“Framing Nature”
Last Thursday I gave a free beginner’s workshop at Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park. It was the first time I’d spoken about photography as an instructor, and despite my nerves I think it went well.
Outdoor Chattanooga made setup a breeze! To the left is my “gear table” where I talked about some of the stuff I use. Hung all around the space, my frames served as teaching tools for topics like composition, lighting, and exposure. Explaining the Exposure Triangle to a group of strangers was more difficult than I’d anticipated.
Topics ranged from basics (i.e. exposure triangle and gear) and composition, to more conceptual things like creativity and the perils of going out with expectations. My talk went a little over an hour, which is the longest I’ve ever spoken in front of a group. It was pretty crazy - I could’ve kept going but time ran out.
I answered a handful of questions throughout the presentation, and then we all went outside to make photos in the rain. I explained how the rain helps me to make interesting photos because it lends atmosphere to a scene, and folks went off on their own to photograph anything that caught their eye.
I had way too many slides (49!) because photography is such a huge topic, and I felt some things just couldn’t be left unsaid. Feeling slightly rushed at times, I definitely zipped through topics that warranted more attention.
Next time I would like to cut down on all the bullet points to make a more concise presentation. It was like using a wide angle lens to try to take in all of the elements, so I fear some attendees felt a little overwhelmed.
Here, I let my students tell me what aspects of this tree appealed to them most. Soon, we all walked in closer to inspect its bark, branch structure, and light coming down through a gap in its canopy.
It was very helpful to have my frames hanging throughout the building so I could discuss aspects of how my photos were taken. Outdoor Chattanooga is awesome for letting me exhibit my photos for a few weeks this Spring.
When we got outside, my Canon battery died almost immediately but this was a good thing, because it allowed me to slowly walk people through composition and technical questions. I won’t even consider using my own camera next time.
Most attendees had cell phones but a few brought their DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Having the entire park to ourselves due to the rain was an absolute treat because the students could do anything they wanted with their cameras without any fear of being judged. This is a crucial component for how I like to practice photography so I was glad talk about how “bad” weather can free a place of its crowds.
Two of my first photography students wandering in the rain. Taken and edited on my cell phone.
I never in a million years thought I would ever get to teach, and I had so many butterflies, but based on the amount of questions and feedback I received during the workshop I consider it a success. A few students responded favorably to an email I sent the group thanking them for coming. A couple people even expressed interest in a future on-location workshop covering more hands-on topics like long exposure (which is still in the brainstorm stages). For someone who considers himself an introvert, I am quite proud.
I am also extremely grateful to Hannah for her support and encouragement, and to Outdoor Chattanooga for hosting. What an awesome way to break out of the comfort zone and find flow in such an unexpected way - public speaking about something I’m passionate about.
It was really cool engaging with people looking to get into photography or expand their skills, and I can’t wait to do it again in the Fall.
