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 Arches & Canyonlands National Parks. For more comments from other workshops, click here.
"Thanks for all the support, inspiration, and laughter last week. We look forward to a chance to see you again sometime.
"I was prepared (I thought) for early mornings and late evenings with intense learning and critiquing in between. And I had read on the website that participants and "spousal units" were considered family. But I wasn't prepared for just how early, how late and how intense the workshop experience would be (I know, we were warned!), nor was I expecting the high level of warmth and welcoming we all got from you both.
"As a retired teacher, I was also impressed by the professionalism of your approach and the consistent encouragement you gave to all of us, whether in praise for a fabulous image or deserved criticism to push us do better. During the critiques each day it was amazing how everyone's remarks were sought out, especially those of the non-photographers, and Margo in particular made sure that we all participated in the process.
"Even my husband's sketches were noticed and he came away planning to do more drawing here at home. We both feel as though we have made 14 new friends whom we look forward to seeing again, and I learned so much in five days that my head is still spinning; I know I will use it all over time as I continue to grow and improve my photography.
"In addition to the high level of warmth, welcoming attitude, professionalism and encouragement was something totally unexpected: compassion and caring about all of us as individuals. You were so considerate of those of us in the Social Security age range who may not be in top physical condition, and I was very much impressed by your attention to our well-being and safety among the rocks and high desert of Arches and Canyonlands. I had noticed Arnie's gentle concern for another participant, and because of a kind, helping hand from Margo, I was able to climb up that nasty ridge line despite my fear to photograph Delicate Arch at sunset, and even better, make it down again! You two make a wonderful team, as teachers, photographers, coaches and friends.
"Merci!"
Mary Cuyler, Colorado, USA
"After reading your blogs and newsletters for several months, it was good to meet you at long last. Dorothy and I both enjoyed the experience tremendously. Thank you for all the photographic help, for keeping the sessions dynamic even when we were all tired, and especially for the "above and beyond" physical help in navigating in the field.
"I appreciated the (relatively) honest critiques, which were direct, but never overly blunt. I will look forward to another of your workshops in the future, and would appreciate any input from you regarding which workshop(s) would best prevent my physical limitations from adding to the challenge of overcoming my photographic limitations.
"Based on the volume consumed, I believe I owe you a big thank you for the M&M, peanut, and almond mix also.
"Thanks again, and best of success with the New England workshop."
Larry Boone, Arizona, USA
"THANK YOU MARGO AND ARNIE ...
For your knowledge, dedication, and passion that you are so good in transmitting.
"Many thanks for the favorites that Margo put in my GPS. We were at Lost lake and Ohio pass this morning and thoroughly enjoyed the views."
and in a later e-mail...
"Once again thank you so much for this marvelous week in Moab. I really feel every minute of it (that includes the minutes between 3:45 AM to human waking time) were very worthwhile, I feel I learned a lot and I am ready for more "abuse". I loved it!"
Giuseppe Tarnero, San Jose, COSTA RICA
"Margo and Arnie.......Thanks again for a wonderful experience!
I must admit that I came into the class with a good deal of trepidation. Mary had surprised me with a gift of the D300s almost two years ago. I diligently studied a couple of books specifically written about the camera, did some online study, and worked with the camera on a trip to Palm Springs in anticipation of the Bryce-Zion trip last year. We purchased Lightroom and were just starting to work with it in preparation for the trip when Voila! The house sold, and you know the story on that. In any case, with everything involved in a move, we had very little time for any prep for the Arches and Canyonlands trip.
"Mary urged that we just relax and enjoy ourselves, try to learn something, and if nothing else see the vistas. This sounded great, but when I walked into the classroom on the first day and found that there were other attendees that had attended several of your classes, and began to absorb how intensive the schedule was going to be, much of my resolve left me.
"After the first afternoon shoot and the first morning shoot I was feeling very overwhelmed; however, as the week wore on I became more confident (in spite of problems with the camera, which usual turned out to be operater error). The coaching and personal attention — and in some cases some quick work in Lightroom while I watched :-) — you both provided was very helpful and very much appreciated...
"I found your coaching and help in the field to be really helpful to me. The fact that the two of you have your own different approach to things was interesting. When shooting with Margo, her technique helped me to look at things from, in some cases, radically different perspectives. With Arnie, when I was having trouble actually finding the right shot (at least for me), the subtle pointing in a possible direction, letting me work on it, and then coming back to me and suggesting a variety of things to try in order to get that "keeper" was especially enlightening to me. With both of you it was a good combination of help and cutting me loose that really let me start to grasp what you were talking about. On the other hand, when I got into trouble or wasn't "getting it" when time was of the essence, (as with the early-morning "elbows out" shoot, you didn't hesitate to jump in and set things right for me and others so that we could get the shot. At times I felt like I was getting more than my share of attention from you, but then when I was nearby one or more of the moew proficient folks in the class and saw that they were also getting the same attention, I felt better!
