Photography By Olydon
About
I teach the art of seeing and creating images with a personal style. Intruction is hands on and individualized for each student, taking them from where they are skillwise and using the cmaeras they have, whether camera phone or DSLR, to explore new ways of seeing.
Bio: I have been a professional studio photographer (Lebanon, OR, 1976-1990) doing portrait, wedding, and commercial product photography and a photography teacher at Linn-Benton Community College and Northwest Christian High School until retiring this year.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I work individually with each student helping each one explore his or her interests in photography and expand his/her creative vision with projects that explore new techniques and subjects. Tacoma is my studio and classsroom, and it provides wonderful opportunities to practice every kind of photography, from portraits and still life to street photography. Depending on the student's interest we take photo safaris in the city, develop technical skills in processing and enchancing digital images on the computer using GIMP and online using Photoshop. Each student expands his skills with projects and resources available through the class website. Each student is encouraged to share his work with other students on the class Flickr page.
See the class webpage for last year's high school class. http://drcpublishing.net/Photography.html
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My interest in photography began with the purchase of an old Leica 35mm and progressed through a college course and through workshops and seminars as a professsional. Here's a short tour of my evolution as a photographer and a gallery of pictures taken in India http://drcpublishing.net/Gallery.html
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing depends on whether the student wants individualized online instruction and participation in the group Flickr site or hands on instruction in the Tacoma area.
Online personal instruction is $25 per lesson/project. This level of instruction includes email/blog communication with the instructor, personalized projects, and participation on the group Flickr site. Each project includes multiple interactions with the instructor, suggestions for improving the student's photography, and critiques of students' work.
Hands on instruction is $50 per lessson/project and includes online instruction and a 2 hour photo safari in the Tacoma area. Photo safaris are limited to a maximum of three students and are focused on specific photo projects such as still life, street photography, nature, etc.
How did you get started teaching?
I got started teaching photography at Linn-Benton Community College teaching an adult evening class.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with adults and high schools students. Some have been total beginners some experienced amaturs who wanted to expand their skills and vision.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My most exciting photography experience was a year long sojourn in Inda. I developed a love for street photography and developed a personal style making HDR reditions of those images.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who has experience in the kinds of photography you are interested in. I, for example, have little experience in wildlife photography, so if that is your interest, you'd be better off finding someone who has that experience.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Question #1 would be to ask how much time you are willing to commit to becoming a better photographer. Photography cannot be improved by reading or watching YouTube videos. Improvement comes by making pictures and lots of them and by listening to suggestions and then going out and putting those ideas to work.