Photography Workshop at St. Pius X College (18th June)

- Joyal Olivera.

I'm a professional Photographer & Videographer. I had the incredible opportunity to lead a photography workshop at St. Pius X College on June 18th last year. The entire experience was truly enriching, from preparing the session to delivering it, and most importantly, engaging with the seminarians. Conducting this session not only allowed me to teach but also unexpectedly reignited my passion for the art. It reminded me that there’s always more to learn, explore, and share. Moments like these continue to fuel my desire to grow as an artist.

Facade Of St.Pius X College Goregaon East

The Prep!

My Spiritual Mentor and Friend, Fr. Walter D'souza, reached out to me in late April 2024 with an exciting opportunity that would take place in June 2024. He invited me to lead a photography session for the seminarians at St. Pius X College, a task that I initially perceived as a straightforward endeavor. With my background in photography and my passion for the art, I felt a sense of confidence and readiness to take on this responsibility. As the date of the workshop approached, however, a wave of anxiety began to wash over me. The initial excitement I felt morphed into a creeping sense of doubt, and I found myself grappling with feelings of imposter syndrome. Questions swirled in my mind: Was I truly qualified to teach these young seminarians? Would I be able to communicate my knowledge effectively? The weight of these thoughts began to overshadow my confidence, making me question my abilities and the value of what I had to offer. Despite the internal turmoil, I knew I had made a commitment to Fr. Walter and to the seminarians, and I was determined to honor that commitment. I gathered my courage and resolved to channel my anxiety into preparation. I recognized that if I wanted to inspire these young learners, I needed to equip myself with the right tools and knowledge. So, I dedicated the week leading up to the workshop to intensive preparation. During this time, I immersed myself in the world of photography education by watching various tutorials and lectures from accomplished photographers on platforms like YouTube. I sought out videos that not only provided technical insights into photography but also emphasized the importance of creativity and personal expression in the art form. I absorbed the information, taking notes on key concepts and teaching methods that resonated with me. In addition to gathering technical knowledge, I focused on creating a straightforward presentation that would be engaging and accessible for the seminarians. My goal was to inspire them, to ignite their passion for photography, and to help them see the beauty in capturing moments through their lenses. I included practical tips, hands-on exercises, and examples of powerful imagery that could spark their creativity. As the workshop day drew nearer, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. I reminded myself that teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it is also about connecting with others and fostering a shared love for the subject. I envisioned the seminarians as eager learners, ready to explore the world of photography with fresh eyes. This perspective helped to alleviate some of my anxiety, allowing me to focus on the opportunity to share my passion rather than on my fears of inadequacy. Ultimately, I approached the photography session with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm. I was determined to make the experience not only educational but also enjoyable for everyone involved. I hoped to encourage the seminarians to embrace their unique perspectives and to see photography as a powerful tool for storytelling and expression. As I prepared to lead them on this creative journey, I felt grateful for the support of Fr. Walter and the chance to contribute to the growth of these young individuals in their spiritual and artistic pursuits.

“Skill In Photography Is Aquired By Practice, Not By Purchase.” - Percy W. Harris

The Day!

I was thrilled to discover that when I arrived to teach, around 30 enthusiastic individuals aged 20 to 50 were eagerly waiting to dive into the world of photography! What an incredible day it turned out to be! The workshop was a resounding success, delving into exciting topics like the Rules of Composition, light direction, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, motion blur, and even a touch of light painting. Our goal was to ignite a passion for creative thinking, imagination, and storytelling, all while mastering lighting and composition techniques. The participants were bursting with curiosity, asking loads of questions and engaging in vibrant discussions, fully immersing themselves in the experience. The workshop zipped by in just 3 hours, packed with hands-on practice. We even held a photography competition, challenging each participant to capture stunning photos, with the top 5 receiving rewards. Check out the top 5 photos of the day below!

Reflections on a Rewarding Learning Experience

Overall, it was a highly rewarding learning experience for me, one that has significantly impacted my personal and professional development. Throughout this journey, I discovered not only the fundamental principles of teaching but also the nuances that come with imparting knowledge to others. Engaging with students and witnessing their growth has been a profound experience that has left me eager for more opportunities to share what I have learned. The process of teaching the art I cherish so much is an incredible feeling that transcends mere instruction. It is about connecting with individuals on a deeper level, understanding their unique perspectives, and guiding them as they explore their own creativity. Each session was filled with moments of inspiration, where I could see the spark of understanding light up in my students' eyes. This exchange of ideas and passion for the subject matter created an enriching environment for both myself and the participants. As I conducted workshops, I realized that teaching is not just about delivering content; it is about fostering an atmosphere where curiosity thrives and exploration is encouraged. I found joy in crafting lessons that resonated with my students, adapting my approach to meet their diverse needs and learning styles. This adaptability not only enhanced their learning experience but also allowed me to grow as an educator, honing my skills in communication, empathy, and mentorship. Looking ahead, I am filled with anticipation for future workshops. I see them as opportunities not only to impart knowledge but also to continue my own journey of growth. Each workshop will serve as a platform for collaboration, where I can learn from my students just as much as they learn from me. I am excited about the prospect of fostering a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the art we explore together. In conclusion, this rewarding learning experience has ignited a fire within me, propelling me to seek out more opportunities to teach and learn. I am eager to embrace the challenges and triumphs that come with each new workshop, knowing that every moment spent teaching is a step towards personal enrichment and a chance to inspire others in their artistic endeavors.

Thank you for reading!