I'll probably get one chance at some of the stops on the trip and I wanted to document them with memorable photos. While I know how to take those touristy shots Aunt Martha took on her trip to the Hoover Damn, I wanted something a little more professional. National Geographic has made a living publishing photos that make you go "awww", so they seemed the obvious choice to try to get me to a new level.
Last Thursday in New York City, I attended a weekend photo workshop taught by four professional photographers. I was a little panicked that I had not spent more than five minutes with my editing software and I really hadn't taken any pictures outside of program mode, but I was signed up and determined to learn at least a little something. First of all, National Geographic doesn't let their photographers touch up photos, so not knowing how to photoshop in King Kong onto the Empire State Bldg wasn't a problem for this class. Second, the instructors were determined to get us all to full manual mode by the end of the weekend regardless of our comfort level and they succeeded!
Each day, we were expected to take to the streets and snap, snap, snap. We were encouraged to get up close and not be afraid to photograph people. And I mean people you don't know, people that look a little different or are having a "moment". Having a badge around our necks with the company logo definitely helped. One girl was photographed so often she now thinks she's the cover for the December issue. Almost everyone was happy to let us into their world for a few moments.
After time on the streets, we went back to the classroom for a couple of hours for the critique portion of the day. We had to edit down to 5 to 10 of what we thought were our best shots to submit for comments. Boy, is that hard! I found out the first day I had no idea what was really good and what was really bad. After listening to a couple of hours of our instructors' comments on everyones' photos, I had a much better idea of what I needed to do. The next session was much easier on the ego.
I should mention that several of my fellow students have spent hundreds of hours behind the camera and it showed. They took professional quality photos, something worth hanging on the wall. There were also those that were barely past a point and shoot. However, we all found something to work on. The improvement was amazing. We also learned from each other. Bonds were formed, addresses exchanged.
Was it worth the cost in time and money? Absolutely. Will I do it again? As soon as I can work it into the schedule. Are my pictures more memorable? First, I think I've moved from pictures to photos. Second, I still have a long ways to go but I think I at least know which direction I'm heading. I'll let you be the judge when my photos are posted from the trip. And did I mention I found two people that have taken the same trip I'm taking? So I now have a before the trip resource which will make my preparations much easier.
Next, what to pack, what to buy
