So when I saw an old college friend post amazing photographs a few months back..I was insane jealous but also relieved that there was a chance I could talk to a real life person about the ins and outs of photography. I messaged Anna and asked her a few questions about photography lessons. She said her husband would be happy to meet with me. And that is when I first heard the name Nels Akerlund.
I googled him...was totally impressed by his work and was even more relieved to hear that he went to photography school. It's not that I feel that photography school is necessary for a career...but it is refreshing to know that Nels was once a student and had teachers who taught him...therefore, I could pray that he would be able to remember techniques on how to manage an overconfident, underskilled student such as myself.
I was right. Nels is incredible. We meet twice a month for about an hour. He is not only a patient and funny guy...his critiques are spot on and heartfelt..like a good friend who tells you that you have something stuck in your teeth...but assures you that you STILL look good. In our meetings, I have learned something very important about myself. I mean, I knew that I am sensitive to criticism..sheesh who truly isn't. But when I would e mail Nels my images from my assignments, as i pressed the ENTER key on my Macbook, I felt downright fragile. Lucky for me Nels has a way to tell me the good and the bad and the ugly and still makes me feel like I am on the right path. He commands me to take my time and prepare for the shot. He reminds me to look at the image I just captured before I get all snap happy. He assures me to be proud of my first edition Canon Rebel DSLR, because a camera does not make a photographer.
The following pictures are two that I am extremely proud of. Because a few months ago, I had no idea how to produce an image like this... and now I do. And that gets me even closer to being a photographer with a capital P.
