Teaching at Tempel

I was fortunate to spend the afternoon with my photography hero, who also doubles as a very good friend. Violet owns Fire & Earth Photography (visit her at www.fireandearthphoto.com) and has been the largest influence in my education behind the lens of my camera and one of the reasons I strive so hard to learn and improve - I want to earn that "nice shot" compliment from my hero.
Violet didn't have much choice today - Erin and I showed up, cameras in tow, and pretty much never left her side the rest of the day. We did let her use the port-a-potty unaided, however. She was so gracious in taking both of us under her wing and spent the better part of her day offering advice and tips. It's hard as a beginning photographer to swallow your pride and admit you need advice, but Violet gives selflessly of her knowledge and skills until your brain starts to cramp from the barrage of information flowing from her. Her good-natured easy-going manner makes it easy to feel comfortable asking her the most inane questions. Violet, why does the camera say "too dark?" "Take the lens cap off, Amanda."











It was also somewhat hard to be upstaged by a teenager. I brought Violet's protege student, Erin, with me and she without fail produced quality, perfectly timed shots all day long. The most impressive part - she does it all hand-held. Time and time again, Erin outshot me in quality and timing!
The most fun was picking Violet's brain as she reviewed our shots on her laptop and offered her critiques. I learned so much about timing, placement of horses legs, and that the rail is not my friend. I learned to avoid butt shots, and that Violet does not like going away shots, period. Phrases that I heard constantly were: timing, rail, going away, timing, butt shot, timing, focus, timing, focus....you get the idea. I am very proud to say that by the end of the day, I was getting more compliments than when I started! I shot over 125 photos, but have wheedled it down to a few really good "favorites" I am posting below for you to take a look. Let me know what you think!