Photographers’ London - Class of Winter 2010.
Just completed my Photographers’ London short course at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design. What a fabulous group! A good mix from all sorts of professional and cultural backgrounds and diverse skill levels created a good mix for learning and talent sharing. As a lecturer and course designer I am always left thinking at the end of each workshop about just how much I take away from the experience. Each workshop seems to get better and better …. and I feel completely blessed.
One thing I will take away from this workshop is a discussion I had with a student about the importance of being current. In photography there is so much to be current about. Changing trends, evolving artists, industry standards and practices, online resources for the evolving artist/ photographer. The list is rich and grows daily. And the more on offer, the more students absorb and use it.
This made me think about the importance of the role of lecturers as information messengers or conduits. Only five years ago it was about knowledge of good technical books to have on offer for students, but now it is so much more about websites, social networks, online and offline galleries and most recent - apps. In photography the student bar has been raised from learning the technical to exhibiting that knowledge in the form of produced work. Social networks have been the most immediate exhibition galleries for many students, their first line of contact in the show and tell of work. I have always been an advocate of the release of one’s work into the universe and this practice keeps the creative process alive. The shelf life of the photographic/ educational practice remains open and that is instrumental in the act of creating and learning. Thankfully social networks have accommodated this for the student.
Web resources have also been prolific in establishing additional learning resources and assisted in the pace of which students learn. I have found that taking students to current photography websites and photographer’s portfolios has allowed comparison and in that established a dialogue to talk about the work. This interaction - talking about pictures - stitches together the gap between technical and creative…. it gives students dimension to what is possible.
As a lecturer, listening to students and taking the pulse of one’s courses is invaluable in the growth of teaching and improving the workshops. Something worth knowing. Or is it learning?
Easter Courses available at CSM
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION FEBRUARY 22nd, 2010
Art of the Snapshot
Photographers’ London
