I have to say, teaching photography is one of the most fun things I do. It’s particularly fun when we have more people in the class, and, like the last three weeks, people who want to be there and aren’t afraid to be creative and learn.

Last night, despite the fact that I was starting to catch a headcold, we had an amazing time. First we climbed the fire training tower, which works great for two reasons: one, it is something my students seldom get to photograph or even see up close, and two, since it is four stories tall, it provides all kinds of perspectives in the high-low direction, letting them see how to shoot from better places than standing on the floor with their knees locked.

As it got dark, we fooled around with slow-sync in the parking lot, blending flash and existing light.

Finally inside, I brought out some of the products I brought for them to shoot as simulated commercial jobs, items like mirrored sunglasses and wine bottles. We cranked up the strobes and went to work, and everyone got so involved and creative with it that we actually went 15 minutes into overtime.

Great bunch, great fun.