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My Photography Journey: Barb Marszalek
By: Barb Marszalek
Continuing Education student, Barb Marszalek, describes her photography experience at Humber College.
"I started taking classes at Humber College in January 2015 after the loss of my partner six months prior. I needed something to help pull me out of a dark place."
All my life I have always been interested in photography, but knew nothing about how to use a DSLR camera. All my previous cameras were automatic point and shoots. So I purchased a Nikon 5200 camera and marched into Digital 1 Photography and was taught the basics by Johan Sorensen. A whole new world opened up for me.
People have always described me as creative, social and fun. Photography was a perfect fit! I loved it and started to excel. I moved on to take Digital Photography 2, Photoshop, Lighting 1, Nature Photography, Documentary Wedding, and Black and White. It was in Nature Photography where I found my true passion with the guiding help of Jason DiMichele my teacher. My confidence grew in my abilities and I started entering competitions where to my amazement, I started to win awards. My proudest moment was winning first place for the Animals/Wildlife Category at the Humber College Part-time school Photo Contest & Exhibition.
Winner of the Summer 2017 Humber Photo Contest. "Poised to Jump" taken by Barb Marszalek won first place under the animals/wildlife category.
Even though I have completed both compulsory courses and 4 electives to finish the Photographic Techniques Certificate of Achievement, I have enrolled in my next class, Lighting 2 this fall. The desire to keep learning and improving is strong. I am hoping that in the nearby future I can turn this passion into a professional career. My ultimate goal would be to start my own photo tour company and share that passion with others.
My advice to someone interested in photography is don't be afraid to take a class! The photography teachers and classes at Humber are truly wonderful and I guarantee, you will learn much in a very positive and nurturing environment. The sky is the limit! And hopefully the only clouds in your future are the ones you want to photograph!