SuperUJ
Well-known
I took a workshop led by Lauren Henkin in CCNY recently and it suited my needs. She is insightful on the traditional and alternative paths of photographers. Lauren has two new workshops coming up and they would be in Brooklyn. Thought that I should mention it here:
Self-Publishing
http://www.laurenhenkin.com/teaching/workshop-self-publishing/
Building Your Artistic Practice
http://www.laurenhenkin.com/teaching/building-artistic-practice-fall2013/
John
Self-Publishing
http://www.laurenhenkin.com/teaching/workshop-self-publishing/
Building Your Artistic Practice
http://www.laurenhenkin.com/teaching/building-artistic-practice-fall2013/
John
Interesting John. What did you feel you got out of the class and what did you like about her teaching style?
SuperUJ
Well-known
Hi John,
I learned a lot of how to play the game in today's photography world as an artist, e.g., marketing self publishing books, attending photo reviews, dealing with galleries, etc. just to name a few.
As an artist, Laurent went through an interesting path herself and she shared hers as well as the other new and experienced artists' approach in the workshop. The portfolio reviews in each session also help train my eyes. I feel like I have a list of todos for my portfolio and other marketing channels after each session even though there isn't any homework per se. We went overtime a few times as Lauren is very passionate about photography. Part of it was that she promoted sharing of different points of view among different participants in the workshop. Some interesting readings she suggested that I find myself constantly going back to them as reference too.
With the different ideas I got from the workshop, I am working on revamping my website. So, don't waste your time looking at it now. But, do check back in a month
John
I learned a lot of how to play the game in today's photography world as an artist, e.g., marketing self publishing books, attending photo reviews, dealing with galleries, etc. just to name a few.
As an artist, Laurent went through an interesting path herself and she shared hers as well as the other new and experienced artists' approach in the workshop. The portfolio reviews in each session also help train my eyes. I feel like I have a list of todos for my portfolio and other marketing channels after each session even though there isn't any homework per se. We went overtime a few times as Lauren is very passionate about photography. Part of it was that she promoted sharing of different points of view among different participants in the workshop. Some interesting readings she suggested that I find myself constantly going back to them as reference too.
With the different ideas I got from the workshop, I am working on revamping my website. So, don't waste your time looking at it now. But, do check back in a month
John
Thanks John. I look forward to seeing your new work. I guess I'm always a bit hesitant about these types of classes since I have a BFA in photography (so, I've heard much of it before i.e. easier said than done). I tend to have a good time, but not learn much (or at least not much that is any easier to implement after the class). However, these aren't so expensive and they are interesting. I may give one a try. Are you going to take more with her?
SuperUJ
Well-known
The knowledge in school is great. I think one of the values of workshops like this is the sharing of "war stories." Your point on implementation is the problem that I am having. I like the idea of meeting monthly ... so I can have a group to "report" to on my progress of producing new work and/or building up blog, website, applying for photo reviews, etc. over 6 months.
John
swoop
Well-known
I teach photography workshops here and there. I do private workshops for a tour company. Basically guiding people around the city and teaching them how to best photograph landmarks. It's not bad.
I also teach workshops for a startup "photo school" that regularly schedules workshops on various topics. I've found that I usually get more students for the easier classes such as exposure and composition and photo walks, than the more advanced subjects like portraiture and wedding photography.
I started doing them just to gain experience teaching so I could start up my own workshop on rangefinder techniques. The idea was a workshop that focused on maximizing the benefits of rangefinder cameras for various disciplines of photography such as street, portraiture, landscape, etc and to teach techniques specific to rangefinders as well as include practical exercises. I had my first and only workshop about a month ago and it was a complete flop. But you know, you never get anywhere unless you try. I'm thinking of doing it again only being less ambitious about the subject matter. Just dumbing it down to simple techniques and a photo walk and dropping the price to build up recommendations and referrals.
I also teach workshops for a startup "photo school" that regularly schedules workshops on various topics. I've found that I usually get more students for the easier classes such as exposure and composition and photo walks, than the more advanced subjects like portraiture and wedding photography.
I started doing them just to gain experience teaching so I could start up my own workshop on rangefinder techniques. The idea was a workshop that focused on maximizing the benefits of rangefinder cameras for various disciplines of photography such as street, portraiture, landscape, etc and to teach techniques specific to rangefinders as well as include practical exercises. I had my first and only workshop about a month ago and it was a complete flop. But you know, you never get anywhere unless you try. I'm thinking of doing it again only being less ambitious about the subject matter. Just dumbing it down to simple techniques and a photo walk and dropping the price to build up recommendations and referrals.
laurenhenkin
Newbie
Hello all... Thanks so much, John for posting this. Please let me know if you have any questions about this workshop. It's been a fantastic experience for both students and myself. The small group also enables the participants to connect in a way not possible in larger workshops (I've found anyway).
Thanks so much, John! Look forward to working with you in our second session together...
Lauren
Thanks so much, John! Look forward to working with you in our second session together...
Lauren
May I ask what happened?
With regard to Ms. Henkin's classes, it may be just what I need to pressure me to finish something. I work on tons of projects at the same time and am happy. However, classes force you to complete something and sometimes that's a good thing too.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
John,
A while back I used a writing workshop to re-inspire me. One assignment eventually became the beginning of the chapter which became the first chapter in my book. At that time I was in a bit of a rut...
I'm considering the book workshop. I took a class with Susan Mills on bookbinding, and would like to do limited edition hand made books.
The disaster that remains for me is 5 years worth of unprinted images that need to be edited and printed. This fall will be a start.
Cal
See, that's the thing. I don't feel I'm in a rut at all and am more focused (or at least organized) than ever these days. However, it is nice to get a jolt of inspiration or at the very least have a deadline you have to meet.
gdmcclintock
Well-known
A workshop may helpful for those seeking informed, engaged criticism. I participated in two portfolio reviews which were both expensive and disappointing.
SuperUJ
Well-known
Cal, I saw some of the limited edition hand made books in Lauren's workshop. The creativity of some artists was amazing. I can totally see you doing one.
And yes, John, I too like the idea of having deadlines on projects ... blaming it on the day job.
John
SuperUJ
Well-known
Lauren - I did not know that you are also a RFF member. If your schedule allows, come visit the crowd in our meet up on Sunday, the 28th, details below:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134167
John
laurenhenkin
Newbie
I'd love to but I have plans to meet an old friend that day! Hopefully for you all, this heat wave will have passed.