Teaching Philosophy

Many teachers speak of the “lightbulb moment” as a major reason for why they teach. I focus my attention instead on the “spark” of excitement and intend to turn it into a blaze of passion for the subject. When students become excited about what they are learning, great successes can be achieved and failures can be overcome. A hunger for more can develop within students which can drive them to seek out more knowledge and a deeper understanding on their own. Perhaps it is when students take their own initiative to learn, that they experience the greatest amount of growth.

I utilize many techniques to get my students excited. One of the most important ways is to be excited myself and let this enthusiasm show through my teaching, both in and outside of the classroom. My love for photography is evident in my demonstrations, critiques, casual conversation and lifestyle. This enthusiasm tends to be contagious. I am careful to maintain my passion through personal discovery, experimentation and research.

Inspiration is an integral part of my classes. I frequently show great photography, discuss personal successes and failures as well as recount situations that I've been amazed to find myself in. A critical aspect of my critiques is teaching students that something can be learned from every failure. I encourage them as they work through these frustrations and praise them when they succeed.

Certainly no one can stay excited about something with the same intensity all the time. I teach my students strategies to effectively deal with common problems such as “artist's block”, lack of inspiration and working under deadlines. I find that such things as journaling, image flooding or exercising can help them stay inspired, productive and motivated to keep learning.

One of the great benefits of teaching is the reciprocal nature of excitement. I work hard to stimulate interest within my students and they in turn produce work that inspires me. I often find my personal photographic ventures to be influenced by class topics and the creativity of my students.

Not only am I passionate about photography, but I also enjoy teaching a great deal. I gain great personal satisfaction from mentoring young people and watching them grow. I am confident that this is what I am meant to do.