I got an e-mail from Tom Dills the other day letting me know that there was a one-day, local photography workshop that I might be interested in. As far as photography is concerned, I’m self-taught, and I’ve only been to 2 workshops, both with Craig Tanner, one in late 2006, the other, early 2007. Since then, I’ve not felt the need to invest in that way.
The thought occurred to me that other photographers invest in themselves in various ways, such as equipment, workshops, travel, whatever. So, being the curious guy that I am, I just wonder how you, as a photographer, invest in the growth of your craft. Is buying a new camera enough?
Some of the things that I’ve done:
1. Subscribe to periodicals, such as Lenswork.
2. Subscribe to online tutorials for Photoshop, Lightroom, etc (video lessons)
3. Take a workshop or two.
4. Learn new things at websites like, Strobist.
5. Travel to meet new and interesting photographers. Yes, I consider this an investment in myself.
6. Renting cameras to learn about new cameras/features.
I’m sure that there are more, but I am interested to know what you do. Care to share?
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17 Responses to “How do you invest in your photography?”
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Many years ago I took a course to learn dark-room techniques. That’s pretty much been it in that department. I went through a short period where I read magazines but noticed that every year they mostly rehashed the same stuff. All I’ve done since is read books on art including artist biographies. And blogs too of course.
So, are you still photographing? Still interested, or has life lead you down another path?
I can’t imagine not being interested in photography or making photographs. It might happen one day but not now. What I am finding is that I am spending much less time at my computer and on the Net. It’s gotten to the point where I have to make myself get on. I would never have thought that would ever happen
It will probably pass though.
I asked almost the same question a while back after Thom Hogan asked an interesting question, “Where would you spend $2000?” He listed four things: upgrade your camera, upgrade your lens, upgrade the photographer or upgrade your support. I knew equipment was not going to make me a better photographer. Spending money on workshops where I can have hands on instructions would be beneficial for improvement in my skills as a photographer. But, at the present moment practice is what would make me a better photographer.
Monte Stevens recently posted..The Larger Life
Good question … where would I spend $2,000 … I think that I would spend it on a photography retreat. Perhaps rent a place in the mountains and spend the food to support myself for a certain period of time while I go and explore with my camera, then retiring to evening to post-process the take for the day, no Internet, television, or cell phone. Just me, nature, photography, a few good books, and some time. Yep. Or perhaps part of it is spent on a plane ticket to get me there. Whatever works.
I agree that the equipment would not improve anything, at least not for me.
Hmm I think I have another question in answer to your question: how would you measure an ‘improvement’ in your photography, in order to decide how you could get there?
Someone was asking a while ago what we’d do with €1000 to spend on photography. I said €500 of polaroid film and a trip to paris
julie recently posted..shoot what you love
That is one awesome answer. That would work for me. Love it.
I’m with Cedric. I really like the answer. I like the question, too. A question that has blown through my mind like so much tumbleweed in a spaghetti western!
How would I measure improvement? Are there any metrics by which to say: Yes! I have improved. I don’t think that there are any objective metrics, only subjective, as is the case with most any art form, I believe.
I would measure my improvement, in one area, by my ability to take what I saw, combine it with what I felt, and create a finished product that I believe captured that intent. That means that I need to be proficient at the technical aspect (exposure, composition), as well as the post-processing, Photoshop perhaps, and then, finally, at printing, if I choose to do so. As of now, I would say that I could use some additional Photoshop skills; however,
I still think that there is one aspect that can be improved more, before that, and that is intent. What exactly is it that I want to say about this photo or that. Not say to you, or my audience, but what was it that caused me to point the lens that way and release the shutter at that particular time? Further, finding that out, how can I coax the ‘image’ (as part of imagination) out of the photo?
That’s very good question, Julie, and after reading it, thinking about it, and reading your latest post, Shoot what you love, I think that I have some thinking to do. There were some interesting comments with that post, too. I think that I’ll go and add my own!
