I was left quite dumbfounded a few weeks ago when my son Matt announced he was taking up AS level photography for Sixth Form. I must say I didn't see that coming! Not that Matt isn't interested, far from it, but I would'nt have thougth he'd actually choose that subject as one of his choices for continued study.
You see, for many years Matt has been really convinced that his way forward is that of a game designer. Unflinchingly, he has been researching every aspect of this business and is well aware of how multiskilled you have to be to get there. Marketer, business man, character builder, designer, 3D design, animation, knowledge about multiplayer and networking games etc etc (Matt will probably add a dozen more roles in there if I let him!!
I was actually introduced to this multiskilled aspect of the gaming designer about a year ago through Matt via the work of Extra Credits, some of which you can see here The voice over on the videos is a bit naff but these animations are educational and thought provoking (which I like!)
Undoubtedly photography will be very useful to Matt in his perusal of Game Design excellence in whatever role he choses to be working in. Knowledge of how light works, perspective, composition etc will be invaluable.
For this reason, I have been giving Matt some tuition in basic principles of photography, which he seems to have grasped with ease. We have been, for some years now, dissecting light and composition in cinema and film whenver we are looking at stuff together and he has developed essential skills :)
I was really pleased when he said he needed to work on a portfolio topresent to his photography tutor to be accepted into Photography class, and I have had to kick his backside somewhat to get him out on the road to get this done. To be honest he prefers doing reseach as well as online gaming to gettting out and about! However, he's done pretty well (see below) - I hope his tutor will agree - and I'm pretty chuffed as he is already showing signs of developing a personal style!
I am sure Matt will be my right side in the future when it comes to post processing and a multitude of technical issues we photographers face as technology advances. He will be my assistant for as long as he will and can and even though his career will take him on a completely different path, I am sure we will keep an open collaboration for both of our benefit.
Good luck Matt!
x
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