As part of the B&H Photo Portfolio Development Series, we’re required to attend a certain number of workshops. This week I went to two. A day in the city at B&H with other photographers. What could be better?!?
Both workshops were great for different reasons and I was inspired by both and will take bits and pieces of the different elements that really inspired me and take them into my own work.
The first workshop was with photographer Mel DiGiacomo on street photography. He’s been in the business a long time now, very funny and old school. I liked his thought process and his black and white work. He carries a camera with him everywhere because “you just never know”. I wholeheartedly agree with that and always have my camera with me as well.
On the way into the city, I was on the subway with another photographer friend and as we were chatting I was so distracted by the guy at the other end. There was something about him.
Where was he going? Where is he coming from? Where does he live? Is he homeless? Why is he so tired? Why is he wearing open toed shoes with white socks?? So many questions! Maybe because I had street photography on my brain in anticipation of the workshop I was about to attend – but I just had to take his picture.
The second workshop was given by photographer Vivienne Gucwa – a NY based travel photographer.
She was very open about her life – the good and the not so good. Her story was very inspiring and her work is amazing! So different than what I like to shoot and the style which is why it was so great to see. You can be inspired by other people’s work and incorporate elements into your own work even when it’s something you wouldn’t photograph yourself. I especially liked her street scenes of NYC and the painterly look she gives them. I’m really drawn to that look and am working on learning how to get that look into my own work.
One thing that she mentioned was that she goes back and looks at her previous photographs that she may not have initially liked to see if there were any sparks now.
Later that night when I got home I reopened a photograph I took a while back that i always liked but never did anything with and looked at it with new eyes and a new way to bring the vision that was in my head onto the image. I’m happy with how it turned out.
I’m grateful for the insight and inspiration I received from these workshops and I’m looking forward to the photoshoot I have planned for tomorrow as part of my portfolio development.
To see other posts bout the B&H Photo Portfolio Development – click here.
Leave a Reply