The technical aspect is necessary. It must be learned and practised. Knowledge must be gained. But for the intent as you put it, to get it you’re not looking at gaining something; it’s more a case of losing something, losing pre-conceived ideas, biases, ego, etc. Kind of like what Colin is talking about below.
I took a photography course back in the 70s, but never finished it – I was in the military and got sent to Germany.
Mostly I’m self-taught and still learning. Been to a couple of seminars – one by Dave Ziser and the other Scott Kelby. A lot of reading. Plus I subscribe to Lenswork, which has been my favorite magazine now for about five years. And practice – something I don’t do enough of!
John – Visual Notebook recently posted..A Couple of Items
This is not meant to be a trite response, but a couple of years ago it just decided to get out and use what I had more, a lot more and I’ve not looked back. I spend more today on researching my projects than I do on camera gear!
Colin Griffiths recently posted..Pigeons, Belgrave Road, Leicester
That’s not trite at all, at least not to me. I’d be interested to hear more about how you research a project and what type of projects you do.
OK! My current project is to produce a collection of pictures that reflect how a knowledge of the history local of the area I live in influences the way I see what is not a region of outstanding beauty. I’m interested in the history that helped create the region into what it is today rather than the more obvious stuff one was taught about at school. I also want to create images that have a reference to old guidebooks but that also have a more up to date twist. On the other side of the coin, this project also takes away all the excuses that there’s not anything to photograph on my doorstep and as such is quite challenging. In front of me, right here, I’ve a bookshelf full of new and second hand books that I’ve managed to amass and read, all in a search for interesting facts and to find out about places to explore. I invested in an IPad that I’ve found invaluable for: brainstorming, planning, making notes, reading online books, papers and finding related web pages. Today, I’ve a wealth of ideas to explore, places to go and visit, all in an area I thought I knew too well! I have become amazed at what there is and what has happened throughout the centuries in the area I live, the result of which is that I now get out more with my camera. I am on a continuous mission where the priority is to see (without forcing creativity, rather just to let it happen if it will) if I can make a satisfying image.
I’m now on my fourth similar project, where this one is by far the most ambitious, and today I’m almost completely unconcerned about gear and technique and more concerned about “what it is” I create. I know that I will only “grow my craft” by practicing so maintaining the motivation to use the gear and knowledge I’ve already got is the key thing for me to do.
Colin Griffiths recently posted..Pigeons, Belgrave Road, Leicester
This investment is paying wonderful dividends in your recent photos, Colin — my opinion.
Earl recently posted..Into the sun
I have not invested much in me apart from the gear I need for the work. As for me, I and myself, I’m signed up for a three day workshop in may, held by a photographer whose work I admire much. As many did, also I learnt darkroom techniques in class during the eighties. Since then, I have only participated in art/design courses, so it’s about time my photography gets a boost. I mostly hope to learn to push my own limits.
Ove recently posted..049
I guess for me it’s a bit of both, investment in gear and investment in workshops. I hate missing an opportunity because I don’t have the right gear (which often simply means “not having a camera with me”). But during a workshop or a serious photo-tour that could also mean a sturdy tripod or the right set of filters.
The most critical investment though (and one that I always have a bad conscience about), is the investment in time. Either I feel I do it too photography (then I feel as if I’m really loosing out on something) or too much (meaning that other things have to take the back seat). I never seem to be able to find the right balance there.
Thomas recently posted..North of the artic circle…
Only been on one workshop, and wasn’t impressed. however while I’ve never been on a workshop with Craig Tanner, I have had a handfull of experiences with him through his speaking and critiquing at local Atlanta photography groups. There are few people who can express and communicate the love, passion and thrill of photography as well as Craig. If any of you readers get a chance to meet or attend one of his workshops I have no doubt, that whatever their level, he will inspire them to take their image making forward. For any that are interested his website is