“Successful artists work closely with other artists and have not one but often numerous mentors to guide them through their careers.”
Angie Wojak
Our club year is off to a great beginning! Our speakers have inspired our creativity and taught us new skills. As we move deeper into our year, I would like to encourage you to think about the importance of time spent in the company of other photographers. Being a part of the NVPS community
supports us as we integrate and develop our skills and abilities and develop our own style and photographic “voice.”
As we begin our Competitions, Forums, Galleries and Portfolio Project, you may find yourself questioning your confidence and abilities. Are my photos good enough? What if the judge doesn’t like them? What if no one likes my portfolio? In full transparency, I will admit I just had a similar conversation with myself preparing photos for competition! Recalling the advice from one of my mentors helped me move past hesitating to participate and getting my submission in. One way to address this, as Angie Wojak states, is to seek out guidance from others who can support us in navigating our learning and growth.
Here at NVPS we have many opportunities for interaction and learning. Our Mentor Program can match you with someone who can support and guide your development. They can support you in developing a critical, yet kind, perspective in reviewing your images, and also in practicing techniques with your camera and post processing. Our in–person meetings provide time to share, reflect, and learn. Field Trips are another way to gather for fun and learning.
Another great opportunity is Mid-Atlantic Photo Visions (MAPV) November 2 and 3 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. There is a wide range of topics you can explore, as well
as hands–on activities with your camera. As a member of NVPS you can also receive a 10% discounted admission. MAPV is meeting in person this year, another great opportunity to interact and meet other photographers.
I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming meetings, online with Zoom, and in person at the firehall at our scheduled activities. Until next month, I will leave you with this thought:
“Creativity is experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.”—Mary Lee Cook