We have been touched and gratified by the many thank-you notes and comments
we have received from our participants, to wit:
"I hope you are getting close to being home for a bit. I wanted to say thanks for your patience and encouragement. The opportunity to learn so much from true professionals was delightful. I truly believe I can make better pictures and see my vision now.
"I am talking with several of my friends about a trip next year ... just not sure which one ... but I can't wait to make photos (and I promise to bring my tripod) with y'all again."
Nicole Robinson, North Carolina, USA
"I want to thank you both very much for the time and talent you shared with me at this workshop. I learned more in one afternoon with you than on my last workshop. The instructors there were more concerned with getting their own shots and showing us their work, than trying to get us to find our own vision and improve our own photography. I am a convert!
"I have been slammed with work since I got back. 12 hour days. When I was with the group last week, I did not hate anyone or anything, even when I was not feeling well, and I did not use a bad word all week. Now I hate people again and have used many bad words………… ;-)
"I’m already thinking about 2010 – Maine or Sicily – or both!"
Mary Brunco, Massachusetts, USA
"I wanted to say that I had a fabulous time at the Fall Foliage Workshop. As a beginner, I came in very nervous and a bit intimidated. Looking around, I realized that everyone had powerful cameras . . . multiple lenses . . . filters . . . and I had my little compact Canon G10. And I'll never forget how you both laughed with approval when you saw my heavy duty tripod with my little camera.
"But by the end of the week, I proudly carried my heavy duty tripod and Canon G10 to our photo shoots, and my insecurities completely changed. While I may not be able to do everything they can do, I can certainly produce something satisfying to me. And that's what it's all about. Making pictures that make me happy.
"And I was very happy when I left, although very tired. I had a great time learning about making pictures and getting to know you both. The workshop was professional but in a friendly-family sort of way. It's amazing to me that you can put twelve people together for five long days and have so many new friendships develop.
" I hope to see both of you and my fellow "photographers" at another workshop soon."
Anne Pace, Maryland, USA
"I'm exhausted. So why am I now searching your site for the next workshop? That's because I LOVED IT! This experience was so much fun. I enjoyed everything, and the foliage colors were more spectacular then I expected. Did you arrange that too? Getting up close and personal with nature in a beautiful location is an excellent way to sightsee, bond with my camera, and grow as a photographer.
"I'm a little banged up. My hands are bruised and cut up from adjusting my tripod, and I have braces on both knees today. Ibuprofen rocks!
"Thanks and see you again soon! Maine and Virginia workshops look appealing for the next go. I'm sure I'll get [sister] Anne to come, too, as she's also got the bug, I think.
"P.S. Unbeknownst to me, I'm apparently drawn towards the mysteries of the deep forest along water. I love the deep colors and contrast, and I love that I discovered that!"
And in a later e-mail:
"I was thinking how I thoroughly enjoyed discussing the images during review day on Sunday and seeing everyone's work."
Pat Gardner, Virignia, USA
"What a fantastic workshop! I really learned a great deal from you both as well as from the other participants. You made it fun while also "pushing" me to achieve results I never considered possible. Only native New Englanders, such as yourself, could have found these remote areas with the most gorgeous scenery that any photographer could only dream about!
"I'll look forward to my fourth workshop with you next year."
Harry Goodman, Pennsylvania, USA
"Glad you guys made it back to NH. After a trip to Quebec, it's good to finally be home. I had a blast in CB [Crested Butte]. Great shots!
"You guys are the best Bruce!"
Bruce Saltberg, Georgia, USA
"It was great fun seeing you both again, and I really enjoyed the group experience. You have such a gift for allowing people to have creative and personal space, and yet participate in a group. As I have said repeatedly to friends and family upon my return, 'I have found my people!'"
Lauren "Squirrel Nutkin" Golden, New York, USA
"Thanks for an inspiring workshop. I'm looking forward to Moab."
