JSP InsideOUT Workshop, Sydney 2013
Reflections of an aspiring photographer… What I’ve learnt from the JSP InsideOUT workshop in Sydney.
I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to participate in my second photography workshop for the year! It has been an intense but inspiring 2 days at the JSP InsideOUT Workshop in Sydney just last week. I came out of it with a renewed passion for photography and a whole lot of other things to think about.
Jenny provided a very candid and genuine insight into her journey as a wedding photographer from when she started till what her business and brand has become of today. “Jenny Sun Photography” is well-known for her sun flare photos and dreamy and romantic style of photography in both Australia and Asia.
However, she definitely did not achieve this overnight!
As with all businesses — whether you’re an entrepreneur starting a new business venture or an aspiring photographer (like me) trying to get a foot in the door in this very much saturated world of (wedding) photography — there are no miracles or short cut routes to success!
I do recommend that you check out this article by Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai about some of her words of advice for an aspiring photographer.
I particularly like this quote from her:
“Never compare your journey with someone else’s. It’s a marathon with no finish line. Someone else may start out faster than you, may seem to progress more quickly than you, but every runner has his own pace. Your journey is your journey, not a competition. You will never “arrive”. No one ever does.”
– Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai
Because I’ve been so busy, I’ve been feeling for the longest time ever that I’m just not cut out to be a photographer. I’ve been sporadic with my blog posts, slow with my photo processing and just not having the time to do what I love. More importantly, sometimes I feel that I just need a chance… a chance for me show what I can do.
This workshop was a real reminder and the nudge that I needed to get off my bum and to do something about it. Sitting at home and just talking about it is not going to get me anywhere. I need to get out and practice, practice and practice. I need to meet other photographers and like all things, patience is a virtue. Rome wasn’t built in a day and people don’t just miraculously turn into “photographers” overnight. However, the key is to keep trying and not to give up!
During the workshop, we were each given the opportunity to work with a couple to practice our photography and one-on-one interactions with them (i.e. the client). I am so humble and proud to present to you these very lovely pictures of the friendliest and most accommodating couple who just got engaged, S and J. Thank you very much to both of you for your time and patience with us! Congratulations again on your engagement 🙂
This photoshoot wouldn’t be possible without the following vendors:
Hair and make-up: Amy Chan
Styling: Styled by Linda
Flowers: SweetBride
Please also check out the work of these awesome photographers and videographer whom I met during the workshop:
Bailey Wang: Wedding Soul Story
Michael Cheong: Michael Cheong Photography
Bianca and JJ: Bianca Cardenas Photography
Andy Yang: Andy Yang Films
With much luv.