Western Kentucky University / A / Jeanie Adams-Smith

Pretty god teacher. Just jesus.

SO, if you're a photo major, I would say you'll probably get an A in this class. If you're not a PJ, you have to bust your butt to get any kind of godo grade in this class. She focuses a lot on InDesign layout skills and will dock your grade hard core if she doesn't like your layout. Journ students beware--she doesn't like you if you're not photo.

Mrs. A's Intro. Photo course is one of the best you can take. It is also one of the most expensive, time consuming, difficult, and hassle-filled. The class meets once a week and each week, a different photo assignment is due. To begin with, you have to BUY YOUR OWN FILM CAMERA! One is not provided, nor is the film, paper, mounting board, or anything else that you WILL need for this class. I spent $500 dollars INITIALLY! The assignments are sometimes fun but sometimes to specific to really explore any kind of creativitty. The Mid-Term and Final are combination multi. choice, fill in the blank, and true/false. Mrs. A is VERY picky about the kind of pictures she wants. Overall, if you're looking for creativity photography, this isn't it. If you want a class where your bank account will stay full, this isn't it. If you want a class with plenty of time to get things done, you're out of luck. Take this class ONLY if you are fully prepared to work your ass off.

Prof. A. was one of the worst teachers I had in the Journalism department. Rarely did she take time to explain anything that wasn't of her opinion. She only shows photos she has taken. She was pregnant when I had her, so she was gone most of the semester. She grades unfairly if you aren't one of her favorites. She bends the rules around them and others suffer. When I would go for feedback on why I got the low grade so I could improve, she wouldn't have anything to tell me. She used the "I just didn't like it" reason a lot.

Good class. I learned a lot, but......

We were required to buy $1,100 worth of gear that we didn't use. This really sucks because none of us could afford to buy it. Once you realize you aren't going to use it, it's too late to send it back.

Take the class, but don't buy all the gear.

Ms. A was great in basic. Some people complain because the photo assignments are too hard, blah blah. So long as you know how to use your camera (take note: You'll NEVER make it thru the program not knowing that. READ YOUR MANUAL!) and you give it a try you'll do fine.

I think she grades fairly, she does not expect first year students to win the Pulitizer right away. If you think a grade is unfair, go to her and talk about it and chances are you'll reach a compromise.

Oh, and if you feel you've screwed up majorly, you can reshoot 2 assigments per semester and replace your worst grades. :)

The class isn't too expensive. Anyone who sticks in the program will know you have to spend some major cash, but these are only one-time purchases. Most of what you buy you will use forever.

Anf finally, if you need help, ask her and she'll be glad to help you out.

Ms. A is really nice, but is not very good. The examples shown in class are hers and she is very defensive if you say anything about her "work." She picks favorites in the class and grades accordingly. Do not procrastinate in this class. I did and it was tough. This is not a class to take for fun, it's too expensive and time consuming unless you are a PJ. The labbies are awesome though, take advantage of them and go to all the parties. I learned everything from the labbies! I would take another teacher if you are not familiar with photography and using it properly. She does not go into detail on how to use flash for example, and when she does use a camera to show us, hers is so much more advanced, you have no idea what she is doing. If you do take her, don't do anything do good, she will get jealous of your talent and mark you down for it.

Ms. A is a great teacher. Be ready to work for your grades though. Every thing starts off gradually, meaning that the first projects are graded a little more easily than the later ones. The class is expensive as with all photo classes but this teaches you the basics and thus doesn't cost as much as some of the other classes. Be ready, shoot early and above all have fun. And when you need a swift kick in the behind go talk to her, you will learn a lot from this class.