Photographer Develops New Talent With U-Hi Classes
Robert Behm did not expect to be a teacher. Photography was his art. He honed it in college, in Seattle and in his Valley studio.
Sixteen years after graduating from University High School, the photographer finds himself in the classroom, sharing his love of pictures with students.
“Photography has always been this jewel I keep all to myself,” said Behm, 34. “By giving it away to (the students), I get even more back.”
More than 100 students are enrolled in his three classes. They learn the basics about composition, lighting and darkroom work. The advanced classes allow the kids to get creative, using stark lighting contrasts with everyday subjects. So far, 165 students have requested his Introduction to Photography class for this fall.
“It’s because of him that I have my (college) major,” said Charli Ellis, 17. She now assists Behm with the introductory class and is a photographer for the school newspaper. Charli also is enrolled in a photography class at Spokane Falls Community College and said Behm’s class is more challenging.
“It has a lot to do with Rob’s style,” said Charli. “It’s relaxed. And comfortable to grow in. He lets us work at our own pace.”
The fact that Behm currently works as a photographer, say the students, convinces them to trust his opinion, his technique.
“I think they like that I’m actually out there doing this myself - for a living,” he said.
In the midst of teaching three photography classes, Behm runs a private studio on South Dishman Road. He shoots portraits and modeling portfolios.
Behm recently was awarded best bride portrait for the third time in seven years by the Professional Photographers of Washington.
He turned to one of his students, Emily Culbertson, 16, for help in titling the winning photograph, “Reflections of my love.”
Emily is taking the intro class on the advice of her older brother. “I’m realizing there’s more to photography than the picture,” she said. “There’s emotion behind it.”
Those words make Behm’s heart swell. He hopes to instill in students what it means to capture life’s moments on film - whether a scene of the Spokane River or in a corner of the downtown Masonic Temple.
“One of the funnest things is when one of the kids says, ‘You know what, I saw what you were talking about the other day,”’ said Behm. “That means it’s happening all the time.”
Like with Charli. She often “sees” photos while driving around Spokane. She’s beginning to use her eyes as if they were a camera lens. And that’s a lesson no textbook could teach. But a photographer who’s a teacher can.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo