Announcing "Checking Focus"
An accountability group for portrait photographers
Having led many workshops, I was frustrated that the momentum we created dwindled out in the following days and weeks. It crossed my mind that there must be a way to maintain some engagement and community after these intensive events.
Checking Focus is approaching the 5-month mark, so I am taking word beyond the workshop veterans to invite anyone serious about their practice.
The meetups are a one-hour virtual call, set once a month. I field queries, special projects and dilemmas, but the centerpiece is the photography assignments. Assignments have included utilizing costumes to help tell your story, “stealing an idea“, and the latest, write down 100 new photo ideas (a specifically a non-photographic task).
The participants are not obligated to do the assignments, but I’ve been pleased at the level of engagement.
The group is organized around a Substack newsletter, making it easy to share assignment-related information, as well as set up the Paid Subscriber format.
There’s plenty of Chris Buck humor and provocation, and I am an open book with my processes and insights. I look to challenge everyone, but always in a respectful and encouraging way. Come join us!
Testimonials from participants:
"It’s been incredibly rewarding to share my work, receive honest feedback, and engage in thoughtful discussions with a group that holds me accountable." – Matt Coughlin
"The assignments challenge me to take on new projects, or enhance existing ones, with more creative elements, and I am pushing myself more as a result. Checking Focus is already one of the highlights of my calendar each month!" – Shelagh Howard
Top Image: Chris bonds with the talent on a Lactaid session, 2019. Photo by Marieme Sall.
Second Image: Matt Coughlin (for photograph an elder assignment).
Bottom Image: Shelagh Howard (for “steal an idea” assignment), Andrew Fleming (for costume assignment).