Hi
After a winter full of new equipment purchases, web site designing and admin duties, Ive been going a bit stir crazy, Im now just desperate to get out there making images again! I never thought that as a professional photographer, only 50% of my time would involve actually taking photographs! Running a modern photography business involves many different tasks, each of varying degrees of interest, from the mind numbing admin accounts and invoicing, through to marketing, order building and the other good stuff , Taking pictures!!!
As part of the winter season I like to get involved with and get familiar with new technology, products and techniques.Its an area where we photographers have keep up frequently, or get left behind.
So yesterday myself and my lovely (but not very blonde) assistant Mark, went off through the snow and wind to deepest darkest Grangemouth, to join a seminar by ace photographer Mark Cleghorn.
The seminar was called Monkey Business and Mark enthused his way through a day packed with workshops on advanced lighting techniques, post shoot workflow advice, album creation and software demos.The pace was quick and I enjoyed his delivery, very matter of fact but still very inspiring.
Im always surprised at these events and especially yesterday, I feel quite experienced and in tune with my lighting techniques, after 8 years of doing it daily and especially in a live news situation, using flash creatively has become second nature to me, but still I picked up some great tips from Mark, opening my eyes to new possibilities and styles and I will be using them to light up Brides, Grooms and their guests even more beautifully throughout 2009.
I think it goes to show that we can always learn, no matter how well you think know your job, there is always something you can learn to make it easier/more efficient/more creative....etc etc
Since I left college in 2001 I have continued to learn about photography, for me it will be life long, its exciting as I love the process of gaining knowledge, I feel lucky to have a job in which Im passionate about, can develop (no pun intended, honest guv) week to week, month to month, year to year, and see instant results.
Producing quality work for clients and receiving praise and compliment for that work is the most satisfying thing in the world and I believe its all the product of listening, looking and learning, With a wee bit of talent thrown in :-)
Mark and I came away inspired yesterday, full of ideas for our upcoming weddings.Roll on 2009.....
And a huge thanks to Mark Cleghorn for a superb seminar, well worth it!!
Cheers
Sean
