I registered for a photography course online, but I ran into the same problem many online students face: people who are too advanced to take the course but do so to show off how advanced they are, and make the others feel bad about their lack of skill. You know the type of people I mean; the proficient folks who hang around in beginner environments because they prefer not to move onward to other pursuits in which they would be at a disadvantage.
It’s annoying to post a simple shot for critique and then see another photo which has been enhanced and corrected and given a flowery watermark signature chosen by the photographer. Fine for you, buddy, but I’m not there yet: I’m still figuring out what settings work best.
The other students have commented on this problem, but since everybody paid the same for the class, it’s unlikely anybody will be able to determine and filter out the samples of work from people who ought to be elsewhere in the online school and not wasting their money to review what they already know.
It’s been some time since I posted, and yet I still want to finish the course. Even when I followed the rules of posting–comment on others’ work and be positive, for example–sometimes it feels like the work I’ve done is for nothing. The advanced folks make the beginners feel bad, and limited feedback provides limited opportunities for growth.
A true artist knows the struggles of others and respects their efforts. It’s hard enough to lug around a heavy piece of equipment hanging from one’s neck and try to review the steps needed to compose a shot, set it up and actually take the photo. Some are more adept at this, or in the case of the usurpers, they may have much more practice.
So I’m stuck at a crossroad with my possible future hobby. I suppose it would be worthwhile to take a few days and devote them to just finishing up the assignments and letting go the reluctance. What I don’t want to do is put my camera away and not use it. A few opportunities will come up soon to go out and shoot pictures, and I want to be ready. Even if I don’t put a signature watermark on my work, I’ll enjoy seeing what comes from my efforts. And I can keep it real, with no funny stuff, because I haven’t taken editing yet, and need not be ashamed to say so.
Say cheese! The rest of you say “Cheat!”
Susan's Scribblings the Blog 