Joseph Hamilton of Killeen, Texas watches the scenery of Illinois go by on the Texas Eagle. He is a regular Amtrak passenger, crossing the U.S. by train to visit his children. He worked for years in the auto industry before retirement He played tight end for the Alabama Crimson Tide under Coach Bear Bryant. © 2018 Bob Carey
This week’s Questions with an Educator features Dr. Bob Carey.
Bob is a long-time photojournalist and photographer who has dedicated himself to developing the next generation of photographers. He is now the chair of the Department of Communication & New Media at Gardner-Webb University where he teaches photojournalism. He also plays an instrumental role in the American Society of Media Photographers as a member of the National Board. Here, Bob tells us a bit about his career as an educator, how his teaching influences his own photography, and where he believes the photography industry is headed.
We asked: What career experience most influences you as a professor at Gardner-Webb University?
Bob said: As a photographer, I’ve been able to document and witness history first hand. I was able to document relief work in Goma, Zaire following the Rwandan genocide. To see people so devastated by atrocities and dealing with the complete upheaval of their lives and even their culture was humbling. As a photojournalist, I tell people that I’ve shot everything from the Super Bowl to pet of the week. You never know what assignment you’ll be shooting next.
We asked: What is your biggest accomplishment as an educator or as a photographer?
Bob said: As an educator, I enjoy seeing my students grow in their photographic vision. Over the 20 years of my teaching, I’ve had successful students go out and do some amazing work. I see so many young photographers come in thinking they are great photographers, but soon realize there are other students who are just as good as they are. I challenge my students to learn the basics and then develop their style and vision. I think that when they understand the basics, then their creative eyes can run wild.
We asked: Would you say your experience teaching has made you a better photographer?
Bob said: Absolutely! I love shooting with my students and having them challenge me. When I go out and shoot an assignment, sometimes I’ll be shooting and hear myself lecturing to my students about the difference a millimeter can make in their photos and realize I need to change my position.
We asked: How do you know when a risk is worth taking? How do you convey this to your students?
Bob said: In my beginning classes, I stress composition and light. I tell them if they can learn the rules of composition, they will be able to take a chance and a risk of trying something different. I suggest to them that if they are going to take a risk, go for it, but also think through: why are you doing it? Are you doing it because someone else does it, or are you stretching your vision?
We asked: Where do you think the photography industry is headed given the students you interact with?
Bob said: I still believe in the industry and that there is a strong future. I see students that are finding new and innovative ways to share their work. I stress to my students to realize their work holds value. They are creative and understand visual literacy. The difference between their work and people who have cameras, is that they understand composition, light and visual communication.
Find more of Bob’s work on his website.
If this article was of interest to you, take a look at some of the other articles in the Questions with an Educator and Questions with a Pro series.