Thank you for your comments and continuing the conversation. I am reminded why I started teaching the workshop.

When I was first asked to critique portfolios, I was at a large visual art college fair. There were hundreds of students with their portfolios, matte boards and photo books. Most of the students had no idea what they were doing… and I did not either! I would ask each student what they had been told and most said, “Bring your 15 to 20″ best photos. Even then, the students brought 50 photos.

At the national conventions, students had not been instructed on presentation. I needed structure, so Mark and I created the workshop. The quality of the presentations has improved dramatically. Just as you have noticed how your students have started discussing f-stops, we have noticed how our students and instructors discuss portfolios differently.

Teachers like you will take us to then next level. What must happen next?

My initial thoughts were that it should simply be a collection of what they had done, showing me they learned the skills I was trying to teach them. But this presentation helped me realize that cramming anything and everything into a portfolio doesn’t do anyone any good. It’s cumbersome and overwhelming for the students, and even more so for the viewer.

The insight that I gained both during the session, and afterwards via email from Bryan, has helped me streamline what I want from my students. I don’t need to see every picture they’ve taken for my class–I already have! They turned them in to me at some point.

What I DO want to see is what THEY feel to be a collection of their best work. What I think they excel at may not be what they think they’re good at. As my students have started to assemble their work, we’ve had many discussions about the difference between a good shot and a great shot, or the difference between their favorite shot and their strongest shot. It’s been a learning experience for all of us.

I’ve learned a lot, teaching them over the school year. I’ve learned a lot just in the last week, about what they value from the lessons I’ve presented to them. I’ve learned that I’ve got a long way to go, too. There is so much that they are anxious to learn, that I need to learn, so that I can teach them. I’m definitely looking forward to the professional development I have planned at the ATPI Summer Workshop in June—Photoshop certification, here I come!

The best part? Thinking back to August, when I started with these kids–most of them had never held more than a simple point and shoot in their hands. Now, they’re discussing composition, f-stops, shutter speeds, debating artistic purpose, challenging me with questions and chomping at the bit to try new things. They were intimidated by our DSLRs at first, but now every single one of them wants one of his or her own. It’s a great feeling to see that spark in them.

seven myths which appeared in Photoshelter this week.

http://blog.photoshelter.com/2012/05/7-myths-about-portfolio-reviews-debunked/

and an earlier photoshelter post about online portfolios at
http://blog.photoshelter.com/2011/01/10-secrets-to-successful-online-photo-portfolios/

I just heard from Starla’s mom. I am going to send you a direct message with her phone number.

not sure if I already replied. I saw your website. You have some excellent photos. I also added more posts after the convention.

keep in touch.

bf

Good to hear from you. Noelle will be excited to connect with you. I will follow her progress also and see what more we can do.

I also heard from you mother. There were several news stories from Seattle. If you still have the links will you include them in a post? If I see any of our student publications publish anything, I will send you the links too.

Great to hear from you. There are definitely ways you can help make some noise. We have our 1,000 Schools campaign, and other ways you can help. Email us and we can fill you in, (info@makenoise4kids.org). There is also a volunteer interest form on our website you can fill out.

Thanks.
Malcolm