Speaking Engagement for the Grosse Pointe Garden Center

Friday, September 21, 2007:

I was lucky enough to be invited to make a presentation of my work and speak about nature photography to about 75 members the Grosse Pointe Garden Center. The occasion was their annual awards celebration. Quite an honor for me, and very gratifying too. One member later thanked me personally, saying that I had provided the spark of encouragement and the practical skills she needed to begin photographing in her garden again.

I had prepared a simple powerpoint slide show of my work (about 100 images) and a rather lengthy talk about how to improve one's photography with 2 simple things: understand the equipment to be a better mechanic, and become a more open-minded, inquisitive artist.

It was the second half of the presentation that most attendees enjoyed most - at least I thought so. I have strong feelings about how the presence of the photographer is what separates 'taking pictures' from 'making photographs' - how it is the expression of the mind of the artist that establishes a unique vision and begins a communication with the viewer.

There was great trepidation as I prepared my slide show and my mini-lecture. Months of planning, many revisions and much practice went into what was just over an hour's presentation. I thought it impossible that I had anything important to say. Yet it came to be that I did actually have something that was quite interesting to a majority of my audience. They were generous with their attention, their applause, and their questions.