Student of Photography...

KarenB

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Hello Fellow APUGers,

I'm a Photography Major at California State University, Sacramento, in my second semester. I just finished my first semester which included an Introduction to Photography course, which was a B&W darkroom course (35mm). I'm registered for a Pinhole Photography course for Spring, and possibly also an Intermediate B&W course, which will be 4x5. Accordingly, I have recently purchased a Toyo 45AII for the field, as well as a Toyo 45C (used on eBay) for the studio. Also some lenses and lots of "stuff" to go along with 4x5 shooting. I'm ready for my classes, but a little bewildered about all that goes with LF shooting. I'm reading as fast as I can and I have shot a little bit of film on my new cameras, but I still have SO MUCH TO LEARN. Reading the previous posts on APUG has helped me immensely! Thank you ALL for sharing your knowledege.

Happy New Year,
Karen
 

Nikki

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Welcome Karen.

Nikki
 

roteague

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Welcome from Hawaii Karen!!! Looking forward to seeing you grow in your photography. Sacramento is a beautiful area, I hope you get out and explore some.
 

Peter Schrager

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Welcome

Karen-sounds like you're in Chico or thereabouts. I know it well as I have property in the foothills. Very little that one cannot get answered here on APUG. So don't be shy and fire away....best analog forum on the planet!!
Best, Peter
 

Leon

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good to have you here KarenB
 

Quinten

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Hi Karin, I am in the same boat and I've learned more from fellow Apugers than from the teachers at 'school'. It's an amazing bunch of photographersover here Welcome and a big cheers on your photography!

Quinten
 

Charles Webb

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Welcome Karen!
Don't allow photography, other photographers or various formats intimidate you! A larger format camera is just another camera.

In my opinion, getting out and learning to see light, understanding how it works and exposing film are the number one items to aid your expansion and growth.

Take notes, I guarantee you can't remember everything you want to.

Have fun,
Charlie.......................
 

jmdavis

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Karen,

There is always more to learn. But a couple of good books, your classes, and practice (along with some APUG) will give you almost all of the knowledge that you need.

Most of the photo programs that I know do Intermediate Photo with MF rather than LF. If you are judged on the quality and not sheer quantity of work, you may be able to get ahead of the curve.

My degree is in Film making but I work at a University and take still photo classes when I can. I found that in LF class, maybe 2 of 16 people were really interested in the format. Most of the rest were just going through the motions of a Post Modernist photo education. This was particularly interesting since the professor in question definitely had a strong modernist bent.

Now to the books. I started with the Ansel Adams Series (The Camera, The Negative, the Print). In my opinion, these are better than most of the other texts that I've experienced. The contain far less photo history and far more photo technique. Steve Simmons' "Using the View Camera" is another good book to answer alot of questions about movements, focus, techniques, film loading, etc. I have some others such as "Large Format Nature Photography" and an older copy of Jim Stone's "User's Guide to the View Camera"

But dollar for dollar, I would go with a new copy of Steve Simmons' book and copies of The Camera, The Negative, and The Print from a decent used book store, ebay or A libris. I often find these for $5 each at some local used book stores in Hard Cover which makes the cost of all 3 about the same as a single soft cover new.

All of the above does not mean that I don't recognize the importance of photo history. I believe that a student should be able to recognize Arbus, Mann, Westons (Edward, Brett or Cole), Strand, White, Ansel Adams, Robert Adams, Lee Freidlander, Avedon, Eugene O'Neill and others by photo and by style. I have bought many photo books over the past few years, to make up for my lack of a good foundation in photo history.

Mike Davis
 
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KarenB

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Hello...

Peter - I'm south of Chico, and although I attend Sacramento State, live east of Sacramento about an hour drive, near Placerville.

Thanks for the link, blaze-on.

Charles - Yes, good advice on taking notes. I just treated myself to a small Moleskine notebook to carry with me to jot down my exposure and other info. Last night, I notched my film holders with a code so I can match my film to my notes.

Mike - I've recently bought Steve Simmons' book and will look for the others mentioned. I know what you mean about some students just going through the motions. However, I intend to get the most out of my studies as I can and supplement that learning with as much self study as I can find the time for. That's where I beleive APUG will be a tremendous help, as Quinten has mentioned.

And to all - Thanks for taking the time to write and thanks for the warm welcomes.

Karen
 

Rombo

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Hi Karen!

Here is some student of photography. Personally, I think that APUG is very good source of knowledge for me. Reading past discussions is a good source!


Peter

Happy New Year to all!
 
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KarenB

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Wow, Jay! Very poetic. I think I'll print out your words of wisdom and put them on my darkroom wall.

And, yes, Peter, I've been searching and reading the past discussions like mad!

Thanks,
Karen
 

jovo

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KarenB said:
I'm a Photography Major
Click to expand...


It would be interesting for us to hear your impressions of the aesthetic direction and artistic values your school espouses...or at least the more vocal and opinionated faculty and how you feel about it. I suppose when you've begun getting critiques you'll get the strongest sense of this, but wherever it comes from, it would be fascinating for you to share it on this forum. (Perhaps there won't even be much of that sort of thing. Keeping the focus on the practical skills and techniques you'll need may preclude much in the way of 'fine art' influences. But...whatever...please share.)
 

severian

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Huh?

