Your teaching has long involved writing how-to articles and books, and conducting in-person seminars and classes. How has that experience helped you with your courses here at BetterPhoto?
George Schaub:
I learn so much from every BetterPhoto class I teach and I try to take that experience and fold it into my next teaching or writing experience. Also, when I edit the magazine each month I am exposed to many of the best thinkers and many experienced photographers, so that helps me learn more approaches and styles of imaging. I try to incorporate that into the courses, and perhaps as important into my critiques and Q&A's with those taking BetterPhoto courses. I think that aspect of the class is as vital and important as the course material itself.
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What advice do you have for someone who simply wants to improve their photography skills?
George Schaub:
There are many answers to this. One is to study the work of those you admire, those who somehow touch your ideas and ideals. Then take the time to learn the craft of photography, the way it works. Without craft the whole experience becomes a matter of luck or just shutter pressing.
Rely on your instincts for images but on your craft for making sure the best image is created every time you make a photograph. With craft it becomes a much richer experience.
At BetterPhoto, we often get questions from people who want to become professional photographers. What advice do you have for someone who says they want to pursue a career in photography? Is there a key to making a name for yourself?
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George Schaub:
Work, work, work. It's like anything. If you decide you really want to do something you can do it, but it takes a while to make it happen. I might suggest finding a specialty, and then branching out later if need be. Get any work you can that exercises the photographic "muscle", if you will. When I started out I did PR, charity work, dinners, weddings, spot news, you name it. I didn't care, as I could earn with my camera, and that let me buy better gear and meet more people who could get me more work.
I really believe that a person can accomplish whatever they want with dedication, vigor and blind faith in an optimistic view of life. Many times it means giving yourself permission to follow your dream. Maybe that's the most important thing you can do.
George, thank you very much for sharing your thoughts on how you got started with your professional photography career!
Denise Miotke and Kerry Drager
BetterPhoto.com
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