I'm a little behind getting this update out. I had my first class last Tuesday. The class is called Photo I, and is required to take other classes I'm interested in - like printmaking, and a few advanced digital classes.

We'll learn how to process our own film, and do some basic printmaking - enough to help us determine if we want to move on and enhance our skills. I'm excited to explore both areas.

The first night, there were 34 people who showed up. A lot more than I expected, but I'm told that probably half will drop by the second class. The first night was free -- the lecture on exposure was pretty good, certainly worth the price. This week, students will have to pony up the $365 for class -- and invest about $200 in supplies. I would guess we'll be down to 20, which is a very workable group size, given the tasks at hand.

We really didn't do much more than discuss exposure during the first class. Aperture/Shutter Speed/ASA(ISO)/Light Available --- the four key elements to a good exposure. I'll admit -- I was a little more than bored with this part -- but I found it comical to see so many people show up to class with nice, new, shiny cameras - and not have a clue as to how to use them! One guy actually showed up with a Mamiya SLR -- he had no idea how to tell what the max and min shutter speeds are on the the camera! Much less how big, or small, the aperture range is...

There were several people who didn't realize they had to put a battery in the camera -- or their battery was completly dead. Why would you go to the class without checking your meter or your battery? Why? Oh -- and there were a few people who actually showed up with NO camera. Imagine that... People are strange, aren't they?

I sat and listened, and learned a thing or two about exposure -- and tried to lend a hand to those around me who didn't know how to find their ASA reading -- or apeture ring -- or shutter speed.... I actually enjoyed it -- helping people see that there's actually more to their camera than just an AUTO setting!

This coming Tuesday, we'll learn to load film on the reel (I'm a little ahead of the class here - thanks to Jim Arnold, John at Orbit1, and Ian at Fiftymillimeter - they've given more information and guidance than I'll probably get from this class!) -- and we'll discuss exposure again -- shutter speeds... Should be fun.

Oh -- and I've had my first assignment! I went out and shot a roll of T-Max -- making certain NEVER to take a shot below 1/60th :-) That was a tough one :-)

I know -- I think I'm Mr. Smarty -- but I'm just having fun -- I know once I get into making contact sheets, and printing -- I'll be grossly involved -- I don't want to be left behind!

I'll try to give everyone an update after tomorrow night's class!