Final Assignment

[jerryph]

Well... I just uploaded my final assignment to await my marks. I will say that even though I would consider myself a more advanced biginner than your average one, this course really made me think differently about photography. I feel that the quality of my pictures has improved when I actively use the info given to me in the course.

I look forward to seeing what comments my pics result in. :)

[LensBaby]

Jerry did you post any on your member gallery? I would really like to see some of your photos!

[jerryph]

I should post a few pics there, let me do that and make a post in a few minutes.

[jerryph]

I posted a few memories of my vacation that I just came back from into my member gallery. The link is:

http://www.proudphotography.com/forum/gallery/browseimages.php?c=3&userid=1000

[dkippen]

Jerry -

You have some very nice shots here, it looks like you had a good time. Congrats on finishing the course. How long did it take for you?

[jerryph]

I had done all assignments but the last one in about a week (in early January). I knew that I was going to Disney in February and instead of finishing, improved on the assignments that I felt were not up to what I could do. I left all but the last until yesterday where I had a nice pool of pictures to choose from for the final assignment.

Though I may have finished the course, the education continues. I know I have a nice long ways to go. :)

[Snappers]

Wow, One week! You must have been busy. Some nice shots you have there Jerry. I have been printing the course as I go along so that I can refer back to it and continue to learn.

What do you intend to do now with the knowledge you have learned?

[jerryph]

Wow, One week! You must have been busy. Some nice shots you have there Jerry. I have been printing the course as I go along so that I can refer back to it and continue to learn.


I am a fast reader and learner (at least I like to think so... lol). I also saved the PDF course and actually referred to a few technical aspects a couple of times for a few ideas here and there. Thanks for the nice compliments!


What do you intend to do now with the knowledge you have learned?

What to do with what I have learned? I look at it like this... this course was just my foundation of photography. I still have a whole "house" to build, so... lots more to learn, lots of pictures to take and a lot more fun to have!

During this whole process, I hope to continue to improve and enjoy photography as much as I can.

[Snappers]

Spot on Jerry. Do you plan on doing any more courses or is it just a case of shoot and learn? Hope you don't mind me asking. I view this course much as you have, being a foundation of photography but then I hope to go on and study more courses perhaps a proper qualification but I'm not sure yet. First I want to take my time with this course and learn as much as I can.

[jerryph]

Well, I have always been an avid self-learner, so I am taking it from here on further by myself via books, what I learn online and personal experience.

I think after this level, most education is going to be based a lot on what areas of photography each person wants to learn about:

- wildlife
- landscapes
- portraiture
- weddings
- etc...

... and that the skills needed to excel in one are things not much used in the other (with the possible exception of some crossover techniques used between weddings and portraiture).

I think that the things that I enjoy doing most in photography are preserving memories while on vacation as well as portraiture, weddings and family events.

A big tool is that there are forums both here and elsewhere that will always be around to stimulate me enough to slowly go in different directions and learn as I move on.

[Snappers]

I am tending to think more towards Landscape myself although I would like to get into portraiture. I am looking forward to the lesson on Portraiture even though I have few willing subjects at the moment.

[jerryph]

Landscape seems to hold the least interest for me, though taking pics of places I travel to properly does.

I think the aspect that piques my interest from a challenge standpoint is portraiture. Lighting can be very simple, but the moment that flash becomes off camera, the understanding, dynamics and styles available are an immense topic and I've already bought myself 2 books to create a knowledge base to start from for myself within this area.

Next month I plan to start a search for my own mannequin, since like you, models are a scarce resource and having a lifesize model available to me at anytime would be a great tool to practice with.

[LensBaby]

Jerry I am right along with you. Landscapes are not my favorite topic (for me to photograph). I do like seeing photos of them, and of course vacation photos for me are a must, but when it comes to portraits - this is where I find the real challenge. Lighting for me is a challenge but yet so much fun! It is like a puzzle for me. I have some Alien Bee 400w lights and WOW the different photos I can get of the same subject is amazing. I also know with portraits I can pass them on to my children to pass on to their children. (my older boys are not into landscapes) It just goes to show everyone that with photography everybody has a different like or dislikes.

