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I had dinner with a photographer friend the other night and we discussed taking time away from shooting to speak or teach workshops. For the working photographer it is always a struggle to accept speaking or workshop engagements because you run the risk of loosing a booking for a shooting assignment. Some believe it is just not worth the time to teach vs shoot, but I feel a strong connection to doing both when possible. At times there are conflicts, but at the end of the day it is worthwhile for me to teach as well as shoot.
I recently did a three day workshop in Seattle for CreativeLive on fashion and beauty photography. Days before I was set to leave for the CreativeLive workshop I received a call asking for my involvement on the X Factor show. I was thrilled at first but my excitement soon turned to anxiety as the dates were the same as my CreativeLive commitment. To make a long story short I honored my commitment and my brother, yes I have a brother, Brian Smith did the segment on X Factor and did a freakin amazing job!
We have all heard the saying, "everything happens for a reason" and I truly believe this to be true. My CreativeLive segment on fashion and beauty didn't reach 40 million people but it was watched by over 60 thousand people around the world who all share a passion for photography. It was the best way of teaching a workshop that I have experienced and I will gladly do it again. The CreativeLive workshop is taped and broadcast live via the internet and people from all over the world log in to view it. Not only are they able to view the workshop live as it happens, but they have the ability to asked questions at the same time. The ability to ask questions is what I find so profoundly special about CreativeLIVE. As the two commentators take questions from all over the world, I have the chance to connect in ways I never could before in a workshop. It is one of the best ways to learn photography that I have seen to date and I wish it was around when I was first learning photography.
A lucky few get the opportunity to come and be a part of the live audience. To be a part of the live audience you must submit a video stating why you want to in the live class. The chosen few are selected and invited to attend. In my live audience I had a young emerging photographer who traveled from Florida to Seattle to be a part of the workshop. He is only eighteen years old but is very passionate about photography and I feel he will have a strong career in photography. After he left the workshop he posted a video about his experience and I saw it for the first time this morning. Take a look at what he had to say and you will see why teaching workshops are so gratifying.
Link: CreativeLive audience member
To learn more about other aspects of photography check out any of the following videos available in the Gallery Store. Each video is available as a download moments after ordering. The entire set of videos work together to give the viewer over 1.5 hours of information and valuable knowledge for becoming a better photographer.
Photography Videos Available:
Creative Ways to Promote & Market Your Photography
How To Work With Complex Lighting Situations
Seven Steps To Creating A Fashion Story
Ten Ways To Create Natural Light Portraits
Ten Ways To Photograph Women
Ten Ways To Use One Light Source
The Secret To Making Creative Photographs
Through The Lens
Always Dream Big!
3 comments:
Matthew, I had the opportunity and privilege to watch your 3 day workshop with creativeLIVE group. What a splendid and informative experience it was for me. Your generosity and passion for what you do poured out from my computer screen. I would take bets that is how the majority of the viewers who watched live, watched the replays and/or bought the workshop feel also. You are a true star and for selfish reasons we are all fortunate and glad the X Factor didn't get to you first.
Thank you so much.
Matthew I just want to personally thank you for your inspiration and genuine love for the art of photography, our love is always being part of the creative process but we must see the need to educate others to help our industry grow, you are always on my T.E.A.M !!
I was so happy and honored to be a part of your class at creativeLIVE. Wonderful energy and passion for people and the craft. I hope we get to do another project together! Thank you!!
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