Over the past year I have been giving private lessons in photography. I knew I had plenty to share about photography and the places to find great art, but I have been surprised by how much I enjoy working with photography students and how much I have learned from them.
I have a student who knows more about birds than I may ever know. She can identify them from their songs without ever setting eyes on them. She gave me a lesson on birds and maybe even one in humility. (I thought she couldn’t possible be able to tell a scarlet tanager from just hearing a song in the woods. She and the tanager quickly proved me wrong). She has traveled the world and is well-versed on our feathered friends. It’s been nice to get to know her and to share her excitement about Florida’s birds and the migratory birds that visit the Sunshine State.
Another student has proven to me that the art of photography hasn’t died with the advent of the iPhone camera or the selfie — and that it will likely always have a future. A young student who was recently accepted into Rowlett Academy for Arts and Communication, began developing her artistic vision through her incredible drawings. Now she is interested in photography. She has a great eye and has taught me young people are enthusiastic about photography. She is open to all sorts of photography, from taking pictures of her brother playing baseball to going out into the preserves of Manatee County to get photos of wildlife and landscapes.
Finally, I have a student who has reminded me what’s it’s like to be new to photography and to be passionate about it. She taught me how to nurture passion. She has also taught me patience. I guess that comes with the passion. Once she realized she had a talent for photography, she invested in some good equipment and her photos got dramatically better. I have seen this student improve tremendously in a short time. She has posted some photos that made me say, “I wish I had shot that.” She enjoys sharing her photos, so check out what she’s doing and like her page.
After a photography presentation, I took the Suncoast Camera Club out to one of my favorite Audubon spots for bird photography
A juvenile Night Heron gives his fans the once over.