"I also found the critique sessions to be invaluable. Guiseppe had mentioned early on while driving us around that he thought this was a very important tool, and he was right. To hear what others had to say and then finish off with your professional perspective was enlightening. The first time around was a little scary for me, but the comments by the other students as well as yours showed me that I would be able to at least get a couple of decent shots, and in some case one or two that drew some pretty good praise!
"In addition to being able to exert a little control over my camera rather than it controlling me, I really think the two most important things that stuck with me are to remember the light and to look around not just scan, but to really look and see the possibilities. Some of what I consider my best photos were as a result of being set up or looking at one thing and then suddenly seeing another which might have been a totally different subject or perspective, but because of the light and actually seeing something cool, resulted in a keeper!"
Barry Key, Washington, USA
"M and A, thanks for two great weeks. I continue to learn from you and enjoy these workshops even if I cannot do some of the hiking.
" Got up this AM to a glorious sunrise with clouds and color and all that stuff that we were hoping for during the week. The plane ride to Denver took us over Moab where the fault is very obvious. Scenery continued to be breathtaking for about fifteen minutes and then we were too high and over the southern rockies.
" Thanks again. George"
George Dalsheimer, The Caymans
"I
want to thank you so much for my very first photography workshop! Under
the extreme conditions of getting up so early, I have to say I've never
been so tired, so proud, and so excited about a new hobby! I try to
show off my photos to anyone who stands remotely close to my monitor!
Thank you so much, I can't wait to sign up for another workshop.
"I so enjoyed meeting
y'all, from the very first morning, starting off with a
hug from you Margo — your psychological skills were "tac" sharp
— I mean-who can bitch and moan after a surprising mood
stabilizer smile and a hug?!!! You're the best!
"Arnie, thanks for finding
me at times (you too, Margo) when I wondered off to be by
myself. To tell y'all the truth, I had no idea where we
were going. I didn't want to have a preconceived
idea as to what I was supposed to shoot, so
I didn't look at brochures, articles, or anything
else. I'm still not sure where we were, : )
"I look forward to my next
workshop with y'all. Margo and Arnie, I hope
you are well, you guys are great. I felt very
comfortable and at ease, even with my novice
skill ability."
Nancy Steele,
Georgia, USA
"Margo
and Arnie have figured out the secret to adult learning — playing around
like you're a kid! I learned a surprising number of different approaches
to composition and lighting by being encouraged to try out some new
ideas in shooting locations that seemed like really big sandboxes. My
landscape 'thinking' has jumped a level as evidenced by the WOW!s and
the WHOA!s I am getting on prints from the Arches, Canyonlands & Moab
workshop. I had a blast to boot! Well done, 'kids'!"
Goodloe Suttler,
North Carolina, USA
"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 just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the
Moab Workshop. I'm sure you can appreciate that choosing a photography
workshop on the internet, without any trusted recommendations from
familiar independent sources, is a huge leap of faith. It truly exceeded
my expectations.
"As you know, I had
little, if any, experience with landscape photography,
and I came to the workshop with somewhat dated equipment
and virtually no familiarity with PS or LR2. Between
the six students there was a broad range of knowledge,
experience and equipment. It felt like a small country
elementary school where students from grades 1 (me) to
6 (Dave) were taught together in the same class. I was
astonished by your infinite patience, your infectious
enthusiasm, and your endless stamina. I had trouble keeping
up to you!
"I can't believe
how much I learned in such a short period of time. Although
the days were long (and I mean long!), I didn't mind,
because that was exactly why I was there... to learn.
"Thank you so much
for such a memorable photographic experience. You have
reinvigorated me to take it up a notch or two. I have
mentioned the workshop to some photography friends, and
I could see them salivating as I described the workshop.
I have no doubt that I will be back for more, with or
without my friends. Please give a special thank you to
Arnie for sharing his rich insights into creating photographs,
rather than taking snapshots. I would have stayed another
day if I had known how invaluable that slideshow was
going to be! I also appreciate the individual attention
he showed me at Arches on Saturday.
"Thanks again for such an outstanding experience."
Errol Billinkoff,
Manitoba, Canada
"I
departed Moab Sunday afternoon, planning on a three-hour drive to
Cortez, CO. It took me five hours, as I made at least ten stops for
photo opportunities that I would have never seen before the workshop.
Margo, I kept hearing your voice in my head — watch your frame; don’t
waste pixels; move up, down, left, right; look behind you..."
Bob Blum
, North Carolina, USA
"I
should be the person expressing thanks to both you
and Arnie. From your end, it's probably a story
that you have heard a million times, but from my
end what you and Arnie gave me will last me a life
time. I do not see my results as snaps or just pictures,
as they evoke an emotion in me and likely my viewers
too .... all because of you two.
"You hold classes not just to improve students skills, but also to develop disciples of BCPA. Well, my dear, you let this Genie (called Joe) out of the bottle, and now you cannot put me back in. I am proud to have been one of the people in whom you and Arnie invested the equity of your experiences, and I am a BCPA Ambassador.
"Finally ...... Beyond our 'business transaction', my personal wish is that we have made a connection which will remain strong for years to come. You are both wonderful human beings and I would love to have the pleasure of sharing some 'grape juice' with you many more times in the future."
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