Allow yourself to make mistakes — expect to make them — it's a required part of the learning process and it's a very special aspect of the creative process and artistic lifestyle. Attempt to create as many images as you can this semester. Placing more value in the journey, not the destination — "the journey is the destination" — Dan Eldon

Read the textbook as assigned and take notes as you progess through each chapter. Attempt to apply the techniques you've read about to the images you wish to create. Don't limit the learning process solely to what the instructor says and does in class — the instructor is only ONE opinion, and ONE methodology. Find out how others solve similar problems.

Take notes during class demonstrations & lectures since you will be barraged with a great deal of new information; find a way to trap it.

Download assignments & handouts provided for your class. Learn what is expected from you in the grading criteria to ensure successful completion of the course.

Expect to study 6- to 8-hours per week for the class [inclusive of lecture / lab time] to gain the most benefit from its concepts and techniques — what you PUT IN will equal what you GET OUT of the experience.

Continually build your photographic vocabulary. Learn technical language and terms — it's the jargon of your profession — to become conversant in the medium with your peers. If you identify something as "that do-hicky-thing," it doesn't make a very good impression.

Orient yourself to the studio and/or digital lab environments. Instructors do their best to be comprehensive to get students up and running, but demonstrations serve only as a starting place. You are strongly encouraged to handle as many different kinds of equipment available to you, as frequently as possible, in order to deeply learn and retain how they function. Take ownership of your education.

Arrive on time and attend all classes adequately prepared with hard drive, papers, props & materials, to make efficient use of studio and/or digital lab time. Think & plan ahead!

A state of mind that leads to mediocrity says, "not enough money / not enough time / not enough technology / not enough education / not enough support." But a state of mind that leads to greatness says, "it’s not resources but resourcefulness that ultimately makes the difference." — Tony Robbins

Creating great images requires practicing your craft on a daily basis and maintaining "Beginner's Mind" — "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few." — Chinese Zen Philosophy

Be self-motivated and self-disciplined — keeping up with the assignments is critical to success.

Visit a gallery or museum. Look at several books, magazines, or Websites to see what others are doing photographically. Get ideas and get inspired.

Re-write your notes before an exam — it increases your retention of the material. Find one or two study partners to share what you know and ask questions.

Don't hesitate to ask the instructor questions during lab/studio times, and expect to spend more time setting-up and preparing than actually photographing.

Produce images with time to spare for editing, and prepare them as needed before critique. Contribute work to each critique and verbally participate in them.

Make your final portfolio presentation the most professional looking as possible. You are presenting work to a sophisticated viewing audience — so get dressed!