concept rather than technical aspects as no one wants to learn that anymore. A friend just sold his M9 because he didn't use it for his everyday life. No one could shoot casual pictures with him in the picture! They could with the X1, so the M9 is gone.

The younger folks I know are fascinated with black and white film prints, but they have no time or desire to do anything other than learn how to take good photographs.

I just want them to be able to pick up a film camera, shoot it in manual mode, and be happy with their results. Along with the ability to compose and shoot, they will have a better appreciation of photography. After that, they can do it with any camera.🙂

Imagine that...no digital anything. No photoshop. Nothing but cameras, lenses, film and slide projector. And a pizza.

 

[Kent]

I have taught young students about photography for years. And I really think it is worth it.

 

[dave lackey]

I have taught young students about photography for years. And I really think it is worth it.

That's great! Would love to hear what you think about specifics within the short class(es) like what you would include and exclude.:angel:

 

[mfunnell]

Unforgiving? Yes, and it was good to get the students to learn how to get the image as "right" as possible with the shot and not rely on fixing it later.

An important point. And, really, just as important with digital if you're trying to maximise the quality in the final print. A picture that's well exposed, well composed and well focused always (all-ways!) turns a better print than one you've had to drag from, well, let's say from A to B. It's worth knowing how to get it right first time.

The younger folks I know are fascinated with black and white film prints, but they have no time or desire to do anything other than learn how to take good photographs.

Maybe this is phrased wrong, or maybe not: I want to learn how to take good photographs too! I've been working at it for a while, sometimes with success. More often, though...

Imagine that...no digital anything. No photoshop. Nothing but cameras, lenses, film and slide projector. And a pizza.

You left out beer 😕 (Or is that an age-related US thing. I often forget about that.)

...Mike

 

[dave lackey]

An important point. And, really, just as important with digital if you're trying to maximise the quality in the final print. A picture that's well exposed, well composed and well focused always (all-ways!) turns a better print than one you've had to drag from, well, let's say from A to B. It's worth knowing how to get it right first time.Maybe this is phrased wrong, or maybe not: I want to learn how to take good photographs too! I've been working at it for a while, sometimes with success. More often, though...
You left out beer 😕 (Or is that an age-related US thing. I often forget about that.)

...Mike

Ooops...forgot the focusing fluid.:angel:

 

[mfunnell]

Ooops...forgot the focusing fluid.:angel:

That's OK. Once.

...Mike

 

[jsrockit]

I just wonder what makes you guys think the younger generations won't be interested in photography? or do you guys mean film instead of digital again?

 

[dave lackey]

I just wonder what makes you guys think the younger generations won't be interested in photography? or do you guys mean film instead of digital again?

Well, the thread is about FILM photography so it is implied that when I mentioned the younger folks (over a thousand students in the last ten years at university) and all of those I personally know, my experience with them has shown that they have little knowledge of the history of photography and little training. Less than 1% have even used a film camera. They love taking pictures...is that "photography"? Not in the formal sense.

Every single one I know is very busy and uses digital phones, Ipods, Ipads and everything else to snap pictures. There is, however, a small percentage interested in film cameras and film photography. That is the group I am interested in....😛

 

[jsrockit]

I see nothing wrong with not using film...digital is still photography. Also, I didn't know many photographer's work until I got into college. These things take time.

 

[Damaso]

I do and it's worth it. My only advice is to really concentrate on each students needs and what they need to work on rather than your own idea of what you'd like to teach. It should be fun for everyone involved! I look forward to hearing how it goes...

 

[dave lackey]

I do and it's worth it. My only advice is to really concentrate on each students needs and what they need to work on rather than your own idea of what you'd like to teach. It should be fun for everyone involved! I look forward to hearing how it goes...

Thanks, Damaso...that is exactly why I want to keep these on a one-to-one basis. I can't wait to see how it comes together, that is why I am having the classes at the pizza pub, to keep it casual and get to know the individuals personally.

:angel:

 

[dave lackey]

I see nothing wrong with not using film...digital is still photography. Also, I didn't know many photographer's work until I got into college. These things take time.

Yes, no doubt. I am offering something different and that is the appeal. It is like offering someone an opportunity to learn to drive in my MGTD rather than the Camry.😀 (both of which I no longer own, of course).