I know I have not posted regularly for a few weeks. I honestly have a good reason. This year I decided the workshop I would attend was Rich Clarkson’s Sports Photography Workshop. It is in Colorado Springs so that is where I was for 10 days. While I do take online classes, read blogs and watch videos, for me, the best way to learn is hands on. Being in the classroom, talking to the instructors, talking to other photographers and then actually doing what was discussed. This workshop brings in some really great instructors. We get to photograph at the Olympic Training Center and Nikon is a huge sponsor. Since I use Nikon equipment that was another plus. They bring all this great equipment to the workshop and let you borrow it during the week. I borrowed a few things because it is always nice to try before you buy to see if you actually need the item or not. Then of course there is the opportunity to try things you know you will not be able to buy for awhile. Like the very nice 500mm f/4 lens that I used one day. I loved everything about this lens except for maybe the length. I had to be very careful walking up and down inclines so I would not lose my balance. Plus it weighed in at almost 9lbs. Which is not much until you add the camera weight and the monopod. Then carrying it for far distances or at a quick pace gets a little more trickier. If somebody gave me one I would definitely use it for all my field sports. Wonderful lens.
My portfolio was also reviewed a few times by the instructors which was definitely a little unnerving. Overall it went well and they gave me some great information. I love getting critiqued because I know in the long run it will make me a better photographer.
Thanks to all the instructors and other photographers I met at the workshop. It was a wonderful experience being surrounded by your talents for a week. I hope to continue the friendships we made and look forward to continuing to learn from you. Hopefully I can also give you insight on a few things.
I returned from the workshop at the early hour of 3am Monday and have slowly been catching up and recovering. (not sure driving 18 hours straight was the smartest decision) Thanks to everyone for their patience while I was gone. While I tried to return phone calls and answer emails the workshop was my first priority.
The goal will be to return to normal blogging next week. I will share some of my images from the workshop once I sort through them a little more.
Have a great rest of the week!
