"When one teaches, two learn." This statement, attributed to Robert Heinlein is beyond a doubt, the truest statement I have ever read.
In the mid 1980s, after many years of touring, I turned to teaching Drums as a means of earning a living while staying closer to home. I had my doubts as to whether or not I would be a good teacher because, quite frankly, I didn't know where or how to begin to put my knowledge into a coherent format that would benefit my students. Much of what I knew at the time came either by instinct, observation, or by asking questions of other Drummers, occasionally in very informal surroundings such as over coffee. I literally had to learn how to teach. Eventually however, I got into a groove and began to acquire a large number of students, even though I had no formal background in education. I also began to notice that my playing had improved as well.
In 2007, I received my Master's Degree in Reiki which brought with it the right to teach. When my Master/Teacher was approached by a friend of mine to learn Level II, my Master suggested I teach that class. I resisted, believing I wasn't ready, but my Master insisted I was! I recruited two more students and conducted the class in the Gazebo in my back yard and it became the most Magical experience for all of us. As with Drums, the more I taught, the more I learned and the better I became as both a Teacher and Practitioner.
Now that my time is being devoted more to Photography, a few friends have asked if I'd ever considered teaching others and I always answer "No," because I always find myself asking if I am qualified. Many Photographers have studied at a more formal level such as Community College or in Arts Colleges. My formal education came from a very informal, one day, one-on-one workshop with a good friend who has many years of teaching experience. I learned more in that one day than I could have in a month of classroom time because John is not only an incredible teacher but because he could devote his attention 100% to my questions and specific needs. So does that qualify me to teach others???
While I believe I still have a lot to learn, (In reality, we all have much to learn, no matter what discipline we follow) I believe I have also acquired a level of proficiency that others have yet to realize. I know a number of people who own cameras but have yet to grasp the basics of how to get out of Auto. Is there any reason I can't teach them the advantages of Aperture Priority or HDR? Is there any reason that I should not share what I know with others who have yet to learn it?
Ironically, as I was writing this, my friend’s 10-year-old contacted me with a couple of problems regarding exposure and settings. I answered the best that I could, but if we were in the same place, I could have simply shown them what to do.
Photography, like so many other pursuits, can be learned in many ways. Yes, camera settings generally end up being similar from photographer to photographer, but the use of light and composition can vary a great deal from one person to another. Why is this? Usually it’s because the person taking the shot has a different thought process and perspective than another. It is in these differences that the Photographer’s style is revealed, and style cannot be taught; only the settings with which to express that style.
So what have I learned that could be of benefit to others? Firstly, I have learned that what catches my eye as I am walking or driving somewhere is not necessarily what the camera will see. A camera is but a lens, a sensor and a storage medium; the Human eye is far more intricate, more three-dimensional, and our brain is a much more detailed storage medium. Sometimes in Photography, it is necessary to strip away much of the surrounding information and capture a fraction of the image. Sometimes it requires a wide-angle lens instead of a narrow focus. The skill in photography encompasses not only the ability to see our surroundings, but to simultaneously NOT see parts of those same surroundings. We must look at the subject from various angles and in some cases we are forced to wait until the lighting changes. Some Photographers have taken the same Photograph several times on different days, at different times of day etc, in order to get it “just right.”
And that is where proper planning meets good luck!
Thank you for taking the time to read this. As always, I appreciate your thoughts and comments; just click the “contact” button to send me an e-mail. Until next week, keep your shutter finger warm and always remember to pack extra batteries.
