I remember my very first presentation to a large group of photographers that were hungry for knowledge. Most of them had been photographing for many years and I would consider the group to be above average in their skills as this was a master-class program given by a world-famous bird photographer. 

At the time, I was just starting out in my career, and I was the younger assistant trying to make a name for myself in a genre that was predominantly filled with older men. And I knew that no one wanted to hear what I had to say. Why would they, they all had brand new expensive cameras that were way above my pay grade, and they all seemed to dress and talk alike, clearly, they were part of a click that I did not fit into.

Then it happened, the words I dreaded… ok, it’s your turn. What, what did you say, what do you mean it’s my turn. My turn to do what?? Present your program. I can’t do that, they don’t want to hear what I have to say, they paid to hear you. It’s your turn, get up there. I can’t, I don’t want to, I’m not ready. Well, it’s now or never. I stood there in disbelief. I don’t have a program ready; I was unprepared. It was my big chance, and I already blew it. 

Was I going to just walk away from it all??? NO, I said OK, I’ll do it, but I don’t even know what to say—his words, I’ll never forget “teach what you know.” That was it, that’s all you have for me---are you kidding! I only know creative stuff and…. And well, I was full of excuses, and definitely out of time. 

So, I got up there and risked it all. It turns out I had a lot to say. It was like when your parents threw you in the water and said, “sink or swim.” Well, I swam, and I haven’t stopped swimming yet!

So, let’s try to figure out this Visualization thing together and let me help you learn to capture your own vision, after all, you are talking to an expert-wink! For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Denise Ippolito. I have been in the business of photography for over a decade. I’ve been teaching creative photography, specializing in composition. I have lots of ideas about capturing and creating compelling images and I will be sharing them with you in all of my upcoming presentations.