Hi there! This blog is my documentation of my personal experiences in my MFA journey.   I’m enrolled with the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco to get my MFA in Photography.  The opinions here are my own, they are (by nature) subjective.  I will strive to keep my comments positive, however, my life’s experience with education and the field of photography may produce comments that some may not welcome.  So be it.

When you read my work, pictures and blogs, you can know that I am not paid by anyone to blog here.  It’s just little ol’ me rambling on about things I experiences as part of my MFA process.

I do have a blog that is focused (pun intended) on my photographic work and my experiences as a professional photographer living in Austin, Texas.  That blog is here: http://www.weaver.net/blog/

A bit more about me and why I’m doing this:

I am the hardest working freelance photographer in Austin,Texas. I’m a significant contributing photographer for the A-List over on Austin360.com / Statesman. Small studio / products / people & art too! Recent clients include the Austin Music Foundation, Forbes, The Long Center for the Performing Arts, Austinist and others.

In 1994, I received my MBA from The University of Texas at Austin. I have applied this knowledge and training to good use by doing great work for various companies and teaching various aspects of business in the business school at my alma mater. I have years of experience in high-tech, media (Radio/TV) and even more combined experience in photography.

My photography experience ranges from small home darkroom work to managing large-business customers for a high volume commercial photo lab. A few years ago I got tired of changing jobs because the fine companies I worked for either went bankrupt (Club Photo), had massive reorganizations and layoffs (Dell), or demonstrated questionable ethical behavior that I would not participate in.

My MFA journey is two-fold.

First, I want to explore, study, and expand my work in photographic arts. Spending time focused on this effort will make me a better photographer. I don’t know where along my photographic path I’ll be when I complete the program, but the journey is more important than the destination for this part of my artwork and development.

Second, I love to teach. I guess I’m selfish here. I really learn a lot more about the subjects I teach. This can range from operations management to underwater photography! I especially love teaching in a collegiate setting where you have (mostly) driven students that want to do well. Seeing the lightbulbs turn on when students ‘get it’ and then challenge you back is a wonderful thing. Securing my MFA will provide me the credential to teach in subject areas I love.

Cheers!

David