Homebody: Photo Tip, "It Worked for Me:" Get a Guru.

           When personal computers were starting to become widely used about 20 years ago, it was recommended that the new PC user get a “guru.”  A guru was an experienced user, perhaps a “nerd,” who could answer all your questions and help you get unstuck using the new technology.

            This is also a good idea if you are new to digital photography.  Having a guru, or a coach or mentor, can help you learn more quickly and effectively.  There is a ton of instructional material out there:  Books, videos, on-line forums, on-line courses, etc.  But it can really help to have a real live person explain the sticky parts to you.  Camera technology and photo software can be a challenge to learn:  And then there is the whole artistic side of photography, “the vision thing.”

            Having a coach really can be effective when you are trying to learn the artistic side of photography:  Composition, telling a story, expressing your vision.  I was fortunate to have three co-workers who were trained artists provide feedback to me when I started to seriously apply myself.

            Kirsten and Aileen were two young women who were painters and photographers.  JC was a guy my age, a former graphic artist and photographer.  They didn’t tell me what to do, but they did provide feedback on my efforts:  What worked and what did not, how something could be a little better, if done in a little different way.  I was surprised and gratified at the positive feedback I was getting.  It motivated me to press on and learn more.

            So I was really surprised about the feedback I received from JC on the photograph that accompanies this article.  I eagerly showed him The Sentinel, expecting him to love it.  He hated it!  He didn’t like the composition, he wondered what the large black objects were, it totally just did not work for him.  I was greatly disappointed since I loved this shot and really wanted to print it on canvass.

           So, am I sending a mixed message by posting a photograph panned by a trained artist and a mentor?  Not really.  In the end you must stay true to your own self and to your own vision.  Be guided by your guru, but make your own art and stand by it if you really love it.

            Kirsten, Aileen, and JC have since moved on and no longer work with me.  Thanks for all their feedback and the good times working together and talking photography when we could.  I miss you all.

            Thanks for reading and, as always, if you have suggestions for topics please put them in the comments.