“Sometimes We Give Back: Growth and Gratitude”

August 11, 2011

“Sometimes We Give Back: Growth and Gratitude”

This post will cover two genres of art: photography and poetry.Why? Because I am also a poet and I teach both crafts.
My personality was developed with a strong sense of community, where the term “each one, teach one…” is alive within me. I had strong community leaders and teachers that always allowed me to explore my creative energies and be more productive with my time.
I came to discover both genres at almost the same time and dabbled in both until I was challenged to “do more” or was told that I could “do better.”
Some artist back down from or avoid challenges altogether. Many have gone as far to speak against the learning or structured process of art. At first, I was an “anarchist” – I tried to avoid learning the benefits of how or why to “color and stay within the lines.” There is a reason for those seemingly insignificant rules. Rules are sometimes limiting as well as liberating.
How would we know if we are “doing something wrong…” if everyone around us is constantly giving us praise for EVERYTHING we do?
That’s why I am grateful to the following:
The man working the photo-kiosk cart in the Gallery Mall (1985) who gave me a “half baked” answer to a sincere question with regard to a process. To Corvelle: an elder photographer of Jamaican ancestry, who pointed out to me what was “right and wrong” with my early (print) photographs.
To Craig Davis and Bill Brown – then of Power 99 – for recognizing my drive and dedication to photography and holding doors open for me to graciously pass through and beyond.
To Big Bob Crippen who for no selfish reason, asked me to take photos of Eugene Wilde and The Dazz Band at the Robin Hood Dell East and Warren Haskins who allowed me to work with him and hundreds of artist and photographers.
To every newlywed, group, individual, organization, corporation, event coordinator, host and artist who called on me for my professional services…
I thank you all. For it is because of you all, that I am.
And the same applies to the poets, spoken word artists, educators, writers and audience members who motivated me in many ways as well.
Each of you are the reason why I teach both poetry and photography and played a significant role in my growth and gratitude.

Thank you,

k/d/morris –
photographer and poet

http://www.kdmorrisphotography.com

Hiatus until August 7, 2011

August 3, 2011

Hiatus Due to the Passing of a friend

I will be on a brief writing hiatus from the blog in honor of William Medlock, also known to many as KOP – Keeper Of the Peace, Kurakin Flowers who transitioned to become an ancestor last week.
I will return to complete my writings as they pertain to the series: “Things I’ve Learned and Share” next week

Regretfully,

k/d/morris – photographer & poet

‘if you walk with your head down,
you will miss your chance
to make someone smile.’
k/d/morris – poet

Things I’ve Learned and Share

July 28, 2011

Things I’ve Learned and Share:
“Number Four: Silent Pro. Seeing What She Says.”

There’s a something to be said about silence. Especially when it’s accompanied by sound, you can’t even tell that it’s in the room waiting for its turn to be acknowledged. Too many times does sounds have an unwelcome opportunity to clash and becomes noise. And how many of us enjoy that unbearable sound? All joyful noises set aside but, when the silence is relegated to sound that activates listening during a welcome and expected exchange, the room can be filled with informative energy called “excitement.”
The joy and fun that learning from teenagers who discovered something different, if not new, offers a new perspective on how we communicate with them. Especially the sound of five
teenage girls. When “Number Four” began to speak, she spoke with purpose and precision. She blended examples with each of her statements when speaking on what she observed. What I noticed was they were alike in subtle ways when she, like “Number Three,” “so, what you are saying is, when I do this…that happens…?” I can only assume that they had no idea how much they all had in common, except for their excitement, eagerness to try and be rewarded for their accomplishments and most importantly, being allowed to pick what they deemed to be “their best.”
So, when “Number Four” had an opportunity to speak, she broke the silence by being respectful and mindful of everyone’s need to listen.

Next: “Number Five and Free.”

Thank you
k/d/morris
http://www.Reverbnation.com/kdmorris
Iphone4

Things I’ve Learned And Share

July 27, 2011

Things I’ve Learned And Share
“Number Three: Watching and Listening, But Has Little To Say.”