Jon,
Explain your last sentence in parentheses. Do practical skills and technique get in the way of "fine Art" influences?
Jack
 

jovo

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severian said:
Jon,
Explain your last sentence in parentheses. Do practical skills and technique get in the way of "fine Art" influences?
Jack
Click to expand...

I've no idea. It probably depends on the school. Photography can be taught as a set of skills preparing one for a trade, or that curiculumn plus a 'fine art' emphasis. When I went to conservatory in NYC, we were taught the solo repertoire and ancillary studies needed to acquire skill in that repertoire. The actual bread and butter music (orchestra excerpts for example) that one really needed to know to earn a living, since only the very few actually 'made it' as soloists, were left for us to learn on our own. There was a very distinct approach to the solo (and chamber music) literature which we learned that absolutely precluded certain kinds of playing as 'inauthentic' or 'old fashioned' etc. I think that may be somewhat less so now...preparation for real world performance may (and I'm not certain of this) be much more highly stressed. So my point is: does Karin's school approach photography purely as a 'trade', or does it also attempt to inculcate an aesthetic sensibility as well. And if the latter, what might that be? And to your direct question: "Do practical skills and technique get in the way of "fine Art" influences?", No, I certainly don't think they have to or should. My question includes: "Does your training go beyond practical skills and technique?"
 
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KarenB

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John, I'll attempt to answer your question with what little information I know at this point. I've just completed my first semester, so I don't have a good feel for the complete answer to your question, nor do I have a basis for comparison (with any other schools). The CSUS Photography Major program has only been in existence for a few years, and I believe it split off from the Art Major. My professors are also professional fine arts photographers.

The first photography course I was required to take was an introductory black and white film/darkroom course. I also took an Art History course and an Intro to Graphic Design (both required for the major). In the Spring semester I will have a course in Pinhole Photograhy and Intermediate B&W (using medium and large format cameras). And, of course, I have GE courses I'm taking as well.

Here is the description of the major from the catalog:

The Bachelor of Arts in Photography is a joint major that prepares students to enter one of the exciting professional photographic fields. By combining courses from the Art Department and the Department of Design, as well as support classes in Journalism and Business, the program equips students aesthetically, technically, and professionally for a future in photography. This program has a curricular emphasis on the visual arts, integrating areas that are particularly valuable to those considering a professional photographic career or continuing in a graduate program. The major is structured to provide students with the skills and understanding to enable them to create images that will stand out among the profusion of photographs in the commercial, editorial or fine art arenas.

CSUS is uniquely positioned to offer students strong photographic curricula, internships and professional connections. Because of its location in the state capital, students may complete field work with state agencies, museums, professional associations, and news organizations.

Among the facilities available for photography students is a large digital lab furnished with Macintosh computers, Epson printers, film, and flat bed scanners. There is also an alternative process lab for platinum/palladium printing, a well equipped darkroom with 4x5 black and white and color enlarging stations, a Hope 20" color print processor, Wing Lynch film processor, and studio shooting facilities.

More info is here:

http://aaweb.csus.edu/catalog/current/PROGRAM/PHOT.asp
and
http://www.csus.edu/design/phot/phot_home.htm

Karen
 

jovo

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Karen said:
Here is the description of the major from the catalog:
Click to expand...

It sounds like an excellent program. What would be interesting is to hear your ongoing reaction to the course work...kind of a diary you could share with us as the semesters go by. Perhaps you could post every once in a while. I, for one, would find it fascinating. Thanks for the comprehensive description.
 

Shawn Dougherty

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Karen,
Welcome to APUG. I think you'll find the knowledge available here is limited only by your willingness to seek it.

I wish you the best of luck with your studies. I'll also offer some photographic advice... Follow your intuition in all steps of the process. Be prepared for those instincts to be questioned, even by yourself. Realize that not all art can be or should be explained. Finally, making pictures can be hard work but it should also be fun! All the best. Shawn
 

Poptart

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I think it's safe to say you'll learn nothing from me.
 
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KarenB

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Sorry to dispute what you say, Poptart, but I believe I've already seen enough posts from you that I must have learned something from you!

Thanks to Shawn and Nicole, also, for taking the time to welcome me to the APUG world.
 

unohuu

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welcome Karen, from a hobbyist, who really enjoys the shooting and interacting with people. looking forward to seeing your work and your POV on APUG. Luke
 

jp80874

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Karen,

Welcome. You have gathered excellent advice that I can only applaud. Charmingly you have encouraged more by your attentive responses. I have been taking similar courses from the perspective of fulfilling a passionate dream in my retirement. My wife is about to do the same with water color.

One caution from the experience of eight courses is to be careful not to let your enthusiasm push you to burnout. Enjoy youth and life in a balance that encourages you to continue as others drop.

An additional source not mentioned is the museums and galleries in your area. Our courses require two brief photographic exhibit review papers a term. They have introduced us to artists we didn’t know and made comparisons to the work of others we wanted to learn about. What started as doing my homework has given background and standards for achievement. Most museums have painting and photography, so we have added delightful weekend trips, 200-300 miles, to share, learn and enjoy. May you have the same results.

John Powers
 
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