March was an incredible month of learning for me and I just spent the last hour taking stock of all the new skills and techniques I have learned. What a rush!
I stepped out of my comfort zone and attended :
- a short film workshop production,
- a green screen workshop
- a red camera workshop
- a story telling activity
- a self distribution tutorial
- and just spent the last 2 days at a digital media workshop that was so intense I had hard time going to sleep with all the knowledge I was processing. It’s the best feeling ever!!.
I look forward to put these into practice in a variety of projects this summer!
I was talking to a friend last night and telling him about the experience and he asked: ” Lyssa why are you spending all this money on learning like this. Your photography is amazing can it get any bettter what else do you need just practice! right?”
Well I was quite flattered by the compliment for 5 sec. lol I have never been the type to remain in the status quo especially when it came to learning. I told him:
#1 PASSION;I LOVE IT ! Imagine, to have the opportunity to fly to a an amazing city like NY or anywhere in the world, spend time with bright and creative minds, network, share and learn in a safe environment WHY NOT??. passion is life.. I met a spiritual guide who once told me that passion extends your life, people of passion live longer on average.”No matter what it is, inject passion in your life , it’s attractive and contagious!” he said. I never researched that for a fact but it makes total sense to me what is a life without purpose and passion? I am so full of passion I don’t know what to do with myself some days lol!! I love my life and would not want to trade any of my passions for anything in the world..learning is definitely one of them!
#2. INVESTMENT; I have been brainwashed by an amazing mentor early in my life. Who convinced me that an investment in yourself is the best investment that guaranteed returned and never devalued. In a world where technology is allowing people with no photography skills to take a decent images the deal breakers is mastery of skills; Lighting composition post processing signature style. The ability to get amazing results at a drop of hat consistently ! There is a difference in getting from “good” to “GREAT”! I believe that it is true in so many industries and disciplines.
It’s all about being ready for the right opportunities. I have a vision for my studio and see it meeting the future needs of imagery in a multimedia context. All I am doing right now is filling the gaps. Regardless of the economy investing in your skills never goes out of style. If you bring value to the market place you will never even have to look for a job . Employers & Contracts will be coming after you. I have heard these words about 10 years ago and to this day it has been my mantra.. My career in telecom was based on that principle and provided amazing opportunities over the past few years. My creative journey though is totally on steroids… and definitely beyond my wildest dreams.
#3 NETWORKING; the chance to share from and with people that are as passionate & crazy like me YAY!. Getting invitations to collaborate on projects from all over the world. I love meeting people who complement my skill set and started to document this. I know that one day I will need a dream team to execute some projects and these events offer the best situation to discover dynamics and synergies. I also want to contribute and add value to the mix. Some of these people are so talented & so bright it is inspiring and keeps me on my toes:-) I love to feel vulnerable at workshop..it means that I am open to learn.
My friend said: “wow this is a real big picture lys!” He started thinking out loud about his own plans and thanked me for the inspiration. I love it!
—–One of the attendees shared this; A snapshot into what could represent the future of magazines & print media . We went over this case study:
Some will see challenges and a decline in the need for traditional photographers I see an ocean of opportunities and new options to bring visions, ideas & concepts to life.
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Seneca
ML
