a couple of questions

questions and answers
tampa, florida

The last few posts about learning were inspired by a question from one of the readers of my blog (yes I have at least one–two if you count my good friend Sue). It seems that the posts themselves raised another question from one more reader so I thought I’d respond to both questions right here in case there are others who are looking for some answers.

A number of photographers who teach have announced their workshop schedules for 2010 including Freeman Patterson and Bryan Peterson. I was asked which one I would recommend taking . It is difficult to compare the two because they are quite different. Freeman and Andre’s workshops are very structured with lectures, shooting time, and evaluation, plus you have to do an assignment. I liked the structure and I really enjoyed the lectures. Things really came alive for me at this workshop in terms of visual design. I had many aha moments and I finally understood some key things about composition that I had tried to execute but didn’t know why. You can see from my images from Bryan’s Oregon workshop–which I took after Freeman’s–that they are stronger than my earlier stuff. At the workshop though, I didn’t come back with WOW images but I was fine with that.

Bryan’s style is definitely more vagabondish. He goes where the light is and where the best opportunity is to get great pictures. It is absolutely true that no-one leaves without some great images. The learning is much more informal and you have to be a bit self-motivated to put yourself out there and ask questions. I did that much more so in the Oregon workshop than I did in the earlier ones in Seattle and Vancouver and it paid off. Bryan is very good at reading people and understanding how he can help them depending on their skill level. His stories are funny and a wonderful inspiration. I don’t know that everyone will appreciate this flexible style of workshop but in my opinion, time with Bryan Peterson is never time wasted. In fact next September I’ll be at Bryan’s New York workshop.

Ideally it would be great to do both but if time or budget is an issue, I would say do Freeman’s workshop. If you have a chance to work with him, don’t pass it up as there may not be as many more opportunities. Bryan does quite a few workshops each year and he will do them well into the future.

The second question I received was regarding my post on learning online at PPSOP. A reader wanted to know if the courses were really worth the price. I agree they are not cheap but they do work for me from two aspects. First the things I learnt have been a really good foundation for my experiential learning. Even today I refer back to things that were covered in Understanding Exposure or Fundamentals of Composition. Just as important are the relationships that have grown out of these classes, relationships with the instructors and other students that continue to facilitate my learning today. That’s like the Mastercard tagline: priceless.

These answers are not meant to be testimonials or endorsements of any kind. They are just my honest response to questions asked of me, my experience along the road we’re traveling together. If they can help you decide what’s right for you, then I’m happy.