Foundation Workshop / Mar 06, 2008
Once a year I get to experience something that’s truly phenomenal. Anne and I have been involved with the Foundation Workshop since its inception several years ago. It started out as a loose collection of like-minded wedding photojournalists getting together in Dallas to share knowledge and ideas. It morphed into an educational opportunity for both up-and-coming as well as established wedding photographers.
The purpose? To simply help participants see differently. To see life and the world around them from their own perspective, from their own hearts. Without comparison to others. Without expectations. Simply learning how to put themselves into their
photography.
The vehicle is a set of assignments that newspaper photojournalists might encounter. A day of initial instruction, and two days of shooting combined with two nights of editing with an established photojournalist. It’s a rather intense experience for most who attend, and it’s not uncommon for participants (and faculty, for that matter) to get quite emotional. Tears flow from many people (including myself) just overcome with the beauty. It’s an environment conducive to sharing and love, and is one that I have the
privilege and honor of directing each year. While Anne and I started out as students ourselves and became faculty members a couple of years later, I’ve been workshop director for the past two years (thanks to Huy Nguyen, the workshop founder), basically keeping the wheels greased and doing some of the pre-planning.
It is the single most rewarding photography-related experience I have ever had. I’m thrilled to be there, among such amazing individuals who have long since become good friends. Tears come simply by thinking of them at this point. Words really can’t describe the experience.
If you’re a wedding photographer who is looking to expand your sight and are interested in joining us next year, I hope you’ll consider the workshop. It’s very difficult and not for everyone. But for those who are ready, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.
I can’t wait until next year! Check out the Foundation Workshop blog for some images from this year’s workshop. Greg Gibson, one of the team leaders, included a few of the final slideshows from his team’s assignments on the blog. Enjoy!
