Comments from students and friends

Abstract Photography at OLLI0-URI: Hi Jan, Super cool slide show. It’s also a reflection of the time you put into creating your educational programs. Plus it shows off the skills you’ve helped develop in students whom many people would have written off as “too old” or past the creative stage of life. For me, I’ve always been attracted to your OLLI programs, beginning with one of your early screen shots of a roll of Kodak color film that one would pop into a “35mm single-lens reflex“ camera. By the way, I’ve got a file drawer of lenses to fit that camera and looking to sell them along with the Brooklyn Bridge! As to the abstract photography course using the iPhone as your 35mm Nikon/Pentax/Minolta, etc. With all those Apps available at reasonable or no cost, it can be a jungle in Apple land. Like where do you start, how does one judge? Is it like shopping on Amazon, like instead of guessing, does one look at the 5-star ratings, the number of users? No. That’s where you come in, Jan. You helped guide me to the few that are really good and one can begin to master in a very short time, like Snapseed, Slow Shutter, and Diptic. With these program, among other things, I’ve learned I can dramatically change color and contrast with numerous options, simulate something in motion, experiment with many options for creating a collage. Also, I realize I’ve just begun exploring these and other Apps. Maybe develop a portfolio, or someday contribute to an art show or have one. What you are replacing with this program and others are not just the 35mm-film dinosaur (we won’t count the Hasselblad), but also the darkroom, enlarger, filters, whatever and all its potentially harmful chemicals. In the process, I also have realized that the same software on the iPhone to take/edit the shot can also be your darkroom on the iPad. Ron

Good morning Jan, Thank you for creating the video and sharing it! It is a great memory for this class. I am in my early stages of conscious abstract photography. This class has not only taught me how to go about creating abstract photography, but has shown me how I already have created some. I really enjoyed the class, learned a great deal of technique, and look forward to taking more classes with you. Happy Thanksgiving, Lois

Thanks, Jan, for sharing this video and for a great class. I learned a lot--something new each week. I'm looking forward to playing with Diptic. Your classes go beyond practical tips and technology to include an appreciation of artists who model excellence. I especially enjoy this aspect of your teaching.I'll see you for Street Photography if my schedule allows. Best, Marie

Hi Jan, Thanks for your student slide show. Also, many thanks your great class and for sharing your expertise and enthusiasm for photography with us!
I look forward to taking your class in the winter! Jeff

Hi Jan, I loved the class and the “exposure” to so many different cool apps. Now to play with them and see what I can create. I love your enthusiasm and continued interest in photography, and thankful for your willingness to share so much with all of us! Abstract You tube video you created is very cool. Thanks again for a great class! I look forward to learning more from you. Nancy 😊

Hey Jan. What a great class yesterday. I love this assignment. You always give me so much to think about. That is a great gift to me. Sandra

Well Jan, you did it again. Your presentation was well thought out and presented. Delving into Abstract Photography was particularly interesting for me. The apps were explained well - being able to experiment with homework and get your critiques is very helpful. True for any good class is the lessons I can put into practice for many months to come. Another sign of an excellent subject is class interest and participation. I could tell each student was engaged and really enjoying themselves. I know I was.
I’ve worked with Diptic before but you showed me some new effects. Thanks again very much. I look forward to Street Photography! Brad.

Hi Jan, I love this class. It has opened my eyes to a new way of seeing things around me.I tried to sign up for your next class but only made it to the waiting list- still have hope! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. Thanks so much for all the knowledge you’ve shared with us. Sue K

Art of the iPhone at Wickford Art and Salve Regina University

Good morning Jan, I am so very much enjoying your class. Your Instagram is inspiring and fun. (I had no idea that Snapseed could be pushed that far!) I also like your in-class presentations. That would be a fun program to learn. Thank you for all of this. Sincerely, Maria
Great video - I will need to look at it again and again - thanks for your class ! I’m looking forward to trying new settings and apps with my photos. Beth
The class really was quite excellent. I wouldn't change a thing for a class that size and length. Good idea to have homework. Keeps students focused. I thought the graphics for your talks were great. I also like the way you were able to project your iPhone on the screen. Nicely done. Thanks, Eric
Thank you very much for the enthusiasm, encouragement and knowledge that you shared. It was a very enjoyable learning experience about a truly integral part of our lives. Very sincerity Kathy
Hello Jan,, You continue to inspire creativity. I have thoroughly enjoyed viewing “Dreams” and have watched a few times. Wish technology hadn’t failed as it would have been great to go over these wonderful pictures as a class. Snapseed as an app is a tool not to forget—neither is “burst”! I got to “burst” this morning when the yearly migration of grackles landed in my yard. Thank you so much for an informative, fun class. Best wishes,, Judith
Hi Jan, Wow! Loved the video and will be rewatching. Especially loved the ferris wheel and buildings with birds. Thank you Jan for a fun and informative class sharing a wealth of information. Picture taking will be more fun with the tools we have now! Happy iPhone play everyone! Cheryl
Many thanks for being my teacher! You are a blessing to me. I learned so much about my very 1st smart phone, less than 1 year old. Be well, be safe. Sincerely Ellen Lynch

