Photography Workshop 101

“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”
(Dorothea Lange)

Summer. Been there, survived that.

I suspect that I have a deleterious gene that makes me line up 34 hours worth of work for every 24-hour day. In the middle of our crazy summer show schedule, I snuck in a photography workshop as a fundraiser for the MT Horse Sanctuary, and a little one-on-one mentoring as well.

I've been reluctant to teach too much photography for a couple of reasons. First, I don't want others' images to start looking like mine. I work hard at being an anomaly. Second, it seems like most photography instructors in these parts are pretty mediocre with a camera, and they took up teaching so they could talk about themselves and their own pictures. At least, that's what I've been told by some of the students. I don't like talking about myself.

But then something strange happened - I turned 50. I know, surprised the heck out of me, too. I never expected to reach 30 so I did all the fun stuff early on, and my last 20 years or so have been sorta' unplanned. But the big day reminded me that I don't have many days or years left. What do I want to finish before I kick off, what will I leave behind, and would my time here have any positive effects on anyone? Deep thoughts, but way less expensive than a midlife crisis convertible.

So I taught the class and, what do you know, it was almost more fun than this 50-yr-old could handle. I had to take a long nap the next day.

Some of my students sent critiques to the Horse Sanctuary, and to a person they all had kind things to say about the workshop. So I'll join the other local instructors and toot my own horn for a moment. Then I'll drink my afternoon Boost and take another nap.

Student photos and comments:

"Loved it! Very relaxed and relatable. By far one of the most pleasant workshops I've been to in years!"
 
"I thought his style was a perfect blend of real information given in a casual, non-intimidating manner.  Despite his tremendous talent and skill, John has a humble demeanor and seems genuinely interested in his workshop participants ability to express themselves photographically." 

"Johns simplified explanation of the ISO/Shutter Speed/Aperture relationship, and the Histogram explanation relieved some of my frustration issues I have had with those parts."

"The class was very useful and I really learned a lot of great information ...I would love to take another photography class. John did a very good job."

Thanks to all of the students who signed up. If you might be interested in future workshops or mentoring, drop me an email.