Comments for Erika Gentry: Imaging Arts, Education http://erikagentry.wordpress.com Find your course link, leave your comments. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:40:27 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on Leave your feedback for my courses. by eygentry http://erikagentry.wordpress.com/2007/12/06/hello-world/comment-page-1/#comment-4 eygentry Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:40:27 +0000 http://erikagentry.wordpress.com/2007/12/01/hello-world/#comment-4 Several years ago I took Ms. Gentry’s classes at Foothill College in Los Altos. At the time I was a wholly bewildered novice, quite completely overwhelmed by Photoshop and digital imaging generally. I’d previously started and dropped classes with other intructors (some very experienced both as teachers and Photoshop savvy photographers). Only with Erika did the lights really come on. She was steady, deeply patient, thoroughly knowledgeable, and imaginative. Her management of the class, some 23 or 24 people of widely varying age, experience, and ability was masterful. As she covered large bodies of information, she carefully noted which students were keeping pace and which weren’t quite getting it. As she reviewed material, and during breaks, she sought out the stragglers, made them comfortable and brought them up to speed. She manifestly wanted her students to succeed. Clearly, in my experience, Ms. Gentry has proved herself an exceptional teacher. Yet there is one other factor that made her a truly singular instructor. As the class proceeded and we started, in baby steps, to use what we were learning, Erika treated each of the 23 or so students as a distinct individual with their own aesthetic sense and goals. I never once heard Erika try to impose her own or some generalized notion of “art” on a struggling student. Rather, she spent the time and effort to understand where the student was trying to take a piece, and then using the course material, assisted in the pursuit of the student’s aesthetic goal. In sum, Ms. Gentry is a singularly fine teacher. Any faculty that she decides to join will be fortunate indeed. <strong>Regards, Jed Wormhoudt</strong> I highly recommend Erika Gentry as an instructor. She has vast real world experience that she brings to the classroom; I have never seen a situation she did not know how to handle. She is very organized and presents very thorough information on each topic. In addition, she provides lots of examples of work of professionals in the applicable topic, this adds greatly to the richness of the experience. On top of all of that – she is very fun. <strong>Cathy Cakebread</strong> The didgital bookmaking class taught by erica was one of the best computer class have ever taken. She displayed excellent command of the subject matter, enthusuastic engagement with the class, and the wonderful field trips she organized were very motivational. <strong>carol craford </strong> Erika Gentry was one of the best teachers I had for digital photography. She was very easy to understand. She not only provided notes but she also goes over it carefully. I had a very slow start into Photoshop. Erika made it easy to understand. I also took another class from her that focused on image. She was helpful in teaching us to reach our goal and gave wonderful feedback and critique. <strong>Vivian Tsung </strong> Erika Gentry is one of the best instructors I’ve ever had. She is always prepared for the lectures and very helpful on lab time. IDST 120 on the spring of 2005 was a class that changed my life. <strong>Rodrigo M. Berbel Ito </strong> I have taken her photo design and cocept class. Erika’s teaching is up-to-date and very informative. What I like the best is that she encourges students’ creativity. <strong>Grace Kwon </strong> This is to say Erika taught a well organized and informative class in Photoshop. She worked with students showing them procedures beyond the requirements. She promotes and participates in seminars that keep students in contact with the latest technology. <strong>Chuck Cegelski </strong> Sunnyvale, CA USA <code></code> Hi Eriaa,I had took your course over a year ago, since that I start using computer & media now, I’m still apprecietyour hard work, you are an excillet instructer! Thanks again! <strong>Youmans Hsiong </strong> Erika Gentry has been by far one of my favorite photography teachers. Over the years of my education, I have found a couple of things that really do it for me in terms of getting a lot out of my classes via the instructors. 1) It always helps when I just genuinely like my teacher as a person. 2) Teachers that have real experience in the field, and a valuable and practical set of skills that they themselves are very passionate about. and 3) When teachers are able to communicate that knowledge in a way that is useful and interesting in a classroom situation. While I think it is pretty common to find any one of these things in teachers, Erika has been one of the few that has been able to combine all 3. Not only is it obvious that she has a very valuable knowledge and strong grasp on the subject matter, but she is able to truely teach that to her students. I think one of the reasons she stands out in my mind is that I remember never wanting to miss a class. Every meeting she had prepared something that I knew I was going to learn from. And her lessons were prepared in a way that was specific to the needs of our class. On more than one occasion I remember her going out of her way to bring in examples or teaching aids in answer to somebody’s question/comment from a previous class. I think she came to each and every class very prepared both with the knowledge and a means to communicate that knowledge, and I am looking forward for the opportunity to be able to take more classes from her in the future. <strong>Robyn Kessler San Francisco, Ca </strong> Erika is a genuine leader and inspirational teacher in the domain of photography and the creative arts. I have taken her digital imaging course and workshops. She is unique her classes in maintaining a balance of artistic expression and technical “how to” She inspired me and other students to follow and express our ideas - to find the inner artist and express the spirit within yourself. She is a truly gifted teacher. John <strong>john rinehart </strong> Erika is the best prepared and most meticulous and harworking instructor I’ve had: her lessons are always comprehensive and comprehensible. She stays current with soft- and hard-ware, but always makes it clear that human skills and knowledge have to come first; she doesn’t let her students get lazy or complacent vis a vis our machines. She’s extremely well read and articulate, open minded but also demanding: she doesn’t let people fail. I’ve seen her take young students aside and very gently but firmly make it clear to them that she knows they can do better work than they’ve handed in — and then take the time to sit down next to them and help them until they do indeed produce that better work. If I’d had teachers like Erika in undergraduate school, I’d have … I don’t know what. A nobel prize, maybe. In a milieu that can be brain-scrambling, I’ve never seen her lose her cool: she’s resilient, adaptable, and has a great sense of