GENERAL COMMENTS

Project learning proved the best way to teach U3A members, who usually can fit a project round their day-to-day routine. We found that giving them a set time for a project and holding fortnightly classes worked well. Work required for the following lesson insured they started right away as the film had to get to the printers!

Some had the ubiquitous problem of a different Christmas at each end of the film! By telling them what to take and sending them out to finish a film and be back for coffee, all in the two-hour session was quite a challenge for some. In the Treasure Hunt project, there was no going back, so taking only one picture for each clue was restricting.

The results, seen by the following session, can be compared and discussed by them all. If they are displayed anonymously no one is afraid to comment and a lot can be learnt in the ensuing discussion.

Projects can be planned round subjects already covered. The equipment used by students is often very different, therefore the potential to be creative can also affect the range of subjects to be covered, but composition is essential. All our projects are intended to exercise this ability.

Presentation was part of the course. Each year we put up a small selection of work at the U3A Christmas meeting. This not only showed what can be achieved but engenders a great deal of interest. It also encouraged the group and gave them a deadline to have their work ready for display.
 
Like compacts or point-and-shoots, we now have the digital camera with the restrictions they can impose on producing creative photography. Never the less composition is every bit as important and finding projects to exercise the 'seeing eye' is the ultimate aim.

Outings can be very important, there is nothing like hands on tuition. A trip to a bluebell wood and another to an old castle, including a picnic, proved this point. It was also helpful to find out who did not understand a technique, which became obvious on a shoot!

General basic photography is always our starting point but this can be expanded with extra subjects such as history of photography or taking pictures at night, should the members want to continue beyond their initial course.

Photography should be FUN as well as STIMULATING

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