[jerryph]

Definately, and that would pose a bit of a problem for the makers of a more advanced course, as they would have to tailor it to different specialities... a task not easy and likely cause multiple courses to be created.

Have you ever visited the strobist website? They are geared towards off camera flashes, but 95% of the techniques they speak of is directly applicable to 1-2 strobes and an umbrella or softbox. If not, check it out: http://strobist.blogspot.com ... specifically look for lighting 101 and 102.

[LensBaby]

Thanks! Hey do you know about photoworkshop.com (?) If not I will tell you more about it and how to get it at a discount..cheap! There are books made through them that you find at Borders etc. and each chapter has an assignment...you then do your assignment and the upload it to the computer for CC. It is just like a classroom! The have a people/portrait book (class). It is really cool. You also get a really nice web site with them! Let me know if you want more info! (The discount is through studentphoto.

[jerryph]

LensBaby, thanks for the offer, I'd be quite interested in looking at photoworkshop.com and what kind of discount they offer. I'll look into the website after work today... it sounds like the right next step after this course (and I just received my final grades from Peter a few min ago!).

[Snappers]

Could you share the details with me as well please Sue?

[dkippen]

Sue -

Photoworkshop is one of my favorite bookmarks, but have never joined. I learned of them through a Canon link. I would be interested in more details as well about joining.

[LensBaby]

OK here is the details..if you join at www.studentphoto.com you will receive two memberships..one to studentphoto and the other to photoworkshop. You have to be in a photography school (which we all are) to join this! It is only 20 something dollars for the year as opposed to like 50 something a year through photoworkshop. Also you will receive a monthly magazine subscription to Professional photography magazine. I really really like it. They also have something one a year (student photo) that they will publish one of your photos in a magazine. You can't beat paying for one subscription and getting the other one free with it. OK now the info about photoworkshop...... They have started selling really nice books and at the end of each chapter you can upload your assignments for critique. You can upload for free if you buy the books, but you will not get any of the additional stuff...and there is a ton of it. You will get a really nice web site included..they have weekly assignments in addition to the book assignment (you do not have to buy the books) They also have a learning center for Canon ..Adobe...and many other tutorials. The lighting tutorial is AMAZING. There is also a great interactive program on aperature! Check it out because it it well worth the money. IF you have any more questions I would be glad to answer them. OH GET THIS with the student photo you will get insurance on your equipment if something would break!

Here this is from their site:

Benefits for Students

1. Career assistance The assistant search engine at www.studentphoto.com allows members to post a resume and up to six images. It’s a great way to get your portfolio out in front of industry people in an effective and inexpensive way. Students listed on the assistant search engine are also included in the assistant search engine at the Commercial Photographers International (CPI) website. Plus, the classified ads studentphoto.com are great resource for students looking for an internship, part-time work, or a job upon graduation.
2. Free Equipment insurance is included with membership. Every student member receives $500 in free equipment insurance (a $100 deductible). The insurance is automatic so there is no paperwork to file. If you have an incident just give us a call and process a claim.
3. Great articles on how to manage your career, how to start a business, profiles of photographic artists, and more are available at studentphoto.com.
4. Sample contracts, model releases, and copyright registration forms are all available for free at studentphoto.com.
5. Professional Photographer is included with membership. The award winning Professional Photographer magazine is a leading resource on photographic techniques, the latest tech, and articles for successful professional photographers. (a $27 value)
6. Copyright assistance is available from our copyright and government affairs department. We can assist you in preventing theft of your work and assist you in recovering compensation if your work is stolen.
7. $2,000 in discounts with leading businesses in the photographic world. Through our partnership with the Professional Photographers of America and the Society of Sport & Event Photographers, SPS members receive a copy of the SEP/PPA coupon book.
8. The Student Photo Newsletter, created exclusively for SPS members, contains images and interviews with students and instructors from around the country.
9. Gain access to the Student Volunteer program at Imaging USA. Have fun and network with thousands of professional photographers. Student volunteers get free access to all programs, parties, a hands-on portfolio review by some of the best pros in business, and free lodging at one of the host hotels. (a $500 value)
10. Free access to Photoworkshop.com. Tutorials, galleries, and more (a $50 value).

