On our last class day we always make a collection of our best photos, put them on the web, and show them to all the Summer University students gathered for the farewell celebration. During this last class we also write down the most important thing we’ve learned, and later that day, when when the slides are showing, we read what we’ve written. Here’s our collection of favorites from 2007 and 2008, and here’s what some of us have written.

Ahmed’s Blog and Web Album. “One way to learn is by making mistakes, I have learned how to build bridges of trust with the person I am taking photos of, and sometimes it was more like hunting: you need to wait for the right time and hope you have enough luck!”

Beyza’s Blog and Web Album. “In Turkish, there is a famous saying: ” Who knows more? The one who reads a lot or the one who travels a lot?” I’ve read many articles about people living in Berlin, but the incredible experience was to meet the flesh and blood Berliners themselves, talk to them in person, and capture the moments of their lives.”

Bruce’s Blog and Web Album. “From the moment when I first met them, I just KNEW these people were going to do wonderful things, and they did! It was a tremendous pleasure working with these people, and as you may see by what they say and by visiting their blogs and web albums, they worked hard and achieved much: there are a lot of photos here that are simply fabulous!”

Chet’s Blog and Web Album. “I learned that my photographs are about capturing the moment My pictures are now about composing the images that my eyes see in order to show the beauty that the world provides.”

Echo’s Blog and Web Album. “Before, I took lots of landscape pictures, but now I’ve learned how to communicate with people and share feelings with them. I now get closer to people and things when I make pictures and so show the details. Photographing is not so hard, but just a reflection the normal life. When we notice it we can take more excellent photos and enjoy our colorful life.”

Jake’s Blog and Web Album. “I learned to pay more attention to details, to walk into an area, notice the finer elements both natural and constructed, and wonder why it is the way it is.”

John’s Blog and Web Album. “Patience. I wasn’t patient. I wouldn’t wait for aspecific moment in time to freeze. I learned to wait for the life and dynamics of the photo to come into the frame and position themselves. I learned to wait for the photo to come to life.”

Judith’s Blog and Web Album. “I learnt that there is an ethics to good photography: that when you come to a subject with preconceived ideas, you risk casting it in stone. Great photography requires a sensitivity that demands you set aside your opinions and seek out fresh understanding.”

Lena’s Blog and Web Album. “There’s a vulnerability in the photo that comes out when there is mutual trust between the photographer and the subject. When you build rapport, there’s a new warmth, an intimacy that makes for a beautiful photo.”

Lisa’s Blog and Web Album. “I’ve learned that much of photography is about letting go. Often one must set aside shyness and usual social defence mechanisms in order to enter an explored place where a good photograph can be taken.”

Liza’s Blog and Web Album. “I wanted to show people the atmosphere and the importance of the photos i’ve taken, that’s why i think i’ve learned to pay attention to the details in order to make the whole picture of what i’m doing. It’s important for me because i want people feel what I felt when I was taking that photos, when I was in that place or when I met those people.”

Mariana’s Blog and Web Album. “I learned that while being shy did not allow me to take good pictures up close, it allowed me to observe things and people from afar and in my opinion, take pictures that are as good and more personal to me.”

Melissa’s Blog and Web Album. “Details. You should take a second look around and you will find that there is so much more. After studying the fundamental elements of photography I see the world different, more interesting and more detailed.”

Nina’s Blog and Web Album. “I learned not to be afraid of interacting with people. As with my friends, I was able to become more comfortable with them. Then they were able to open themselves up to me.”

Yoni’s Blog and Web Album. “I like to investigate people that break away from homogenized mainstream culture which we are all plagued with everyday. I’ve found a lot of them in Europe.”

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