humor. Erika brings refreshing humanity and common sense to subjects where both can be scarce. She has clarity and vision. And, perhaps most important, she never lets theory outstrip practice: by the time Erika’s done with you, you know how to DO something. Everyone should have teachers this good. <strong>Scott Agnew San Francisco, Ca </strong> I took a digital imaging class from Erika to learn about Adobe Photoshop, scanning, manipulating images, printing and web publishing. She unquestionably had the necessary experience, skills and knowledge to be an effective instructor, and her enthusiasm for digital imaging, along with her own personal artwork, was infectious and inspiring. As a lifelong student, I have rarely found an instructor who has Erika’s unique ability to blend exceptional artistic talent with patient and effective instruction. She is an asset to any organization with which she is affiliated. <strong>Linda Crowe San Carlos, CA USA</strong> To Whom It May Concern: I have taken a full quarter course and several short courses from Erika Gentry in the past two years on digital imaging. I started as a complete novice to Photoshop and was barely computer literate and I found her understanding, helpful and patient. She provoked good discussions around the issues of ethics and artistic expression and really made us think. She also included helpful information about selling our photographs if we wished and how to exhibit them in our college gallery. In short, Erika is a wonderful teacher and an asset to any faculty. I only wish she was still at Foothill. For your information, I am a senior student (aged 70) and have considerable experience in observing college professors. Please feel free to contact me for any further information. Sincerely, Diane Nanis nanisdiane@gmail.com I learned a lot from Erika and am sorry she is no longer teaching at Foothill College. She keeps in touch with her past students and encourages us with announcements of interesting lectures, shows, and opportunities to enter photo competitions. <strong>diane Nanis Mountain View , CA </strong> Erika, You have been great as a teacher and adviser. I’ve enjoyed your class (IDST 120) and working with you on some small projects. I value your input on design issues I bring you and also thank you for taking some of your time in helping me. Good Luck up the road. Paul p.s. I like the guest book :-) <strong>Paul Strader </strong> I am a photographer with a background in fine arts photography. I was a student of Erika’s last semester in an introduction to digital media class. Her teaching method was not only clear and very effective, but I have walked aways with knowledge that I will incorporate into my creative process. I have taken various digital media courses with others and can honestly say that Erika was the only instructor who encouraged me to utilize the media to accomodate my creative vision– she was very available and sensitive to my personal aesthetic. Her class was most thorough and informative digital media class that I have taken. <strong>Constance Lewis San Francisco, CA USA</strong> I think Erika is an excellent teacher, definitly the best one Ive had so far at city college. I learned a very generous amount of knowledge on a vast array of subjects. I apply what I have learned to projects that I currently work on today. Thanks Erika! <strong>SamSon San Francisco, CA USA</strong> I strongly recommend Erika Gentry to any and all students who are looking for entry level skills in the Graphic Arts program. She is by far the most knowledgable, personable & reliable teacher I have learned from at City College of San Francisco. IDST 120 is the class and she is the best one to take it with. <strong>Jason Blandon San Francisco, CA USA</strong> As a working professional, Ms. Gentry provides a unique perspective to teaching digital photography skills. I use two of the handouts from class every time I do extensive work on my digital photographs. Her class was stimulating and fun! <strong>Carol Matre Los Altos, CA USA - </strong> Erika is a fantastic teacher and I really enjoyed her IDST 120 Class. She has a wonderful sense of style when it comes to teaching. Erika was open to new ideas and creative approaches to class projects and assignments. I especially appreciate that Erika was always available via email for questions regarding class projects as well as a few looming “work” issues I experienced as a freelance designer. I have recommended Erika’s class to others at CCSF in the past and will continue to do so as long as she is teaching. Viva Erika! <strong>Kate Dana Detwiler San Francisco, CA USA</strong> I was really nervous about learning photoshop because it seemed so complicated and overwhelming. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher for my Intro to Photoshop class. Erika was incredibly patient and thorough -I learned so much and now I cruise through photoshop. I wish I could have Erika for all of my classes. She’s the best! <strong>Karen Rusten New York, NY USA</strong> Fantastic course, Erika! It was a great overview of Photoshop, Image Ready, Flash and Final Cut Pro — enough to get me running on my own. As Goldie Hawn says in “Overboard,” … “Good Stuff!” :) <strong>Gwendolynne Barr San Francisco, CA USA</strong> Everyone in IDST130 comments on your class so you are famous there! <strong>Shirley Smith </strong> Erika, I really enjoyed your class. It really sparked some interests and got me thinking about new career possibilities. <strong>Terri McBride S.F., CA USA</strong> Hi Erika, Your class was great. I got a lot out of it. Brian Labrie <strong>Brian Labrie sausalito, ca</strong> Several years ago I took Ms. Gentry’s classes at Foothill College in Los Altos. At the time I was a wholly bewildered novice, quite completely overwhelmed by Photoshop and digital imaging generally. I’d previously started and dropped classes with other intructors (some very experienced both as teachers and Photoshop savvy photographers). Only with Erika did the lights really come on. She was steady, deeply patient, thoroughly knowledgeable, and imaginative. Her management of the class, some 23 or 24 people of widely varying age, experience, and ability was masterful. As she covered large bodies of information, she carefully noted which students were keeping pace and which weren’t quite getting it. As she reviewed material, and during breaks, she sought out the stragglers, made them comfortable and brought them up to speed. She manifestly wanted her students to succeed. Clearly, in my experience, Ms. Gentry has proved herself an exceptional teacher. Yet there is one other factor that made her a truly singular instructor. As the class proceeded and we started, in baby steps, to use what we were learning, Erika treated each of the 23 or so students as a distinct individual with their own aesthetic sense and goals. I never once heard Erika try to impose her own or some generalized notion of “art” on a struggling student. Rather, she spent the time and effort to understand where the student was trying to take a piece, and then using the course material, assisted in the pursuit of the student’s aesthetic goal. In sum, Ms. Gentry is a singularly fine teacher. Any faculty that she decides to join will be fortunate indeed.

