When I was presented choices for classes, workshops, and a 1 on 1 with a professional photographer at the Out of Chicago photography event, I chose Bryan Peterson for the one day workshop and Matt Kloskowski for a 1 on 1 critique of my photography. I wrote about my adventures with Bryan Peterson yesterday, today I will profess the feedback Matt gave to me. First, I want to tell you what a really nice guy Matt is. He is the exact opposite of Bryan. Humble, kind, gentle, warm, friendly are all the characteristics that I would use to describe Matt. And I say that not because he gave me a glowing assessment of my work, but because he truly is a well centered person.
Matt and I corresponded via e-mail to establish a meeting time and place, how many images I should bring, do I print them or bring them on a zip drive etc. He indicated that he has a method that he can record the feedback along with the visuals so I have access to his critique by having all my images on a zip drive. Bring about 20 images, oh Lord with my gazillion or so images on multiple portable hard drives what pictures do I bring? I spent most of the afternoon Wednesday deciding and choosing, changing my mind several dozen times. I held my breath as I approached the session.
He used words like fresh, clean, a great eye, sees things he would never see, would enjoy going on a photo-walk with me. I was overwhelmed and needless to say extremely flattered. I spent about an hour and a half with him, just one on one. I am still basking in the glow of his kindness. And to top it off, I attended one of his classes on Sunday afternoon with a roomful of attendees and he asked if I was in the audience then told everyone there I was a great photographer. Surreal.
OK, enough of that. I appreciate you letting me blow my own horn and how grateful I am for the validation. Prior to the critique I arrived in the city about an hour early, it was a beautiful day, so instead of waiting inside, I walked toward the lake and snapped a few images of Chicago. It is truly a beautiful city, I would encourage a visit, just don't come in January.
Love this red, white, and blue combo....
And ofcourse when you see a man with his pants pulled up, socks pulled down (at least one of them), sunning on a park bench it's just a picture waiting to happen.
I probably won't be around for a few days, off to Dayton, OH to spend the 4th with my sisters-in-laws. Love those ladies. And taking the kids along too. Will finish my tales from Out of Chicago next week.
"People usually consider walking on water or walking in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child - our own two eyes. All is a miracle. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Until next time.....
Surely it does not surprise you that Matt thought your photography was fabulous as we keep telling you that also! I suppose it is even better coming from an expert. yes the old man image is w shot waiting to happen adn you captured hom so well.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't surprise me that Matt gave glowing remarks on your photos. I've seen your growth and photos like that statue is proof enough that you do have a great eye. Have a great 4th.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm just grinning from ear to ear knowing how wonderful your time with Matt was! And, of course, he loved your photography -- all of us who have the privilege of seeing it are not surprised a bit! Your shots also make me want to come back to Chicago. Will have to plan that one of these days, but not in January!
ReplyDeleteI found myself a little teary eyed with pride as your wrote what his comments were. Funny how it takes an "expert" to make someone like me say..."well, of course, we already knew that!!" So excited for you that you had such a fabulous workshop. Keeping our hearts and minds open to learning new things is such a joy and for too many, something they think they cant do. We need to shake them don't we?? LOL hugs doll. I love that statue...she is a killer.
ReplyDeletethat is just so well deserved and so wonderful! I am not surprised either, but what a shot in the arm for you! My my. Look how far we come with an open attitude willing to keep learning and to see the fun in learning! Yay you- role model still!
ReplyDeleteYou captured the city so well! I love the blues and warm summery feel!
ReplyDeleteGosh an hour and a half with Matt how awesome! And of course your photography is truly amazing - how could you doubt? Glen and I will be downtown Chicago for three days in September, so excited and know that it will still not be long enough.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have a one on one critique with Matt, and his words must have had you walking on cloud nine for a week. :) Your images of Chicago are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, and I especially like the quote. As a long time fan of your photographs, please toot your horn as much as you like. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteEverything Matt said was true - and more! Sounds like your photography sessions were awesome. Keep using your eye and your expertise and keep sharing with us. Have a great 4th, Deanna.
ReplyDeleteLove this...now on to the rest of the story.
ReplyDeleteI second the notion 'you are a great photographer' - what's more - you are one with heart, soul, and inspiration. I hope you are having a great summer Deanna.
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