So this has been an entertaining year for me. I taught my first workshop, am in the middle of teaching a photography class at Delaware Valley University’s Center for Learning in Retirement (CLR), had a couple of exhibits and became a member of an Artist gallery coop. But I had never stood before a group to discuss my photography. Well, last week I got the chance to do just that and enjoyed every minute!
One of the courses given every semester at the CLR is the “Artist Lecture Series” and it has been offered for 19th years. In fact it’s so popular that there is always a waiting list of people wishing to sign up. The reason is that truly outstanding and well known artists (such as photographers Michael Smith and Paula Chamlee), as well as museum directors and others from the nearby art world have lectured. Usually one photographer is invited to participate per semester, so I was truly honored and humbled to have this wonderful opportunity!
For 90 minutes I discussed my photographs, the motivations behind making them, composition, lighting and other esthetic considerations … and perhaps most importantly … what they meant to me. This was done by means of a PowerPoint presentation and it was interesting for me to see 45 of my photographs projected so incredibly large on a screen in that darkened room! But don’t worry, I still favor the intimacy of my small prints, and I brought a few so the class could take a look at the real thing.
The worst fear when doing one of these things is that no one will connect with what you are saying … and showing, so I was grateful that questions were asked throughout the session.
It’s one thing to have an exhibit or have your work seen at a gallery. But there’s an entirely different experience you have when given the chance to interact with others regarding your work. I find it incredibly stimulating and most rewarding. I have been able to get this experience with others through my monthly “Photo Chat Get Togethers” I’ve been hosting here in Doylestown. My lecture gave me the final proof of how important this can be in terms of the kind of feedback that can encourage you to keep on going or maintain a particular direction or path you are following.
For these reasons, I will continue to hold my “Photo Chat Get Togethers” and hope some day to get another opportunity to give another lecture. In the meantime I will also continue down the teaching road I have started. Doing these things returns to me as much I give to others … and that makes me happy.