13 Weeks Left!

Wow! It's amazing to think that there are only thirteen weeks left in this program! It seems like the year just began a few weeks ago.As you may have seen in some of the posts made by other students at PrairieView, this is a very intensive course. Never before have I ever been pushed this far in my life. I've been pushed to learn more at a faster pace, see things differently, and work harder than ever before. An example of this, is the assignment where we were told to make a potato seem like it was feeling emotions. Never before did I think I would need to know how to make an inanimate object seem emotive!  

This is my happy potato!

I came into this program hoping my photos would get to the level I knew I could achieve. Although the lessons are amazing, I believe the best part of the school is being in an environment with instructors who have been in the business for many years, and being around students who are just as curious and creative as you. I love having the opportunity to bounce ideas for photo shoots off my fellow students and instructors.

Another student on one of the first outings of the year!

Something this course has taught me is that if you want to become good at something, you have to work through any problems you have, and always continue shooting. Through bad weather, when it's pouring outside, continue shooting, because you may get a few good shots, and find something unique about that sort of problem.

Continue shooting though rainy days.

Another thing I have really enjoyed has been the film aspect of the course. I had done a lot of film work in junior high, but haven't worked a film camera since. I never that I would absolutely fall in love with the process of developing my negatives and prints. There is nothing more magical than watching your photo show up out of thin air. 

Medium format film shot on a twin lens reflex camera.

No rest over Christmas! More film, documenting my vacation.

I had never been good with people pictures, but slowly, I have been getting better. It's something I'm actually getting to enjoy now that I kind of have an idea of how to properly get the shots I want. We are just learning studio lighting, and I am loving it. I no longer have to worry about what it looks like outside, I can set up my lights and get my shots somewhere where it is warm!

One of the first decent portraits I've done!

Still learning, but getting better.

I have never been so excited to go to class and learn. I am constantly wondering what I am going to learn in my next classes, and wondering how much better my photos are going to be getting. Though I know the next 13 weeks are going to be difficult, I know I'm going to learn so much.

Carmen Fortin
PV Diploma Student
2012-13