These are a Few of my Favorite Things
[by Barry Schwartz]
In no particular order:
The D-65 workshop gave me a professional workflow along with the tools to produce high-quality work – quickly – from camera setup all the way to delivery. Was more fun than I thought it would be considering how often I thought my head would fall off. At the end of the workshop, my head was fine. Taught me things I use every single day for which I am eternally grateful. I took it pre-Lightroom, which is a big part of what’s taught today, but I’ve visited a workshop and bought their “Lightroom Workbook” and kept up pretty well.
National Geographic Magazine keeps me alert to the endless possibilities of color, form, and content. Many of my favorite photographers, such as Sam Abell, have become professional role models – including the idea that you can have a long career and produce great work for years.
Communication Arts Magazine shows photography and graphics that can still blow my mind. And, no small thing, it helps me understand how photography is part of a larger whole and enables me to have intelligent conversations about layout and text.
Movies. There is no end to how much my taste has been informed by good cinematography, and it’s nice to know how many DPs started out (and remain) still photographers.
All the other arts. There is no end to how much my taste been informed in ways I can’t always explain even to myself, but the thrill I get when good work enlarges my view of the world is one of the things that keeps me from becoming bored with myself. And my work.
A mentor, Gregory Bateson, whom I knew when I was a young man and he was an old man. Gregory taught me to think, to pay attention, to never take anything for granted, and that the word “grace” is not just about religion.
Barry Schwartz is a photographer, writer, and designer in Los Angeles, who recommends finding a mentor when you’re young because it’s so helpful when you’re not.
