At the end of each of my workshops, I’m always curious to hear one thing that each student learned. Certainly, I hope they learned more than one thing, but I have discovered over the years from taking workshops myself that amid all the little things, there is usually one key concept that tends to stick with me long term which I always associate with an instructor. And, interestingly, I once had a student tell me that she takes workshops with this very intention—to learn one new thing that will help her grow as a photographer. Sometimes our takeaway has to do with something an instructor said; more often, it has to do with personal learnings based on the way we worked or a particular experience. It almost always has to do with what we need at that particular point in our overall learning process.
I totally agree with your student's comment about "state of mind". I think that is the hardest transition to make--moving from daily life into a mind space to be able to make art.
Not really. Sometimes I just force myself to start taking photos, even if I am not really inspired at first. The process of looking through the camera often helps me see new things in a different way. If I am lucky, I "fall" into it--kind of like getting sucked into a good book. I guess I just need to schedule opportunities to explore. I like workshops and classes because they give me that leaping off spot. Often the end result isn't anything like what I was expecting originally.
Thanks, my friend! It was an absolute joy to work with you those many years ago. Our mobile phones can make our photography more like fast food experiences 😉. I'm loving the Substack community!
So beautifully expressed! Photography can be a great way to teach us how to slow down and be intentional. I want my photography experience to be more like a multi-course gourmet meal where all of my senses are utilized, and I'm immersed in the experience.
What a great way to describe that experience, Paul! And I know from years of following and publishing your work that it results in beautiful, expressive and meaningful photographs. By the way, welcome to Substack!
What a great idea, Leslie! Eye candy—yes, it can get in our way of seeing. I’m a big believer in stopping to pay attention to my first impressions and then, whenever possible, exploring a site before pulling the camera out of the bag. A stool could make that process more deliberate. And certainly, when photographing small plants near the ground, it would allow us to spend more time with our subjects, which can result in better photographs. Thanks so much for sharing!
I carry a tiny stool on my backpack to see down low but also to sit and spend time with a place. I see things that I would have passed by. This becomes most important in a new place when eye candy is everywhere. Leslie Landerkin
I totally agree with your student's comment about "state of mind". I think that is the hardest transition to make--moving from daily life into a mind space to be able to make art.
Hollie, do you have any habits or routines that help you make that transition?
Not really. Sometimes I just force myself to start taking photos, even if I am not really inspired at first. The process of looking through the camera often helps me see new things in a different way. If I am lucky, I "fall" into it--kind of like getting sucked into a good book. I guess I just need to schedule opportunities to explore. I like workshops and classes because they give me that leaping off spot. Often the end result isn't anything like what I was expecting originally.
Thanks, my friend! It was an absolute joy to work with you those many years ago. Our mobile phones can make our photography more like fast food experiences 😉. I'm loving the Substack community!
So beautifully expressed! Photography can be a great way to teach us how to slow down and be intentional. I want my photography experience to be more like a multi-course gourmet meal where all of my senses are utilized, and I'm immersed in the experience.
What a great way to describe that experience, Paul! And I know from years of following and publishing your work that it results in beautiful, expressive and meaningful photographs. By the way, welcome to Substack!
What a great idea, Leslie! Eye candy—yes, it can get in our way of seeing. I’m a big believer in stopping to pay attention to my first impressions and then, whenever possible, exploring a site before pulling the camera out of the bag. A stool could make that process more deliberate. And certainly, when photographing small plants near the ground, it would allow us to spend more time with our subjects, which can result in better photographs. Thanks so much for sharing!
I carry a tiny stool on my backpack to see down low but also to sit and spend time with a place. I see things that I would have passed by. This becomes most important in a new place when eye candy is everywhere. Leslie Landerkin