Regards, Jed Wormhoudt

I highly recommend Erika Gentry as an instructor. She has vast real world experience that she brings to the classroom; I have never seen a situation she did not know how to handle. She is very organized and presents very thorough information on each topic. In addition, she provides lots of examples of work of professionals in the applicable topic, this adds greatly to the richness of the experience. On top of all of that – she is very fun.
Cathy Cakebread

The didgital bookmaking class taught by erica was one of the best computer class have ever taken. She displayed excellent command of the subject matter, enthusuastic engagement with the class, and the wonderful field trips she organized were very motivational.
carol craford

Erika Gentry was one of the best teachers I had for digital photography. She was very easy to understand. She not only provided notes but she also goes over it carefully. I had a very slow start into Photoshop. Erika made it easy to understand. I also took another class from her that focused on image. She was helpful in teaching us to reach our goal and gave wonderful feedback and critique.
Vivian Tsung

Erika Gentry is one of the best instructors I’ve ever had. She is always prepared for the lectures and very helpful on lab time. IDST 120 on the spring of 2005 was a class that changed my life.
Rodrigo M. Berbel Ito

I have taken her photo design and cocept class. Erika’s teaching is up-to-date and very informative. What I like the best is that she encourges students’ creativity.
Grace Kwon

This is to say Erika taught a well organized and informative class in Photoshop. She worked with students showing them procedures beyond the requirements. She promotes and participates in seminars that keep students in contact with the latest technology.
Chuck Cegelski
Sunnyvale, CA USA

Hi Eriaa,I had took your course over a year ago, since that I start using computer & media now, I’m still apprecietyour hard work, you are an excillet instructer! Thanks again!
Youmans Hsiong

Erika Gentry has been by far one of my favorite photography teachers. Over the years of my education, I have found a couple of things that really do it for me in terms of getting a lot out of my classes via the instructors.
1) It always helps when I just genuinely like my teacher as a person.
2) Teachers that have real experience in the field, and a valuable and practical set of skills that they themselves are very passionate about. and
3) When teachers are able to communicate that knowledge in a way that is useful and interesting in a classroom situation. While I think it is pretty common to find any one of these things in teachers, Erika has been one of the few that has been able to combine all 3.

