Yesterday I started a new job. Third one in six months. Hopefully the drama of the last few months will be just a distant memory, a fading image in the rear view mirror. As if to underscore this, an email arrived at 9:11 am. In the subject line, there were two words: Magnum Workshop.
For several months now, my friend Charlene has been encouraging (aka nagging) me to apply for the Magnum Toronto Workshop and I was dragging my feet. Some of you know my confidence took a blow with the changes at work and these days I’m not taking rejection well. One of the strategies to avoid a “no” is to not even put myself in that situation. I think that’s why I waited until the second last day to apply. I’d go to the application page, start to fill in the form, and then I’d get to the Personal Statement and I’d stop. My mind would go blank and I wouldn’t know what to say. After all, what do you write in an application to one of the most renown photographic agencies in the world? I’d put it aside until Charlene would send me a DM starting with “Yoo Hoo...” to remind me time was running out. Sometimes she’d just send me the link again just in case I’d forgotten where to apply. Everybody needs a Charlene in their lives. Someone who won’t let you hide from yourself, cheers you on, and wants you to be much better than you are.
Last Thursday I finally sat down in front of the computer and didn’t get up until it was done. Not sure how but I was able to piece together a few paragraphs to explain my photography experience and what I hoped to gain from attending the workshop. I selected eight images to submit that I believed reflected my personal statement. You’ve seen them all here on the blog–images from Kenya, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, and my Chicago and San Francisco trips. Then, as is with many things photographic, I waited. Not too long mind you.
The email began…
Dear Sabrina,
Thank you for your application to the Magnum Workshop Toronto 2011.
I am pleased to offer you a space with Larry Towell.
At which point I had to go back to the beginning and read it again. And again. Yup. It said what I thought it said. I was in and with Larry Towell, my first choice. If you’re not familiar with his work, you can read about him here.
The first thing I did was tell Charlene but due to the time difference with Perth, she was still fast asleep. The next person I told was Ray. Without a doubt, I would not be where I am today without his mentoring. He was so excited for me, I think he had a silly grin on his face all day.
Now a whole new experience is unfolding for me. I’m terrified and thrilled at the same time. In less than five weeks, I am going to board a plane for Toronto and spend five whole days with a group of extra-ordinary photographers. People who know how to tell stories in ways that I can only dream of doing one day. And I’ll be in the company of amazing students, none of whom I know yet but I am certain I will learn from them too. As always I’ll be back here to share all the things I’ve learned with you. For a sneak peak, check out Charlene’s workshop report from her time at the Magnum Fremantle Workshop last year here and here. Yes that’s right, Charlene is a Magnum Workshop Alumni!
What Charlene did for me is the quintessential example of “pay-it-forward”. I see so much of this in my world of photography and have been the recipient of it in spades. For some, photography is a solitary pursuit and for others the experience is completely the opposite. Whatever your perspective on this, I believe there are ways to share your good fortune with others. Be a Charlene today and pay-it-forward!
Fantastic! I think I know how you feel with sitting down and still avoiding things. Maybe despite appearances I also have a somewhat fragile confidence level and that has taken a knocks at work, in school, in sport…you name it. The hardest thing is to to get right back up and go again but it is the best thing. No matter how many times you can tell that to someone else, when knocked on your bum to take your advice and do it yourself it is daunting. I am still learning that and possibly project an air that I am more confident or can be more flippant than I actually am. That’s why we all sometimes need a cheerleader, a motivator, someone outside your head who has none of your doubts. Way-to-go Charlene, and very well deserved Sabrina. I am really looking forward to what this will do for your photography.
You’re right Ed, I would have never guessed behind that strong rugby exterior is someone who struggles a little like me. When we open up to people and show our humanness, I think people can relate to us on more levels and being connected to each other as human beings, helps our photography. I’m really looking forward to collaborating with you in the future!
That’s fantastic news, Sabrina and a wonderful opportunity. I look forward to hearing all about it.
