As "the new guy" in the Indiana professional photography circle, representing Burrell Colour Imaging as their Indiana Business Consultant, I had NO CLUE what to expect when I traveled to the Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana, for the Winona School. I was completely unaware of what was about to take place.
On Sunday, participants from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois began to arrive to be students in the school, the roots of which date back almost 90 years. (WARNING - history lesson: In 1921, a building in Winona Lake, Indiana, was donated to PPA for the purpose of establishing a photography school. Thus was born the professional school which was to become the Winona International School of Professional Photography. Winona operated classes for professional photographers every summer and thousands of photographers from all parts of the world have attended Winona to update their skills under the guidance of some of the nation's outstanding professional image makers). [citation: http://www.ppa.com/about/history.php]
As things got underway, it was a pleasure to witness photographers of all ages and skill levels having "ah-ha" moments as imaginary light bulbs were turned on, hovering overhead. Comfortable rapports were quickly established between student and teacher because class participants had unlimited access to the speakers/teachers of the course for almost 4 days! Ken Sklute, Joe Craig, Ken Kneringer, and Tim and Bev Walden provided hands-on, intimate tutoring for each member of their course throughout the entire school. No question was too basic, no topic turned away. Each student was able to have his/her specific challenges addressed. Trouble with sales? Need to improve your workflow? Posing... lighting...branding... retouching... you name the trouble spot and it was addressed.
And the location was perfect; nestled in deep in the woods in one of Indiana's finest state parks. The accommodations were comfortable and there were plenty of activities available for the rest of the family.
After observing (and participating) in my first Winona School, I feel comfortable in my belief that are no online courses or one day photography seminars that come close to delivering the value of education that was provided this week at Winona.
The Winona School... I am a fan.
Phil Anderson
Burrell Color Imaging Marketing Consultant for Indiana
Join us in 2011 for the same kind of experience!