If you have ever had a fear of something so bad it makes you sick to your stomach, you will understand why this presentation was my best accomplishment yet.
Ever since I could remember I have had a deep fear of speaking in public to large groups. I’m pretty good with a few people at a time, but more then that I freeze. My goal this year for myself was to suck it up and get over it! Last year I was asked to help with a presentation and as the time got closer, I backed out. I just couldn’t even concentrate on anything else because of the fear factor. It is so embarrassing and those who do not have that fear, can’t understand what it’s like.
Many months ago, I was asked to help with a Creative Edits Presentation for our Valley Viewfinders Photography Club. Giving it some thought, I said sure. If I am going to grow in my business, I need to face my fear head on. Well to make a long story short, I didn’t back out this time. Last Thursday I gave my first ever presentation on creative editing of an otherwise boring portrait. Turning it into something worthy of a magazine or at the very least, to add to my portfolio. There was a few times during the demonstration that I made a mistake and my heart would start pounding out of my chest, scared I wouldn’t remember how to correct it, (Telling myself, that if you don’t take a deep breath and calm down, this could get even more embarrassing!!), so I reached down deep and regained my thoughts and continued on. It wasn’t that bad after all. I realized it was okay to make mistakes, we all do it, and so what if it happened during my presentation, probably won’t be the last time and it wasn’t the end of the world. I SURVIVED!
My only regret for the evenings presentation was that I only had 30 minutes which didn’t give me enough time to explain every single move I made to achieve the results for the final image, so several people were left scratching their heads. But now I’m pretty sure I could plan a second presentation and stretch my time to 1-2 hours and maybe even incorporate some hands on learning for the group. What a big step forward for me.
I’m leaving you with the before and after image. Feel free to leave any comments.
2 Comments
I was present at the camera club meeting when Helen gave her presentation, and I think she did a great job! Her tutorial came at just the right time for me, because I was about to take some shots of my daughter for her high school senior picture.
Once I had taken the photos, I was able to greatly improve them and take them to a whole nother level by applying what Helen taught us during her presentation. The results were quite satisfying and fulfilling! I was able to do it!
You can read more about my experience, and see before and after shots, by visiting my photo blog article: Shooting and Retouching My Daughter’s Senior Picture.
I’m looking forward to the next time Helen shares her expertise and experience with us!
Brian, thank you so much for sharing your daughters before and after pictures. They look fabulous. Her eyes are beautiful. The first few times I tried it, It also took me a few hours. Now I can usually get it done in 20 minutes if there isn’t major retouching to do. I’m very happy that you were able to learn from my demonstration. Maybe next time I can have more then 30 minutes to work. Again, keep up the good work.