Sarah Van Nortwick — Alaska

Course: Career Training 2011

Before Attending

It’s May 8, 2011 - less than a month away from the start of Summer Intensive.

During the coming 16 days, I can only expect my enthusiasm to heighten. On day 17, I will be in Missoula. I’ll settle into my apartment and I’ll begin the search for a reasonably priced used car. I’ll pick up my best friend at the airport and we’ll buy furniture, dishes, and soap. On June 6, I’ll meet the kind people I’ll be spending my days with for the next five months. I’ll begin my journey at Rocky Mountain School of Photography.

As easy it would be to say that is all it takes to prepare for this pivotal education experience, I’ll have left out the sheer anxiety, expectations, goals, and excitement that have inhabited my mind for months. About a year ago, I discovered a passion for an art that I’d never given a second thought. I’ve attempted to take flawless photographs ever since, but I still don’t possess confidence in my images or my abilities. I hope to gain that confidence through attending RMSP this year. I expect nothing less than excellent instruction and beautiful people. My hopes for my photographic career span from missionary photography to artistic expression, and I hope to receive some guidance and perspective through my experience at RMSP.

I am abounding with excitement and this month cannot pass quickly enough. I look forward to a summer overflowing with photographs, inspiration, education, friendship and laughs. See you soon, RMSP.

After Attending

When I left home for Summer Intensive in May, I had no idea how much I’d gain. I've learned more about photography in two months than I ever thought was possible. I could explain exactly what I learned but that would take at least an entire book.

I came into SI searching for a knowledgeable photographic foundation on which to build confidence in my work. I totally got it. It was well worth the journey as well as the time, money, and emotional sacrifices. RMSP has given me the courage to do whatever I want with my photography and to pursue a career choice I had hardly considered before. I’ve met dozens of beautiful fellow photographers, acquired many important connections through staff members and teachers, and made multiple lifelong friends. This school has surpassed my expectations and I would sign up again in a heartbeat.

RMSP 2011 was the best summer of my life.