Day 2 of the Donald Weber documentary photography workshop was just as great as day 1. Here are a few quotes from him that really have me thinking.

“It’s not about making one picture to say 25 things. It’s about making 25 pictures to say one thing.”

“You lost out because you wanted to make a pretty picture.”

“Take the bloody picture and think about it later.”

“You need to both react and anticipate.”

“My favourite pictures almost never make it into the edit.”

“Put everything you have into making an excellent photo. Then top it.”

“You’re not their PR agent.”

“You have to do your subjects justice but you also have to do the story justice.”

“If you see something interesting, follow it. You never know what’s gonna happen.”

“Sometimes it’s ok to be out of focus. Maybe it’s not a bad picture that’s out of focus. Maybe it’s a good picture that’s out of focus.”

“Tape your zoom lens off at 28 mm. If you want it, walk for it.”

And finally, the one that’s really got me thinking:

“Stop being the photographer you think you should be and just be the photographer you want to be.”

It was an amazing two days, and the week of shooting was great too. It didn’t result in great pictures, but I pushed my boundaries and I learned a lot as a result. I think I got the most from having Don critique my actual work. It’s the first time I’ve gotten feedback from such an accomplished photographer. But all of his critiques were gold no matter whose work he was talking about. If he gives another workshop, even if it’s very same one, I’d totally go again. He’s got a charming combination of brusqueness, compassion, and zeal for the medium.

If you’re in the Toronto area next weekend, be sure to check out his free artist talk at the Pikto Gallery in the Distillery District. It’s on Saturday, May 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. Also, buy his book, because Don’s awesome and so are his pictures.