M. November 30

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, that you were surrounded by good food, family and good friends. And I know we're all looking forward to break, me as much as the rest of you (combined.) Breaks and weekends are the times that I get to spend doing my work, I need some uninterrupted days to consider my photography and try to make a decent image.

Last week we framed our large prints and put them up in the student center. I've very proud of how good the work looks and hope that you are too! I really believe that work isn't complete until it's matted, framed and hanging in a public space.

For the 30th and the 2nd we'll finish up with all our loose ends, and prepare for our final critique on December 7th and 9th. You'll need to be prepared to present your work either day, otherwise everyone will want to present on the 9th.

For your final you'll need to present your blog with all the assignments, all the weekly events and your discussion of the book up to and including chapter eight. you'll also present your iWeb website and six perfectly matted photographs.

Your final grade will be based on several things, and I'll ask you to grade yourself as well, to see if our realities align. The first criteria is your attendance but it's not the only one. Please do not write, "I attended all classes and turned in all my work, so I deserve an "A." You may very well deserve an "A" if you did that, but remember, the work you turn in has to be better than the work from the rest of the class. For example, did you turn in an assignment, and then based on suggestions, re-do the assignment to make it better? Did you do more than was required? That is what's going to separate you from the majority of students and artists in the "real world."

If you missed more than three classes, the best grade you can receive is a "B." More than five, a "C." It's not about doing all the work, it's about being here and sharing in ideas and listening and learning. You can't be an excellent student if you miss several weeks worth of class. Receiving a "B" is a good thing, and if you really, really need an "A," maybe the last week is the wrong time to realize that...