OLLI Class Comments: Chasing the Light

I thoroughly enjoyed taking another class with Jan. Very interesting and always learn something new.
Jan is a phenomenal instructor; I'm taking photos now with a new understanding and skill set pertaining to photography.
Iloved our field trip. I also loved the fact that we are doing and learning every week. Jan's passion and devotion to teaching and loving his subject are unmatched.
Really enjoyed the critique part of course. Liked looking at individual artists too. Appreciated Jan's insights and tolerance for disagreement over photos. Enjoyed seeing his work and his acknowledgement of his biases.... good laughs!
Can't wait to take any other photography courses Jan offers.
Jan teaches us photography and inspires us to have fun with it. Without the education I got from Jan I would not have the skills I have now or be enjoying my hobby so much.
Thanks for featuring Jan as an instructor.

Hi Jan, I'm not sure if you'll remember me. I was in your Wickford Art Association class in the month of March and enjoyed it immensely! You are such a wonderful person and great teacher. I am very anxious to take another class with you. Thank you so much, Marjorie Lamphear

Good morning Jan. I was so fortunate to be in your class last Fall with the Circle of Scholars. You were a wonderful instructor and I have been employing your teachings. I have also been enjoying your posted photos and videos—thank you for sharing these works of art. Maria T. Crocitto

Many thanks for a fabulous class - i enjoyed ( and learned) so much in each session. i’ve already seen such a difference in my photography skills - such fun! i look forward to taking any class you offer in the future. Victoria

Comments from recent class at URI called, “How To Make The Best Pictures Of Your Life” June, 2023

Great Class.

Jan provided one of the most informative and enjoyable classes I've taken via Olli. His class has transformed me forever in that I will always look at a perspective photo with a different point of view.

I can't say enough about Jan. His expertise, knowledge and manner of presentation. Thank you !

Really enjoyed the class.

Engaging, fun and informative. Jan manages to serve all of us - the advanced, the expert and the novices - all very well. I always take a course with him when I have the chance.

Phenomenal class!!

Wickford Art Association Workshop, “How To Make The Best Pictures Of Your Life” March, 2023

Thank you Jan for a very enjoyable course! I wanted to see how photography plays from a different viewpoint and you provided that for me. Further, as I pointed out in my earlier email, the assembled photographers added to that broadening. And you get top honors for your preparations and easy leadership style. Jim Sammons

Jan always provides a lively and interesting class - filled with both historic and modern examples. His use of contemporary technology, e.g. being able to see his iphone screen on the monitor, using air drop to send him photos in the moment made the class very immediately applicable. He does a great job of following up each class with extra info and helpful links. He created a safe space for learning. He was clear; and when he presented various concepts, he followed it up with plenty of examples, demonstrations, and opportunities for hands on practice. He made the class interesting and fun!!! I learned so much which happened through several means: Looking at photographs and the works of specific photographers in light of various aspects of what makes a good photo (such as original point of view, emotional impact, etc.) and the discussions that followed. The assignments were all meaningful and fun and the time in class actually photographing and playing with different elements, such as intentional camera movement - having Jan there to offer ideas and suggestions, was all so valuable. Jan was an outstanding teacher and photographer

Thanks so much to Jan for pushing us to take better pictures.. and to all for the camaraderie and inspiration Can’t think of a better way to spend gloomy March mornings! Kathleen

Thanks for the class. You are an excellent teacher and as a fellow teacher, I appreciate the structure of the lesson, relationship with members of the class, the activities each session, and the resources for more information.I visited your blog and liked the richness of your photos and narratives. Terri

