Photography Teachers?

[Benjamin Kanarek]

I have recently noticed several advertisements of those that are "teaching" photography.* At a school of photography as a guest speaker I was asked what my thoughts were regarding the whole "I can teach you photography" thing. Well here goes. I don't subscribe to that concept for many reasons. One is how to stunt the growth of a new student by teaching them rules about what is and what isn't right for a starter.* Another is the often over used formulas that in most cases these "specialists" teach the naive student as gospel

*I do however have no problem with a school that assists one in understanding technical issues or a school that deals with the historical and artistic aspects of photography. But a school that deals with issues such as cropping, lighting style etc...Well that's where I put my foot down and say an unequivocal NO, Nein, Non.

*I have had so many poor lost assistants whom I would rather not pinpoint specifically, that have no clue what so ever who they are. If they did come into a school of photography with the hopes of coming out an individual, well that notion was sucked out of them by the energy vampires. I'm not saying that all profs are frustrated unsuccessful photographers that couldn’t make it in their field. However from what I have seen and heard, one could not help but make that assumption.

*I am saying that guest speakers, workshops and specialized advise dealing with specific technical issues might be a reason to seek out advice or when a guest lecturer has come in to speak of his or her experiences, as I did at the Orleans School of Photography in France. Do your research. Read, experiment, take tons of photos inspire yourself and grow as a human. Build up your vocabulary in all disciplines and your life shall be richer as a result. It has been proven that the greater the vocabulary the richer ones life. Take a deep breath and do what comes naturally. If you get stuck creatively, take a short break.* If you need some technical advice, just ask questions.

http://www.benjaminkanarekblog.com/?p=1302

[yelvertoft]

Hmm, controversial stuff Ben. I don't entirely subscribe to your school of thought. I don't agree that photography cannot be taught, much as I don't agree that painting, or any other creative talent cannot be taught. Sure, you cannot take someone who has no underlying talent, and make them an artist (in whatever medium). I could study the piano for decades under expert tuition, and never get any better than I am now - i.e. a total inability to play. But, if the spark of talent is there, a good teacher, I stress the word GOOD, can bring out the talent in new ways and expant the pupil's ability.

Just as with any walk of life, there are some who are good at their job, and some who are not. It is wrong to tar all with the same brush. I recently did a photography course, the tutor did a good job of teaching the basics to the class. Was he ever going to turn any of us into the next Bob Carlos Clarke? No, never. Did he improve that understanding and ability of the pupils in the class? Yes.

You cannot teach creativity, but you can inspire people to do better than they would otherwise achieve.

Duncan

[Gidders]

Originally Posted by yelvertoft

You cannot teach creativity....

I'm not sure I entirely agree with that - no you cant provide someone with tools/formulas that will result in creative photographs/solutions/designs.... etc

But you can help people develop thier creativity by giving them exercises, tools for different ways of looking at things eg De Bonos thinking hats, Buzan mind maps etc etc

[gordon g]

The technical aspects of the craft of photography can be taught, and so can the theoretical aspects of composition and design. What cant be taught, but can be nutured, as Clive says, is the spark of original thought that uses the theory in aself-expressive way.
Stand three novice landscape photographers in one place and say 'Compose an image of this view according to the rules of composition', and you will get three very similar images. Do the same and say 'Make an image of what has caught your eye' and you'll get three unique interpretations.
Creativity can be nurtured and allowed to grow, if the person is given the space and encouragment to experiment. But I find that a lot of people only want to know the technical side of photography, and dont appreciate the creative thought processes going on behind an image that they want to emulate. The crucial bit of learning is the realisation that an image is constructed consciously, and is a result of a series of aesthetic choices. The technique only allows you to more closely realise those choices.