As if on cue, the fire alarm sounded just as we gathered to register for the Magnum workshop at Ryerson University. In amongst the crowd I caught a glimpse of Larry Towell with his trademark hat and suspenders. He was just as I imagined he would be, greeting everyone with a warm smile and a handshake. We made our way to our classroom and after getting a bit lost, we finally sat down and began our week. Larry opened with a declaration that he had nothing to teach us and that anything we would learn, we would learn on our own. Maybe there is some truth in what he said but I do feel that Larry facilitated the learning because of the way in which he interacted with each of us.
Our first morning was spent reviewing the portfolio of each of the participants. All of the people in my group were either working photographers, had some formal training in photography or visual arts, or have been photographing for 20 years. Just from looking at their work, I felt out of my league. I’ve had my work reviewed by people like Bryan Peterson and Steve Simon and so I thought I knew what to expect from Larry but I was wrong. I submitted several images from my trip to Kenya last year along with the images I made in New York plus a series of images for a story I’m working on for Rear Curtain. I wanted to see if Larry could get a sense of my progress but in the end, he spoke to them as a whole and his verdict was that I am not very good at photographing people and I’m better at still life and landscapes. A critique from a Magnum photographer is a gift as someone reminded me. As Larry said “Don’t be afraid to be offended. You want to be offended.” Larry is a straight-shooter. He gives feedback without the sandwich conversation that some use to hide their critique and I have to tell you that at the end of my review, I felt like I sucked as a photographer. The truth is it was my bruised ego contributing to that feeling more than anything else and the feeling that I am not progressing very well. The evaluations Larry provided throughout the week were invaluable. I do feel that you can show your work to 100 people and come away with 101 opinions. That last opinion is the one you hold yourself and it is just as important.
After our review Larry asked each of us what we’d like to photograph for the week. Some people had ideas of what they wanted to do but since I was the only person not from Toronto, I decided to spend the afternoon sketching ideas. Julie, one of the workshop participants, took pity on me and let me hang around her. She had the idea to photograph bicycles and I just shot the street. I decided also I wanted to try photographing at night but instead I woke up early the next morning and included several images from that shoot. We were instructed to come back with 20 images for review the next day and based on those images we would decide on a project for the rest of the week. As you know, I don’t shoot a lot of frames and it takes me two to three days before I find my rhythm. Having to produce 20 good images for review that would point the way to a solid project was a tall order for me.
A couple of you have asked how I came to photograph dogs for my project. I had several images of dogs in the images I presented on the second day. They were strong images in comparison to the other things I photographed and Larry felt it was a subject I could photograph within the allotted time. Shooting at night would be difficult especially as we had lectures in the evening leaving little time for me to sleep plus he was concerned about my safety. Instead I would spend the week chasing down four-legged furry creatures. In some ways the subject was chosen for me based on what I submitted but I was fine with the choice. Larry’s advice is that you shouldn’t photograph what you don’t want to photograph and if I didn’t love dogs, I wouldn’t have agreed with the suggestion. It wasn’t an easy subject to photograph but in the end, I feel it was the best decision I could have made.
The image above is another reject and I agree with this one. It is in fact, a cropped image and at Magnum, you are expected to shoot within the frame. In limited situations, you have to use the frame in a different way and throughout the week, we would all work on composing within that frame. Taking away the ability to crop forces one to pay attention to the background and to what appears outside the frame. According to Larry, you don’t need to put everything in the frame and the more you suggest, the longer your image will be remembered. This was a strong theme throughout the week both in the daily critiques and in the final images that were presented.
The goal for the week was 8 images to be presented in a slideshow as part of Larry’s class and all the photographers that attended the workshop. It is difficult to focus on the experience and the process when so much emphasis is placed on the end result. One of the best lessons I can take away from the experience is that as I move forward with this project (and yes I will be photographing dogs for a while 
) is to enjoy the experience and not worry so much about the images. It’s a fine balance I always struggle with but the time between falling into that trap and realizing it, shortens each time I am in this situation. I guess that means I’m learning.
Wow, Sabrina. Despite the ego bashing — actually, probably because of it – I can only imagine that it was an experience that will keep on teaching lessons for a long time to come.
I think so too, Matt. I’m really looking forward to seeing how my adventure will be transformed by the time I spent with Larry.
Thanks for sharing some of your experience Sabrina, it was great to hear a little about how it went. (Now I want to see more pictures!!)
I was just talking with a friend about critiquing and how invaluable it is to our growth as photographers but at the same time how scary it is to invite others to “judge” our work, which is usually so personal. I love that Larry said “You want to be offended”. Thats amazing. And it truly is the only way we will grow as photographers. You are brave for sharing your story and being honest, thank you. …sounds like you had an amazing week…I want more!!
sharon
Seeking feedback from people you trust and respect is very important. Even the Magnum photographers seek feedback from each other. I’ll share a little more about that process in a later post.
