Friday, April 9, 2010

An invaluable experience for a great value

This week, College of the Siskiyous featured a community education photography class with noted photographer and Siskiyou County resident, John Rickard (owner of Tangle Gallery and Press and former owner of Rostel Photographic Gallery). 

IMG_1396

While typical photographic workshops can cost upwards of $600 and require Siskiyou photographers to travel outside of the region, anyone in the community can experience this workshop in their own backyard for only a $55 fee. 

Art 339, photography fundamentals, which took place this week, covered the basic principals of photography and addressed all students questions regarding the use of their camera (film or digital, point and shoot or SLR), creating quality prints, composition and presentation of work.  Rickard also offered one on one feedback for each student (with skill levels ranging from hobby photographer to emerging professionals), and valuable feedback of their work.

The second of these community education courses, Art 333 begins next week on April 16th in Weed featuring Rickard as the instructor once more.  The second course will focus on Siskiyou landscapes as portraits, photographing rich scenes in the area so that they tell a story, convey emotion and embody the style of the photographer.  This course will start with instruction on Friday the 16th from 5-8, then an entire day of photography on Saturday the 17th and a showcase of student work on April 23rd, the following Friday.

IMG_1391

In addition to being shown a number of sites for beautiful photography in our region, every student will spend time one-on-one with Rickard who has an enlightening way of instructing and inspiring artists.  The field trip day of shooting promises enriching opportunities and allows students flexibility regarding which times and locations they want to shoot at.  Rickard researches locations intensely before the class and creates a map and timeline for all students to follow.

I encourage any photographers of all skill levels to participate.  It’s not very often that such a meaningful experience is offered locally, much less at such a low cost.  Working alongside a photographer of Rickard’s caliber is an invaluable experience, at a great value. 

Art 333 is being offered through COS.  Students can easily sign up for this class online or on either campus. 

No comments:

Post a Comment