Start here, welcome!
Choose a notebook and dedicate it to L'Atelier ✺ Photo
If you know me, you know that writing is my other great love. Like photography, I consider it to be a magnificent gateway to the self.
When I decide to invest in a training, I always dedicate a new notebook to my learning and practice. It makes it easier for me to immerse myself in introspection and to keep a tangible record of my transformation.
Don't forget to write the date when you're working: you'll see, you'll smile when you open the notebook later.
Set one (or more) intention(s)
(The next module will help you.)
Before you start the course, take a moment to think about what you want to get out of it. What are your specific objectives? Are you looking to improve certain skills, gain confidence, or reconnect with your inner artist? Having clear intentions will help you stay focused and measure your progress.
Write these intentions down on the first page of your notebook.
Prefer curiosity to judgement
I want you to go into this training course thinking that you're going to get as much out of it as you can. To do that, you need to let yourself try out the exercises I'm going to give you without judgement, with curiosity. Yes, even the ones that bother you or that you don't consider "important".
This also applies to the way you look at yourself: the following modules are far from being just about photo technique. You're going to meet yourself, from your fears to your creativity. I'm well aware that this can be a bit of a shock, and frankly that's the point.
My intention with this course is that you should be able to look at yourself in a benevolent way, whether as a person or as a creator. And to do that, you need to prefer the prism of curiosity.
So, like a meditation, if you find yourself judging yourself, return to curiosity and observe what's going on without judgement.
Commit to your practice
I don't want L'Atelier ✺ Photo to be a course that you buy without applying.
L'Atelier ✺ Photo is designed to help you progress independently. You can follow the lessons anytime and anywhere. However, what you put into this work is what you will get out of it. All learning requires a certain level of commitment and responsibility.
So my advice is to apply what you learn as soon as possible. Putting knowledge into practice is crucial to integrating it effectively. Whether it's making small changes to your daily routine or applying new strategies to your creative approach, it's practical experience that will reinforce your learning.
If you only have to do two types of exercise or lesson, choose the ones that appeal to you and the ones you resist. Leave the exercises and lessons that leave you "neutral" for later. The reason is simple: we often resist what we need most.
You won't always be motivated: it's your discipline that you need to work on. And the best way to work on your discipline is to make training a practice, a routine, a ritual. The objective is not the end product but the process itself: to see a little more clearly and share what you see.
It's in the action that the transformation lies. Have fun!
Integrate and revisit at your leisure
When you've finished the course, take the time to revise and reflect on what you've learned. Write down the key ideas, inspirations and action plans. Also think about how you can integrate this new knowledge into your long-term personal and professional development.
I've designed L'Atelier ✺ Photo to be a companion along the way. A bedside book. Take all the time you need to visit and revisit the modules at your leisure: you'll surely learn something new every time.
And don't forget that I'm here for you: don't hesitate to contact me (by email at lagarrigue.mathilde@gmail.com or on Instagram) with any questions, comments or requests for feedback on your photos.