From Teacher to Student: Relearning the Art of Photography

For years, I have been teaching at Whitworth University and mentoring photographers in a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) education group. I have loved helping others grow their skills, refine their craft, and gain confidence in their work. But recently, I made a slight shift—I became the student!

I enrolled in Photigy.com’s Certified Product Photographer course, a rigorous program designed to sharpen product photography skills and refine lighting techniques. What I didn’t fully anticipate? The homework! It’s been years since I’ve had structured assignments with deadlines (self-imposed of course!), and let me tell you—I have a whole new appreciation for my students.

The Challenge of Learning Again

It’s easy to get comfortable when you’re the one teaching, but stepping back into the role of a student is humbling. Suddenly, I was the one watching tutorials, following step-by-step lighting setups, and troubleshooting every reflection and shadow.

One of my first assignments was photographing a rose, focusing on lighting and texture. This wasn’t just about taking a pretty picture—it was about understanding how light interacts with the subject to bring out depth, dimension, and detail.

Although there is some details here, I still have a lot to learn about capturing a rose petal's texture.

Lighting and Texture in Product Photography

Whether you're photographing a delicate rose or a luxury product, lighting is everything. The way light falls on an object determines how textures appear—whether they look soft and velvety or sharp and defined.

For this assignment, I experimented with soft diffused lighting to enhance the delicate texture of the petals. Here’s what I learned:

1. Directional Lighting Matters – Side lighting helps sculpt the petals, adding depth and dimension.

2. Controlling Highlights and Shadows – Using reflectors and diffusers helped soften harsh shadows and prevent blown-out highlights.

3. Enhancing Texture with Glycerin – Spraying a fine mist of glycerin and water created natural-looking droplets, adding a fresh and dewy appearance.

These same principles apply when shooting luxury food, cocktails, and spirits, which are a huge part of my photography business. Controlling reflections on glass, managing highlights on glossy surfaces, and maintaining rich textures are all critical for high-end product photography.

The Value of Continuing Education

This experience has reminded me why continuous learning is essential in photography. No matter how experienced you are, there’s always more to explore, refine, and master. It’s easy to get stuck in creative routines, but pushing yourself outside your comfort zone forces growth.

If you’re a professional photographer considering further education, I highly recommend taking the leap. Whether it’s through a structured certification course or personal projects, learning new techniques will elevate your work and set you apart in the industry.

Final Thoughts

Going from teacher to student has been an eye-opening experience. I’m excited to keep growing, refining my skills, and sharing what I learn along the way. What’s the last thing you learned that challenged you? Drop a comment below!

In this image, I played a lot with texture, perfect example of failing to capture it, but it was fun playing with the glycerine. Let the learning continue!

#PhotographyEducation #ProductPhotography #LightingMatters #LearningNeverStops #BehindTheScenes #Photigy #ContinuingEducation #PhotographyBusiness #LuxuryBrandPhotography