China Through the Viewfinder

There are “on-location” photography classes and workshops and there are “online” courses like those offered conveniently through The Compelling Image. During the current 4-week session of courses, three TCI students are combining both, filing weekly assignments while enjoying an intrepid overland adventure through Mainland China.

Confronted with language barriers, everyday logistics and sometimes stomach-wrenching culinary episodes, these students from Canada and America (two by way of South Korea as English teachers), are benefiting from photo instruction “on the go.” And their pictures show it!

“My assignment will be a little late this week, hope that won’t be a problem,” is an email received sometimes by their instructor, David Bathgate. Or – “No wireless in the guesthouse where we’re staying. Have to send this assignment from an internet cafe and there’s no control over choice of fonts, etc.”

But despite any seeming inconvenience it all works surprising well thanks to timely instructor attention, focused lessons, practical assignments and access to the internet – almost everywhere along the way in one of the most expansive and populated landscapes on the planet.

Photojournalist David Bathgate teaches online courses in people photography and developing a photo style at The Compelling Image.