My last day of teaching at Richland (at least for now!)

My last group of students (at least for now!)

I don’t know if I’ll be back or not, so I don’t know if I should celebrate, be maudlin, rant and rave or just go out and have a party!

I officially gave notice and was replaced, I’m happy to say my business is active enough that I don’t easily have time to do this.

Four years, eight semesters and I don’t know how many students.

I don’t remember all the names — yep, still horrible with that. But I truly appreciate the fact that many of my students are still shooting and are now even earning money for doing so.

Keenan Adams (Keenan Adams Photography), Valerie Cook (Valerie Cook Photography), Mary Lehman, Jason Smalley, and so many others. They may or may not be doing it full-time. They may or may not be supported by their spouses. But, I’m very proud of all of them. There’s probably others, but not even sure who they are.

Yeah, pretty bad on this keeping in touch stuff. Always have been.

But I also hope they remember me and my classes.

I vividly recall my mentors in photography — Bill Gillette formerly of Iowa State University, Dennis Garrels formerly of United Press International, John Gaps III formerly of the Associated Press (and the guy who asked me the classic question while I was shooting of “why are you taking photos?), Ed Porter formerly of the Sioux City Journal, Tom Gapen of the Los Angeles Daily News and others.

My current “heroes” of Bob Davis, Kevin Kubota, Doug Gordon, Clay Blackmore and David Ziser. Oh, and the irrelevancy and insanity of the boys of TriCoast Photography of Texas!

Each one of these guys has completely different styles and different approaches. They all share a love of shooting from the heart. I’ve attempted, somewhat successfully I’m told, a fusion of many styles. You take what fits you.

Shooting from the heart is what it is all about for me. I have been known to wear my emotions on the outside — and I don’t consider that a disadvantage.

These last four years have taught me much — and I will miss the semester long classes. I will continue to present seminars via Richland’s continuing ed program and now the Decatur Area Arts Council. So, I refuse to give up teaching entirely.

I’ve honestly learned as much from them as they might have from me. I believe that a teacher who thinks they know it all is pretty much useless. They won’t teach since they actually can’t learn. You need to constantly advance and constantly be challenged and keep striving.

Hated a DJ by the name of Casey Kasem — but loved his message — Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.

I also have to give a huge round of applause to adjunct faculty. I definitely know you aren’t in this for the money. I think that when I added up the actual hours spent in class and prepping for class, I’m earning quite a bit less than I would at McDonalds or Burger King.

Yikes.

I’ve always said there is something wrong with a system where teachers are paid less than executives of companies.

Now — I do know that I’ve also created my share of headaches and pains in the ass for Richland. I’m outspoken and have a tendency to protest when I see the need. So — to those whom I’ve offended, I apologize. And get your damn act together! Oh, great now I probably need to apologize again.

So, to all my former students! Thanks for some good times! And some headaches, backaches, worries, stress. . . . Oh, right. . . .

This was supposed to be a good, goodbye!

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