dmacmillan
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 p.3 #2 · Lighting Ratios, beyond the numbers.... | |
Wow. Just wow. I hardly know where to begin. Peter had it right. I was pointing out the irony of Art Center, which taught and probably still teaches its students to see, with the fact that one of the most methodical techniques of exposure evaluation ever developed was developed right there at Art Center.
AA was long gone by the time I got to Art Center, although one of my mentors did take courses from him while he attended school. He told me stories of his experiences. Good times indeed. I did learn the Zone System while at Art Center from "Gray Ray" Lamarca. I think I still have a long out of date bottle of Elon down in the basement left over when I was mixing up D-23 from scratch.
I don't think there's a day gone by that I don't make some use of my education from Art Center. I don't have to apply that education directly to photography for it to have been a benefit. Part of my job includes web design, at least before I got bumped up to program management. The design and graphics background sure helped there. I also learned a lot about a strong work ethic. When I was there, we regularly put in 70 and 80 hour work weeks. We were pushed to excel, a lesson that remains through one's life.
Although I engage in photography now as a happy amateur, my Art Center education is so ingrained that its influence is part of every photograph. I was blessed by having an opportunity to get a fine education and a wonderful experience. I don't have to justify that education by continuing to use photography to make a living. Life changes. I've been fortunate to have had an opportunity to achieve a second college degree and pursue a second rewarding career. My new career provided me with the wherewithal to pursue photography in an arguably purer form. It also provided me with perhaps the purest luxury, the luxury of only pleasing myself. I have no need for acclamation or approval from others. The only problem is that I tend to be my fiercest critic. My other career also allowed me the gift of spending my weekends with my family instead of out on a shoot. It was nice to be there to watch my sons play ball or perform in the orchestra.
The bottom line is I'm proud of my Art Center education. I have no regrets working for years as a professional. I have no regrets getting another degree and pursuing another career. I also still love photography.
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