Its been more than a month since I've attended the basic photography seminar from Jo Avila. I must say I've learned a lot from attending the seminar which I should have attended a few years back after getting my DSLR on October of 2008. I've even asked myself a lot of times why take a photography class while you can get all the information you need online for free.
For me that's simple. First, you have actual interaction with your mentor as well as your classmates and know their thought on the spot. That would beat any online interaction that at times were not sure if they would reply or not. Second, we got his latest tricks of the trade that probably we won't get it anywhere. He personally follows these principles so I know he's good at what he does. Third, you get to meet your classmates and your mentor in person rather than just seeing them online. And last but not the least, his Coffee at the studio. Its much better than any coffee shop I've been to and its free-flowing too that's why I enrolled at his class XD. Also here are the lines that he usually says during his class.
“The quality of the light is more important than the quantity of the light.”
“The worst picture you will ever take is a picture of a cow eating grass.”
“Read the camera manual.”
“You should drink more coffee.”
For the next few days weeks, months or even years, I'll be posting the things I've learned from him and sharing a few shots while I'm on my way back to the groove. Just stay tuned and I'll try to dissect the things I've learned in five parts.
“The quality of the light is more important than the quantity of the light.”
ReplyDelete-This is true! Quality is always better than Quantity.. Especially in this field.
In learning that needs development of actual skills, I prefer face to face classes. It makes learning more enjoyable and productive.
ReplyDeleteIt would really be interesting to look into your journey as a photographer through your post. I've friends who were also mentored by Jo Avila and they really learned a lot from him too.
ReplyDeleteMy bf has downloaded a lot of photography materials but he never really read them. It's good that you enrolled in photography class, you will really learn a lot of things. Plus, the fee that you paid would definitely remind you to listen and take notes. =)
ReplyDeleteYou're right, you can get all the information you need online for free...but it is very different if you yourself will have a touch experience with it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mark for sharing to us your readers what you have learned from your mentor.. looking forward for more post and pictures too.. :)
ReplyDeleteI have DSLR IN 2005, long before everybody or shall i say most knows about its existence but never attended any photography seminar yet.I still hope to get a lesson to improve my photos.
ReplyDeleteEager to see more of your photographs. You've had a great learning experience.
ReplyDeleteSana maka attend rin ako ng mga photography seminars.
ReplyDeleteThis one:
ReplyDelete“You should drink more coffee.”
Always apply to any kind of work or job at hand. Coffee is the universal energy and creativity drink.
I'm sure by now you are expert in every angle of photography and will surely be at par with your mentor.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that learning through an instructor is definitely better than learning on-line at least for the basics! You have to get your basics right and then learning on-line will be easier!
ReplyDeleteI saw some of his works -- really amazing! Lucky for you to have him as mentor. Looking forward about the things your learned from him. :)
ReplyDeleteamazing mentor!
ReplyDeletelucky for you.. I think you've made your own signature.
The issue I think with joining classes like this is that you tend to take your mentors words literally.
But I guess, if i were a part of his class.
I'd be sitting amaze thinking why I haven't thought of something before. :)