I recently made the decision to join The Arcanum, a new and unique way to teach, learn and practice photography. Launched around a year ago by Trey Ratcliff and Peter Giordano, The Arcanum is rooted in the ancient tradition of mentorship, but designed for the wired 21st Century.
When I was approached about teaching photography through The Arcanum, I had my reservations. I've taught elsewhere both in a classroom and online, but had become frustrated with some of the experiences I'd had with both. I love teaching, sharing what I know with others, but I didn't want to add something else to my already full plate.
But as I learned more about The Arcanum and the opportunity it provides to build relationships and community as well as teaching, I became more intrigued.
One of the things I had found frustrating was that once a workshop or class was over, the relationships with some great and interesting people ended as well. Despite the accessibility to social networks, it was difficult to maintain a dialog that continued over time. We would have an amazing experience, which spurred creative growth, but soon we were back to traveling our paths.
I have had that experience as a teacher and as the student and it seemed both a shame and waste.
The Arcanum provides an opportunity to create and nurture relationships that don't end abruptly, but that grow and change. I think it's the most fertile ground for learning and developing as a photographer. It's a chance to help others to identify who they are as an creative person and help guide them in developing their own unique voice.
I am excited about it, because it's an opportunity to do more than just share what I know about shutter speed and aperture and white balance. It provides me the chance to share my love and passion for photography in a way that allows me witness the growth of the people who choose to take the journey with me. It's more than just a means of passing along information, but nurturing a community of like-minded creative people.
On Friday, you can get a taste of The Arcanum with a special event being held this Friday.
Critiquepocalypse is 24-hour of critiques from masters from the Arcanum. It's a unique opportunity to learn from other's imagery, but also be introduced to some of the amazing talents that are part of this innovative form of photo education. It's all free and I encourage you to check out. I'm scheduled to take part in a one-hour session on Friday afternoon.
I am currently looking for photographers to be part of my cohort, which is the group that I will teach and guide over the coming months. If you are interested in studying with me, I encourage you to fill out an application. If you are interested in studying specifically with me, please refer to me by name in your application. I'm limited to only 20 students. So, I can't guarantee that you will be a member of my cohort, but there are other great photographers who are eagerly looking for passionate and talented photographers.
Check out the video below to hear about how the Arcanum works from Trey himself.
Dana Stirling is a fine art photographer and the Co-Founder & Editor In-Chief of Float Photo Magazine since 2014. Originally from Jerusalem Israel, Dana is now based in Queens New York. She received her MFA from The School Of Visual Arts in Photography, Video, and Related Media in 2016 and her BA from Hadassah College Jerusalem in Photographic Communications in 2013. Her latest book is Why Am I Sad.