After completing a pre-requisite computer class I finally enrolled in the spring session of Photography I at RISD’s school of continuing ed. Getting out on my own and meeting new people is something I haven’t been doing recently and I hadn’t realized how much I would enjoy it. Getting inspired by the talent and creativity of my fellow students and instructor I did expect and received. There were all levels of expertise among the students as it is one of the classes needed for the certificate program. I was comfortable there with the amount of work and the amount of pressure.
That is I felt comfortable until I had to decide on a final project. The guidelines for the project were loose…we could present photos of anything we chose but the group of photos did need to be cohesive. I found it almost impossible to narrow my choice of subject down, especially after seeing some incredibly creative examples from previous classes. After discussing my difficultly getting focused with my instructor she advised that I just start taking pictures and see what happened.
Eventually, I realized that I couldn’t be and didn’t have to be as creative as the examples seemed to be…it is after all Photography One…I relaxed and just took photos of the things I usually do. My lawn had yet to be mowed and I had been taking pictures of the wildflowers in the yard and my series was started...
My final grade is still pending…
15 comments:
Beautiful shots!!!! I just love the bee!! Good luck with your grade!
Good for you. The photos are beautiful. You make me want to do that, too. xo Jenny
i'm so proud of you !!!....i really am. going back to school for anything after the age of 30 is a major accomplishment in my book !!!
I agree with Beth - Congratulations - that is a big deal! I am always amazed at people that take photos close to the ground, with my knees I could get down there, but someone better be around to help me up. Great shots!
As I read your description of the process choosing the final project, I did not expect the photo collection to be so cohesive. Each of the shots is lovely, and some of them are just stunning. But wow, what an impact they have together! I see speedwell, a flower we had in our grass at one house we lived in. And we have ajuga at this one. I really love this set! (A nice set of note cards, or a calendar, or in frames; why do I always go there?)
each photo more gorgeous than the last. i'd give you an A+ :)
Want to be interviewed for FinallyMe like Beth was? It's easy to sound brilliant, because I give you the questions and you have time to compose the answers. And you get to pick the illustrations. If you want to play, email me (meriak@yahoo.com).
There is always great beauty in the ordinary, Gail! I think you will get a wonderful grade.
I wish I could take a class such as this..I'm sure I could find one but I need the motivation to go alone as none of my friends are into photography.
Hello, my old friend.
You know how life gets busy and you loose track of blogger friends? And then something sparks and you search them out?
And you find that you love them as much as ever?
That's me.
And you.
Hello, old friend.
This sounds like such a wonderful class, Gail! And your photos are fantastic! I love your focus work. I keep looking through them for favorites, and I'm finding too many to list! The daisies, the clovers, that wonderful shot of the bee . . . and, oh those lady slippers! Truly beautiful work.
I was just down in Providence over the weekend. Todd was giving a paper at a conference at Brown, so I went down, too. We spent a little time in our old stomping grounds on the East Side, had a slice at Fellini's and a cup at Coffee Exchange before heading on down to Mystic for the night. Spent time in Mystic and Newport the next day. You live in a great part of New England, my friend. I love Maine, but I still have a very soft spot in my heart for Rhode Island, too.
lovely, lovely, lovely. such beautiful shots!
how beautiful. i love that you are out and about, meeting new people, going to school. i love all of these shots.
xo
I am so excited to hear about your class. What a wonderful opportunity you've created for yourself. I love that you are pursuing your passion.
Wow. What an amazing shot. I love the blurring effect it makes one or two flowers stand out more. I'm sure you'll get a high grade for these.
these are so artistic and creative ..no surprise because you are both of those and so much more!! I give it an A!! :))
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