Today I thought I’d share what’s it like to take a Bryan Peterson workshop just in case anyone is thinking about hopping on board when he announces his 2011 schedule in the next couple of weeks. This is not intended to be a review just me sharing my experiences. In case you hadn’t noticed I’m a big fan of Bryan’s, not just as a photographer but as a teacher and as a person. The New York workshop was my fourth workshop with him and each time I see him, it’s like meeting up with an old friend. I began my journey to learn photography by reading his best seller “Understanding Exposure” (a new edition was just released in August 2010). It is one of the pillars of his workshop along with “Learning to See Creatively“.
The workshop begins the evening before when we all meet in the hotel lobby to get acquainted and to discuss how the next day will unfold. If you are a person who likes structure and to know exactly what you’re going to be doing, you’ll be frustrated. Bryan’s style is definitely vagabondish. He decides where to go and what to show you depending on the weather, location, and anything else that happens to be thrown into the mix. The main reason for doing this is because he wants to maximize your learning and to make sure that everyone goes home with amazing images.
Every workshop I’ve attended, we rise before the crack of dawn to make the most of the morning light. Like on day 2 when we jumped into a cab when it was still dark and landed up near the meat packing district to shoot Jersey City across the water. When doing our early morning shoots, Bryan emphasizes exposure and composition and we also play around with filters. The day before we went down to photograph near the Brooklyn Bridge where I managed to finally get an acceptable shot of a quintessential Bryan Peterson exposure, which I converted into black and white. (You might recall this blog post where I talked about trying to get this shot in the past.)
We usually take a break during the midday hours to grab a bite to eat and to process our images. It’s also a good time to get to know the others in the group. I’ve made friends from each of the workshops I’ve taken and even today some of us stay in touch and share our images. This workshop was no different as the participants were all so friendly and we worked well together. Around 4pm we all gathered to head out for our evening shoot. One thing that always has me laughing is that Bryan often tells us to put a particular lens on our camera, like a street lens, then he’ll be walking along and see something and ask who has a macro lens on their body. His ability to see creatively is unmatched and it’s something that I never cease to marvel over.
At some point in the workshop you will work through creative exposures especially motion blur which is part of Bryan’s signature style. This image was made in Times Square as we practiced panning, zooming, and spinning. These are standard techniques and it’s up to you to find the creative angle to kick it up a notch. I do love a panning shot where there is a central piece that is in focus. On the other hand, abstract images like this one are also fun to do. This more reflects the frenetic pace in Times Square.
When taking these workshops, you should bring all your equipment with you. It is a lot to carry around (you do a fair bit of walking) and if you shoot Nikon, you can probably borrow from Bryan’s stash. Still it’s better if you have access to everything of your own so that you don’t miss any opportunities. I decided not to bring my macro lens and was able to borrow Bryan’s but next time I’ll bring my own, or least my extension tubes. We stopped near a construction site to try out some macro and flash shots like the one below.
Throughout the day you will have plenty of time to find creative compositions of your own and to make compelling images but for those you will need to dig within yourself to create them. Working with Bryan will inspire you especially when he sees something amazing and shares it with you. Some of the best images that come out during the image critique are when people step away from the group and find a unique way to express themselves. The day includes some twilight and night shooting. There are the usual cityscapes and once you know how to do them, you can pretty much crank them out at any workshop
Your day ends around 9 pm or 10 pm depending on when you lose the light. We headed back to the hotel at the end of Day 1 after shooting in Times Square and Day 2 after witnessing the 9-11 lights from Brooklyn Park. On the third day, we slept in and met around 8 am to do some final processing and then we shared 10 of our images from the workshop. You can share 10 of your best or throw in some that you’d like some feedback for improvement. I love this part of the workshop as you get to see how others have photographed the same thing as you but in a different way. You can see the creativity at work and you marvel at the ability of other photographers to see all around you. The most instructive part is what Bryan has to say about your images. If you take what he has to say to heart, you will notice an improvement in your images after the workshop. My friends David W. and Dave T.–both of whom I met at a workshop with Bryan–say that you don’t realize the learning that has taken place until about one or two weeks later.
That’s the workshop in a nutshell. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments or email me.
All of these are excellent images, again! I must admit that is quite the hair-do in the first image.
No kidding Monte. We were in Times Square when we were approached by the NYC police. They asked who we were and who our leader was. Dan, one of the participants, said “that guy with the hair”…LOL!
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I really love “Understanding Exposure.” It was the first photography book that I read and laid an excellent foundation, I recommend it to everyone with any level of interest in photography, even those with more of a passing interest and a point and shoot.