[Snappers]

Brilliant, thanks Sue. Is this only available to people in the states or is it worldwide?

[dkippen]

Thank you Sue - checking it out now.

[jonrayner]

Well... I just uploaded my final assignment to await my marks. I will say that even though I would consider myself a more advanced biginner than your average one, this course really made me think differently about photography. I feel that the quality of my pictures has improved when I actively use the info given to me in the course.

I look forward to seeing what comments my pics result in. :)

Woah, you didn't hang about! It is good to know that the course has worked for you.

[LensBaby]

Andy I am not sure about the Student Photo, but I know the photoworkshop should be worldwide. You can get the books online from the photoworkshop site, and I also see people on there from all around!

[jerryph]

OK here is the details..if you join at www.studentphoto.com you will receive two memberships..one to studentphoto and the other to photoworkshop.

Ok I just joined at studentphoto. It was $29, and I got no 2nd membership to photoworkshop.


You can't beat paying for one subscription and getting the other one free with it

How do you know you got the 2nd one?

I am looking at the forum at studentphoto, and honestly I am not very impressed. There are better and more informative photo forums on the web for free, much less somthing that I just paid $29US for.


Check it out because it it well worth the money. IF you have any more questions I would be glad to answer them. OH GET THIS with the student photo you will get insurance on your equipment if something would break!

Just to let you know, their insurance is for a maximum of $500 and has a $100 deductible. Most home owner insurance automatically covers all your camera gear and my deductable is $50. I have over $7000 in digital and video equipment, so their plan would not do much for me. :(

I tried using my credentials from studentphoto on photoworkshop, and it was not valid, so I must have missed something somewhere. Could you tell me what I did wrong, Sue?

Thanks!

[LensBaby]

There is a name on there Joy Tribble...she can tell you what to use for the photoworkshop. It is free because I get it and it even says so. I posted the info of what you get on there so you could read it before you joined. WOW your insurance is great! I wished ours was that good. We had a 400 year old tree fall and split our home in half and they didn't even want to pay for that.They even left my whole family without a place to stay 3 times in one week!If our insurance didn't care about us having a place to live I doubt they will cover my camera! (We are in the legal process right now) The only thing about student photo that is great is having your work published once a year and I also love the magazine that I get once a month. To me that is worth the 29.00 a year. I get a lot of use out of the photoworkshop so to be it is worth it. I guess it depends on what you want out of it - I love the lighting tutorial..its great! They sent me my info in an email. Here is the email to send questions to ... jtribble@studentphoto.com When I put that info I was explaining a cheaper way to get the photoworkshop it is 50.00 through their site. I was just trying to save people money if they wanted to do the photoworkshop. I do not have any complaints with them at all. I am renewing mine on the 22th of this month.

[jerryph]

Oh don't get me wrong, I am certainly not annoyed at you at all, you were definately doing a good deed. :)

I'll find out from the email that you gave.

Thanks Sue!

BTW, do call your insurance about camera theft, you will more than likely find that it is covered, but you will probably have to do what I did, and that was send your agent an email with pictures, brand, model and serial numbers. My agent asked me what the current condition of my equipment was, and since I was in the area, I stopped in to show him in person to show him that all my equipment is immaculate. You have to love the look of someone when they see a Nikon D200 with the 70Nikkor -200 VR and lens hood in place, my agent's face was priceless... lol.

[LensBaby]

No I didn't think that at all! I was just saying I really just use the student photo for the discount to photoworkshop...I wish I could let you see all that it has on it. Weekly assignments...contests and many tutorials! The people that join the student photo just do that to get the photoworkshop at a discount. There is a lighting tutorial that will show you where you place the lights and when you click on the placement of the lights it has a women and shows you the lighting effect that you will get. I love that one! I will look for a lady at photoworkshops email for you.

[LensBaby]

OK Jerry here is one directly at photoworkshp for you..
judith@photoworkshop.com hope this helps! I think they might have to give them your info for you to access ..mine took a day or two. You are lucky that you have such a wonderful insurance company. Our agent is very nice but the COMPANY ...ugh long story. My kids went through He** and back - lost everything they had toys everything.