And you shall, Tommy…first hand! Thanks for being a part of it all.
that is SO exciting, sabrina. what a wonderful opportunity! (and way to go, charlene, for the encouragement). I really, really wanted to do that workshop but funds do not allow even if they accepted me – I’ll just have to live vicariously through you
can’t wait to see what come out of it!
Thanks and welcome Amanda. Getting to know Charlene has been an amazing ride…literally. When she heard the good news, I could hear her enthusiasm all the way over here. She is a real gem.
And I hear you about the cost of the workshop. I have to travel to TO and the hotel expenses will add up. As I said to someone, it’s not cheap but the experience will be priceless. I plan on sharing many of the details and with you, I can do that in person the next time I’m in your neck of the woods
It’ll be worth every penny, I am sure of it
and, I just realized we may be in Toronto that weekend! ooooh.
Wow, thats amazing Sabrina, congrats! Looking forward to hearing about your experience!
Thanks Sharon. I’ll make lots of notes and share when I return.
First and foremost, congrats on pulling this off! That’s terrific, I can only imagine how excited you must be. I am sure this will be an experience for the ages. Rubbing shoulders with the great minds is certainly an experience unlike any other.
Most importantly though, kudos for doing what it took to get it done. For walking the walk, so to speak. It is so difficult to put oneself “out there”, to be exposed and vulnerable. It is very easy to think that you may be rejected, or not good enough, or not stand a chance, yet you perserved and pulled through. I don’t like to use hockey quotes (it brings my uncultured being to the forefront), but the Great One said that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Kudos for taking this one. Now I can’t wait to see what you bring home from this one.
Much appreciated, Younes. I am going to feel like a fish out of water for sure but hopefully not for long because I will knuckle down and get to work. And then who knows what I’ll come home with?!
Congratulations Sabrina – that is GREAT news ! I’m so excited for you! i will be looking forward to your post-experience musings on that exciting experience. And knowing that it’s with Larry Towell i’m certain you will have non forgettable memories from the workshop. Ever since i saw his book “The world from my front porch” i’m hooked on his work. I believe you’re definitely in for a treat !
p.s way to go Charlene for encouragement
p.s 2 i so envy you ! but it’s a good envy
Thanks Radek. I am going to soak in as much as I can for the post-experience musings! I think Larry is the only Canadian Magnum photographer so this is very special for me. And his book “The World from My Front Porch” is Larry’s version of “Close to Home”!
Sabrina, that is just marvellous news – I am so excited for you. And a tad jealous too! I think the planets are starting to come into alignment for you after all. Congratulations for taking that leap of faith and believing in Charlene’s encouragement even if you had doubts yourself. Looking forward to hearing all about it before, during and after (or is that me being too demanding??)
JT
LOL Julie, I was wondering if I would have time to blog during the workshop. I noticed that Charlene did not so I’m thinking I won’t have time. The other thing is that sometimes the perspective on these types of workshops comes later, much later. I promise to be on Twitter though
I’m GREEN with envy!
One of these days Eli, you and I will either be on a WTF trip together or in a workshop like this!
Congrats, Sabrina!
Thank you, Charlene for putting some fire under her bum.
Thanks Chris and yes, a big nod to Charlene. She has magic powers you know, one of which is long distance fire lighting!
That’s fantastic! I’m about the same shade as Eli.
LOL…I felt that way when you were on the WTF trip! Come to think of it, weren’t you there with Eli?
GOOD ON YOU GIRL!!!!!! I am still so excited about this every time I think about it. I can’t wait until you go. I hope Larry makes a mess of your head, in the best of ways. But how could anyone whose business card reads “Human Being” go too wrong?
And please remember, I would personally like to see more than 3 pictures workshop. I’m sure everyone else would agree with me too
GOOD ON YOU GIRL!!!!
LOL as you well know, just looking at pictures of Larry has already messed with my head. (Gosh, can I be on a first name basis when I haven’t even met him yet?) I have to make sure I get one of his business cards even if I have to pick his pocket!
And yes I promise I will share more than 3 images from the workshop.
Thanks for everything Charlene…you rock!
I am very excited for you! I hope to be able to view this experience with your eyes, here on blog. I am sure it will enrich and challenge your experience of photography, and this is always good, right?
