WHY ?

Why?

Every person who chooses to attend one of my workshops, of for that matter any another photography workshop, usually comes with at least one goal in mind.

In my early days as an instructor, (and still do to a certain extent) I taught the how-tos and dont’s as best as possible. However, gradually I noticed my students made me aware of the most important thing they are looking for, far more important than the how-tos and dont’s. That is “Why”?

Our body of work over the years is a depiction of our lives. It reflects who we are, where we have been and how we feel about things, or at least it should. Asking “Why” do we photograph the way we do as well as “Why” is my work changing or maybe “Why” might we not be producing artistic images like we really want to be is far more important than how to do this, and avoid that, which is so often stressed.

You’ve heard the saying, “Life is Art” or Life reflects Art.” It really does. We design our image carefully usually avoiding chaos and inconsistency. Artists usually look for things like balance, simplicity, and purpose etc. I would take this a step further and say that we look for the same in our lives. My students have taught me that.

You may possess the right tools, and knowledge to make a decently exposed or a technically good photograph. However, it is hard to teach creativity. Creativity is within. To be a creative person is found within each person. Sometimes it is easy to draw it out, sometimes not. People reach this point unexpectantly, perhaps when the attendee is wandering alone by a river or out in the middle of a desert landscape, quiet and alone, without the rest of the group. Something comes into sight and the person becomes intrigued enough to think about taking a photograph. That photograph tells the story of the person behind the camera, more than just what they may be seeing. Sometimes these times are not even realized until after they are over, perhaps while driving home or relaxing before bed. Many of my attendees have related these events to me. Stressing the “Why” moment is important to convey to my students, and having their experiences related back to me is rewarding to me, as a teacher. It happens a often.

Most people have a good degree of creativity within themselves. It is our jobs as instructors to motivate and try and explain creativity, more than the how-to and don’ts. When I witness a workshop attendee have a creative moment, I realize that they are now asking themselves “Why,” more than anything else. When they relate their success back to me, then I know I am on the right track.

Yes, it is about “Why”

Text and images ©Jack Graham / Jack Graham Photography. All rights reserved