As creatives, our journey is a perpetual quest for growth, innovation, and the refinement of our craft. In the dynamic realm of photography, where every click captures a unique moment, the importance of continuous learning can't be overlooked. In this blog post, we explore the myriad benefits of embracing lifelong learning as a creative, with a particular focus on how investing in workshops can elevate your photographic prowess.
Each year I try to do one thing to benefit my business. That could be enrolling in an online course, attending a conference, or investing in a workshop. This year I went the workshop route. There are a few photographers I'd love to learn from, but not all of them offer workshops or mentoring sessions. After a bit of an education sabbatical, Felix Kunze, offered a limited run of small group workshops and I knew I had to snag one of the spots. What I love about Felix's work is his use of light. It's pretty, dramatic, intentional, and not over complicated. My goal was to add some new understandings and setups to help elevate my lighting and appeal to a new demographic of clients.
While this post isn't a review of the workshop itself, I would love to highlight some of the key takeaways for me as an attendee along with the benefits of continuing your education as a creative..
Unleashing Creative Potential
The creative mind thrives on novelty and inspiration. Continuing to learn exposes you to fresh perspectives, techniques, and styles, igniting the spark of innovation within. Photography workshops, often led by seasoned professionals, serve as immersive experiences that push the boundaries of your creativity. Engaging with new ideas and approaches not only fuels your passion but also unlocks doors to uncharted artistic territories.
This was so true for me during Felix's workshop! Stepping away from my day to day and embracing a new environment with an educator and other like minded individuals gor me thinking differently about my lighting, client base, and overall process.
Sharpening Technical Skills
Photography is as much about technical finesse as it is about artistic expression. Workshops provide an invaluable opportunity to fine-tune your technical skills under the guidance of experts. From mastering complex lighting setups to harnessing the full potential of your camera gear, these learning environments empower you with the technical know-how to translate your creative visions into captivating visual stories.
Felix took the time to meet with each of us independently to learn about our strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately what we wanted to take away from the workshop. His overview of lighting and seamless transition from setups and use case scenarios was super beneficial and streamlined.
Building a Supportive Community
Learning is not a solitary pursuit, and the workshop setting fosters a sense of camaraderie among like-minded individuals. Connecting with fellow creatives, sharing experiences, and engaging in collaborative projects not only enriches your learning experience but also creates a supportive network that can endure long after the workshop concludes. The power of a community that understands your artistic journey is immeasurable.
Our workshop consisted of five photographers from various skillsets, markets, and industries. Being such a small group we bonded fairly quickly and were excited to talk through client scenarios, upcoming projects, and how we would be utilizing what we were learning at the workshop.
Staying Relevant in a Dynamic Industry
The creative landscape, including photography, evolves at a rapid pace. What was cutting-edge yesterday may become commonplace tomorrow. Continuous learning ensures that you stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging styles. Workshops, often curated to address contemporary challenges, act as a bridge between your current skill set and the demands of the ever-evolving creative world.
With great change, comes great responsibility. I knew that I wanted to add some new techniques to my arsenal to provide an even greater experience for my clients. Felix shared real life scenarios with us and the the lighting he used during those occasions. This helped me understand more fully as to how I would be taking what I was learning and using it for my own projects moving forward.
Investing in Yourself: Long-Term Returns
Taking a workshop is not merely an expenditure; it's an investment in yourself and your craft. The skills, insights, and connections you acquire during a workshop contribute to your professional growth, potentially opening doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and recognition within the creative community. The dividends of such an investment extend far beyond the immediate future, shaping a trajectory of sustained success.
The workshop was not cheap BUT the value and ROI was there! Learning new skills that I could (and did) immediately put into action, has taken my lighting to another level. It has been interesting to see the correlation of how adding in the techniques I had learned during the workshop has affected the new wave of clients that I have been working with.
The journey of a creative is one of perpetual evolution, and embracing continuous learning through workshops is a pivotal step in this ongoing adventure. As you invest in your skills and knowledge, you not only enhance your artistic prowess but also contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the creative world. So, let the shutter click, the ideas flow, and the learning never end!
MODEL // Breyalea
HMUA // Jessica Lazell
WARDROBE STYLIST // Style IngeNEWity
PHOTO ASSISTANT // Magnus Karlsson