Paying It Forward

When I founded the Monalog Collective with five other photographers we agreed that an important part of our mission would be to work with or mentor young people interested in black and white analog photography, materials and processes. We had been on the lookout for a good opportunity, and a really great one recently presented itself. At the end of January, we will be having a show at the beautiful gallery located on the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus. In my conversations with Ann Lalik, Gallery Director and Arts Coordinator we discussed her relationship with Nazareth Area High School and the strong photography program they have. Well, all right! Now you’re talking!  I was immediately put in touch with Nicole Stager, Photography and Design Teacher who runs the program. Both Ann and Nicole are highly talented dedicated artists and educators.  Their students are very lucky!

Nicki and I quickly agreed that Monalog members would provide some special classes and demonstrations for her students. So, I have now participated in two events at the high school, assisting other Monalog members and providing a little “color commentary” when appropriate. Other events will take place at the end of this month, December and into the new year, and I hope to teach an ongoing course during the spring. I can’t wait!!!

A couple of amazing things … first how dedicated Nicki is. Second how interested the students are in analog and third, how wonderful the photography space at Nazareth is!  I’m sure Nazareth is not a typical public high school; it has three darkrooms, a bunch of enlargers, camera equipment and a very good stock of supplies. How wonderful is that! More high schools need to do what Nazareth is doing. Darkroom equipment can be had for nothing, or for a song if need be.

It’s amazing just how rewarding and enjoyable an experience this has been and will most certainly continue to be.  I feel very lucky to have this chance and look for to other opportunities for Monalog and myself individually.

When I was a teenager, I didn’t have anyone to help me as I was getting started on my photographic journey. There was no high school program, no Internet. I mainly saw copies of Popular Photography and Modern Photography in the drugstore and finally subscribed to them after I realized I couldn’t retain all the information I wanted by just sneaking around and browsing them in the aisles. No wonder my skills weren’t that great for a while! Even though I had a darkroom in my parent’s basement by the time I was fifteen I didn’t get to take my first photography class until freshman year in college. These kids don’t have to wait that long. And here’s the thing … just a few pointers or constructive critiques can from someone(s) that know a thing or two can make a huge difference in a young person’s learning process and interest in analog photography.

So, what’s the point of all this? I feel privileged to be able to help, mentor and encourage students and am grateful for the opportunity to do so. I certainly wish I had someone(s) that had been there for me!

Is there an opportunity for you to be a mentor? Trust me, you will love it and the satisfaction is immense.

And think about this … the more people that take up black and white analog photography, the greater the chance the materials we all rely will continue to exist!  So how about paying what you know forward. You might just be helping a future Ansel Adams or Henri Cartier-Bresson!

Stay well,

Michael

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