The Process of Learning

The Process of Learning

by William Lulow

The learning process is complicated. It requires constant re-evaluation and often, intervention from others. I came across an article on social media the other day about a successful surgeon who was well-practiced for many years, deciding that he needed a mentor. Tiger Woods, probably one of the most accomplished professional golfers of all time, always had a coach and sometimes changed coaches. You would think that those who have practiced a science, art or profession for many years were really past the need for a coach, but I can understand this doctor’s interest in having one.

Once you have been successful at doing whatever it is you do for a living, and reached a certain plateau, you might think that there is no need for further advice or help. But the process of learning is a continual one. There is always something new to learn, perhaps with a new perspective. In photography, as I have said in previous articles, we often find it difficult to view our own work objectively – to see our images the way others might. It is easy to become totally obsessed and involved with your own creative instincts to the point that you sometimes overlook the obvious. It could be actually something you inadvertently left out or included that should or should not have been there. It could be another way of looking at a familiar object or subject. That’s where a coach would come in handy. Everyone has a different view of similar subjects and often it helps to avail yourself of another person’s opinion. This doesn’t mean that you are not still excellent at what you do, it simply means that having another’s take on what you do can be beneficial.

Those of you who follow this blog even sometimes, know that I like to write articles on photography. But, I am always kind of surprised when I re-read some of them and even without the help of an editor, change words or syntax to make the sentences clearer. It is amazing what I am able to catch and change just on my own. Imagine if I could afford an editor who would go over them each time I write them!

With regard to my photographs, here is an example of what I mean. I made this photograph and a friend (not really a photography expert coach) made some comments that made me see the subject from a different perspective:

A colleague suggested this image would look much better in Black&White with some good clouds in the sky:

As a photography instructor, I have taught my share of other professionals who have sought out my knowledge of lighting and various studio operations. All have been especially appreciative of my comments which are always directed at making photographs as good as they can be. The main point is that everyone can benefit from a little coaching now and then to keep their skills in top shape. With photography or any visual art, for that matter, one can always benefit from someone else’s point of view, especially if that person is at an equal or more advanced skill level. Another point of view might be able to show you something that you might have otherwise overlooked, or a technique you might not have known about.

All these things serve to make someone at the professional level of any endeavor even better than before. It becomes an invaluable service because once you stop learning, that can spell the end of your artful expression.

Another image worked on with the help of some coaching, or should I say some art direction. (Note: black space at the top was for a headline).

In the world of photography and especially commercial photography, art directors serve an important function. They are not there to show the photographer how to do his job, but to help him/her carry out the job to its full potential.

So too, a coach can help an artist fulfill the same goal.