Total Recall

So, I've spent the last week looking back at my time here at Prairie View. Where does the time go, really? It feels like we all just started school here and now, there's only four months left until we're finished. Being surrounded by people who share the same love of photography as I do has been such a brilliant experience. 

When I was thinking of taking the Diploma Program, I did some research and kept seeing the word 'intensive'. I figured, come on, how intense could it really be? There are assignments - a lot of assignments, which, at times, can be a bit overbearing when you factor in the other parts of life. My time management skills have been put to the test here! But each assignment is intended and designed for one purpose, which is, to make us better photographers.

At the beginning of the program, I truly didn't know what to expect. I thought I had a fairly good understanding of photography beforehand but I soon realized how much of an overstatement I had made to myself. Here at Prairie View, I have been exposed to so many realms and ranges of photography that I previously didn't even consider or think was important to know. I have learned not only how to take images of what I want (and take them with the correct technique) but also what to do with the images during post-production. This is so obvious to me now, but being taught to move a histogram to the right in order to capture as many tones as possible in any given image was one of my first of many a-ha moments.

And prior to my time at PV, I really didn't do much post-production work on my images because I honestly didn't even know where to start. Digital techniques has been one of my favourite classes. Every week, I learn something new and interesting. There is a vast amount of possibilities which can alter a RAW file and upon reflection, I don't know how I ever thought that I could get by without post-production.

Analogue Techniques has been a new realm for me to explore and I really love the process of shooting with film. Prior to school, I hadn't used a film camera since I was a kid and didn't think much of it since we are all now used to living in a primarily digital world. Developing my own film is not something that I have yet mastered, but I find the process fascinating. Being in the darkroom and seeing my images suddenly appear while in the developer, gives such a great feeling.

Film

My original goal upon completion of the Diploma Program was to become a portrait photographer. Now, I still have that same goal but I would like to concentrate more on the commercial aspect, including product photography. I also enjoy landscape photography and definitely want combine my passion of photography with my love of the outdoors. 

High Dynamic Range (HDR)

Everyday here has been a great learning experience and I'm so glad that decided to take this program. The instructors here always say, "keep shooting lots" - the more you shoot, the better you will become.  


Jade Beinke
PV Diploma Student 
2012-13