There’s nothing like teaching students who want to learn… who are hungry for knowledge.

The university was expecting 10 students for the photography workshop… 23 came through the door. Some with English, some with none. All had their cameras. None had ever worked with film, so that’s where I started.

I think they expected a “how-to” with their cameras… I wanted to give them a “how-to” be an artist with their minds, using a camera as a tool. I wanted them to know they could do more than shoot and print. They could take the photograph as far as they could imagine, then push it a bit further.

Not all of the techniques were available to them — Polaroid and infrared film, for example — but the idea was to push boundaries. Explore. Develop a critical eye. Create a personal style. Tell a story. These are not common ideas in China, but the students were receptive.

We continue with a shooting workshop on Saturday. Then I want to see their images. I can’t wait to see what they do.