As many of you know I'm one of those PBasers--and there are lots of us--who are ALWAYS out there shooting, and if we're not out there we're sitting at our computers editing, and if we're not sitting at our computers we're thinking or reading about photography. Some call it an obsession; others wish they had the time to do the same.
I have no hidden agenda with my photography. I don't do this for any reason other than it's the only way I CAN do it. It's just who I am. I have no illusions about becoming a "well known" photographer. All I want is to keep growing, keep pushing the envelope, keep thinking outside the box, keep honing my skills and listening to my Intuition, and keep working at becoming the very best that I can be.
So it surprised me to hear from a respected editor of a respected photography mag that he loves my work. Not only loves it, but GETS it! That's what I learned today during a lengthy telephone interview with Brooks Jensen of LensWork. Having them accept my unsolicited Dualities portfolio for publication on Lenswork's July/August Extended DVD was enough of a kick, but to hear what Brooks had to say about the work, the idea behind it, the execution...well, I'm left breathless. Just knowing how highly he respects my work is enough to give my confidence a much-needed boost.
So now I'm anxious to keep going, growing and learning. In connection with that I've signed up to take a weekend workshop with Mary Ellen Mark at The Center for Photography at Woodstock (NY) in early August. Now THAT should be an experience!!! One that I'm sure will give me much to ponder and assimilate, as well as a great big kick in the pants!! But now I feel ready to receive her critique without losing confidence in myself as a photographer. That's the gift Brooks Jensen gave me today, and it's the gift I've received from so many of you here on PBase. It was your encouraging comments about my Dualities series that gave me the nerve to submit them to LensWork in the first place. Wherever would I be without you? Thank you from the bottom of my heart.