Jan, The feedback starts with you: You have a wonderful way with people, you are so inviting, welcoming, engaged, and engaging. You made the class great fun with your playful approach to each of us and to photography. I enjoyed the mix of class discussion about photos and photographers and the chance to play and have fun with hands-on (outside with umbrellas, ICM, portraits, and silhouettes). In addition to the class time, you made time to meet with us outside of class at the Block Island ferry. In addition, there was a thwarted attempt for a second field trip to Narragansett. You were willing, but the weather wasn't.I learned a lot with the many elements of photography you taught us - TOES (with light as the big toe), mystery, nostalgia, decisive moments, motion, layers, questions, etc. I appreciated all your suggestions and ideas. For example when we were at Point Judith, you told me to slow down and hang out with something instead of snapping a picture and moving onto the next thing. That's something I do a home when I work with flowers, but being outside, I needed to be reminded to slow down and see what's right in front of me.There's probably much more, because you gave me so much. Thank you so much, Jan!! You are a wonderful teacher! Marjorie Lamphear

Jan- It has been a wonderful class. I have enjoyed it tremendously and am sad it is over. I had no idea how much I could do with my phone - it will be more a part of my photo taking from now on. I loved the 2 assignments you gave the class — a self-portrait and the Darkness and Light. And it seemed like everyone really rose to the challenge of the last assignment So if I were to make a suggestion, it would be to do some kind of assignment each week rather than the broad challenge you gave us for week 2 and 3. But it was all fun and I hope to catch another class with you soon. All the best, Meg

I'm very impressed with your ability to change your lessons at the drop of a hat, given weather conditions and occasional lack of heat. I like the idea of homework in this class. I found the homework pushed me to work hard to take/make a decent picture. The struggle was important to my learning. I don't know if the videos and pictures of photographers and their work was driven by the weather or part of the plan. But again, I found them to be inspirational and learned something from each of themI now have "film is cheap" is burned into my brain. Charlie Seekell

Loved our class! Jan, I don’t know how it could have been better. It was more inspiring than I even hoped; and I loved our group of photographers. Elizabeth Spring

Comments from a recent OLLI series called “Remarkable Photographers”

Jan knows photography and teaches it well.

Appreciate Jan's enthusiasm in receiving feedback and contributions from the class
Very inspiring and authentic instructor I would suggest mentioning to students to go through the websites he offered as soon as possible because Time slips away, and I was not as prepared as I'd like to be when going to future classes.
Wonderful course - Jan did a great job selecting the photographers we discussed and they all were truly remarka-ble, which is different from successful or well known (some of them were. I learned a tremendous amount about photography and the creative process.
My first OLLI course and very much enjoyed! Jan is knowledgeable, easy going and engaging
Excellent course. Thanks.
Jan is an outstanding educator! He has the ability to make everyone feel like they are part of a community sharing thoughts about the topic! I can see why Jan has a following! He is simply wonderful! And I hope to take another class of his in the future!!
A wonderful course with lots to think about and learn from. I would take any course that Jan offered.
loved the humor of his presentations, and the e-mailed links were terrific - - especially for anybody who had to miSS.
Jan Armor rocks!!
Another excellent class from Jan
Keep it going!
Jan knows photography and teaches it well.
Appreciate Jan's enthusiasm in receiving feedback and contributions from the class
Very inspiring and authentic instructor I would suggest mentioning to students to go through the websites he offered as soon as possible because Time slips away, and I was not as prepared as I'd like to be when going to future classes.
Wonderful course - Jan did a great job selecting the photographers we discussed and they all were truly remarka-ble, which is different from successful or well known (some of them were. I learned a tremendous amount about photography and the creative process.
My first OLLI course and very much enjoyed! Jan is knowledgeable, easy going and engaging
Excellent course. Thanks.
Jan is an outstanding educator! He has the ability to make everyone feel like they are part of a community sharing thoughts about the topic! I can see why Jan has a following! He is simply wonderful! And I hope to take another class of his in the future!!
A wonderful course with lots to think about and learn from. I would take any course that Jan offered.
loved the humor of his presentations, and the e-mailed links were terrific - - especially for anybody who had to miSS.
Jan Armor rocks!!
Another excellent class from Jan
Keep it going!
Looking forward to future OLLI courses!
Jan is the man.
Jan was very inspirational and humorous at the same time. I would recommend this course to anyone who loves to He is a lovely man and a gifted teacher. Thanks for sharing his talents with the OLLI community. Looking forward to future OLLI courses!

Jan, thanks so much for the 4 hours of instruction, I learned a huge amount of information for me to now tackle in practice. I appreciate your timely response to my need and the patience in which you dealt with me. I took away a new appreciation for what the phone can do and now if I can only remember to find the select button when I need it. Carol Beatrice