Say Cheese!

Tonight was my photography class! And I think I parked illegally!  There was a lovely spot open RIGHT in front of Building H at Logan--score!!  Parked the car, gathered up my supplies, waltzed into the building to encounter a sign:  "THE FIRST ROW OF PARKING SPOTS ARE RESERVED FOR INSTRUCTORS.  NO EXCEPTIONS."  Hmmm.  To go move the car or not to go move the car . . . .  I determined that a class that starts at 6:00 p.m. was definitely an exception.  I think this exception was an acceptable exception, no matter what the sign said.  Decided to find my classroom with a little prayer that my car would be there where I left her . . . .

I was a little nervous, having missed the first night; I arrived not knowing where to sit or what was going on already or what handouts I needed, but it became clear that I was not the only newcomer, so I felt better right away.  The first thing I noticed was that this class could very easily be called All the Geriatric Folk of Williamson County Try to Figure Out Their Fancy Cameras.  But to be honest, I knew immediately that any questions I have, I am free to ask, and that was immensely comforting.  Questions ranged from, "How should my aperture be set in order to purposely blur the background but not distort my subject's arms to be too big?" (Yikes!  Aperture??  Consulting my manual . . . ) to "So what does this little lightning bolt on my camera mean?" (I looked--mystery lightning bolt was the flash button--I knew that one without the manual!).  Also they can't whisper.  Which is hysterical.  If the instructor wanders into new territory, the students start whispering loudly and beeping all the buttons on their cameras and lights flash and wives grab the cameras away from the hubbies and the prof cannot hear ANY of it, as he is hard of hearing.  I am going to LOVE the stories that come out of this class.

I took copious notes with lots of question marks--I'm going to have to locate my camera manual and bring it with me next time--but I'm excited!  We have homework!  I think.  The instructor threw out about half a dozen ideas for pics we can try, but the students kept interrupting and asking questions, so I'm not entirely sure what the final assignment actually is.  No big deal.  I had ideas for all his half a dozen suggestions, so I think I'll do them all and submit the best ones.  I'm excited to try all of them!  I'm hoping for sun this weekend to play around with lighting and flashes and ISO settings and so forth.  I hope Dino and Sophie are having good hair days, as I have big plans for them as My Subjects. 

Still Life of Pencil on Notes

So.  Verdict:  class is confusing!  But fun!  I'm afraid I'm going to want more camera stuff . . . .  Better save my pennies!!

Addendum:

Today was a little scary at work; I talked with my boss about some thoughts I've been having regarding my extra duties.  I think I've determined that it's time to consider laying down my Scholar Bowl Coach mantle.  But I'm not entirely sure--I've loved that team since I got it back in 2001 . . . can I let someone else lead them?  Encourage them?  Defend them from other coaches and moderators?  Not sure . . . .   But maybe I'll pick up something new?  Something that I can use my newfound photo skillz?  Stay tuned . . . .

Addendum #2:

My car was still there.  Safe and sound.  No exceptions, my eye.  ;-)