Mardi Mileham — Oregon

Course: The Photography of People

My work requires that I illustrate my stories with photographs. Sometimes the photos are the story, with only a few words. Sometimes they are a single illustration. On occasion I produce slide shows for the web to create a stronger visual appeal.

I needed help learning how to better photograph people – how to use light, how to make them more comfortable, how to approach the photo from different angles. The Photography of People workshop was yet another extraordinary experience at RMSP. Jeremy and Tony were phenomenal instructors, who approached our work from different angles and provided me different ideas and skills that I can now apply. The best thing about RMSP workshops is the opportunity to work in an environment where you are encouraged to experiment, to find your own style and to be able to make mistakes and learn without fear of failure. I was reminded that there are many ways to look at the world – from different angles, different viewpoints in different light, I was reminded to slow down, step back, look up, look down, look around. The next photo could be anywhere. I learned to really think about the photo I want to shoot before I even pick up the camera. Now I am more open to different styles and different techniques. Watching and learning from Tony Rizzuto, Jeremy Lurgio and my classmates was an exhilarating experience. This was my second workshop. I hope to attend more.