Not only is it obvious that she has a very valuable knowledge and strong grasp on the subject matter, but she is able to truely teach that to her students. I think one of the reasons she stands out in my mind is that I remember never wanting to miss a class. Every meeting she had prepared something that I knew I was going to learn from. And her lessons were prepared in a way that was specific to the needs of our class. On more than one occasion I remember her going out of her way to bring in examples or teaching aids in answer to somebody’s question/comment from a previous class. I think she came to each and every class very prepared both with the knowledge and a means to communicate that knowledge, and I am looking forward for the opportunity to be able to take more classes from her in the future.

Robyn Kessler
San Francisco, Ca

Erika is a genuine leader and inspirational teacher in the domain of photography and the creative arts. I have taken her digital imaging course and workshops. She is unique her classes in maintaining a balance of artistic expression and technical “how to” She inspired me and other students to follow and express our ideas – to find the inner artist and express the spirit within yourself. She is a truly gifted teacher. John
john rinehart

Erika is the best prepared and most meticulous and harworking instructor I’ve had: her lessons are always comprehensive and comprehensible. She stays current with soft- and hard-ware, but always makes it clear that human skills and knowledge have to come first; she doesn’t let her students get lazy or complacent vis a vis our machines. She’s extremely well read and articulate, open minded but also demanding: she doesn’t let people fail. I’ve seen her take young students aside and very gently but firmly make it clear to them that she knows they can do better work than they’ve handed in — and then take the time to sit down next to them and help them until they do indeed produce that better work.

If I’d had teachers like Erika in undergraduate school, I’d have … I don’t know what. A nobel prize, maybe. In a milieu that can be brain-scrambling, I’ve never seen her lose her cool: she’s resilient, adaptable, and has a great sense of humor. Erika brings refreshing humanity and common sense to subjects where both can be scarce. She has clarity and vision. And, perhaps most important, she never lets theory outstrip practice: by the time Erika’s done with you, you know how to DO something. Everyone should have teachers this good.

Scott Agnew
San Francisco, Ca

I took a digital imaging class from Erika to learn about Adobe Photoshop, scanning, manipulating images, printing and web publishing. She unquestionably had the necessary experience, skills and knowledge to be an effective instructor, and her enthusiasm for digital imaging, along with her own personal artwork, was infectious and inspiring. As a lifelong student, I have rarely found an instructor who has Erika’s unique ability to blend exceptional artistic talent with patient and effective instruction. She is an asset to any organization with which she is affiliated.

Linda Crowe
San Carlos, CA USA

To Whom It May Concern: I have taken a full quarter course and several short courses from Erika Gentry in the past two years on digital imaging.

I started as a complete novice to Photoshop and was barely computer literate and I found her understanding, helpful and patient. She provoked good discussions around the issues of ethics and artistic expression and really made us think.

She also included helpful information about selling our photographs if we wished and how to exhibit them in our college gallery. In short, Erika is a wonderful teacher and an asset to any faculty. I only wish she was still at Foothill.

For your information, I am a senior student (aged 70) and have considerable experience in observing college professors. Please feel free to contact me for any further information. Sincerely, Diane Nanis nanisdiane@gmail.com I learned a lot from Erika and am sorry she is no longer teaching at Foothill College. She keeps in touch with her past students and encourages us with announcements of interesting lectures, shows, and opportunities to enter photo competitions.

diane Nanis
Mountain View , CA

Erika, You have been great as a teacher and adviser. I’ve enjoyed your class (IDST 120) and working with you on some small projects. I value your input on design issues I bring you and also thank you for taking some of your time in helping me. Good Luck up the road.

