FIND Review from Ashley Stelzer - FIND Boston (SHE HAS NOT ATTENDED YET!!!)

Six months ago I wrote Jonathan Canlas asking for more information for the Film is Not Dead workshop. I don't know what the email equivalent to choking on your tongue is, but that's what it kind of felt like. I had heard that the FIND workshop was amazing- life changing. And I really wanted to learn. So much. After receiving his first information packed response, I wrote again, and asked what I was afraid to ask in my first email. I danced around the question- "How well seasoned are those who attend". In code that meant: "I don't know what I'm doing. Will I look like an idiot in front of all these incredible photographers." At this point I was waiting for that dismissal email, something akin to "Well maybe you should wait until you've....." But that didn't happen. Jon assured me that egos weren't tolerated. So with my husband's blessing I sent in my deposit.

Film does not intimidate me. It's familiar. My mom was a photographer and I grew up shooting film- though maybe not understanding it. So before I write more regarding the awesomeness that was to come next, I'd like to delve further into why I wanted to do this workshop. I imagine that many sign up for FIND because they love film, and want to shoot film. For me it was more... I want to create. I want to find my voice. I want to slow down, be more observant. I want make art. And from everything I've seen from previous workshop attendees, I felt confident that if there was one thing I could do to help me develop as an artist, FIND was it. I'm have no problem in admitting I'm intimidated by all these terrific photographers, not because the medium they use, but because their art is so strong.

I want to be better.

Perhaps you yourself are looking at signing up for a FIND workshop. Maybe you are wondering "How much could I learn in 3 days". Well I have been doing the "workshop" for six months. I've been part of the FIND community. When you hear that the workshop begins the second you sign up- IT'S NO LIE. From the moment you sign up you become part of this amazing private community. No description can really touch on how incredible all these people are. You'll have to brace yourself for all the information you'll learn. Everyone is so open. It's unreal. I know that the gains I've made as an artist these past few months has come from what I have learned from this generous community. The opportunity to learn is everyday with this group. The support from fellow members is unreal.

It will be another few months before I do the workshop. I'm beyond excited. My poor husband hears me chat on incessantly about FIND daily and appeases my by stopping off on his way home to buy film for me. I've already integrated film into my workflow. It's changing how I think about making photos. I can't wait to learn more.

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AE Stelzer Photography
www.aestelzer.com