What advanced my skills the most

One of the questions I get asked most often is “how did you learn?” so, I thought I’d write about the process. There were many avenues I used to grow my skill as a photographer. My journey has been multifaceted and influenced by many resources, but when I look back, I will tell you I learned the most from other photographers.

In 2010, when I decided I wanted to get serious about photography and really learn the craft, I started taking classes at Clovis Community College. It was a profession I wanted to pursue for many years, but I was in the Air Force at the time so, I turned to college classes in my evenings. There was an assignment each week that pushed me to see and try things I never imagined. One of the assignments was street photography (which was a bit challenging since Clovis, New Mexico is not known as a photogenic city). I went out one evening after dark and set up in the middle of an intersection and played with my settings. I created an image that told a story of moving cars and starred streetlights. In class the next week, the instructor explained how lenses create stars at small f-stops and that we’d go more into that later on. It is one of my favorite images to this day.

Those short 6-weeks propelled me into using manual mode on my camera. It was one of the two most impressionable and skill building processes in my photographic journey. It gave me confidence and freedom and amped my creativity. I photographed everything from old buildings and barns to junk yards and city ponds. I fell in love with long exposure photography and couldn’t wait to try it in nature (as that is my first love). This is also where I first dabbled in Photoshop and edited with heavy blacks…

I was soon deployed a few times (I was in the Air Force at the time), and then reassigned overseas so I had to resort to other ways of learning. I got out and shot (a lot) on all of my travels and took every opportunity to travel somewhere new. I took an inspiring class from OFFBEAT Photography and then resorted to YouTube before I started feeling stuck. YouTube is great for some things, but lacks the personal interaction, on-site instruction, in-field growth, and connection I thirsted for.

As a travel and adventure addict, I have a running list of the places I want to see, photograph, and experience. Patagonia was at the top of the list at that time and when Cath Simard released the news, she was holding a backpacking workshop there, I had to go. The workshop was co-led by Tyler Lekki. At this point, I was experienced enough to operate completely in manual-mode. Throughout the workshop, I realized I had a great handling of my camera, its settings, and in-field concepts, so what I learned were more advanced concepts and editing as it was my weakness. I learned more and took more incredible images in 1 week that I did in the last year!

This led the second most skill-building process in my photography…workshops. It was more than just learning even. It was an experience. Cath and Tyler did all the planning in advance. They knew the area and were familiar with optimal locations. The group was of attendees came from all over the world. We talked about photography, we shot alongside each other, and shared experiences.

I was hooked and hungry for more so I went on a few workshops in my own state with a Colorado photographer, Dan Ballard. There was a turning point where I was realizing I knew everything that was being taught. Mentors were giving my very positive feedback and encouragement.

Meanwhile, I was teaching friends and coworkers. I was becoming an expert. Don’t misunderstand that statement and think that being an expert means a person knows all there is to know. There is still so much to learn…it’s a blog all on its own. It was a true turning-point in my journey though.

What I didn’t know at the time is how much more I would get out of workshops above the experience and skill building. I started meaningful relationships with other photographers. I’ve expanded my network and started going to meet ups. We’ve traded ideas, experiences, and approaches. We’ve shared expenses, swapped lenses and tried new things. While we are all different in our interests and photographic goals, we have grown so much because of each other.

Mentorship has been another facet of learning I have used. It can be intimidating to reach out to developed photographers to ask them for help or insight. Many offer mentorship sessions. I sought out Matt Payne and Rachel Wood for a variety of things. They have both been very helpful, offered their advice and/or critique and have remained connected. I recommend reaching out to those photographers you look up to. Reach out, sign up for a mentorship session, and keep in touch.

I’ve been in love with photography (especially in print) for years, but I have been overjoyed in the process of teaching others. One of my jobs in the Air Force was teaching a course for young Airmen new to their first Air Force Base. I taught many subjects such as team building, leadership, mentorship, and more. Now, teaching photography has been the next most satisfying thing as a photographer. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces as they learn a concept is very rewarding. You may find some of these events and opportunities on my website.

I then took courses and did lots of research on the business side of photography, which is a whole adventure of its own. I contribute much of what learned to Jason Matias and his course The Art of Selling Art. I established my own business and became Shanda Akin Studio, LLC.

Learning from other photographers and taking part in their workshops has been, by far, the most valuable in my photographic journey. I’ve personally met these experienced photographers I was inspired by and discovered they are awesome human beings as well, what a bonus. They have become a part of what I call my “Mosaic of Influence.” They are the people who have impacted me the greatest. Some of them have kept in touch and continue to motivate and inspire. I’ve reached so many milestones this year and can’t express how grateful I am for those who believed in me and mentored me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Tyler Lekki - Cath Simard - Dan Ballard - Rachel Wood - Matt Payne - Jason Matias

I would love to hear (below) about who is in your Mosaic of Influence. If you are still growing, I would be honored to be a part of yours. Contact me if you’re interested in learning more. There are many opportunities coming up from mini-sessions to full workshops.

Until then…

Happy Shooting!