I was back in Leica School this morning with my young, gifted, and strict teacher, Photographer Donald Pebble, a manager in the Leica store in B0ston, and my mentor and teacher.  Donald is asking a lot more of me about understanding the camera, how it works, and how to manage my complicated but excellent camera efficiently.

This morning, we had a two-hour lesson on Zoom. He gracefully taught this older Dyslexic student more about the camera shutter, aperture, and ISO. I have a lot of homework to do. Leica cameras require attention, thought, and understanding. They are not point-and-shoot cameras but think-and-adjust cameras.

Apart from Dyslexia, I have always been self-taught, and it’s an exciting change to have such a knowledgeable and natural teacher help me become a better photographer.

Donald is a great teacher. He’s patient, articulate, supportive, and available but also challenging and demanding.

I am not a natural photographer or skilled at mechanics, but Donald says I’m off to a great start. I need to do some more fundamental work and experimentation, though. The Leica cameras are unlike any others I’ve used. He loves how far I have come but makes me drool at how far I might be able to go.

My photo plan is simple. I want to improve my visibility every year, work as hard as needed, and learn as much as possible.

The Leica teachers have been angels to me. Every week or so, I end up in a panic. I was never a good student or had as good a teacher as Donald, who is studying to be a music and art photographer. It feels great. The Dyslexia can make it very difficult for me, and I imagine, for Donald.

He wants me to experiment more frequently and confidently. Try different things, and take some risks. Gulp.

I fear our lessons a bit, but I also love them. The Leica teachers have guided me every step of the way, and their willingness to teach me is a major miracle. I have two weeks until next week, so I must keep it going. I can’t afford to do it too long, but I don’t plan to quit either. Donald says my flower photography is good is making me proud. He’s sending me some of his photos tonight.