Michelle Turner, New York, USA
"Dear Margo and Arnie,
"Since coming home from the workshop in Maine, I have been having trouble putting into words how much I have enjoyed this adventure. Words simply cannot begin to describe how much I fun I had during this experience.
"First let me say that you are both the warmest and kindest. You made me feel comfortable and right at home the minute I arrived. The warm and caring way in which you both approached this whole learning experience was incredible. I think it is because of the way you are that all the people in the group were able to mesh into one unit very quickly. We laughed and had a great time, while at the same time really learning a lot of material. Getting up early really didn't feel like a hardship, because I couldn't wait to go and see what you were bringing to the day.
"I can't get over all the information that was absorbed in such a short time, but your hands-on approach really cements the ideas you try to teach.
"I must say that I am really going through withdrawal and will definitely be on another adventure as soon as my schedule allows.
"Meanwhile, I miss you guys!"
Erica Sarway, New York, USA
"Dear Margo and Arnie,
"I just came back from the workshop, Summertime on the Maine Coast, and it was fabulous. It is my second workshop with you and like the first one, you provided excellent guiding in understanding what makes the difference between a good and a great photograph of the subject that attracted my eyes. I will be ever grateful for your patience and your generosity.
"The reason that I went back and did a second workshop with you has nothing to do with the quality of the information provided, the excellent choices for shooting locations, or the fact that you provide one-on-one assistance during the whole process from taking the picture, the imaging process, to the final editing. The real reason is the atmosphere that you create during the four days the group spent together. From the beginning to the end of the workshop, all the participants are immersed in a bubble full of passion for the art of photography.
"I have just one warning, after four days of picture taking from sunrise to sunset, making great new friends, pure joy and happiness, the trip to go back home can provide a profound depressive state. The only cure for this type of depression is to go back and do an other workshop with you in the future.
"Cheers til we meet again!"
Alain Roy, Québec, CANADA
"
"I must say that I am really going through withdrawal and will definitely be on another adventure as soon as my schedule allows.
"Meanwhile, I miss you guys!"
Erica Sarway, New York, USA
"I
knew I loved photography, but it was not until I took your course did
I realize how much. I want to thank you so much for all your efforts.
I had a blast and learned an incredible amount ( I just hope I can retain
it). You guys are really terrific people, and your love for your work
is infectious (of course, I had to use a medical term). I will definitely
be taking another course with you ( if you allow me).
"I will never forget
the fun, the laughs, and the patience you brought to the course. I
will also never forget the fact you consider food a very low priority
:) (but you did give us the opportunity to go out and get food). I
promise to get a new ball head, look through the lens, not as a colonoscopist,
but as I frame the pic that I am "making."
I'll double loop my strap and will always "CELEBRATE " that
which I am trying to express...
"Remember, I take pics where the "sun
never shines" and
where "no man has ever set eyes before." Lighting is crucial
in my profession, but we cant wait for 30 minutes before sunrise!!!
" Thank you again for your
advice, patience, planning, and friendship... See
you again, I promise."
Bruce Salzberg,
Georgia, USA
"I
can’t thank you enough for making this workshop as fun as it was enlightening.
There were days where my cheeks hurt from cracking up. I also can’t
stress enough how our time spent in New Harbor has brought me back to
how I used to approach “making” photos with film. You’ve reawakened
senses long forgotten and the reasons that I fell in love with photography
in the first place. I’ve already scouted a few areas along the South
Shore and as you promised, I’m seeing things for the first time in places
I’ve photographed for years. Again - I can’t thank you enough."
Bill Burke,
Massachusetts, USA
"I
just returned from the Maine Coast & Lighthouses workshop. I am not
sure what was better, the photography and instruction or the humor and
camaraderie. It is hard to eat and belly-laugh at the same time!
"I had about an eight hour drive
home on Sunday which provided plenty of time to reflect on the workshop
experience and distill many thoughts down to the "meat," as
Arnie says. For me it came down to this.
