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Back To School
August 26th, 2008
Mark Twain once admonished us not to let school get in the way of our education. I think it’s fair to say we shouldn’t let the lack of school get in the way, either.
In the coming weeks it’s back to school time for kids and young adults across Canada and the USA, and beyond. Kids are gearing up for another year of awkwardness and emotional pain as they jockey to find their place on the social rung. What could be more fun than getting ready for another year of creating scars that will last the rest of their lives? It makes me nauseaous to think about it. BUT that’s not what this is about. I’m over those jerks. No, this is about you. And me. And education.
So I’ll put it to you bluntly - what’s your education plan for the year? Have you chosen your classes? Your books? Your teachers? Sure, you might be out of school, but let that take you away from intentionally learning your craft for too long and you’ll begin a devolution in your skills and marketability.
My challenge to you:
1. Pick one workshop or convention to attend this year
2. Choose one topic you’ll dig deeper into this year.
3. Make a list of 6 books - that’s only one every two months - that you’ll study.
4. Find a mentor, an Obi Wan to your Skywalker.
Love the idea David. I read your blog everyday.
I linked the image to it from my Tumblr site:
http://sinkorswim.tumblr.com/
Wow, you do remember what school was like! I’m going to take you up on that challenge!
Funny - we joined Aidan today for his first day of kindergarten. There was one kid there who pretty much broke down the whole 2 hours because his mom couldnt be there with him. Compare that to my kid who asked “do you have to come with me?” Not sure how to take that one.
But to your post - I am with you here. I have never taken a class or been to a convention or anything but would love to. Now I just need to find one of interest and worth in my area. And throw out some more book suggestions.
Here’s a short story if you don’t mind…
Last night I was feeling frustrated and a little depressed about my photography. But as usual I checked out your blog and thought that this post in particular stood out from the rest. Especially number four - Find a mentor, an Obi Wan to your Skywalker.
Well, it got me motivated and last night I decided to begin my search for a mentor as you suggested. But of course I just went to sleep as usual.
Anyway, I started my day this morning by meeting a friend. We sit down, chat as usual, but before long my friend pulls out an article in the local newspaper about a fairly famous photographer here in Japan called Norio Yamaguchi that she thought I may be interested in. He’s famous for his portraits of artists and politicians among other things. The article was about his first exhibition for 15 years in his home town (where I live) and as the exhibition was on my way home I decided to pop in and take a look straight away. I’m glad I did. Mr. Yamaguchi was there so we had a good chat about the usual before he asked me to point out the photographs that I particularly liked. I did so and he stood back looking slightly shocked. It turns out that the two photographs I chose were his favourites too. To cut a long story short, he invited me to join his photography club in which he critiques photographs that you bring to show him. And as we both like to take shots of elderly Japanese men (at the moment), and with 50 years of photography experience behind him (he’s 80 years old) he’s the perfect mentor.
Some days you get lucky and things are handed to you on a plate. Today was one of those days.
I was just watching Revenge of the Sith yesterday, and my daughter starts school for the first time Tuesday, today you bring up both in a post. Hmmm… coincidence? I think not! It is time I went to school. Now, where to go…
[...] duChemin had two posts today on learning, at his blog, and as a guest on Scott Kelby’s blog. Two things struck me, one he said to get to a [...]
Three weeks ago I became an assistant to an architectural photographer as well as finding a mentor as I mentioned above. I now go to the studio nearly every day, learn new techniques - including about the photography business in Japan - and she’s planning ways to make me her business partner. Life is sweet and and some of it is a direct result of me getting off my arse and becoming more motivated thanks to your post.
I keep saying thanks but I mean it.
So thanks.