Part 7 Learning from others.

I am fortunate to be a member of two photography groups, Ockbrook Photography Club and the"Friends"Facebook Group. Both of them contain members of a wide range of abilities from beginner to professional.
I have very much enjoyed the social interactions and learned a lot from seeing how others approach photographic locations.  It is evident that a group of photographers spending a few hours together at a venue will generate images that are very different from each other. Each one has a different "eye" and a different set of skills and interests and this leads to a wide range of differing interpretations of the subject matter or location.
I had the opportunity to do some portrait work with a few "Friends". I rarely do this type of shot and was able to learn a lot from the others and produce shots I was pleased with. I even managed to use Photoshop to add some cherry blossom to one of the images.

Both Clubs have monthly challenges designed to expand the range of subjects and situations we are asked to capture. This is an excellent way of expanding my skills by taking me outside of my "comfort zone". Google and You Tube are  invaluable resources here.
Living in Derby I am fortunate enough to be able to attend the "Format Festival" which, on an annual basis, brings together photographers from all over the world for Exhibitions and Seminars. I will approach Format 19 with renewed enthusiasm for gaining an appreciation of the "art of photography" rather than concentrating on purely representational images. The event starts in 10 days time so I am looking forward to it. I hope to gain inspiration from the events and displays.