Guy Critique
Well-known member
As The Workshop Co-Director and one who hires I was wondering how much Workshop experience matters to other Chief Photojournalists when they are looking at a candidate.
NPPA Workshop Experience
- Thread starter Guy Critique
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tonyfalcone
Active member
For me, just the fact that they went at all impresses me.
I'd love to tell you I only considered candidates with workshop experience, but then I'd have almost NO candidates.
I found it to be invaluable....I went twice, back when the earth was cooling. The principles and techniques are passed on to my staff every single day.
Can this knowledge be found elsewhere? Yep. Though I doubt it's in such a concentrated learning environment.
I know there are a lot of NPPA bashers frequenting this board. Some of them will no doubt scroll through this. Let me just say; don't bash the workshop until you've been to it. If after a year you don't think it gave you new thought processes to improve your craft, then flame away. I for one am very grateful to a former ND who "allowed" me to spend my own $ and vacation time to go the first time.
Fortunately my bosses understand the value of the workshop. They/we send folks from both sides of the camera to Norman every year. I have yet to get anyone back who didn't learn a whole lot. Even if they don't want to admit it.
Would I hire someone with workshop experience over someone without? All other factors being equal; in a heartbeat.
Dave, to you and the rest of the faculty...Thanks!
I found it to be invaluable....I went twice, back when the earth was cooling. The principles and techniques are passed on to my staff every single day.
Can this knowledge be found elsewhere? Yep. Though I doubt it's in such a concentrated learning environment.
I know there are a lot of NPPA bashers frequenting this board. Some of them will no doubt scroll through this. Let me just say; don't bash the workshop until you've been to it. If after a year you don't think it gave you new thought processes to improve your craft, then flame away. I for one am very grateful to a former ND who "allowed" me to spend my own $ and vacation time to go the first time.
Fortunately my bosses understand the value of the workshop. They/we send folks from both sides of the camera to Norman every year. I have yet to get anyone back who didn't learn a whole lot. Even if they don't want to admit it.
Would I hire someone with workshop experience over someone without? All other factors being equal; in a heartbeat.
Dave, to you and the rest of the faculty...Thanks!
Well I don't often see candidates with NPPA membership, much less Workshop experience, but we were able to send a couple of photogs there over the years and seems like they loved it. A candidate with the Workshop listed on their resume automatically tells me this is a person that wants to get better at their craft and should know something about storytelling before they walk in the door. If their reel also demonstrates some creativity, I'd say it's a very good sign.
cameragod
Well-known member
Because someone went on a course doesn’t mean they learnt anything from it. TVNZ used to send 5 people a year. I was one and yes it was good for me but there are some who seem to have changed very little in the way they shoot. Also a few guys on the course had been sent as a last chance “if you don’t get this now you never willâ€â€¦ guess what? Some of them never will. 
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