Before the photography workshop I attended in April, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I had never done a workshop before, and my mind was creating some worst case scenarios: what if I don't know how to do this, what if I don't know how to do that, what if I look like a rookie in front of the group, what if I make a mistake, what if I miss the shot, what if I ask a silly question, etc. And here's what ended up happening... I made mistakes, I missed shots, I looked like a rookie, I asked basic questions... yet the world didn't end. No one cared. In fact they were happy to help. And it was wonderful. Now, looking back, there were three lessons that really stood out to me.
First, never act like a master when I'm still the student. The ego often prefers the reverse. If I had gone in with pride and an attitude, the group would have seen right through me first of all, and my ego wouldn't have allowed me to ask the questions that helped me improve the most. No one wants to help the know-it-all, they want to help the eager and humble student. Second, I learned that I can learn anything if I actually dedicate time and energy to it. The key is putting in the work instead of just hoping to improve. Being green just means I have more room to grow. If you like my photos now, you won't believe what I put out in 5 years. That's an exciting thought. Third, the most important aspect of getting "the shot" is actually getting out there. Going and doing it. Not talking about getting the shot, not thinking about getting the shot, not staying in bed sleeping. It's sacrificing sleep to drive in the dark, getting to the site early, and then simply waiting patiently for the right light and the right opportunity. It takes action and it takes patience. And it's worth it. "Every act of conscious learning requires the willingness to suffer an injury to one's self-esteem. That is why young children, before they are aware of their own self-importance, learn so easily." -Thomas Szasz
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