Yup Iza, a challenge is always good. I can’t wait for all the learning that will take place during and after the workshop and the images I’m hoping that will result from time spent in the company of such greats.
First… I love the photograph at the top of this post. A lot.
And second… I’m not at all surprised that they accepted you. What makes it so wonderful is knowing that you’re going to wring every drop out of the experience.
If you have time before or after to meet up, let me know.
Erin, you always take the time to make note of my image with my post and I love you for that! I am still trying to figure out my ticket and I’ll let you know once everything is confirmed. I would absolutely love to see you again
Go Sabrina! Jedi Power! That is awesome news, well done Sabrina. Sounds fantastic, I am inspired to do something similar. Do not be intimidated by any big names or resumes, just go full speed ahead at light speed at the workshop! Can’t wait to read about it. Congratulations!
And Charlene just rocks, great inspirational pay-it-forward jedi powers she possesses!
LOL Flemming, Jedi Power indeed. I’m sure that’s what it took to get me to this point. I’ll try to remember your advice when I first meet Larry Towell and David Alan Harvey but I’m sure I will succumb to unintelligible blathering instead.
And yes our Charlene is all that and more!
Congratulations on a fantastic opportunity.
Thanks Craig. I intend to make the most of the opportunity!
This is so great! You totally deserve to be there – your photos, thoughtful insights and your chronicles mark you as someone special. I know that you are the right person to be at the Magnum workshop and I also know that I am looking forward to learning and living vicariously through your experiences there.
Maureen-colour-me-green-Murphy
LOL Maureen, are you sure that’s not the lucky Irish green? Truth be told your story-telling inspires me to reach for these heights. I wish I had the clarity to pull together a story like you do. In fact that is one of the things I wrote in my personal statement. Maybe they heard the pleading tone in my words and decided to give me a break?
Hope to see you in TO…
Hey congratulations mate, you are so deserving and I’m sure you won’t be anything like a fish out of water. Remember that all the greats started somewhere and have walked, and still walk I’m sure, a similar path of self-doubt and fear. It’s what they do with those emotions that got them to where they are today. My best mate always assists David Alan Harvey when he’s down under and he reckons he’s just a fantastic guy. Have fun and live it to the full.
I’m green, too! But, more than that I’m very excited for you. You are moving forward and just from those steps you take and share with us, is paying it forward. Adversity, challenges are what help us to pull on the strengths/talents/gifts, hidden within us. Congratulations, Sabrina!!!
Thanks Monte! I appreciate your support in all the comments you leave here. You’ll be with me in spirit in TO.
Congratulations, Sabrina! You deserve to be there, no question. I can’t wait to hear about the experience and see the results. Thank you for being so willing to share your fears. You inspire me and I’m sure many others, so you *are* paying it forward.
Wonderful news and a great opportunity for you. Perhaps that old adage of “even the longest journey begins with a single step” applies here and this will be but the beginning of wonderful things for you. I hope so! Congratulations.
congratulations:)
i can not wait to see what you come back with from this opportunity:)
Thanks Angela and welcome! Be sure to check back in mid-May
Sabrina,
I’m sincerely happy for you. I can’t wait to see the images you bring back from the workshop. Plus, Toronto is such a cool place to visit. Have fun…J
Sabrina,
Thank you for this great story – congratulations! I found your post as a tweet by @DanBaileyPhoto, and the “pay it forward” aspect was the hook that got me to come running over to your blog.
Best wishes at the Magnum Toronto workshop!
Welcome Henry. I’m glad Dan brought you here today. Thanks for the good wishes
Good for you! Take everything you out of the experience. Sure wish I was young and talented like you. All the best and I look forward to your posts on the experience.
Seriously beautiful news, it’s indeed good to have someone like Charlene kick your behind from time to time, it seems! I’m happy to hear she managed to get you moving, surely the workshop will be a very useful – if at times intimidating if you take it from Charlene – experience. Hope you’ll love it!
So, best of luck for this, and of course I’m looking forward to reading about that.
Thomas