The Never-ending Task of Self Improvement

Ralph Waldo Emerson quoted the phrase “The never-ending task of self improvement“. This can be applied to all aspects of life. As a photographer I recognize the value in that concept, that self improvement is not merely something one should do for a set amount of time. As photographers, we should always be looking for ways to improve ourselves and our craft. To that end, I am always looking for new and different ways to improve my photography. For me, it could be watching an Audrey Hepburn movie to see the classic lighting and poses… looking at fine art from masters such as Rembrandt, following world famous photographers online, or attending workshops by leaders in the field.

This past weekend I was able to attend an intimate lighting seminar given by Jason Groupp. Following that, I joined fellow New York photographers at a shoot in the city, getting some time learning with Neil van Niekerk. The day was a success, from the lighting work done with Jason to the sharing of techniques from peers following that, and the making of some new friends. To cap off the night, Jason Groupp gave a class in Fusion which was excellent. Here are some of my shots from the day, starting with the indoor lighting seminar.

“Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.” -Winston Churchill

Be well!

-Ryan.