“Only a fool learns from his own mistakes. The wise man learns from the mistakes of others.”
Hey everyone and welcome to the Photo Forward podcast, where we dive in deep each week on the art of visual storytelling, exploring the stories behind some of the greatest photographers in the world. From their origin stories to finding balance as creative professionals, to how to actually make a living as a photographer, videographer, or multimedia creator – I’m your host, Ben Brewer
So, this is a special little in-between-isode, introducing a new ongoing series on this show. Now, one of the biggest reasons I’m undertaking this show was...well...thinking about my own work. Let me explain.
When I started out in the field of photography and photojournalism, interning at whatever newspaper would take me, whatever freelance outlet I could get my grubby little photographer hands on… I was so fuckin’ lost. (Not to say that feeling has subsided over the years to where I’m at today, but it’s certainly evolved in different ways)
I say “fuckin’ lost” because, as a photographer just starting out, I was missing FOUR big things:
• Exposure to the world of professional photographers (This was 2008, after all)
• Foresight about what pitfalls and mistakes to avoid
• Critique of my work
• And a true, honest-to-god coach and mentor
So, part of what Photo Forward sets out to do, and what I think the format has excelled at is really the first two – sharing the visual storytelling community and enlightening the photographic world… in the words of Otto Von Bismarck “Only a fool learns from his own mistakes. The wise man learns from the mistakes of others.”
But where we really haven’t gone yet are those critical last two points, critique and coaching. Arguable the most impactful way I’ve grown as a photojournalist. That’s why I’m so excited to share a new feature on Photo Forward, a segment I’m calling “Push|Pull” (All you film buffs out there will appreciate that reference)
"Push|Pull" is a periodic Q/A or AMA (ask me anything) style segment where I’m going to do real, unscripted critique and coaching taped podcast episodes with YOU Photo forward listeners.
Want an honest critique of your portfolio or recent photo project you’ve been workshopping? Or maybe you’ve got questions about your photography career and where you want to grow as a visual creator? Or maybe you’re a freelancer feeling a bit isolated from the photo community and just want to shoot the shit with a fellow visual storyteller and talk shop for a bit. Wherever you the audience want to take "Push|Pull", Let’s go there.
So here’s how this is going to work in real life: Because I want to give everyone a fair shot at getting featured on "Push|Pull" and to have their questions answered, we’re going to run this through Instagram. Start by following my Instagram page at BBrewerPhoto. And, when I go live (instagram story?) on Instagram Stories and start talking about "Push|Pull", just send me a Direct Message with your Skype ID or email. The first THREE people who send me their deets on each IG story will get to be the lucky few for that Month’s "Push|Pull" episode (as long as you agree to have us record our conversation. Duh.)
And that’s really all there is to it! It’s kind of an experiment for this show, but I know it’s got the potential to help out a lot of photographers who might be feeling a similar kind of “fucking lost” that I’ve been through over the years.
So, to recap, make sure you’re following @BBrewerPhoto on Instagram and keep your eyes peeled for IG stories on "Push|Pull", and when they come up, hit me up with a DM to get coaching!
Anyways, that is all for today my Photo Forward people. I hope you are as excited about this expansion to the show as I am creating it. We’re gonna do some awesome shit, I know it. So, as always: Keep seeing, keep shooting, and keep putting your Best Photo Forward. See you all soon.
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