I can recall one day I sat quietly observing my coworkers to see who would be called on if “the sky began falling.” I figured by watching and not speaking, during this process, I would indeed learn something about who they were, as well as myself, if and when called upon.
“Number Three” did the same thing. She listened to the dialogue and observed the actions as she both sorted and absorbed the information that floated in the excitement of the room.
When I asked ‘Are there any questions before we continue?’ her series of questions were almost strategic and calculated as if she had a point and purpose to insure that she (1) received the intended message and (2) had properly implemented the information. Then she hit me with the mature “let me get this straight…so, you are saying if I…and when I do this….and this is what happens when…?” line of questions. Almost causing me to validate what I know to her. Although, I had few expectations when I first walked in the room filled with five young teenage ladies, because my own expectations would have led to great disappointment, I had to let them lead me in the direction that they wish to go and allow me to keep up.
I learned that as an adult, actively listening to teenagers requires more patience, less interruptions and more understanding than any other conversation that we may find ourselves engaged in. Some of them have a host of ideas mixed with questions and statements all rolled into one, therefore we may not at first grasp what their intended message or purpose for expressing themselves is, until we lose patience and begin talking while they are talking. And as we all know, that’s when things fall apart. Even adults don’t listen when we should. Even when we feel entitled to have the first or last word.
So, I learned by watching “Number Three” in action. Going through the motions that she possess and the leadership qualities that will take her far in life, if she maintains the path and dedication to detail that she has. And who knows, maybe she will teach us all a few things or two.
Next: “Number Four: Silent Pro. Seeing What She Says.”

k/d/morris – http://www.kdmorrisphotography.com

Thank you
k/d/morris
http://www.Reverbnation.com/kdmorris
Iphone4

Things I’ve Learned And Share

July 26, 2011

“Number Two: At First, Didn’t Like It, Now She Does.”
• Part two in a series

When it comes to art, especially photography, you don’t get many opportunities to communicate your intent and conceptual fortitude, unless someone asks, puts your work on display or your work is published and you get to tell the story in advance of some inevitable questions.
Young lady “Number Two” was more than eager to create and share her images. And equally quick to denounce one she was a part of. “Number Five” had used the classic “take a picture of someone taking a picture” technique unbeknown to “Number Two.” When it was time to share their images and explain the motivation and connection to the image with the group, “Number Two’s” response was your typical: “…Oh no. No. I don’t like that…you can delete that picture…” Sorry! No do-overs or deleting here, ma’am.
So, I asked “Number Five” to answer the three questions and when she included she “liked the picture because it made me feel free…” “Number Two” changed not only her opinion, but her attitude towards the image also changed.
What just happened here? Two obviously opposing views were settled without debate not elevated voices. Conflict resolution through art? Perhaps. Scientific? Nope. Creatively ingenious? You bet.
As some of us may have experienced or witnessed, when teenagers disagree, it can get rather loud. Even in controlled and monitored environments. The approach I used removed that air of competition and created an idea of equality.
It wasn’t written down nor researched, but devised based on my life experiences and what style of leadership the moment called for.
As adults, we sometimes make the mistake of either preaching or dictating to young people. As if we forgot how it made us feel. Let’s not forget or we will be forced to remember.

Thank you
k/d/morris – photographer

Tomorrow we will explore:

“Number Three: Watching and Listening, But Has Little To Say.” • Part three in a series.

Thank you
k/d/morris
http://www.kdmorrisphotography.com
http://www.Reverbnation.com/kdmorris
Iphone4

“Things I’ve Learned And Share”

July 25, 2011

“What I’ve Learned And Share” • About Five Young Ladies – Number One

In case you are just joining us, I began this blog with some insight as to the motivation and purpose for writing it in the first place. If this is the case, please read Part One (Event date: Friday-July 22, 2011) then come back and join us for Part Two. For all who are in step with the flow, let us begin:

