Announcing “Checking Focus”
I’m excited to share that I’ve started an accountability group for portrait photographers.
After led many workshops, I was frustrated that much of the momentum we created dwindled out in the following days and weeks. It’s understandable that an intense few days of assignments, critique, and introspection is hard to replicate in one’s day to day life, but it crossed my mind that there must be a way to maintain some engagement and community.
“Checking Focus” is approaching the 5-month mark, so I am taking word beyond the workshop veterans and my immediate circle and inviting anyone serious about their portrait practice to join.
The meetups are structured as a one-hour virtual call, set once a month. I field queries, special projects and dilemmas, but the centerpiece of the group 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. And, I strive to do them too alongside the students, giving me an insight into the challenges and opportunities within each.
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.
As you might expect, 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.
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 monthly 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 Buck, on set of the Surprising Portrait Workshop, Santa Fe NM. Photo by Leslie McKellar.
Second Image: From the Checking Focus costume assignment, by Andrew Fleming.
Third Image: From the Checking Focus elder assignment, by Matt Coughlin.
Bottom Image: From the Checking Focus “steal an idea” assignment, by Shelagh Howard.