Re: Michael O'Brien's mentoring program
by Paul McCormack
May 10, 2014
"I wanted some ongoing, constructive
"I
met Michael after completing several photography courses. I understood the
fundamentals quite well but realized that ‘something’ was still missing in my quest to be a better photographer—I wanted some
ongoing, constructive feedback, commentary, and guidance for my work from
someone I could trust. When I met Michael I immediately appreciated his passion
for photography, and sensed he could help me fill out my learning experience.
"During
an initial meeting the two of us sketched out a framework for the mentorship
that suited both of us. Then Michael started giving me project-driven
assignments to work on. Our initial plan evolved as things moved along and I
gained more clarity and momentum with my photography, until I was developing my
own projects with confidence.
"This program is designed
to fit my schedule and interests…"
"Michael’s command of the
craft and technique of photography is matched by an intense inquiry into why we photograph what we photograph. This brought something very crucial into my
journey as a photographer; namely, some direction, depth, and meaning. This program is designed to fit my schedule and interests: it motivates me to shoot when I really don't feel up to it or feel I don't have the time. I found it very helpful having the ability to contact Michael at anytime by phone, text, or email. His ongoing support has become a huge part of the
journey, and it’s helping me advance and be more purposeful in my work. I come away
from our ongoing dialogues with insights and the inspiration to keep exploring. cont...
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| 'Motel Room' From the ABANDONED series Photo courtesy of Paul McCormack ©Paul McCormack 2014 |
"It's really opened my eyes
to the scope of the medium…."
"Working
with Michael has helped me stay open and curious as to why photography is
important to culture, to society, and to me. I’ve been introduced to the work of many great photographers
previously unknown to me. We’ve viewed dozens of exhibits, and I now appreciate the
technical underpinnings of these works. It's really opened my eyes to the
scope of the medium, to my own potential, and how to improve my own photography.
"Now I have more definite ideas
about what’s possible…""It's also given me a broader context in which I can place my own work, so that now when I sit at my computer to fine tune and craft my images in post-production, I have more definite ideas about what’s possible and about what I want. This saves me huge amounts of time, and since I’m a busy professional, this is important. Michael openly shares his own working methods through demonstration in the field when we shoot together, and he guides me, through example, to develop my own workflow and style.
"In
photography we look at the humanity that is around us, we interpret, we
capture, and then we reflect. For me, it is Michael’s powerful
understanding of humanity and his ability to teach students how to capture such
reflections through photography that make him such a great mentor.
"I
have worked with Michael in his role as a mentor for the past 18 months. He is
extremely generous with his time, his insight, his knowledge, and his love to
coach, teach, and mentor. My mentoring relationship with Michael has been an
invaluable experience and one that I look forward to continuing for years to
come."
sincerely
Paul McCormack
