Interesting that people still find the iPhone Photo Studio class since it is hidden in the catalog and online registration system. The class started spring 2017 and my tenure as leader will end this semester. But I am hoping a new team of folks will take up the gauntlet and have as much fun as we did exploring the wonders of iPhone photography for eight years. This was not a beginner class from the get-go and enrollees were expected to buy $25 in apps and prints. So some folks shied away from the challenge or expense. However others thrived and kept re-enrolling so it was difficult to have newbies starting out and the 20 veterans so comfortable with each other. We really solidified our bonds during the pandemic and because we already knew each other, Zoom was easy. This class used a new Apple Shared Photo Album each semester so invited members could post photos and comment on the work of others. This also strengthened our connections. An example Shared Album is still available, iPhone Photography Studio Sampler with comments hinting at workflow.
If asked by a new team for suggestions on how to launch a class about iPhone (or smartphone) photography, I’d say do 4 to 6 meetings, photo walks mostly and a Zoom session or two. Use the default camera app on the phones and edit with the default photo app (Photos on iPhone/iPad) and add Snapseed as an editor/stylizer (iOS and Android) and free! This class would be in demand! There are always people finding their way to my class’ waiting list and I contact them with the bad news but I’d like to give them hope. This class could be offered each semester and new folks would fit it and vets would be there to assist. Back during COVID we had a team using the 4 meeting template for Introduction to iPhone Photography with three Zoom sessions and one small group photo walk with guides in four locations. Any new class does not need to use a blog — design your class around your strengths.
If asked by a new team for suggestions on how to launch a class about iPhone (or smartphone) photography, I’d say do 4 to 6 meetings, photo walks mostly and a Zoom session or two. Use the default camera app on the phones and edit with the default photo app (Photos on iPhone/iPad) and add Snapseed as an editor/stylizer (iOS and Android) and free! This class would be in demand! There are always people finding their way to my class’ waiting list and I contact them with the bad news but I’d like to give them hope. This class could be offered each semester and new folks would fit it and vets would be there to assist. Back during COVID we had a team using the 4 meeting template for Introduction to iPhone Photography with three Zoom sessions and one small group photo walk with guides in four locations. Any new class does not need to use a blog — design your class around your strengths.
There are digital photography and smartphone photography classes available on the LinkedIn platform to folks with a Sacramento Public Library card. Why not have watch parties followed by photo walks?
Renaissance is a place for the “peer learning” where any idea for a learning experience can be posted as a class and, like in Field of Dreams, “build it and they will come” or not. Curiosity more than expertise is of value. Find online experts if local ones are not available. I’ve been part of several teams that presented iPhone and iPad or Digital Photography classes and have always learned more from being involved in the effort and presentations.
Renaissance is a place for the “peer learning” where any idea for a learning experience can be posted as a class and, like in Field of Dreams, “build it and they will come” or not. Curiosity more than expertise is of value. Find online experts if local ones are not available. I’ve been part of several teams that presented iPhone and iPad or Digital Photography classes and have always learned more from being involved in the effort and presentations.
I’ve been using RenSoc as a way to stay current with the tech I love. In the spring my plan is to join with others and launch a new team coaching approach to the iPad app Procreate for dabbling in image creation (photo manipulation, painting, etc) with the idea that new folks will be welcomed each semester and the coaches will share responsibilities for crafting a two-semester learning experience and from the beginning, embracing new ideas, mixing new people with familiar folks. Registration will be limited until we iron out the coaching details and do a dry run. We are hopeful this could become a new model for additional SIG topics in the future.
Get ready. Go. Make connections. Explore new ideas. Create beauty.