If this is a reject I want to see more pictures!
What an amazing experience! I’m sure next time you go to a workshop like this you won’t the least experienced anymore…
I would love to come back to do this workshop in 10 years with Larry and see how much progress I’ve made. Hopefully my rejects will be better than ordinary and the ones that make the cut, extra-ordinary!
Sabrina, it sounds like the workshop was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, I can only imagine how that critique left you feeling (I have been on the end of some ego-destroying critiques, what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, hey?)
Looking forward to seeing more of images and hearing more about the workshop. It sounds terrifying! But I’m sure you came out of it so much stronger for the experience.
I do feel like I’ve developed a thicker skin, Cathy. I hope it lasts!
It’s a little bit special to have your ego bashed by a Magnum photog though, despite the injury. Loving this write up…. can’t wait for more!
I wear the bruises with pride, my friend! Thanks for all your support (although I must say I did not think too kindly of you when I saw my 1000th dog on a leash from behind).
HAHA. So i had a finger on the shovel that boosted you out of your comfort zone did i?
Goody
I’ll take that unkind thinking quite happily.
I cannot wait to see these 8 images *jumps around impatiently*
Wow. That sounds like it was intense, and perhaps transformative. Good on you for taking the risk. I am sure this will help you grow tremendously as a photographer. I am inspired by your dedication to learning and improving your craft. And I too can hardly wait for more.
Definitely a transformational experience, Brian. I think this workshop will go down in the history of my journey as being one of the highlights despite bruised ego.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Sabrina. Hey, dogs, I am really looking forward to seeing more pictures!
I thought of you Beate especially when I made my last stop on Friday! Stay tuned
The workshop sounds like it was REALLY good and productive. I like “straight shooter” critiques. I welcome honesty.
Great post, Sabrina.
You would love Larry, Chris. He not only looks like Ray but he sounds like him too. Ray does tend to be a bit more gentle in his reviews but I’ve asked him to be tougher on me
oh, look! ..a beardo dog!
he’s cute, ..and looking right at you. I really like this image too, Sabrina.
Comparing ourselves to others is such a trap. …an irresistible one, though, ..we can’t seem to help ourselves. I was reminded of this quote today – “Never compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.” – Jon Acuff
I think I tend to value feedback more when it comes “without the sandwich,” lol! To me it always seems more honest. “Don’t be afraid to be offended.” has got to be some of the best advice I’ve ever heard. We can learn so much if/when we can get past being offended. I would be interested to know how you accomplished that. Did it take awhile?
Larry’s conclusions were based on one week and a sampling of your work. What’s going to be really valuable, I think, is when you take Larry’s observations back to Ray, who understands you based more on the depth of your work. That’s where it’s likely to get really interesting.
Thanks for this, Sabrina, …looking forward to more!
That’s a fabulous quote, Anita and one to stick on my forehead so that I remember it. Between you, me and the lamp post, when I told Ray how I was feeling, he asked me if I was there to show off or to learn. Ouch! Maybe he does know me well
I love your post about the experience Sabrina and am looking forward to hearing more, seeing the 8 photos and watching what comes next. I will also look for a couple dogs here in France especially when we go to Paris in two days.
Oh Maureen, I’m so jealous. Paris and dogs would be a dream to photograph not to mention the food you can enjoy while waiting for les chiens to appear. Make sure you make some photographs for me!
Fascinating insight into your Magnum workshop experience, so thrilling to read Sabrina. Sounds bloody awesome, a Magnum workshop is at the very top of my wishlist.
Look forward to more from what sounds like an incredible week for you
Think about doing it Flemming. You seem to be at a fork in the road with your photography and something like this might shine a light on what’s next for you. My recommendation though is to seriously think about who you’d like to do this with. I do know some people were disappointed but none of them were from Larry’s group.
I definitely will do one, I am certain. Like you say, I must find the right one though. I am going to be at FotoFreo 2012 and there will probably/definitely be Magnum Workshops there, so perhaps I can get into a Trent Parke or Chien-Chi Chang workshop.
i’m sorry about the ego-bruising, sabrina. but the workshop sounds like a wonderful learning experience. I’m still jealous!
When I lived in toronto I couldn’t believe how many people had dogs and how pup-friendly many places were (I love seeing them on the subway and streetcars!) – looking forward to seeing the rest of the pics
Sabrina – thanks so much for the recaps on your Magnum Workshop experience. Sounds like the substance of the feedback, if not Larry’s style, has really helped you learn and grown. I can really associate with the feelings you described, hope that your ego bruise has now gone and you feel stronger as a result.