Law school is nothing like photography.
Of course, you don’t need me to state the obvious. (Otherwise, Tim McCarver would be out of a job during FOX baseball coverage.)
See, in law school, you were primarily left to your own devices. Beyond getting by with the help of your (close) friends, if you didn’t understand The Rule of Perpetuities, do you really think someone else is going to explain it to you?
I loved the education I received at my law school, but one (in)vaulable lesson was never to give anyone tips to the trade. And that’s been my credo ever since graduation.
A year ago, as I started getting commentary on my photographs, I was asked by someone what did I use for post-processing.
I simply stated a free online program.
Wrong answer.
My sister explained that in terms of photography, that’s the wrong attitude. It’s about sharing techniques, learning from each other, and advance the art.
Talk about an attitude adjustment.
But she was right. (And still is.) Over the last eight months, I’ve been in contact with a lot of great photographers who are more than willing to exchange emails, provide advice and commentary, with the hopes of making me a better photographer. The likes of Shawn Hoke and Tieshka Smith have been invaluable in their lessons and motivation. (I will be sending Mr. Hoke a bill for the countess roll of film I’ve developed over the last several weeks. Meanwhile, Ms. Smith is just an all-around cool person to know.)
My chance meeting with Henry Adebonojo at SummerStage’s ”Africa Day” was phenomenal. To have a person with so much talent available at the click of an email, and willing to provide help and advice, is unbelievable in a world that gets competitive every moment.
In pushing the educational level a step further, I’ve been fortunate to participate in two Google+ NYC Streetphotographers PhotoWalks. Not only did I have the chance to witness the techniques of some top hobbyists, but I’m walking the streets of New York with Leanne Staples and Vivienne Gucwa, amongst others, was akin to being a kid fresh out of high school, going to Yankee Stadium and standing next to Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Alex Rodriguez in the locker room. You’re able to watch what made them great, but a bit hesitant to ask them for any tips because you don’t know if it’s your place. (They, as do all the others associated with the group, are very welcoming people. I just need to get over my acute shyness.)
Sure, there are old school types who believe that their “craft” is not to be shared, but when I asked “Kora Foto Morgana” about her post-processing, she was none too happy to explain her approach. Just that simple message helped bring another life to my images that looked too bright, and at times, too harsh.
As I continue to explore different avenues in photography, it is delightful to recognize that I’m entering a hobby that is as varied as they eyes behind the lens. But what is even more impressive is that the hearts belonging to those eyes are just as big. It is this shared knowledge that is helping me become better every day. I only that I will be able to return the favor to others.
Besides, who has actually ever met an attorney with a heart?
(Don’t answer that.)
