1st Edition
The Photo Student Handbook Essential Advice on Learning Photography and Launching Your Career Path
The Photo Student Handbook is a collection of short, easy-to-read chapters filled with expert advice on enhancing image-making skills and launching a career as a professional photographer.
Designed to help students grow beyond the technical aspects of photography, this book presents a variety of methods and strategies proven to strengthen visual awareness, engage creative thinking, and deepen the conceptual aspects of image-making. Topics include how to:
- improve the ability to see actively
- understand light as a main character
- cultivate a creative mind
- make a standout portfolio
- unpack critical theory
- find and develop a creative voice.
Packed with valuable tips, insights, and advice from over a hundred instructors, professionals, senior students, and experts, this book is engineered to help instructors guide students step-by-step through the methods and strategies needed to achieve creative success both in the classroom and the real world.
This book is ideal for intermediate- and advanced-level photography students and instructors alike. Visit the accompanying website www.photostudent.net for extra chapters, exercises, quizzes, and more.
PART 1: Explore 1. This Book’s Audience: Students and Instructors 2. How to Use this Book: Advice on Taking Advice 3. 10 Things Your Instructors Want You to Know 4. 10 Things Your Instructors Don’t Tell You PART 2: Discover 5. Introduction to Photography and Why It Matters 6. What Kind of Photographer Are You? 7. Your Photographic Voice 8. Find Your Audience 9. Meet Your Community PART 3: Practice 10. Active Seeing 11. Develop Your Perception of Light 12. Critique and the Seven Cs 13. Tips for Unpacking Critical Theory PART 4: Create 14. The Photographer’s Brain – A User Manual 15. Your Creative Mind 16. Cultivate Your Creativity 17. Creative Possibilities 18. Superpowers Need Superfuels! PART 5: Learn 19. How to Ace Assignments: Be PREPARED 20. Be a RISK Taker 21. Motivation Leads to Productivity 22. Time and Energy Management 23. Make a Standout Portfolio 24. DYNAMIC Titles PART 6: Career 25. My Photography Speaks for Itself. Doesn’t It? 26. Advising for Success 27. Become Highly Qualified 28. Launch Your Career Path PART 7: Advice 29. Guidance on Your Photography Practice, Assignments, and Critique 30. Essential Advice on Career, Tools, and Mentors
Biography
Garin Horner is an award-winning educator, photographer, and author. He is the Director of the Adrian College Center for Effective Teaching and Vice-Chair and Secretary for the Midwest Chapter of the Society for Photographic Education. His previous works include The Photography Teacher’s Handbook and Teaching Photography, 2nd edition.
"Want to learn the utmost from your photographic education? Read The Photo Student Handbook and get an extra boost. The book offers expert advice to students and teachers who want to achieve a greater understanding of the photographic process."
-Robert Hirsch, author of many books, including Light and Lens: Photography in the Digital and Transformational Imaging: Handmade Photography Since 1960
"Garin Horner’s book will be on the reading list for my classes the minute it is available. Horner gives constructive ideas and ways to learn and improve the creative mind. The added links to TED Talks and articles will help the professors and students learn even more from this insightful book."
-Jill Enfield, author of Jill Enfield's Guide to Photographic Alternative Processes: Popular Historical and Contemporary Techniques
"A road map for learning and creativity, The Photo Student Handbook is a powerful guide for students and instructors alike. It is what has been missing from the instructor’s bookshelf."
- Steve Anchell, author of Digital Photo Assignments: Projects for All Levels of Photography Classes
"Ansel Adams said,‘The single most important component of a camera is the 12 inches behind it!’ In other words, Mr. Adams was saying that your brain is your best accessory. In his thoughtfully written book, Garin Horner, a professor of fine art, addresses two distinct audiences: One, photography students who take photography very seriously, as a craft and as a career; Two, photography instructors/professors/teachers who want to take their skills to the next level. As an author myself, one who often includes the ‘words of wisdom’ of other pros in my books, I wish I had read this book sooner. Garin’s contributions would have been most welcome. Garin's knowledge, and the way he communicates, is top notch!"
- Rick Sammon, author of over 40 books on photography including, Rick Sammon's Exploring Photographic Exposure: Master Image Capture
"Garin Horner is a highly experienced teacher and photographer who understands how students learn best. His book is thorough, well written, and to the point. An important contribution to our field."
- Henry Horenstein, Rhode Island School of Design
"Horner's new book is like a personal assistant for the student of photography. Simple, short chapters explore many facets of the photographic world from creative problem-solving to networking and business acumen. Weaving together practical advice and personal narratives, this book provides a detailed map of how to succeed as a student...and beyond! This text is sure to be on my list of recommended books for new and returning students."
- Margaret LeJeune, Associate Professor of Photography at Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois
"The Photo Student Handbook is the instruction manual that I was missing when I was a student. Horner does a great job at documenting the basics. The insight is both honest and straight-forward. I would recommend this book to any student who needs that extra push or that go-to reference manual to confirm that they are doing the next right thing when it comes to the practical side of photography."
-Arthur Fields, Associate Professor of Photography at Vincennes University, Vincennes, Indiana
