We have been touched and gratified by the many thank-you notes and comments
we have received from our participants and those whom we fondly
call our "spousal units," including these from Summertime on the Maine Coast. For more comments from other workshops, click here.
"The Maine workshop this summer was my 6th with BCPA. The workshop was full, 12 particcipants, which meant more – more ideas, more enthusiasm, more critiques, more to respond to for both students and teachers, all of which was shared. The range of focus at these workshops extends from how to approach a potential human subject, protecting your camera from rain (yes, you can get great shots in the rain), composition of course, to the most technical details for post processing in Lightroom and beyond.
"To pack this all in we started with fishing boats before daybreak and ended with lighthouses after dark.
"Intense? Yes. Worth it? Very. Fun? Always!"
Joanie Alexander, North Carolina, USA
"Hi! Thank you for the most wonderful photographic experience! You and Arnie are excellent teachers, and I am so energized!"
... and later ...
"It sounds a bit corny, but a Scout-and-Shoot day followed by the Summertime on the Maine Coast has changed my "photographic life". I have been involved in photography since childhood and have taken six courses at an adult photographic school, but it was my experience with Margo and Arnie that was most pivotal and enlightening!
"I started the course "documenting life", and in less than one week, the way that I appreciate color, light, and composition took a major step towards creating art! When asked to define my goal on the first morning with Margo and Arnie, I stated that I wanted to create an image that I would be proud of and happy to hang on the wall of our home. I not only reached that goal, but my wife and I have selected eight images to frame and hang in our family room!
"Margo and Arnie have an endless knowledge base to share and help students develop and improve at their own pace. A kind nudge, recurrent reminders, and encouragement are provided in a non-intimidating but professional fashion. This, with a generous dose of humor, makes the Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures an exceptional experience! I returned home with new-found enthusiasm and the desire to sign up for another course!
"Margo and Arnie, thank youfor helping me begin to create art! "
Marc Laufer, Massachusetts, USA
"Each summer my sister, Donalee, and I take a travel journey together to stay connected, explore, and refresh. Recently we've traveled to France, Canada, California, and Alaska. This year we decided to enhance our photography skills with a photo workshop in Maine with the Barefoot Contessa. From the start, it was an intense learning adventure for both of us that we thoroughly enjoyed. We truly can say that we gained skills that will enhance our next travel adventure. When we get together now, our discussion is not where we will go next year, but where will we photograph next year ... perhaps with the Barefoot Contessa.
"Thank you, too, for the camera information!"
Alice Kivlon, New Jersey, USA
"Do you really believe all of these client comments? They are glowing in their praise and unanimous in telling about a fantastic experience. So why should I write anything?
"I am 78 years old and have been asked, 'Why do you need to be in this workshop? Don’t you know how to photograph well by now?'
"Margo and Arnie lead very special workshops. Workshops filled with interesting imagery and worthwhile instruction. Each student is encouraged to develop a unique vision, and one of the most interesting aspects of any workshop is learning from other members of the group. I continue to be amazed at what different people see at the same location.
"Taking a picture requires patience, planning and practice. I watched in absolute awe while one member of our group very carefully composed each picture before pushing the shutter button. Watching her was inspirational for me. In some ways the experience at that moment was more valuable than my own picture taking.
"Margo and Arnie also spend time with each student on the computer and again, though I consider myself somewhat computer literate, there is always information to be learned. Lightroom is stressed for good reason.
"Another reason for choosing this particular workshop is that Margo and Arnie have different personalities and different strengths. But they share a view of photography as an art form and a passion for sharing their enthusiasm with others. What more can one ask?"
George Dalsheimer, The Caymans
This was George's third workshop with us with two more following in the next month.
"I thoroughly enjoyed your workshop. I appreciate your patience with my lack of Lightroom knowledge and my mishaps with my camera. After several days of rest, I spent some time reading and working on my pictures, and it was like a light bulb went on in my head. It was good to have a clear head and some time alone to process all the information. I have a long way to go but don't feel quite as inept as I did in class.
"I already miss the comraderie of our group. There were lots of laughs (particularly at one end of the table), and the talent in our group was amazing. I loved the gallery of photos and the pictures of our group. We had a wonderful time with my family in Acadia. We had a lovely house right on the water where we could watch the sale boats come and go. We did quite a bit of hiking, biking and kayaking. And of course lots of good food and wine. We arrived home last night. It is always tough to come back to reality.
" I hope you are enjoying your time with family and friends. I am looking forward to another workshop"
Cindy Kerr, Pennsylvania, USA
"Thank you, Margo and Arnie, for yet another fantastic experience. As in my two prior workshops with you, the instruction, locations and camaraderie were all exceptional.
