As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I attended a photography workshop in February that Mike Larson put on in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California. Since I had never attended a real photography workshop before, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. But I had gotten to know Mike a little bit before then and I knew that I could learn a lot from him.
In fact, I learned more than I thought I would, and not just about photography. It was an absolutely amazing experience, and one that has had a huge impact on my life.
I actually guest-posted on Mike’s blog for each day of the workshop; so, rather than re-write everything here, I will point you to the posts and I encourage you to go check them out on directly on his blog:
Day One – Running a Business on Biblical Principles
Day Two – the first day of the photography workshop – studio instruction and hands-on photoshoot
Day Three – the second and final day of the photography workshop – studio instruction and hands-on photoshoot
I will re-post the summary that I wrote, however, because I think it’s important:
As I leave this workshop, I feel that I’ve been blessed with an incredible opportunity this week. It’s been interesting, inspiring, encouraging, challenging, convicting, at times exhausting, humbling and eye-opening. I received a wealth of information – some new, some good reminders of what I know but haven’t been doing, some affirmations of what I already am doing. I learned-by-doing in example shoots and hands-on practice. I saw some things about myself that are uncomfortable and that need to change – both on a photography business level as well as a personal level – and I come away with a conviction to work on those things.
I see better where I am in my business and my character than I did before this workshop, and where I need to apply myself. I need practice. I need confidence that comes through repetition. I need mentors. I need to hone my speaking and presentation skills. And I need to work on some specific areas of my character.
But I also come away with the affirmation of knowing that my desire to genuinely connect with and serve people through by business is not only a worthy goal, but the best way to approach my business. I was able to witness an awesome example of that attitude and how it practically plays out in every aspect of a photography business this week.
If you’re reading my updates, I truly hope that they’ve been informative and helpful in some way to you. And if you are a photographer who wants to develop – in technical skills or in business practices – I cannot encourage you enough to take advantage of an opportunity like this to learn and grow.
Go to one of Mike’s workshops – you can see more about them here. Go to another workshop – there are many out there to choose from.
But, I urge you to consider this. In any workshop you attend, you will learn more than just what’s on the agenda or syllabus. You will be taught the character of the teacher, whether it’s intentional or not. This week I learned that business is all about character, and character drives your business.
Don’t waste a single day of your life or career making mistakes you don’t have to make. Take advantage of the opportunities to learn from someone who’s been there before … and pay attention to your character.
Comments? Please post ‘em! If you’d like to complain, feel free to contact me directly – matt@reallifebeauty.com
Thanks for reading.
And thank you Rachel, Sophie, Necia, Jake, Chloe, Rachel and Mike for the awesome opportunity this week!
