Before God directed my path into the realm of photography I knew that my life was going to involve something creative. I didn't know what, how, or in what capacity. During my last year of college I fell in love.....with photography that is. For the first time I felt passionate about something. I actually wanted to learn. I was never too much of an eager student until this point.
During my class my teacher, and friend, the incredibally talented Lisa Hessel, showed us Jeremy's web site. I was floored. I was hooked. Imagine finding someone who was dying of thirst. They know that something can remedy this suffering, but do not know the solution. Then they are introduced to water for the first time. That's how I felt. I found something that satisfied the creative side of my brain and suddenly I couldn't get enough. I continued to search and search for photograph upon photograph. So when I discovered that Jeremy Cowart was doing a workshop I was elated! It was so much of split decision that I am still in shock that I made it and actually attended.
Why don't I give you a break and give you a bit of a visual of how the weekend looked.
Of course as soon as we got there the introductions got rolling. I think we were all just so giddy!
The first night we introduced ourselves, told a bit about our stories and what brought us there, and then Jeremy explained his journey. He then went on to show us some of his work and gave a little background to some of his photos.
The next day he showed us how he would work with models. We all intently watched and hung on his every word as he brought the insight.
He then had us to seperate into groups of five. We each had our own turns to shoot with a model. Here are a few of my shots.
After we had time with the models we each submitted three photos right then and he crituiqed the photos as we all got a chance to see each other's work. I can not explain how amazing that opportunity is to a young photographer. I mean seriously how many times have you thought, "I wonder what (fill in the blank) would think of my work?" I HAD THAT OPPORTUNITY!!! Incredible. period.
There was so much that I learned in just a short 36 hours that I would never know how to begin to share. It was truly a gift. In this case it was not a gift that I could unwrap and show you. That is what makes it so difficult to put into words. This gift comprised of not only learning technique, but also building relationships, learning about other people and personalities, hearing that people who are working toward some of the same things you are have also been struggling with some of the same issues. This gift also allowed me to take a look inside of myself, forcing me to ask questions on how I approach my business from here on out. From this very moment. No, that is not something I could show you. It is barely something I can even articulate.
One small thing I did realize is that I haven't been focusing on the area of photography that sparks my passion. I shaped my business around what the people around me were doing. I just thought that that was the path to take. While the way these incredible talents focus their business is great I have quickly realized that that path was not what excites me. I realized that the kind of photographs I love taking are more in the fashion realm or photographing bands/musicians. So that is where I am headed. That is where I am going to direct my focus. I mean it makes the most sense right? Well it does to me. My first step towards this was as soon as I got home (literally about an hour later). My aformentioned teacher and friend and I colaborated on a little creative venture. Here is one of the shots I captured. I'm not going to post any more quite yet because I want to make an entire post from that shoot.
If by the insane chance Jeremy Cowart actually reads this I just want to say thank you. Thank you for this opportunity. Thank you for this gift. This has been a definite benchmark in my life and I will forever remember this weekend. You are an incredible talent and an inspiration to SO many photographers. Please! Keep the inspiration coming
Much Love...
