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. 

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.