Did you catch it?
A subscriber did and called me out on it because they took it as meaning something negative.
Something untoward.
Something inappropriate and just downright shittie someone would unexpectedly do to them.
It was this paragraph that started the email;
"Often when I ask photographers I begin working how they think of a camera and a photograph, many will answer by describing the camera and photograph as things that create memories."
And it was these words that disturbed the subscriber;
"Often when I ask photographers, I begin working..."
In hindsight, I can see how that phrase can cause a misunderstanding and seem grammatically awkward.
Nobody likes being worked in the way a shady character or a
con person misleads and takes advantage of people.
And nobody is thrilled struggling to figure out grammatically awkward writing.
When I began studying and practicing photography, one of the teachers would say he was there to work us.
But by "working" us, he explained that he was working with us.
He stated he was working us to challenge us.
He challenged us to be involved in what we did by asking us about what we thought we were doing.
Specifically, what we were doing in terms of camera operation, composition, and light.
He wanted to work (challenge) us to be involved in every aspect of what we did as photographers.
Furthermore, he was working with us to challenge (work) us to be thoughtful photographers who created intentional and compelling compositions.
So If any of you took that phrase negatively or the grammar awkwardly, my apologies.
In the neck of the wood where
I'm originally from, It's a turn of a word/phrase that's contextual.
Because how it's taken depends on who says it and how it's said.
My teacher meant it in a good way.
And so do I.
If you work with me to help you be a photographer, I'll work
you while working with you.
I'll ask you what you think about what you're doing and why you're doing it.
And under a good teacher's guidance, when we're "worked" this way, we see our strengths, weaknesses, and misunderstandings.
And in seeing our strengths and weaknesses, we can work on our weaknesses to make them strengths.
Introduction To Photography classes starts on June 30 and
July 9.
Spaces are limited to five.
So, reserve your spot now.