During the exchange, I began with easy and basic “so, tell me your name and age – and what do you like to take pictures of…” line of questions to both get an idea of the direction I must go with each and tailor the information to their specific level of experience. Now, remember – some will “pretend NOT to know…”
After gathering enough details to formulate my approach, we got detoured by a particular reason for taking pictures when “Number One” said that she likes to “photograph herself after she gets dressed to both show her friends and family who can’t see what she’s wearing and to look back at how cute she was that day.”
I asked her ‘…if doing that gave her reassurance of her level of self confidence?’ She replied: “I just want to make sure that I am fine (acceptable) before I leave the house…” I added: ‘So, your camera serves as a secondary and portable/shareable mirror?’ Her answer: “Yeah. It does.” in a “I never looked at it that way” tone.
Her “discovery” became a beacon of motivation for others once we all stopped talking about taking pictures and began taking pictures during a five minute exercise I called “Your View-Your World Five Minutes” where at the end they had to pick one “favorite” and validate their selection through writing about why they chose that subject and image.
The purpose of “validating” their selections was one of a few exercises in getting them to communicate their feelings and ideas in a creative manner while identifying opinions and inferences. This was important to point out the differences between the two, although it’s a very thin line.
When she completed the task, she was more than please with her own abilities when she tapped into a part of herself that was under-explored. And when it was time to share why she chose the subject, angle (composition) and how it made her feel, she was equally confident.

Next up:
“Number Two: At First, Didn’t Like It, Now She Does.”

Thank you
k/d/morris
http://www.Reverbnation.com/kdmorris
Iphone4

“Things I’ve Learned And Share” • Part One

July 24, 2011

“Things I’ve Learned And Share” • Part One

Recently, I had the pleasure of facilitating a photography workshop and discussion with five (5) teenage young ladies as part of a College Bound Program in my home town of Philadelphia PA through my program: Operation Give Back: Photography.
Although I am accustomed to teaching what I am good at and know, I still have challenges when presenting to a group that may not be familiar with who and why I am. I have a way which I can’t explain, that have participants appreciative of the exchange of information. Because, that’s what teaching is; an exchange.
As with most confined spaces that contain this much energy, the ability to capture and hold their attention was a challenge. And anyone that knows me, knows that I like a challenge and usually meet them head on.
On Friday-July 22, 2011, I was challenged by five personalities and ideas. Five teenage girls who at some point, before it became interesting, probably were thinking of all the “other stuff” they could he doing instead.
So, if any photographers who have never been in a “position to give back,” here’s a some steps to take that may help you when the time
comes.
Of course, it begins with using your contacts and reputation as a respected photographer to get the call, one you should accept. Follow the following steps.

1. Prepare and submit an outline and purpose of your presentation. Organizers like to have an idea of what information is to be shared.

2. Know how much time you are working with and the physical space allotted to you and the participants.

3. Create a “script” to follow, one that discusses the creative, therapeutic benefits and business side of photography but be ready to digress at a moments notice.

4. Actively listen to what they are saying and give honest and accurate information. Especially when speaking to teenagers. They will “call” you on it. Some even pretend “not to know” just to see what you know.

Now that we have got the “business” out of the way, I am going to take a break and return with:
“What I’ve Learned About Five Young Ladies”

k/d/morris – photographer

http://www.kdmorrisphotography.com

Trust your eyes.

July 21, 2011

For the gifted, sight and the ability to distinguish one color from another is as important as knowing your “A-B-C’s”. This also applies to hues, tones and variants.

When shooting in an environment consisting of “natural light,” be mindful of both man and natures colors.

We have created an image of someone dressed in black that “looks blue” and reds that look orange. Why? Too many variables to break it down in detail.

I would suggest that every beginning and some experienced photographers do one or all of the following:

• read the instruction manual

• join your camera manufacturers on-line forum

• join an interest or meet-up group

• be open to giving and receiving constructive criticism

• find a happy medium between sharing and accepting objective and subjective opinions and inferences

• invest in and study your craft

• respect and protect your investment

• work and shoot outside your forte

After completing these task in any order, find the (cash) value for your time and work based on your level of experience.

Thank you

k/d/morris

www.kdmorrisphotography.com

www.Reverbnation.com/kdmorris

 

Welcome to k/d/morris photography

Hello:

k/d/morris here. Some of you are familiar with my work as a producer, poet and spoken word artist, educator and mentor. Some are familiar with my work as a photographer and some know just about everything there is to know about what I do and who I am.

Since this is our first time together in the blog world, allow me to share the intent of the content that you will be reading.

What I intend to gain from you all, in an uncensored environment is feedback about what you find most suitable to your taste and level of quality you expect from a business or service provider.

In closing and from now on, we will learn from and about each other by way of this mutual platform and informative exchanges.

Thank you

k/d/morris – Photographer