"What a delight to be able to seek my own vision amongst such talented, creative, and insightful people as seem to find their way to your adventures! I learned a tremendous amount from you both, as well as from the daily group critiques, and was fascinated by what others produced in the same location.
Somehow, you also made 4:20AM wake-up calls seem natural.
"BTW, I am thoroughly entertained that the legend of Squirrel Nutkin continues to grow. Looking forward to many more adventures with you next year!"
Lauren "Squirrel Nutkin" Golden, New York, USA
"Both Jan and I really enjoyed the workshop and appreciate you letting her tag along. Although I am no way an expert in Photo Workshops, I really enjoyed and appreciated the way you and Arne divided the day. I feel it gave me the complete picture of making good photographs.
"Again, thank you for getting me to slow down and enjoy photography."
Brad Moore, Indiana, USA
"Thank you, Margo, for the synopsis of everything that we learned and need to keep in mind. (It's that "keeping in mind" thing that I have trouble with.) I had just been thinking that I should write down some notes when your email arrived.
"And thank you again, Margo and Arnie, for putting together a terrific workshop. I have taken three other workshops, and yours is the only one that featured not only excellent photography instruction and critiques but also in-depth software instruction.
"It was terrific getting to work/play with all of you. I think ours was a particularly congenial group, and I hope we meet again. I for one am intending to take more BCPA workshops!."
And later ...
"I am glad you guys are getting two weeks of down time. You certainly deserve it! I couldn't believe how you kept going going going, especially you, Margo, when people were clamoring for your software expertise through the whole mid-day sessions."
And yet later ...
"I am pleased to say that your voice has been sounding in my head as I shoot -- the eh-eh, Joe Schmoe, and particularly the 'what attracted you to this scene in the first place.' Have been exploring and shooting in the Arnold Arboretum."
Linda Behar, Massachusetts, USA
And from one of our participant guests...
"Hello Margo and Arnie,
"I would like to thank you both again for making a "tag-along" feel so welcome and included. Right from the first few moments in the livingroom, I felt a part of the group. I think I have told you both that photograpy has to date not been one of my favourite art mediums .. .but after a week of watching, listening and learning, I have a much greater apprecitation for all that MAKES (not TAKES) a good photo, and I could see myself exploring this medium in the future.
"However, for the moment I am simply going to bask in the glow of the beautiful scenery, the scent of the sea air, the taste of seafood, and the memory of the wonderful conversations I was able to have this past week with some very bright, interesting, lovely people.
"I feel that I have made good friends in a few short days, and I look forward to being able to stay in touch.!"
Julie Weeks, Ontario, CANADA
"What a great workshop! It was a real pleasure getting to know all of you and seeing the great work that was done. After we bid farewell to our new friends, Sue and I drove to Mount Desert Island, pitched our tent and slept for ten hours ... It was a great two weeks and I hope that our paths cross again in the near future.
"The following is in response to something Margo was insistent that I do [Dave was shooting almost all horizontals, so I challenged him to do verticals]:
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Dave Huff, North Carolina, USA
"They say the third time is the charm and that certainly held true for me at your workshop in New Harbor, Maine. This is the third workshop you've given that I've attended, and each one has been better than the last.
"You chose beautiful and interesting places for us to photograph on the lovely Pemaquid Peninsula and were always there for me with suggestions for pictures and with help when I had technical troubles or questions. I learned new techniques for processing my photos on the computer and absorbed a lot from the constructive critiques I received.
"The days were long and the labor great, but it was a wonderful experience. I got many good photos and learned how to take even better ones.
" Thanks for a wonderful workshop."
Alice Langholz, New York, USA
And one from one of our participant spouses...
"This is just a note to thank you for the warm welcome you gave me and the other spouses and friends of the participants in your [Summertime on the Maine Coast] workshop. As you know, this is the third time I've accompanied Alice on one of your workshops and, for me, each experience has been better than the last.
"You made me feel like part of the group even when you were busy with those "officially" taking pictures on photo shoots. We non-participants were kept apprised of times, destinations and plans for meals, allowing us to maximize our enjoyment of the beautiful Pemaquid Peninsula.
"Thanks again for helping to make my time at your workshop so enjoyable."
Ed Langholz, New York, USA
"Thank you for a fun, exhausting, education-enriched five days! I had no idea when I registered for this class how long the days would be and how much time you and Arnie would dedicate to the teaching process, both in the field and in the classroom. I learned a ton and enjoyed the friendships I made. I will never forget the laughs or all of the fond memories!
"Thank you both - I hope to join you again!"
Nikki Richman, Maine, 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.
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