" The advice, guidance and encouragement
you provided helped push the envelope of my creative comfort zone, thereby
enlarging that zone and as well as helping to remove the cobwebs from
my vision. When we are encouraged to look beyond what we immediately
see that attracts our eye photographically, that experience comes into
play the next time we go and shoot and enables us to take a wider view
of creative possibilities.
" I like to use analogies. This reminds me
of the physical joints in our bodies. When young they are flexible,
with a wide range of motion. As we age, that flexibility and range diminishes.
If an effort is made to stretch and extend that range through exercise,
it may pay off in improved use of that joint. So, following that thinking,
you are a fitness club for creative vision ;-).
"Thanks
again for a great time. I loved it."
Ross Attix,
Pennsylvania, USA
"Mary
and I had a great time, and we enjoyed meeting you and Arnie. We are
looking at our schedule to see when we can fit in another one of your
workshops."
Steve
L.,
Virginia, USA
"My
wife and I just returned from the Cascades and Wildflowers of Virginia
workshop. What an incredible experience for two retirement photographers.
Margo and Arnie do an exceptional job of scouting locations to insure
a well-motivated customer while they gently teach and enhance your photographic
skills. Each location was perfectly suited to teaching the day's lesson
or technique. Class sizes are designed to allow the instructors to provide
the maximum one-on-one personal attention to each student's needs. They
have an uncanny eye for seeing what the student needs, in both the field
and the lab, and guiding that person into creating the image they
saw in their vision. We came away with a greatly enhanced knowledge
of working with light and how to effectively make the subject of the
image the "hero" it
was intended to be.
"In addition to all of the above
and the countless other photography-related knowledge we were taught,
we met two of the best people one can ever meet. Margo and Arnie are
truly skilled and excellent instructors, photographers, and artists.
However, they are exceptional human beings as well. They bring their
professional and personal lives to the workshop in such a fashion that
puts the student totally at ease. Learning is so much easier when you
are in such a frame of mind. What is amazing is that their passion is
not only photography but also about life and the many people they meet.
"Great locations,
expert knowledge, and truly wonderful people. How could one better spend
a week chasing Cascades and Wildflowers in Virginia!"
Gary Olejniczak,
Wisconsin, USA
"Thank
you for a wonderful experience! You guys are warm, friendly, funny,
patient, and very knowledgeable in photography. I learned so much in
the four days of the workshop, and I know I will never see the same
way again! I was inspired and loved the mountains of Virginia, but most
of all, I loved the company!! Everyone was great! I hope to do another
workshop soon! Please keep in touch when you stop for a moment."
Melanie Shalam,
New York, USA
"Thank
you for a great workshop. It was so much fun — what a great group. I
was especially pleased to learn how to use my manual settings and so
much more!
"Thank you
both for spending time with me and for your very useful hints
and suggestions. We're going to Arizona next week, so I can try
out my new tricks :-) !"
Sandy Wittman,
Illinois, USA
"First
of all, I had a great time. Pretty part of the country and great folks
with similar interests to hang out with.
"Add to that a chance to improve
your photo skills with enthusiastic and knowledgeable (and that's an understatement)
professionals to provide you all the assistance you need or want. A difference
rarely accommodated in a workshop I might add.
"You even threw in all-you-can-eat
pizza! What could be better than that? You two provide not only a great
photo workshop but a great experience as well."
Jim Crowley,
Wisconsin, USA
"The Savannah workshop will stick with me for a long time. First off, I've never seen two photo-workshop instructors pay as much attention to the specific needs of each participant as you all do. In retrospect, each of us came into the Savannah workshop with different levels of shooting experience and different objectives. Yet somehow you figured out a way to add significant value to each photographer's thinking and toolbox ... quite an amazing process to witness firsthand!
"Secondly, the locations we shot at in Savannah yielded far more image opportunities than I anticipated after looking at Savannah images available on the web. I learned several new items while out shooting, e.g. experimenting with HDR and low-light conditions; and I ended up discovering some oddities about my camera that I simply did not know AND won't forget."
