I’m a professional nature photographer. I not only take and sell photographs but also conduct workshops in some beautiful locations around our world. Admittedly I’m relatively new to the business and am not one of the big names of outdoor photography – yet. But I have a loyal following that continues to grow.
Like I said, I lead workshops, both on my own and teamed up with other great photographers. I believe my workshops have a lot to offer photographers of all skill levels from novices and amateurs to professionals. And our attendees confirm that with their comments.
First of all, we get to great locations and we photograph them in the best light. Location and light are the two most critical elements for exceptional outdoor photography.
Second, we provide lots of one-on-one attention. The primary reason most attendees sign up for workshops is they want to become better photographers. So we really focus on working individually with each photographer on the areas in which they want (and need) to grow. I say ‘need’ because often the attendees don’t have a clear idea of what areas to focus on and we can help with that.
Third, my partners and I have our own unique personal styles of photography that we share with our attendees, both overtly and in more subtle ways. If an attendee knows our work, presumably they like it and may want to learn how to do what we do for themselves.
So, with all that by way of introduction, that’s why I attend workshops. I can photograph unfamiliar areas of our earth with someone who is intimate with the location, its best views and light. Second, I may feel pretty comfortable with my technical and creative skills but, let’s face it, there’s always more to learn. Happily, it’s a never ending process. Thirdly, the workshop instructor’s personal style is just that – personal, unique to that individual. Working with them for three to five days is a wonderful way to absorb some of their magic and stretch my own personal style. After all, simply put, our personal styles are our means by which we express yourselves through our art. It is something that is growing all the time. Working with other skilled photographers just helps it grow faster.
To sum it all up, life is too short and there’s too much to learn. I could approach photography on a do-it-yourself basis and grow by trial and error. And while I never stop exploring and discovering new things on my own, it’s slow. Or I can accelerate the learning process and work with other photographers whom I admire. They have a lot to offer and workshops with them gives me the chance to soak up as much as I possibly can in a short, concentrated period of time. And, I get some great photographs.
Join me on an upcoming workshop.
To see more of my photographs click here.
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