One of the things I notice about many photographers is their over-confidence in their craft. What I mean is, many photographers do not feel the need to go to workshops, or classes. I don't know if it is a sense of pride that keeps them from admitting that they either need help, or recognize that they should get help with their craft.
What I find interesting enough is that doctors, lawyers, real estate agents, physical fit trainers, and other professionals are required to obtain so many credit hours every few years to maintain their license and credentials. That seems to make sense to me. I would not want a doctor working on me who still practiced medicine the way he did 30 or even 10 years ago.
Yet, we trust some of the most important events in our lives to be captured by a photographer who either never went to school or proclaims to be self taught and needs nothing in the form of continuing education to advance in their own career. (one of the reasons why I do not do weddings or portrait work).
I try to attend at least one workshop each year from someone who has a skill level that I want to reach or does something new that I want to learn. I have received continuing education from former National Geographic photographers, former professional sports team photographers, and even Nikon field reps in order that I continue to grow and learn my profession. Each workshop presented new challenges and helped me to sharpen my skills.
Why would I not want to get better? Being around better "players" has only helped me challenge myself and step up my game.
What I find interesting enough is that doctors, lawyers, real estate agents, physical fit trainers, and other professionals are required to obtain so many credit hours every few years to maintain their license and credentials. That seems to make sense to me. I would not want a doctor working on me who still practiced medicine the way he did 30 or even 10 years ago.
Yet, we trust some of the most important events in our lives to be captured by a photographer who either never went to school or proclaims to be self taught and needs nothing in the form of continuing education to advance in their own career. (one of the reasons why I do not do weddings or portrait work).
I try to attend at least one workshop each year from someone who has a skill level that I want to reach or does something new that I want to learn. I have received continuing education from former National Geographic photographers, former professional sports team photographers, and even Nikon field reps in order that I continue to grow and learn my profession. Each workshop presented new challenges and helped me to sharpen my skills.
Why would I not want to get better? Being around better "players" has only helped me challenge myself and step up my game.