"At the end of the workshop, it was eye-opening for me to see other participants' images ... they captured a wide array of terrific image opportunities that I just flat-out missed! Overall, a fun learning-by-doing experience. Easy to recommend to my photo-buds!!! Will do again."
Goodloe Suttler, North Carolina, USA
"The best thing about the Savannah workshop was that it made my camera much more directly an extension of my eye. Arnie and Margo gave me fantastic one-on-one instruction, especially on how to find the best shot. With them by my shoulder, I thought about what I wanted, isolated and simplified. Those lessons will stay with me, because they are superb instructors!
"And that is sincerely meant. Will be watching for the next workshop opportunity that works for me."
Nathan Dean, Florida, USA
"We loved the workshop! Margo and Arnie are the pros who have done it all but possess the uncanny ability to engage and communicate with photographers of any skill level. I never knew 12-hour days could be this much fun!"
and in another e-mail...
"Please let us know when you guys are doing the one in Asheville. You guys are great!"
John Brooks, North Carolina, USA
"I wanted to send a note thanking you for the wonderful photography experience in Savannah. I learned so much that I feel I now have a whole new outlook on photography -- many new horizons to work towards.
"I would especially like to thank you for the hospitality you showed my wife, Keith. She had a really good time and now has a much better appreaciation of my hobby (which will help a lot when I want to add new gear). We look forward to joining you again in the future."
Wes Kremkau, Maryland, USA
"You
are not [going] to believe this—our "Nets at Dusk" photo which
I took waiting for that 6 o’clock ferry earned me
a Nine in my club’s competition tonight. It is the first time I got
a Nine, and I’m bursting with pride. However, a lot of the credit goes
to you all who really, really helped to make it even more magnificent
that it was from the camera. The gradient tool made the sky just perfect.
It is being framed and double matted. Ed might have to add an extension
to the house so it will get the right light!
" Ed and I really enjoyed
our workshop with you and hope to take another one soon...
We had a wonderful time and learned so much. Thank you for
making Ed feel so welcome."
Alice Langholz,
New York, USA
"I
want to thank you very much for your time and generosity in sharing
your passion for photography with me during the workshop. It was an
incredible photographic and personal experience...
" You have changed my perspective
on photography. I walk in the street, and I do not see things quite
the same. I think that you have helped me to expand my photographic
capability by a lot.
" Your workshop structure
is excellent. It is not only oriented to taking pictures, it also covers
the production of a finished product. That was very important for me
at the beginning of the workshop, and the results have greatly exceeded
my expectations. You have also make me realized that money spent on
a workshop has a lot lot more real value compared to spending the same
amount on photographic equipment.
"For
me, I do not have a dream of making money with photography. It is a
passion and a great way to maintain my psychological equilibrium while
doing challenging projects. I want to push my expertise as much as possible
while enjoying the process. You told us at the beginning that you would
push us and that is exactly what you did. You did it without being sarcastic;
you did not put our mistakes in our face. I thank you for that. I came
back home with some good images but also with the beginning of understanding
of what makes a WOW image compared to just a good one.
"Finally and not
the least, I think that I now have friends somewhere in North Carolina.
" Cheers
till the next time we meet."
Alain Roy, Québec, Canada
"I
had a blast, [and] I miss you guys already! It was fantastic and I am
amazed what wonderful pictures we all came home with....
"Big hugs
to you and Arnie...and Jim too!
"OXO, U."
Ursula Esser
, California, USA
"Hi everyone,
"I really had hoped
to get this note out sooner upon returning from an amazing week with
Margo, Arnie, and all of you. I need to say thanks. I’m very grateful
for everything I learned from everyone ... our instructors and my fellow
students alike. Everyone’s openness and willingness to share his or
her ideas and constructive criticism was amazing and powerful beyond
measure. I only hope I can put it into practice each time I pick up
my camera. 'Simplify and isolate.' Those words don’t stop ringing in
my head."
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