This is The Digital Story Podcast #948, May 21, 2024. Today's theme is "The Value of Photo Community - An Interview." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue


You hear me talk a lot about our photography community, but what do the actual members think? This week I chat with Cynthia Whelan and Lawrence Lazare about their experiences with online workshops, the Inner Circle, and writing for Live View. I think you'll be very interested in what they have to say. All of this, ad more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.





Digital Photography Podcast 948






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The Value of Photo Community - An Interview






Here's the backgrounder for both Cynthia and Lawrence.


Cynthia A Whelan a.k.a., "Whelan on Walkabout"


"I have learned a lot listening to The Digitals Story podcasts, and now, being a member of the Inner Circle gives me a chance to have a conversation about my photography within a supportive community."


Travel Photography Stories and photos on Medium medium.com/@whelanonwalkabout


My website and Blog - Whelan on Walkabout


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.a.whelan/


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whelanonwalkabout/


Lawrence Lazare


Lawrence Lazare is a photographer and writer who is currently pursuing a BFA in Studio Art at the University of West Florida. He spent the first decade of his career in the music business as a promoter, booking agent, and artist manager. In 1995, he became part of the first wave to build the commercial internet. He spent 25 years as a product manager specializing in R&D and new product development for large media companies. During the last part of his career, he built AI-based search tools for photographers and filmmakers and holds two patents for image-based search and categorization.


In 2020, Lazare became legally blind after losing his central vision from Stargart's, a genetic retinal disease, forcing him into an early retirement. He decided to return to college to pursue a BFA in Studio Art, focusing on film photography. His photographs have been displayed in museums and galleries in Michigan, Florida, and New Orleans. He writes on the intersection of blindness and photography on Medium.com.



Lawrence has published an article on Live View titled, Building Your Artistic Practice Through Community that goes into more depth about this topic. It's worth a read.



Medium: https://llazare.medium.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/llazare/
Web: https://www.lawrencelazare.com/



And a big thanks to both Cynthia and Lawrence to taking time to talk with me on the show.



The Inner Circle Membership Drive - Spring 2024


I've been enjoying our Inner Circle experience so much this year, I just can't help thinking that you would too. But I know how that is... there are certain things we just never get around to doing.


So I thought I could help with that. And I think you're really going to like this. For the next two weeks, we're having the Inner Circle Membership Drive.


If you haven't joined us yet, all you have to do is click on this link to go to our Patreon page, scroll to Choose Your Membership, click on Pay Annually, then click on the Join button. The annual membership is $54 a year.


The extra incentive is, once I see that you've joined the Inner Circle for a year, I'll send you a coupon code that will allow you to sign up for free, your choice of the Infrared Workshop in June, or the Printing Workshop in August. That's a $145 value!


This promotion is for annual memberships only. One coupon code for one online workshop per paid membership.


Plus, you will still receive all of the Inner Circle benefits including access to our exclusive space on DerrickStoryOnline and discounts for future online and in-person workshops. And you're helping to support our online community.


If you're an existing