498: Shane Wilkie: Turn Unpaid Gigs into Valuable Opportunities

The Beginner Photography Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with BPP Community Member Shane Wilkie, who transitioned from photographing skateboarding to Hockey and sports photography and commercial work while focusing on emotional storytelling. Shane shares his experiences capturing university events, the emotional depth he aims to achieve in his photos, and the impact of his volunteer work on his career. He also discusses the importance of seeking constructive feedback and the enriching journey of creating art that resonates emotionally with viewers.
THE BIG IDEAS

• Embrace Emotional Storytelling: Focus on capturing photographs that evoke deep emotions and tell compelling stories. Your images should invite viewers to feel and imagine beyond the frame.
• Build Confidence Through Practice: Consistent practice in varied environments helps you become more comfortable and proficient, leading to stronger, more impactful photos.
• Learn from Unpaid Opportunities: Volunteering or taking unpaid photography assignments can provide invaluable experience, grow your network, and enhance your skills while building your portfolio.
• Constantly Seek Constructive Feedback: Constructive criticism is vital in refining your craft. Engage with photography communities and mentors to gain views and critiques that will help you improve.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Focus on Emotional Storytelling: Spend time conceptualizing the emotion you wish to convey before shooting. Pay attention to your subjects' expressions, body language, and surroundings.
2. Build Your Confidence: Attend a variety of events, from local sports games to community festivals, to practice photographing different scenarios. Review your work critically, identifying your strongest photos and understanding what made them successful.
3. Volunteer for Experience: Reach out to local organizations, events, or non-profits that could benefit from your photography services. Treat each assignment as a learning experience and push your creative boundaries.
4. Seek Constructive Feedback: Join local photography clubs or online forums where you can share your work and receive constructive criticism. Approach experienced photographers for feedback and mentorship.
5. Upgrade Your Gear: Research and invest wisely in cameras, lenses, and accessories that will enhance your capabilities. Experiment with the settings and functions to fully understand its capabilities, enabling you to use your gear effectively and creatively.

RESOURCES:
Visit Shane Wilkie's Website - https://www.shanewilkie.com/
Follow Shane Wilkie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shanewilkie/

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Thanks for listening & keep shooting!