Photography = A LOT of Me!!

Photography I (COM 315) is taught by Professor Duvall—an expert in the subject of photography who has developed a definitively performance-based grading system (vice the “normal” grading of papers, exams, etc.). He truly wants his students to work hard in order to succeed, and, in order to achieve this, grades students on a progressively stringent scale. The pace of the class is not to be taken lightly; while assignments may be turned in “late,” the late assignment must be turned in before the next assignment can be submitted.

At first, the class may be frustrating. Learning how to “reel” film in a pitch black environment is not an easy task. This act followed by the near 40-minute process of developing a roll of film (hint: develop 2 at the same time!) only achieves the most basic function: to see if your negatives turn out.

However, sight can be deceiving! In order to truly see if a print can be made out of the negatives, another 12 minutes or so is needed to develop a contact sheet.

Overwhelmed yet? Don’t be. The old adage “practice makes perfect” is essential to this class. Last week, I spent 8 hours in the darkroom making 4 prints (plus a couple extra “just-in-case” prints). Monday, I spent 6 hours making 6 prints plus a couple extra prints. Last night, I spent less than 4 hours making 8 prints.

Like I have told my friends and family, I learned more about my camera in one day of class than in the 7 years I have owned it. Sure I knew which setting “automatic” was, but you can do so much more by manipulating the camera yourself.

So, what is the ultimate benefit of taking this class? Knowing that the hard work you put in to shooting and developing a roll of film is all yours. On my kitchen counter sits my very first print in a frame. Is it perfect? Heck no! I know that I can either reprint or retake that shot much more effectively now. But I saw, took and developed that picture...and I will cherish it forever.

Of course, the journey doesn’t stop here! Oh Lord, no! It’s not even halfway through the semester! And what’s after this? Oh, you better believe that Photography II exists and that I will be taking it this summer!

Any questions, comments or concerns about this class? Please do feel free to ask away! Until next time...

Best,
~ N.