Expert: Tom Carter ~ Travel China Expert - 4/9/2008

Question
I am an amateur photographer and will be spending two years in China to escape American culture.  I would like to make this a transformative experience and return to the states with a new direction (career and otherwise).  Not having any academic background or training, I have been looking for a photographer in China whom I could train under or english speaking schools that offer photojournalism or fine art courses.  I can certainly grow my skill independently, but what advise would you give to someone who really wants to make the most of his time and immerse himself in the art of photgraphy? I should have enough money for budget travel throughout the two year period.  Thanks very much for your help.

Answer
Ben, with the exception of seeking a mentor, I'd say that you were following in my exact footsteps: photographer honing his skill while tramping around China for a couple years on a lean budget.

Everything I ever learned about photography I taught myself. Not to say I don't regret not attending photojournalism school not only to develop my technical skills but also make valuable contacts within the industry. But I take comfort in knowing that my accomplishments and talent are purely innate. Still, I commend you on your drive to combine travel with learning, and I am sure you will walk away the better photographer for it.

Unfortunately my connections within the China photog scene are few. I guess that makes Tom Carter "the unconnected one." Do a Google search under "China Photographer" and there you'll find a slew of photogs to contact.

As far as photojournalism courses in English in China, the only one I have ever heard of was through a extremely gifted Flickr buddy of mine, Graemetric. Give him a shout http://www.flickr.com/photos/slavers/ and tell him I send my regards.

Sorry I couldn't be any more help. Please share your work from China with me once you get some stuff up online.

Best,
Tom Carter
http://www.tomcarter.org

Thank you in advance for your support of my upcoming book, CHINA: Portrait of a People, the most comprehensive book of photography on modern China ever published by a single author, coming soon from Blacksmith Books.
http://www.blacksmithbooks.com/9789889979942.htm