Teacher Profile - Paul Michael Blais April 03 2017, 0 Comments
Paul Blais has been teaching photography classes at the Bay School for 2 years. His next class, Using HDR Photography - Intermediate, is coming up on Saturday, April 29 9am - 3pm.
Paul received a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Minnesota and was a registered Landscape Architect. He worked in a consulting office that did both public and private work. Some of it was traditional Landscape Design and some was related to private real estate development and expert witness testimony in matters of city planning and zoning. Later he moved on to information technology related to cities and counties. In 1998 he became an independent Software Developer and is currently retired. His renewed interest in photography progressed over the years and when digital photography was possible it was meant for his past and current passions to come together. Paul has lived in Hayes, Virginia on Sarah Creek for the past 14 years with his wife and three dogs.
A few questions to Paul:
What made you start teaching?
My interest in photography goes back to my years in college creating presentations as a key part of the education. Standing up and explaining complex issues using visual tools was ingrained into my education and professional work. I have taught assorted subjects as a professional in data processing. I now offer classes in photography at the Bay School. I am also President of the James River Camera Club in Newport News.
What do you get out of teaching?
If you really want deep understanding, teaching makes it more rewarding and exciting.
Tell me something people would be surprised to find out about you.
I have been very active in outdoor activities including camping, canoeing, and backpacking. I’ve spent 2 years of my life in a tent over the past 50 years in many places from the mountains to the shores. I’ve sailed for the past 13 years and have explored waters from the Delaware River to Charleston, NC including many places in the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers. What is not surprising is that these experiences come through in my artwork.