Can you really take a studio class online?

Photographing Plants in the Studio is based on a weeklong, in-person course that I taught in person for many years. As it turns out, I believe there are benefits to taking this course online. For instance, instead of traveling to learn in a school or my studio with my equipment, props and plants, you start from scratch creating your own space, with your own gear, and working with your own props and plants. So instead of everyone photographing the same things, everyone is working with gear they are comfortable with and materials that they have a stronger personal connection to. This results in greater diversity in photographs from which to learn (because we do learn so much from seeing each other's images). I also believe it builds greater momentum, because you are working in your own space from the very beginning (versus having to start all over once you get home from a workshop).

What is a Ruzuku classroom? Are classes live?

When classes moved online during the pandemic, I decided to give this one a shot. After exploring and testing different platforms, I decided on a Ruzuku classroom, which is an asynchronous learning environment. That simply means you watch videos, review class materials, tackle assignments and post your work when it suits you. Everything takes place in a secure online classroom that is easy to navigate. You don’t have to show up at an assigned time for a live Zoom session or webinar, but there is still lots of interaction between you, your classmates and your instructor.

How long does the course last?

Learning takes place over five weeks (four of instruction, plus a final week of feedback and wrapup). Compared to a five-day in-person course, we cover more material and you can have more time to practice and work on assignments between class sessions. This is important, because this is a somewhat technical class—learning about studio gear, different types of backdrops, both natural and studio lighting, and many different setups. (Setups for white, black and colored backdrops, as well as tabletop vs flat lay, have different requirements.) Even for five weeks, we cover a tremendous amount of territory. All of the materials remain accessible for three years, so you can return for a refresher whenever you need it.

How much space do I need to set up a studio?

Well, since I moved my studio back home during the pandemic, my still life studio setup occupies a space roughly 4 feet wide by 6 feet deep by a window, which includes a small table, my tripod and a stool on which to sit while I work. Many students work on a dining room or kitchen table, others take advantage of a spare bedroom. Some set up in a basement with small studio lights. I had one student set up on the floor in a one-room apartment surrounded by boxes because she had just moved. (I don’t recommend that, but it is surprising what you can do in even the tightest spaces.) A couple of students have managed to work from travel trailers.

How interactive is the class?

The online interaction between participants is, obviously, different than an in-person class environment. In-person workshops provide more social interaction during meals and downtime, and there is much to be said for that. With this online format, the interaction is focused more on discussing images and questions that come up while you are working in your own studio or looking at your classmates’ work. There is still a lot of one-on-one with me as the instructor, and everyone in the class benefits by reviewing responses to each individual's questions as well as making their own comments on a few images each week. Overall, my approach is to build a strong, supportive and interactive environment. It always surprises me how well we can get to know each other this way. All of this said, students often register just for the lessons and materials rather than for the class participation…and that’s fine, too.

How much time should I plan to put in each week?

In addition to lessons (allow 1-2 hours for review), there are weekly assignments to complete and post, and feedback to review. To get the most out of the class, I would suggest devoting at least a few hours each week to practicing and completing assignments. Some do this by working in short, 30-minute sessions each day to establish a creative habit. Others prefer carving out a larger block of time (maybe a half day on the weekend) for working in their studio. Don’t forget to allow time for image processing.

What happens if something comes up and I need to be away one week?

I’ve had students continue with assignments while they travel—adapting as necessary to the local environment—and find that it is a fun challenge. Others just pick up where they left off when they return. That’s one of the benefits of an asynchronous classroom; though you might have to catch up on assignments, you never really “miss” a class.

What’s your cancellation policy?

If something comes up after you register but before the course begins, you may cancel up to 1 week in advance, less a $50 administration fee. If less than one week, the administration fee is $75. Once the course begins, refunds are not available, as you will have access to all course materials for three years whether you choose to submit assignments or participate in class discussions or not.