FIND Review from Amanda McKinley - FIND Columbus

Late last year, I found out about an amazing film photographer, named Jonathan Canlas. I was so enamored by his work. I kept coming back to his site, in awe of the way he captured his subjects. I loved that about him instantly!

Prior to knowing anything about Jon, I had been feeling pretty down about my photography. I had lost my passion and my drive, and was about ready to take a long break from digital photography, until I found out Jon offers workshops. I started toying with the idea of attending a FIND (film is not dead) workshop, especially since I wanted to try shooting film photography again. It had been many years since I shot any film, so I was a bit apprehensive. But the more I saw, the more I knew that film was the challenge I was needing.

So, within a month of making the decision to try film, I contacted Jon. Silly me thought it might be fun to host a FIND workshop here in Ohio. So I asked him if he would come here. He responded, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IN FEBRUARY!!! Are you freaking kidding me???? This guy had no idea about me, Ohio, or the weather here, but he graciously began the planning process and before I knew it, February was here and so was Jon (as well as his trusty side-kick Tavis).

What an exciting few days for me. Not only had Jon agreed to come to Columbus, but so did so many other wonderful people who were feeling the itch to learn about film. People from, Indiana, Michigan, St. Louis, and Chicago, made the trek to join the one day workshop. Awesome!!!

I was soooo nervous about meeting Jon. Would he find me worthy of taking up his time, would he think our location was a disaster (it was!), would the food be satisfactory, am I making a good impression, will he ever come back (still not sure on that one!!!)? Nerves abounded!!!
I was able to have a good laugh over the phone with Jon and Tavis as they got lost in C-bus. And once we finally met up, I knew that this was a guy who was true inside and out. What you see online, is exactly what you get in real life. A man who is passionate about film!!! He is also passionate about his family. As a mom of 3 kids, I really appreciate that.

Our day started right away and we dove right into learning about film, exposure and equipment. Jon shared a lot of information and was an open book on business, work ethics and anything else we wanted to know. The man knows his stuff!!! My head was spinning!!!
After lunch we met up with our models and braved the c-c-c-cold 23 degrees to get some shots. Everyone was a great sport, especially Jon and Tavis, who were freezing their Utah butts off. Weird, Jon fact... he never wears pants, just shorts (loco!!!)
What a treat it was to see Jon in action, hear his thought process and shoot in different lighting locations. That alone was worth the price of admission!!!

I honestly had the time of my life. I met the coolest people, got to talk about photography all day, and participate in an amazing workshop. My only regret is not asking him to stay longer!

You want to know the coolest thing ever??? I still have dialogue with Jon even with the workshop done and over with. If I have a question, he answers it. He still has vested interest in not only me, but all FIND attendees! How fabulous is that??? I can't tell you how disheartening it is to save up your money, attend a workshop with an amazing (or seemingly so) photographer, only to never ever have a relationship or communication beyond the workshop walls. Jon goes above and beyond all his life chaos to continue to give back to the FIND community. Priceless people, priceless!!!

If you are looking, soul searching, looking to be recharged, wanting to leave digital photography behind, this is the workshop for you! However, if you are still unsure this is your calling, then I highly suggest checking out this amazing book... FILM IS NOT DEAD: A DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER'S GUIDE TO SHOOTING FILM

I have read this book cover to cover several times. There is so much good information, SO MUCH good information!!!

Thank you Ohio FIND peeps and especially to Jon and Tavis!

Amanda McKinley

Interested in attending FIND in 2012? Drop me a line.