Last week I left for my annual Omega retreat with my friend
Fredda who drove. We picked up Dennis Stock our teacher, at his wonderful house in Woodstock and went on to Omega.... I ended up being assistant to Dennis last minute for his class and it was pretty involved. (Dennis usually has apprentice type people in this role, so it was also on honor to help out.) He gave me an amazing critique during the course and said 'you've come a long way, baby'. He said my improvement over one year's time (the 3rd year in a row he's critiqued me) was phenomenal and was short of raving, which was shocking to me! I was prepared for a tough critique.... Last year he kicked my ass, so this was exciting that he was more than positive about what I am doing now with photo. It's an affirmation I can take with me and keep moving. As always, I am grateful to have this time with such a brilliant and renowned photographer.
Dennis gave me the courage to apply to the Stella Kramer portfolio review. Stella is the former photo editor of
Vanity Fair where she did Pulitzer Prize winning work. I've met her and really like her, and
Dennis's words gave me the boost I needed to go face Stella. I'm going to apply after I finish this blog entry. I somewhat
hesitate because I don't want to be discouraged off the path I'm on... If she sees no market for for my images it may be an
interruption to my enthusiasm, but even so, that information would be valuable as
Dennis's tough
crit was last year. He pushed me to move forward instead of being comfortable and complacent. I really want to hone this path and make it happen. I know the market is tough right now, and it's always good to go to the best and get straight talk.
Omega was once again a wonderful experience. It's always
transformative....
Peace, love, health and photography.
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| ©Wendy Whitesell |
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| ©Wendy Whitesell |
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| ©Wendy Whitesell |
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| ©Wendy Whitesell |