Finding your Mojo

I just read a great guest post on Rick Sammon's Blog.  You can find the full article here:  http://www.ricksammon.info/2012/07/todays-guest-blogger-kevin-pepper.html

This is where I have found myself on occasion (still do at times).  I would guess if you are a new photographer this is where you are there right now.  Insecure with your work.  Do you take an image and then let it set on your computer because it doesn't live up to the level of a Rick Sammon or a Joe McNally?  (if you don't know who they are look them up)  Here is the deal...  Not everyone is a Rick Sammon or a Joe McNally...  at least not yet.  In order to get better you have to not only take photos but receive honest feedback from your friends, family, and other photographers.  Seek out unbiased professional feedback. 

Should you copy everything you see?  No, but knowing how it was done can certainly help you in your own photography. 

The point is we should not let our own insecurities stop us from picking up the camera.  You're not a Joe McNally but if you leave your camera in the bag you never will be.

Preparing for a Workshop

I recently went on a one day workshop in Delray Beach, FL (see a full review and photos here).  The instructor was world renown travel photographer Rick Sammon...  You can find out more about him on his blog http://www.ricksammon.info/.  If you have been keeping up with me then you know he provided me a portfolio review a few weeks ago.

1.  Make sure you have everything you need.

• My general rule of thumb is to take more than I need because as the song goes it is better to have and don't need than need and don't have.  Since this is a workshop that is based in a hotel there is no real issue in taking some extra gear.  If I were going on a hike it would be a different story.

2.  Don't be shy.

• You paid money for this just like everyone else in the group.  Be kind but make sure you get your questions answered.

3.  Use the time to socialize/network.

• You are in a group of like minded people (well, mostly anyway).  Take your business cards and pass them out.  Get business cards from the others as well.  These are folks that you can help later down the line or that can help you.
• Don't eat lunch alone.  Make sure you hang out and get to know your fellow workshop attendees.
• Follow up after the workshop with everyone that you met

4.  Have fun!!!!!!!!!

• Don't let anything get in the way of you having fun.  Most of us learn more when we are fully engaged and having a blast.

Digital Delray Days with Rick Sammon

I just got back from my one day workshop with Rick Sammon.  This workshop was hosted at the Colony Hotel in Delray Beach, FL.  This hotel was built in 1926 and still used the original elevator!  The Digital Delray Days was the first annual workshop.  It was limited to eight people so we could rub elbows with Rick.

After meeting at 8:00am the day started off with an introduction to HDR photography.  Then we moved onto working with a professional model.  This included some posing, etiquette, HDR photography, window lighting, and basic flash photography.  After lunch we got together and Rick showed us some post processing techniques.  The last part of the day was a walk down the streets of Delray.  Rick is a master at talking to complete strangers and convincing them that nine people (8+Rick) taking their photographs is a good idea.  Below is a list of pros and cons for the workshop.

Pros

• Very well instructed by Mr. Sammon:  You can always learn something from a workshop regardless of your skill level or years of experience (you just have to watch and listen).  Rick did a great job even with the different experience levels of the group.
• Beautiful Location:  Not only is the Colony Hotel beautiful but the area is nice as well.  The beach was only about 1/2 mile from the hotel.
• Small number of participants:  There was a class maximum of eight people.  This meant you got a chance for one on one instruction.
• Rick and his wife Susan:  They are great and friendly people.  They make you feel comfortable after just a few moments. 

Cons

• There is just not enough time in the day.  The workshop was very well planned out but if just felt a little rushed.  Rick and Susan noticed this right away and by the end of the day had taken a poll among us how many days they should be for next year.  This should not be a deal breaker at all... if you ever have the chance to spend the day with Rick and his wife.

The images shown in this post are just a few of what was captured.  Enjoy!