The unchecklist

I’ve just finished a year of photography classes, and with the spring semester set to begin in two weeks, I’m wrestling with myself over whether to take the two classes I’ve signed up for.

I’m not in school to get a degree, so it’s really about what I think I’ll get out of the classes and how I want to spend my time. Of the three I’ve taken so far, one was fantastic, and the other two were good. I’m sure I’d learn things in these two. The question is: Where would I learn more—in class or on my own?

I don’t know . . . I’m excited about what I’m doing on my own, and the thought of having to do assignments somebody else imposes on me right now isn’t all that appealing. If I expect to make a living as a photographer someday, I know it’ll be important to approach assignments or commissioned work with the same enthusiasm and intensity I put into my personal projects—and I’m confident I’ll be able to do that. (I’ve never been much for ennui.) But for now, I want my photography to be about my exploration of what matters to me and what doesn’t. Lately I’ve just been going out with my camera and playing around, noticing what grabs my attention and what I pass by. The more time I spend doing this, the sooner my own visual style will start to emerge. At least that’s my theory.

I’d rather let the classes I take spring from what I’m curious about, instead of being dictated by what classes the school offers and which ones I haven’t yet taken. I’m trying to get away from that checklist approach to learning—it feeds into my anal nature a bit too easily, and easy isn’t what I’m going for.

So I guess I do know.

Copyright © 2007 Liz Kuball