A night with Amy Toensing
Last week, I attended a talk by Amy Toensing that was sponsored by TAFE NSW and the Head On photo festival. I must admit I had not seen any of her work, so I checked her website before sending in my RSVP; just by looking at her work, I could tell it would be well worth attending. She is primarily a documentary photographer who focuses on the ordinary people who end up in front of her lens. But go to her website, and you will know what I mean.
I had always intended to write a post about the poignant points she made during the talk, so I set a recording to go so I would not have to take notes. I wish I had taken notes, as I ended up with sound files with some 90 minutes of silence.
The talk and slideshow with some Q&A lasted almost an hour and a half, but it felt much shorter when Amy got her flow going, moving through her photographs at just the right pace, never losing attention. It was great hearing the behind-the-scenes thoughts of her work, which were enlightening, as was hearing how to talk about her subjects; she took more than just their photographs.
Amy Toensing at the Podium, 2012
4 things stick with me now as I am writing this now that are worth sharing.
While it is important to have other skills besides photography, the best one to have is one that allows you to always get the job done, no matter what.
Photo assistants don't have to be photographers; you want someone who can help you get the shot. So, if the photograph requires climbing, you better hire someone who can help you climb.
Building professional connections, like any relationship, takes time and patience. It's a process that requires mutual understanding and respect.
Research your project first; think about what photographs you are after that will tell the story and keep them in the back of your mind.
