For the winter semester at Virginia MOCA, I’m super stoked to be teaching 4 classes. Whoot! I’m teaching two Intro to Photography classes and one digital darkroom class. On top of these, is one of the most creative and challenging classes I’ve had the pleasure to teach: People Pictures. This class really focuses on creating more authentic photographs of the people in your life, as well as refining your vision and re-defining who you are as a photographer.
During the class, we do a lot of different exercises to stretch our creative muscle: researching and reflecting on various photographers, shooting different things, lots or writing exercises to delve into who we really are as photographers, and so much more! (like when I had the gals listen to an old Walt Whitman poem read by a dapper old English gentleman!)
Last week, I arranged to have Jennifer come in during the class time, and we all took turns photographing her on the grounds of MOCA. The exercise was supposed to help the students photograph with intent (something we talk about a lot in this class!). We talked about how when you’re a photographer, often you will photograph people you don’t know, so you need to be able to make that instant connection in order to get the best pictures!
I recommended that when they are preparing for a shoot, to think about a work or feeling or mood they want to portray during the session through working with the client.
So for me, my word was genuine, I wanted to get Jennifer as comfortable as possible when I was photographing her so I could capture photos with genuine emotion. Other words from that day were relaxed, natural and whimsical!
I love being able to share all the awesome things we are doing at MOCA and hope these posts inspire you to pick up your camera and get out there shooting! Or better yet, come take a class with me next semester There are classes for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, so get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself!
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