Paul p.s. I like the guest book :-)
Paul Strader

I am a photographer with a background in fine arts photography. I was a student of Erika’s last semester in an introduction to digital media class. Her teaching method was not only clear and very effective, but I have walked aways with knowledge that I will incorporate into my creative process. I have taken various digital media courses with others and can honestly say that Erika was the only instructor who encouraged me to utilize the media to accomodate my creative vision– she was very available and sensitive to my personal aesthetic. Her class was most thorough and informative digital media class that I have taken.
Constance Lewis
San Francisco, CA USA

I think Erika is an excellent teacher, definitly the best one Ive had so far at city college. I learned a very generous amount of knowledge on a vast array of subjects. I apply what I have learned to projects that I currently work on today. Thanks Erika!
SamSon
San Francisco, CA USA

I strongly recommend Erika Gentry to any and all students who are looking for entry level skills in the Graphic Arts program. She is by far the most knowledgable, personable & reliable teacher I have learned from at City College of San Francisco. IDST 120 is the class and she is the best one to take it with.
Jason Blandon
San Francisco, CA USA

As a working professional, Ms. Gentry provides a unique perspective to teaching digital photography skills. I use two of the handouts from class every time I do extensive work on my digital photographs. Her class was stimulating and fun!
Carol Matre
Los Altos, CA USA -

Erika is a fantastic teacher and I really enjoyed her IDST 120 Class. She has a wonderful sense of style when it comes to teaching. Erika was open to new ideas and creative approaches to class projects and assignments. I especially appreciate that Erika was always available via email for questions regarding class projects as well as a few looming “work” issues I experienced as a freelance designer. I have recommended Erika’s class to others at CCSF in the past and will continue to do so as long as she is teaching. Viva Erika!
Kate Dana Detwiler
San Francisco, CA USA

I was really nervous about learning photoshop because it seemed so complicated and overwhelming. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher for my Intro to Photoshop class. Erika was incredibly patient and thorough -I learned so much and now I cruise through photoshop. I wish I could have Erika for all of my classes. She’s the best!
Karen Rusten
New York, NY USA

Fantastic course, Erika! It was a great overview of Photoshop, Image Ready, Flash and Final Cut Pro — enough to get me running on my own. As Goldie Hawn says in “Overboard,” … “Good Stuff!” :)
Gwendolynne Barr
San Francisco, CA USA

Everyone in IDST130 comments on your class so you are famous there!
Shirley Smith

Erika, I really enjoyed your class. It really sparked some interests and got me thinking about new career possibilities.
Terri McBride
S.F., CA USA

Hi Erika, Your class was great. I got a lot out of it. Brian Labrie
Brian Labrie
sausalito, ca

]]> Comment on Irving Penn, Working with a Master by Stan Lipsitz http://erikagentry.wordpress.com/2008/04/05/irving-penn-working-with-a-master/comment-page-1/#comment-1231 Stan Lipsitz Sun, 11 Oct 2009 05:05:06 +0000 http://erikagentry.wordpress.com/?p=78#comment-1231 Thank you for sharing your friend, Stella's, observations of an Irving Penn shoot. To know how someone, especially one of the great photographers, works is revealing and educational. I only wish that Stella had told us more. Thank you for including this. Thank you for sharing your friend, Stella’s, observations of an Irving Penn shoot. To know how someone, especially one of the great photographers, works is revealing and educational. I only wish that Stella had told us more. Thank you for including this.

]]> Comment on Leave your feedback for my courses. by John Ha http://erikagentry.wordpress.com/2007/12/06/hello-world/comment-page-1/#comment-1207 John Ha Fri, 11 Sep 2009 23:23:49 +0000 http://erikagentry.wordpress.com/2007/12/01/hello-world/#comment-1207 Anybody want to improve digital printing color and b/w should take Erika Gentry class. Since I took her printing class color and b/w last couple years at Foothill College my printing skills have been improved amazingly, then my digital and film b/w photos have been recommended to exhibit at gallery or to enter contest. I'm willing to continue to take her class, see you soon again Erika. Anybody want to improve digital printing color and b/w should take Erika Gentry class. Since I took her printing class color and b/w last couple years at Foothill College my printing skills have been improved amazingly, then my digital and film b/w photos have been recommended to exhibit at gallery or to enter contest.
I’m willing to continue to take her class, see you soon again Erika.

]]> Comment on Arles, France Rental Properties – Do not rent from Alain Belment by ayana http://erikagentry.wordpress.com/2009/07/10/arles-france-rental-do-not-rent-from-alain-belmont/comment-page-1/#comment-1206 ayana Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:28:53 +0000 http://erikagentry.wordpress.com/?p=1000#comment-1206 Hi Erika, So sorry you had to go through this. I would write a letter to the agency explaining the problem with a "Cc" to M. Belmont. And then continue to get the word out about his shady dealings. Hi Erika,
So sorry you had to go through this. I would write a letter to the agency explaining the problem with a “Cc” to M. Belmont. And then continue to get the word out about his shady dealings.

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