Page 16 - NyghtVision Magazine Volume 4 #2

ou would think that in our educational experience one would

learn how to assess a problem, or a life situation, or even how

to mentally prepare for a class, with but one exception, I was

Ynot exposed to these skills.

I was not taught the importance of being engaged in the moment, or, the importance
of mental preparation for classwork or life. I did learn math and science formulas, to finish
homework as class preparation, and some rudimentary study guidelines, which are of course
important, and little or no information on how to think through a problem or how to con-
sider a life situation, (though I was taught the classic “plus/minus” list for life’s important
decisions). Why was I not taught or mentored on a method of thinking through an issue or
problem?

Maybe I was sick that day. Or, perhaps, I was never taught those skills.

These thoughts occurred to me after taking an entry level photography course. Why,
you may wonder? Because, in this class I was taught a method, or ritual, for thinking through
the process of creating a quality still image, not just taking a picture - series of steps that had
me considering the important elements of creativity and photography. The method certainly
does not guarantee a memorable photograph, though it substantially increases my chances
of creating one - if I follow the steps.

Following the initial class, called Boot Camp and taught by The House of NyghtFal-
con, (a multi-faceted photography company), I was encouraged to write notes on what I had

16 | Jim Whiting