At one point in my life I thought I wanted to be a teacher. 

As part of my graduate degree, I was required to have a variety of teaching experiences. I worked as a teaching assistant at the university I was attending, and taught a class on customer service at the Sheraton Palace Hotel in downtown San Francisco. I then offered one-on-one tutoring for adults at the downtown San Francisco Public Library, for their “Project Read” program. After that, I volunteered at a school not far from where I lived in the Haight, and tutored elementary school students. 

I decided not to pursue a job as a teacher even though I enjoyed all my students. I have always valued education and consider myself a lifelong learner. 

My journey with photography has led me to some great experiences learning from teachers. Over ten years ago I signed up for a workshop in Los Angeles taught by two talented photographers, Kim Klassen and Xanthe Berkeley. 
When I received the email announcing the dates, I responded yes immediately even though I had barely checked my calendar. I recall driving down to LA and feeling a bit like an imposter. I may have been the only person there with a cropped sensor camera, and an inexpensive 50 mm lens but immediately when walking into the workshop, I felt at ease. Kim and Xanthe made us all feel so comfortable and the group of us bonded instantly. To this day, I keep in touch with several of the students and I continue learning from both Kim and Xanthe.

Earlier this year, I expressed to Kim that I was growing a bit tired of my single floral images, and wanted to push myself creatively. We discussed diptychs and as a challenge for me to select two florals that worked well as a pair, side-by-side. Kim encouraged me to create my own pattern, such as a macro shot, close-up on the left and a different angle, viewpoint on the right. I fell in love with the process and selecting images that work well together.

Doing this series made me reflect back to 2013 when I created one diptych every day for one year. One image I photographed indoors, placed by one scene from outdoors. I called it the “Inside/Outside 365.” I hadn’t thought about that project in some time and realized how much my photography has improved since those days. The daily practice was so important to me, and I continue to take video clips or photographs every day.

I am so grateful for my teachers. I have learned so much and see them as dear mentors who have deeply informed my practice and have helped me grow into having the confidence over the years to claim that I am an artist. I’m wondering if you identify as a lifelong learner and take classes? I would love to know.

If you’d like to find out about Kim Klassen and her gorgeous photographic style and classes, check out her site.

Xanthe Berkeley documents her inspiring life through video and teaches the joyful process of documenting daily life.

Kim and Xanthe each offer one-on-one mentoring and offer classes. Check them out for inspiration!

With hope always, Carolyn