[LensBaby]

Here is a photo of our home after the tree fell (it was from a micro burst) Never even knew what that was until it happened!
Our home looks tiny but the tree is covering most of our home - there is another side to it under that tree! Just figured I would show you so you would know what I was talking about. Last year was the worst year of my life ...lost a baby...my son almost died from an accident,my older son got hit by a drunk driver and then this happened...All of those happened within a 5 month period!I know you are never given more than you can handle.

[jerryph]

Here is a photo of our home after the tree fell (it was from a micro burst) Never even knew what that was until it happened!
Well I just learned something new too, never heard of those before in my life.


Last year was the worst year of my life ...lost a baby...my son almost died from an accident,my older son got hit by a drunk driver and then this happened...All of those happened within a 5 month period!I know you are never given more than you can handle.
... but cripes thats a LOT to handle, period! The French have an expression that basically says "never two without three", but four in a row is asking a lot of anyone.

It is true that "whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger". Some of life's greatest tragedies result in some of life's greatest accomplishments.

I am sorry to read of your troubles, but I am more happy to know that you've overcome them and still keep that chin high. That to me shows a lot of character.

Thank-you for the email address!

Edit: I just emailed judith@photoworkshop.com asking for info pertaining to access.

[LensBaby]

Let me know when you hear from them! Yeah it does make us stronger, but this is why I am so wrapped up in photography. It takes my mind off of this past year! Once I am snapping photos my troubles all leave...therapy of sorts I guess! I love it.

[jerryph]

Woah, you didn't hang about! It is good to know that the course has worked for you.

Oh yes, it did help me at many levels!

[Snappers]

Wow, that is a lot Sue. Glad you have come through it. Photography is a great way to loose yourself in your surroundings, time seems to fly by when I am out snapping.

[dkippen]

Sue - It's amazing the trials and challenges we are put through as we go through life. I'm sure each and every one of us has our own stories to tell. I usually live the "God doesn't give us more than we can handle" and I reply, "Okay God, this isn' funny anymore" and yet, we always manage to make it through the storm stronger than before. Another favorite of mine "and this too shall pass." Stay strong and persevere - you have a wonderful talent and your photos will take you through this.

[LensBaby]

Funny how talking about insurance got me on that. My point was even though you pay for insurance it may not work out in the end anyway. Hey when that happened to our home I did get some cool PHOTOS! haha

[jerryph]

Funny how talking about insurance got me on that. Hey when that happened to our home I did get some cool PHOTOS! haha

You got good pics for your insurance people, how is that for a paradox? haha

[dkippen]

Sue -

If it makes you feel any better, we're fighting with our insurance company to get our roof and siding fixed from hail damage last summer. I've gone as far as filing a complaint with the state insurance commission.

[LensBaby]

People in Ohio that had damaged from other things told the insurance companies that they had the hail damage (we had it golf ball size 1 week before the tree hit out home) and the insurance companies here didn't cause any problems over that. The adjuster actually told us that they were "hurting" because of all of the hail damage claims. My husband replied....do the people with hail damage still have a home to go to? Needless to say he shut up rather fast!

[dkippen]

Good for your husband. I think adjusters and insurance people in general should come down to the real world and see how the rest of us live.

[LensBaby]

I am a big believer in "what goes around comes around" and it may not be the same situation, but they will have bad luck come back to them in one way or another! I know this sounds mean but our Insurance company uses "religion" as part of their company and guess what????? They are the biggest thieves and liars that you would ever meet. I do not like when people use religion, so people think that they are GOOD people.

[dkippen]

AMEN Sue - I have always believed you get back what you put out, in essence what goes around comes around, good, bad or indifferent.

[LensBaby]

Y E S !!! I think that is why I don't really let people bother me much.

[Snappers]

OK Jerry here is one directly at photoworkshp for you..
judith@photoworkshop.com hope this helps! I think they might have to give them your info for you to access ..mine took a day or two. You are lucky that you have such a wonderful insurance company. Our agent is very nice but the COMPANY ...ugh long story. My kids went through He** and back - lost everything they had toys everything.

Jerry, you get this sorted out?

[jerryph]

Nope, no answer from them at all. It's now about a week.