Program Meeting

John Barclay will present via Zoom

John’s Bio
I always created images, but I was never “a photographer.” I told myself I wasn’t creative. I wasn’t artistic. My stick figures were failures. But I had this new camera and I wanted to learn how to use it. On the first night of my first photo workshop, I stared in awe at the images shared by the group. The dream of being a “good” photographer was born. I sought out great photographers like Dan Sniffin, Tony Sweet and Nancy Rotenberg and I emulated them, listened to them, and learned from them. But I became a photographer in my own right when Nancy forbade me to look through anyone else’s viewfinder for the entire duration of an epic trip to Africa. “Follow YOUR vision,” she said, “and make the pictures that only you can see.” Doubtful, but willing, I began looking for the images that spoke directly to me, that pulled my eye or aroused my imagination. I looked for connection, and found my photographer self.
I created my program “Dream • Believe • Create” to reflect my artistic journey. I began my journey with few skills, but aspired to be better. I watched and learned, gained a bit of confidence, and then began to see photography not only as a reflection of the world around me, but also as the representation of the reality inside me. My photographic journey freed me to create what was uniquely mine. Being genuinely aware of the beauty around me as I look through my lens feeds my soul and brings me great joy. I encourage the participants in my workshops to share that journey and discover the artist residing inside each of them.
Following that inner eye, I photograph whatever makes my heart sing. I have explored diverse subjects and continue to learn processing techniques that bring my vision to life. I am eager to share my journey with my tour members, to help them pay attention to what turns their heads, to help them feel more connected to the experience of making unique images that make their hearts, too, sing.

Topic: Through the Lens of Love

If you are like me, you've probably chased after images, even images you might have seen searching for inspiration on social media. You may have even created a checklist to be sure you got exactly what you planned for. You have likely going out with expectations only to be disappointed when the conditions were not right, or you did not find what you had hoped for.

Realizing that photography is a creative art form, i am constantly exploring new ways to connect with my subject rather than just photograph what I am drawn to. Love? Really? What does love have to do with it? That is what this presentation will disclose. How does the love of my subjects influence my photography ? It boils down to this -- I photograph what makes my heart sing!

In this presentation, I will share stories an day thoughts from a 20 year journey to where I now look through the lens of love. I hope you will join me.