When I was in Paris, I never navigated my own way on the metro until at least a month into the trip. I was always with someone, usually Julie or Sari and usually- they did the navigating. At first I didn't think too much of it, but quickly it started to bother me. So I would read the map myself, but they would always figure it out before I did- they were faster, they had more practice. Eventually I went somewhere on my own and had the opportunity to read the map at my own pace while still finding my own way. Reading a Paris metro map isn't that hard (I've heard otherwise about the New York subway) all you need is a little practice.
I've found myself in the same position with Photography. Light reading, equipment set up and picture taking isn't all that complex- all you need is some practice. This may come as a shock to some, but I'm timid. Our class isn't big, only 7 if there's a complete attendance. Even with this small number, I'm not outgoing enough to take the camera and dink around with everything that needs dinking with in order to learn. My other problem is that in order to learn, I must, at some point in time, do it myself. I can observe and listen until the cows come home, but I'm a hands on kinda girl. ;)
So what am I gonna do about it? Of course, take a trip on the metro alone... or do a solo photo shoot in the studio. That's what I did tonight. I took some 250 pictures, half of them were terrible- technically speaking; the model was terrific. I nearly quit in the beginning because I couldn't figure something out. Somehow, things worked out and 2.5 hours later we wore the battery out. =)
Taking this solo journey was a lot of work and quite intimidating. Logistically speaking, there was nothing convenient about getting everything booked- I'll spare my bitchy details. =) When I first walked into the studio... well, I couldn't find the light switch. After that there was so much to do- they key word being DO. Not so much to watch people do, but to do myself. I gave it a go and it went well.
This posting was initially inspired by my feelings of frustrations. I was frustrated because every time I turned around someone was doing this for me or doing that for me. Even when I walked out the door today, on my way to the studio, I ran into someone that could offer me photography advice, but I didn't want it- not at that time anyway. I still have a lot to learn, but now that I've experimented a bit on my own, I'm ready to listen to my teacher again and I'm open to taking advice from my peers/subjects.
I may not have mentioned what my project is. I'll be taking portraits of 6 people, with black, white and w/e backgrounds. There should be some sort of theme. My theme is culture. As of now it kind of ends there. I'm not sure how subjects should portray their country or culture without being super obvious... like holding up their county's flag. I think I'm content with whatever their appearance and expressions are- the audience can guess their nationality. Although, any ideas are more than welcome... I'm not so touchy on creative advice. =)
I haven't been to the ATM in a while... gbp to usd: $1.98
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