I love the shot of the cab, you sort of get the feeling that it’s Times Square, even without knowing that you were shooting in NY.
If you loved UE, you should think about taking a workshop with Bryan especially when he is in your neck of the woods. It will be cheaper (save on accomodations and travel) and you will see what’s in your backyard with new eyes.
Hi Sabrina . .. having now attended 3 of his workshops and about to do a fourth I can reiterate everything you say, except that in Edmonton that days started at 4:30 a.m. and ended at midnight in mid-June. We had some very long days, but can certainly attest to the friendships that are formed during these intense periods of time.
Looking forward to Abu Dhabi.
LOL, that’s one thing that Bryan mentioned when I asked him about the Edmonton workshop. I think the lack of sleep for everyone left a lasting impression…that and the wonderful images you made.
And yes folks, Carolyn and I met at a BP workshop in Oregon last year
Look like you had fun. What I would pay to have that much hair.
I’m dying to spend time in Chicago with Bryan as he currently hails from there. I think his hair is as much a part of his signature style as motion blur! And that’s a good thing
Nice shots and narrative Sabrina, definitely love the motion blur one of the taxi, very creative!
Thanks Mike! Glad you liked the NYC cab. They are ubiquitous so photographing them in a different way isn’t easy at all.
Great portrait of Bryan! All your images are great Sabrina. I so wish I could get to one of his workshops. You seem to always come away with something new.
Thanks Sue. We HAVE to do one together after all he’s the reason why we’re friends today!
Is that Bryan Peterson in the top image? What a great portrait! And that hair
Love all the images you’ve posted here, especially the one of the taxi motion blur. There’s definitely something about it that screams chaotic, colorful city life.
Yes Charlene, that is the venerable Bryan Peterson. He is always such a willing subject in our workshops!
I am extremely glad someone took the time, effort, and most of all initiative to write what one of these workshops is all about. I’ve been wondering sometime what it would be like to shoot with Bryan and how you guys go about your day. I read Understanding Exposure, Learning to See Creatively, and currently devouring “Beyond Portraiture” all written by Bryan. All great books that improved my photography and I can’t imagine where I would be photographically without them. The schedule of your day matched what I have been doing ever since reading his books so that puts me at ease. Hats off to the shot of Bryan with his hair out and keep up the good work.
Thanks Ryan and welcome. After 4 workshops, I think I was overdue to share my experiences. I’ve met many people who say the same things as you do about Bryan’s books. That says a lot about his gift for writing and teaching. I hope you’ll be able to meet him in person–maybe at a workshop?
Great recollection of the workshop. Sounds like you had fun! Beautiful images too! Bryan is such an inspiring teacher. The effect still lingers from his NYC workshop I participated last year.
Funny how that happens, eh? It was great to meet Carol…thanks for introducing us!
Sabrina, thank you for this insight. I discovered Bryan last year and have thoroughly enjoyed reading his books, watching his video clip tips and reading his encouraging creative ideas through Facebook.
Your account of the workshops has confirmed my thoughts that time spent with Bryan would be a wonderful opportunity. I’m in the UK and hope to see some locations I might be able to consider during his next schedule.
Congratulations on the wonderful images you captured and i’m pleased that you have also found some like minded people to share your experiences with. I look forwards to that too.
All my best Heidi x
Hi Heidi, nice to “meet” you! I’m glad that this post has been helpful to you.
Bryan just pre-announced his workshop schedule for 2011 and guess what? He will be in London from July 22 to 24. I hope that you’ll be able to go. Keep an eye out on FB and on his website and within three days, he’ll announce them there.
Thanks for your kind words about my images!
Thank you Sabrina, nice to meet you too. You are most welcome x
Thanks so much for the heads up and i certainly will keep my eyes open for the Bryan dates in London.
your truly grateful
Heidi x
Sounds like a great experience. Love the nightshot.
Hey Sabrina, thought I’d drop you a note to say that I enjoyed reading your post and seeing some of your NYC photos…I participated in the Edmonton workshop last summer, with Carolyn, and I’m off to Chicago this spring for another…woohooo! Can’t say enough good things about Bryan and his method of teaching. Also curious, are you working with Darwin Wiggett? Another phenomenal person, teacher and photog…you surround yourself with the greats….smart!
Lori
I’m with you, Lori…Bryan is a fabulous teacher and many of us have taken multiple workshops with him. At some point we just go to hang out with him because not only do you learn a lot but he is a wonderful person. I would love to do the Chicago workshop with you!