In July I traveled up to Chicago to take a 3 day film photography workshop, called FILM IS NOT DEAD (FIND) by Jonathon Canlas. I was at a place in my career where I felt like I needed to Bring It, and Jon teaches you how to do just that.
I had carefully researched the idea of doing a workshop, and presented the idea to my husband, Sam. He was less than thrilled about the price tag, but did agree that if I felt I needed to grow, we needed to find a way to help me do so. I chose Jon's because he clearly has a way of helping people find their path in photography, and because I literally could not find a bad review about his workshop. There's a reason for that.
Workshop isn't really a fair word to use to describe FIND. There is a workshop- a 3 day event, complete with amazing food, fabulous (really, really fabulous) live models, and also involving some of the most intense teaching ever. But the workshop starts when you sign up, and it evolves into something that can only be called Family. I met my 2nd family in Chicago. And They. Are. Awesome.
Jon is an excellent teacher. Patient, thorough, kind, with the right amount of sarcasm. No question goes unanswered. He's also just plain fun to watch when he is working! We got to observe him work with models all three days and he is fascinating!
I believe the best thing about FIND is that after the workshop is over, you still have all the connections you've made. That family is there to answer questions, to help you mold yourself into that photographer you want to be. To make you laugh when you need it most. To help you realize you are awesome, and the journey is just as important as the destination.
Not only would I do this again (in a heartbeat!), but I'm planning on sending Sam to FIND eventually. He's only experienced it through me, but when I asked him if he thought the experience was worth it- He said "Every penny!" And that's a way better testimony than I could provide! ~Naomi
Mamiya 645 and Pentax K1000, all Kodak films.
