Stay positive students!

I spent my day yesterday in Belleville with other members of the Advisory Committee of the Loyalist College Photojournalism Program. It's always a good day, but a long one because of the three-hour drive each way.

The first and second-year classes seem quite promising this year, but historically there are always a few surprises that emerge before graduation.

I was especially moved to speak to a first-year student who seemed demoralized by other students with some experience, and a bag full of fancy equipment. That's exactly how I felt in first-ear myself, but with a lot of work, and determination I was able to establish my own abilities gain some confidence to continue successfully. Having the right attitude is a huge part of the battle.

We were speaking about having another reunion party in Belleville to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the program. I can't believe we're nearing that milestone. It seems a lifetime ago that I was there. First year was such a year of transition for me, not just into a new area of study, but into civilian life again after five years in the Canadian military. this is me near the beginning of second year.

Thankfully my hair was growing by second year, and the button-down collars weren't an every-day thing. (I believe that's my landlord's old fishing vest!!!-Thanks Jeff!)

Anyway, it's always refreshing to meet with the students, to look at portfolios, and be able to share some thoughts that may help them in the future. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and I think the visits to Belleville do us veterans a lot of good as well.

NPAC Member's Blog - Day 5

Much of my morning was spent just getting to the office. It always amazes me how the people who commute to Toronto for work seem to lose brain function at the slightest hint of bad weather. Throw a tiny bit of precipitation onto the roads and windshields, and traffic nearly comes to a halt. I always figure my drive to work - 80km each way – to take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour longer if it’s wet out.
Once I got to 444 Front Street West I spent the first few hours doing some “house cleaning.” I filed photographs from a Wednesday shoot, burned a few DVDs to clear off some of my laptop’s hard drive, helped to arrange an afternoon shoot, and began to write a proposal for a story idea I’m investigating/pitching.
I’d like to mention a few things about story proposals and ideas. I regularly try to pitch stories that I think would make good visual pieces and I’d like to work on, so I’m always looking and listening for things that will lead me in the right direction. Many ideas I have get written down in my “little black book,” and include large story ideas and single feature ideas. Many of these ideas never go anywhere, but I’ll often refer back to it between assignments. The pages get turned more often when I feel I haven’t been productive or it’s an especially slow time. This book is very important to my regular routine. I even have a section called “colors” where I’ll jot down the locations of colorful landmarks things that can be used for fashion, features, etc.