Photo-o-rama at the University of Minnesota

I had the pleasure of working with a talented group of students at the Split Rock Arts Center at the University of Minnesota this past week.  It was the first time "On Seeing What's Right in Front of You" was taught in this area and I look forward to returning soon.

Here, in no particular order, are the top ten thoughts about the photographic process I had while there:

1.   The best work generally starts with an idea. Or at least an approach. Working in collections is a great way to realize an idea. And it's OK, actually preferred, to have several collections going at once. And they don't have to all work out.
2.    It's also OK to not know exactly which direction you're headed when you start. The direction comes  clearer as you go.
3.    What matters most is to start, even if you don't feel ready.
4.    What matters second most is to continue.
5.    The right group dynamic can help to push the work further. Way further.
6.    Technically speaking, framing and light matter most, assuming the subject is what you want it to be.
7.    Bad pictures lead to good pictures.
8.    The best inspiration often comes from places other than photography.
9.    Sometimes writing about it all helps to clarify it all. And no one has to actually see the words.
10.  Shoot. Listen. Repeat. Or, in the words of rapper Baba Brinkman: Performance, Feedback, Revision.

Supreme thanks to Maren, Nancy, Pearl, Kim, Gabrielle, Maury, Rex, Marilyn, Louise, Margorie, Debra, David, Oren, Cynthia and Clare. You all rocked it.