A Change of Heart (photography)

Photography has changed. 18 years ago, it was still primarily a film based market although Digital Single Lens Reflex was starting to take shape. Kodak and Canon were releasing their platforms, although not the very first DSLR and very little of it having to do with Canon, they were the first to really hit on the needs of many photographers. Film was still the top contender and necessity for most photographers and for many even the mere mention of a digital SLR was enough to get you tarred and feathered. Even in 2000 the camera shops pushed film heavily but that was about to change.

2003, The first "affordable" consumer level DSLR's are released by Canon in the form of the Rebel and quickly followed by Nikon. By the second and third consumer offering digital was steam rolling ahead with photographers divided between image quality and ease of use. I remember it really was confrontational in some places from camera stores to internet hangouts.

So photography has changed, but have photographers? Well today there is a lot less bickering over images quality on DSLR's unless you want to discuss which manufacturer is king. Usually the argument involves Canon and Nikon but I have figured out that Sony users just stay quiet because they "know" their cameras rule. So, what about photographers helping photographers?

First off I am going to tell you that this is the 2nd time I am writing this next section. When getting into the monetary side of photography it is easy to look at some things in negative light and that is really not what I wanted this blog to be about.

When I first started I was lucky enough to find a couple of photographers that worked extremely hard at their craft. One was a portrait guy and one a nature guy. They spent time in a forum that I began to frequent and were nice enough to give me tips on things I was overlooking. There were a handful of knowledgeable members in the forum that would really push to help you along and while not all of the advise was golden, there was a lot of learning going on. When one would find a new piece of gear or technique, he was quick to share. It really pushed me to be better and in turn has given me the desire to "pay it forward".

Over the last 13 years I have noticed a change in some photographers who mentor to monetize their advise. While workshops are not a new idea by any stretch of the imagination, the mere fact that so many are attempting to host them has created a big bucks industry in itself. Lets be honest, some of the costs of these workshops are ridiculous while other can leave you feeling like you got a heck of a deal. I would hate to say any photographer was ripping people off but I do know of 1 photographer that hosted a 4 day here in Central Florida, charging in the $3000-$4000 for public access locations. Places I go for free! Yes it included some redeeming factors like lodging and transportation but in this area a decent hotel can be had fairly cheap and a van to haul people around is cheaper.

And then there is the other side of the coin. Photographers and instructors who go out of their way to plan a great trip that is informative and fun for all. One such photographer is Robert Vanelli known simply as Vanelli or V. Now Vanelli is one of those guys that knows no stranger and even Scott Kelby has dubbed him the "Ambassador of Love". V puts on a couple of workshops through out the year. The one coming up I believe is a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean for just $1195, and that includes the cost of the cruise. Sometimes V even adds a guest speaker or instructor to the mix like Deborah Sandidge who also puts on several workshops and webinars through the year. I was lucky enough to shoot with, and ask questions of Deborah at the Vanelli & Friends workshop I attended. Honestly, her responses made me look at my approach in a different way and my photography has improved because of it.  I had heard the words before, but it was some how different hearing them in person from such an accomplished photographer.

There are literally hundreds of workshops and even Photography Vacations for people to enjoy across the country. Jason Odell puts on quite a few and the prices range quite dramatically. While not always the most affordable, he does host and co-host some pretty amazing workshops such as the one he and Deborah are hosting while you are reading this. $1300 could have gotten you housed and fed for 4 nights along with a lot of great instruction and 3 days of shooting, plus they pick you up and drop you off at the airport. Not bad for a 5 day vacation right? It is said that to get truly amazing photographs you need to photograph truly amazing places and subjects, so be sure to pick places you would want to photograph. Some of my favorites are the Redwoods, Grand Teton National Park, Southern Pennsylvania, just to name a few. you might also look to ghost towns like Bodie CA. or almost any National Park.

So what has changed in photography? Well cameras are cheaper in most instances and it seems that almost anyone can be a photographer without really knowing what photography is. Don't believe me, check out photographers on Craigslist. (Disclaimer: Looking in Craigslist at photographers may cause you to laugh until your stomach hurts) I think that the saturation of the market has left many in the know with a gap to fill. With DSLR's being so affordable these days, pro photographers are looking for ways to capitalize. Has the gift of free teaching gone the way of the Flintstones? Not exactly, with sources like YouTube, free webinars, and forums, it might be even easier to learn new things on photography. That free information might not be a golden as you would hope but it will get you to a place where you can move forward. Want real instruction? Join a camera club or find a photographer who inspires you currently and attend a workshop, webinar, or just follow their work and try to learn from what they are doing. Most importantly though, get out and practice. Trial and Error is the best way to learn as long as you take note of what is happening with the photos as you shoot. The spray and pray method is really not a method and generally will not produce anything worth having.

 "Your photographs have to tell a story."~Deborah Sandidge
Vanelli & Friends Workshop

Other Workshops and Photography Vacations
Nikon School
Luminance Of Nature Photography
Outdoor Photo Workshops
National Geographic Expeditions