Behind the Image
I took this picture of a Passion Flower to explain compositional elements like the importance of leading lines and the rule of thirds.
How Teaching Changed the Way I See Photography
I have always been a strong supporter of public education and firmly believe that continuing one's education is one of the most valuable investments a person can make. Learning should never stop, regardless of age or career stage, and my own professional journey is a testament to that belief.
For nearly 18 years, I worked in the print media industry, a field that I was passionate about and one that provided countless opportunities for creative growth. During those years, however, I witnessed dramatic changes in the industry. As digital media continued to grow, newspapers and magazines faced significant challenges, and many traditional print publications struggled to survive. Watching these changes unfold made me increasingly concerned about the long-term future of my career in print media.
Rather than wait for circumstances to force a change, I decided to take control of my future and pursue a new direction. My interests had always extended beyond publishing, particularly into the areas of art and photography, so I began focusing more heavily on education in those fields. An opportunity soon arose when I accepted a position as the Visual Arts Director at a local arts magnet school.
The transition into education was both exciting and rewarding. The idea of teaching art and photography while helping inspire the next generation of creative thinkers and photographers immediately appealed to me. What began as a career change quickly became a calling. I discovered that sharing knowledge, encouraging creativity, and helping students develop their own artistic voices brought a sense of fulfillment that was different from anything I had experienced in the media industry.
After teaching art and photography for nearly ten years, I decided to further strengthen my skills as an educator by returning to school to pursue a master's degree in education. Although I continue to work professionally as a photographer on a part-time basis, my primary focus has shifted toward the educational side of photography and visual arts. I wanted to deepen my understanding of teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and student learning so that I could become a more effective educator.
Teaching photography has given me an entirely new perspective on the art form itself. Throughout much of my professional photography career, I relied heavily on instinct and experience. I knew how to create compelling images, but I often didn't stop to analyze the reasoning behind many of my creative decisions. As a photographer, those choices had become second nature.
When I began teaching photography, however, I was challenged to explain not only how to create successful images but also why certain techniques and decisions worked. Breaking down concepts such as composition, lighting, storytelling, and visual communication forced me to think more critically about my own creative process. In many ways, teaching transformed my understanding of photography and helped me become a more thoughtful artist.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of teaching has been working with students. While I strive to help them develop their technical and creative skills, they have also taught me a great deal in return. Their curiosity, fresh perspectives, and willingness to experiment continually challenge me to see photography in new ways. Every class brings new ideas, new questions, and new opportunities to learn.
Looking back, my decision to return to school and transition into education was one of the best choices I have ever made. What started as a response to changes in an industry became a journey of personal and professional growth. Today, I continue to learn alongside my students, and that ongoing exchange of knowledge and creativity is what makes education such a powerful and rewarding profession.