Tips and Tricks from Workshops

[wilonstott]

I am interested in people's experience in photography workshops.
I myself would love the chance to be involved in one--preferably something from a Magnum Photographer, such as Alex Webb, Steve McCurry, or David Alan Harvey.

Alas, I am poor and do not have the available funds to participate in one (yet).

However, I am interested in your experiences.

Most of all, what were some of the best tips you picked up?

--how to deal with subjects.
--composition tips (I'm very interested in this)
--hardware/gear tips (exposure, flash, whatever)
--things about authorship
--anything that provided some semblance of an epiphany


Now I realize that you guys had to shell out the cash for these seminars, and I don't want it to seem like I'm trying to get something for free.


But...well I guess that's exactly what I'm doing.

Either way, perhaps you'll be generous and give us a few pearls of wisdom in the interest of the common good 🙂 .

Please show examples if you can--I love looking at pictures.

Cheers guys and thank you.

--Wil

 

[Trooper]

I attended one workshop and I don't recall learning anything new. There were many people huddled together attempting to take the same picture of the same subject, ensuring that nobody had a decent shot. I did meet one of my closest friends at that workshop, so it wasn't a waste. Having someone to give an honest critique and challenge you is invaluable. Competition is healthy.

I have mostly taught myself photography, as evidenced in the pathetic quality of my photos. Nonetheless, I've learned the most by looking at photos and thinking, "How was that done," and experimenting with the camera and light. For example, I'm currently experimenting with reflective spheroids and cylinders and trying not to capture my own reflection--I like shiny objects. It is particularly difficult if you aren't a vampire. Here is one experiment from several years ago:

...and a more recent one under a patio umbrella:

As I write this, I realize I should be experimenting with the camera instead of reading RFF...

 

[Ducky]

Trooper, that spoon shot is excellent.
Wilonstott, Try a loal club if there is one, preferably one without bias, and get some opinions. Some local groups will have half-day walking shoots as well. Community centers also have an occassional free (or really cheap) workshop.
You might also just study photos you like and try to duplicate them.
What you want is a hard thing to do all alone, good luck.

 

[Trooper]

Wilonstott-

Don't let my comments dissuade you from attending a workshop. My disappointment could be from high expectations or that it was just a bad workshop. Learn everything you can, but a good friend that will provide honest critiques and who will challenge you may be the most benefit. The nice thing about RFF is there seems to be many such folk.

@ Trooper

Both of these made me emit an "emotional", a verbal grunt acknowledging that I'd been affected by both.

I hope the verbal grunt was borne of a positive effect!

Your last line "...with the camera instead of reading..." is bang on the money.

But for reading, and some very interesting exercises, may I suggest Josef Albers' Interaction of Color. You can find it for less than twenty bucks and it is an excellent companion to experiments with the camera. It involves personal experiments with your own color sense.

I will certainly pick up a copy. While our priorities should be on practicing, sometimes the circumstances suit studying more.

I might also suggest that you strike the word "pathetic" from your vocabulary of self-critique. It's unwarranted, and because of that, has the ring of false modesty. If you're being sincere, you need to take another look. Don't sell yourself short.

I would like to see more of your work.

Best,

Shane

The word pathetic is hyperbole, and my true feelings would be more aptly expressed as mediocre or slightly above average. I do tend to have a dim view of my portfolio, but I am proud of how it has improved over the past decade. It isn't the best stuff, but anything I post is the best I could do when I took that photo.

 

[Trooper]

Will,

I didn't mean to kill your thread. I'm interested in hearing about positive experiences from some workshops and seeing photos from them too. Here's a little bump for the thread.

 

[ibcrewin]

David Hobby makes most of his lighting stuff easy to read on the strobist blog. Loads of tips there.