It's been more than a few years since I quit my job as a Quality Engineer at a chemical manufacturing facility to pursue career(s) as a photographer and magazine editor, and even more still since I found myself excited over taking photos of folks on weird-looking motorcycles. I've prided myself on never resting on my laurels when it comes to my photography. While I recognize that some of my photos are actually pretty good, I know in my heart of hearts that I can always improve. I appreciate when people compliment my work, but part of me is always analyzing the shot to determine if there was a better place for me to stand, or a different angle I could've gotten, or a frame that looks just a little better than the one 0.5 seconds before.
All of my skill behind the lens is self-taught. Besides taking a class in college that was more geared towards advertising and graphic design than it was towards photography, the majority of my knowledge and education comes from watching YouTube videos or reading books about photographers and their work.
But for the first time since 2014, I find myself taking a photography boot camp by one of my favorite photographers, one who helped me catapult my work from basic to published.
I would like to introduce you to Jared Polin, aka "Fro Knows Photo." Many people are apt to find him brash, but I prefer people who cut to the chase and tell things how they are. He's also one of the only people I can find who actually talk about how to shoot sports, and walks you through real-life photoshoots. While you still need to tailor your settings and composition to the sport you're shooting (like me with trials and enduro), watching Jared's videos almost felt like being there.
I've been searching for people who will provide constructive feedback and help me understand where I can improve, or even provide another perspective on how to approach a situation. For me, I'm also very aware of my presence in a situation. Gone are the days where I feel like I can successfully fade into the background and become a fly on the wall (and yes, I understand the purple hair doesn't help with that... haha). With that awareness comes a nervousness to be able to get the shot. Personally, I love candid photos. I like the posed/staged photos, too, but there's something about capturing a moment where people are being their real, authentic selves that takes an image to the next level and provides depth.
So when Jared announced that he was hosting a photography boot camp, his first in over a decade, on a weekend that I was actually free, I hesitated for a brief moment, then jumped in with both feet.