Craig Rademacher, Ph.D. — Michigan
Course: Summer Intensive 2012
The lead up to my attending the 2012 Summer Intensive program at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography
was an off and on affair for almost 5 years. Year after year the RMSP catalog would show up at my door and
I would marvel at the images and dream of attending a really great photography school. Wouldn’t that be fun?
Each year I worked the math of my finances. And I ask the questions many potential students often ask. Did I
have the right equipment? Would I be successful? Would photography be too much for me? Could I afford it? I
listened to advice from others that asked whether the return on investment was worth it? Each year I balked
and in hesitating my opportunity evaporated into thin air. In spite of this annual personal dance of denial
one of the things that always drew me back to thinking about RMSP was the immersive nature of summer intensive.
As a university professor I encourage students to invest themselves, to be committed, in their chosen field
of study. I came to realize I too had to walk my talk. So, in the spring of 2012 I chose not to hesitate and
enrolled in Summer Intensive.
As it turned out Summer Intensive was the best decision I have made in a very long time. The immersion process
works and I found myself studying, living, and dreaming photography on a daily basis. It proved to be a profound
learning experience with excellent breadth and welcome depth. It engaged my learning from a technical, theoretical,
and aesthetic perspective. A truly well-rounded education experience.
My advice. Do not hesitate. Listen to your inner voice. It knows your value and truth. Then make your way to Missoula
for the summer. You will be amazed by what you will learn about photography, art, friendship, and living your passion.