I've always known my photography improves when I use my camera more frequently. I also know my photography improves when I have time to clear my head and just live in my photographic world. What has become more apparent to me over the last couple of years is the role "photo buddies" play in improving my photography.
Just knowing other photographers doesn't necessarily make a big difference although it does help. Hanging around other photographers certainly makes a difference to me. However, it is when I have a connection and a trust and respect for the photographers I am with, that my photography improves in spades.
I first learnt this a few years ago when I did my initial digital course with Greg Dickens (http://www.photosydney.com.au/) The lessons were fabulous. The regular schedule of learning and practice made a great difference but it was really after the course had finished and I realised what a supportive group I had grown to know and depend on that the penny finally dropped! What we had was a group of like minded people of varying skill level who continued to shoot together. That's when my work stepped up a notch.
A couple of years ago I finally had the courage to front up to the local camera club. Surprise! Surprise! Here on my doorstep was a whole group of fantastic photographers who had found a way to build networks and friendships with other people of similar interest and passion. I was in awe of their collective skill and loved the way I saw them encourage each other. It took a while and a few baby steps, but after a few months I too had found some "photo buddies" to hang out with, to ask for critique and to build friendships.
About 15 months ago, having retired after 40 years in education, I took a huge leap of faith and signed up for a full year's Master Class with Len Metcalf. (http://lensschool.com/) If my beginner's course and my camera club activities had made a huge difference to my photography, this intensive mentoring allowed me to find myself photographically. It challenged me in ways I had not been challenged before and it gave me the confidence to call myself a photographer, rather than a recent retiree. Both are accurate descriptions, but it is my photography that owns me at the moment. Retirement is the luxury that allows me to be a photographer. Not a working professional, but an actual practicing photographer.
So now, a fair way down the path, I have some amazing photographers that I hang out with. Each time I do I learn something. When my "photo buddies" are around I have the luxury of time and opportunity to live in my photographic space.
In this last week alone I have had two separate opportunities and have returned form both with a new richness and new ideas. The images I captured may not be hero shots, but they were a means to an end. A way of experimenting, of trying new ideas, of seeking feedback, of sharing and of having fun!
The first opportunity was 5 nights down the south coast. Thanks to Sue and Kay for their hospitality, good humour, red wine and encouragement. The second opportunity was an evening shoot with Len Metcalf's group in the city near The Rocks. Again, a great chance to practise a few ideas and to talk about what we were doing.
If you are keen about your photography and frustrated about where and what to shoot and how to improve, I can't stress enough the value of finding a group of like minded photo buddies. Get along to your local camera club, enrol in a course, be proactive in taking every opportunity that comes your way, force yourself to be a bit social when you are with other photographers. For every bit of effort you put in you will double what you take from it!
This post is among other things a recognition of the generosity of photographers and photography.
I've posted a few new images from last week.
Enjoy!
Just knowing other photographers doesn't necessarily make a big difference although it does help. Hanging around other photographers certainly makes a difference to me. However, it is when I have a connection and a trust and respect for the photographers I am with, that my photography improves in spades.
I first learnt this a few years ago when I did my initial digital course with Greg Dickens (http://www.photosydney.com.au/) The lessons were fabulous. The regular schedule of learning and practice made a great difference but it was really after the course had finished and I realised what a supportive group I had grown to know and depend on that the penny finally dropped! What we had was a group of like minded people of varying skill level who continued to shoot together. That's when my work stepped up a notch.
A couple of years ago I finally had the courage to front up to the local camera club. Surprise! Surprise! Here on my doorstep was a whole group of fantastic photographers who had found a way to build networks and friendships with other people of similar interest and passion. I was in awe of their collective skill and loved the way I saw them encourage each other. It took a while and a few baby steps, but after a few months I too had found some "photo buddies" to hang out with, to ask for critique and to build friendships.
About 15 months ago, having retired after 40 years in education, I took a huge leap of faith and signed up for a full year's Master Class with Len Metcalf. (http://lensschool.com/) If my beginner's course and my camera club activities had made a huge difference to my photography, this intensive mentoring allowed me to find myself photographically. It challenged me in ways I had not been challenged before and it gave me the confidence to call myself a photographer, rather than a recent retiree. Both are accurate descriptions, but it is my photography that owns me at the moment. Retirement is the luxury that allows me to be a photographer. Not a working professional, but an actual practicing photographer.
So now, a fair way down the path, I have some amazing photographers that I hang out with. Each time I do I learn something. When my "photo buddies" are around I have the luxury of time and opportunity to live in my photographic space.
In this last week alone I have had two separate opportunities and have returned form both with a new richness and new ideas. The images I captured may not be hero shots, but they were a means to an end. A way of experimenting, of trying new ideas, of seeking feedback, of sharing and of having fun!
The first opportunity was 5 nights down the south coast. Thanks to Sue and Kay for their hospitality, good humour, red wine and encouragement. The second opportunity was an evening shoot with Len Metcalf's group in the city near The Rocks. Again, a great chance to practise a few ideas and to talk about what we were doing.
If you are keen about your photography and frustrated about where and what to shoot and how to improve, I can't stress enough the value of finding a group of like minded photo buddies. Get along to your local camera club, enrol in a course, be proactive in taking every opportunity that comes your way, force yourself to be a bit social when you are with other photographers. For every bit of effort you put in you will double what you take from it!
This post is among other things a recognition of the generosity of photographers and photography.
I've posted a few new images from last week.
Enjoy!
