General Reviews
Quotable Quotes from Alumni - Mentoring Program
Here is a few comments from our alumni. For more, click here.As time permits, we will be adding more quotes.
I highly recommend Margo as both an instructor and mentor. Of all the photographers I’ve worked with over the years—both well-known and lesser-known—Margo has had the most profound influence on how I visualize, capture, and develop my images. She has a deep appreciation for photography across all genres and styles, and she stands out in her rare ability to help you bring the image in your mind to life. Every session with her leaves me more inspired and equipped with new insights.
...and once the mentorship was completed ...
Thanks again for a great series of meetings—learned even more than I’d hoped.
~ Art J., California
Since 2016, I've participated in 7 workshops in beautiful places and many of the Covid-imposed online workshops. With each, my technical skills in working with my camera and development of images improved. I felt, though, that I was "unfocused" (a bad thing, unless an artistic decision for a photographer). I didn't quite know what voice I had for my work, nor was I particularly skilled in Lightroom. In the Spring of 2024, I started a 1:1 mentorship with Margo with the specific goal of addressing these issues. These sessions were driven by Margo's classic Machiavellian assignments which made me seek locations that interested me and then to take an image that was my interpretation.
I've been hesitant to take images of people in the past, and she helped me be more comfortable. Through the mentoring process, I've learned new techniques and ways to previsualize what I'm trying to capture. There were themes that popped up — like what aspect ratio I tend to "see" in (squares), my attraction to graphic elements, and the common appearance of triangular components in my work. Margo pushed, tugged, and advised me to shoot intentionally, which was a game-changer.
The technical work with Lightroom has further allowed me to improve these intentional images to highlight what I intended to highlight and to better express my vision. I hope to be constantly improving my photography, so learning isn't over. But I'm more adventurous and more intentional now. Thank you, Margo!
~ Nancy C., Massachusetts
The Outer Banks are a favorite of many good photographers; thus, it is often difficult to create truly unique images. Few images, however, capture the emotional and spiritual connection for this place I call home.
As the late Arnie Zann used to say, "Interpret; don’t just record," or as Margo Taussig Pinkerton would advise, "Develop your own style to seek your own vision." Thus began my private mentorship with Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures, and yes, the adventure was in my own backyard.
Mentoring has allowed me to develop and explore my unique style while having expert and trusted advisors to refine my approach, making for better images; may I even say great images. With Margo’s guidance, I have been able to create images which are personally gratifying.
You might ask again; how can a photograph depict emotion or spirit? Trust that a mentorship with Margo will help you find your own vision and ‘take your photography "out of the ordinary into the extraordinary."
It has been the best investment I’ve made to advance my love of photography.
~ George W., North Carolina
I began working with Margo and the late Arnie Zann of Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures a few years ago, first with online workshops during COVID and then an in-person workshop on the Outer Banks. I walked away from every one of those workshops with a wealth of information, so much so that I wanted to take my skill set to the next level.
I recently began a mentorship program with Margo, and boy am I glad I did. I wanted a program that would challenge me, and her program certainly has. Her many, many years of experience is evident in every session we’ve had whether in critiquing images, discussing photographers, or photography in general. What she will do is guide you; she will tactfully tell you the truth; she will be available to you; and she will be truly interested in your success and development as a photographer. I absolutely feel these things in every session I have with her.
What she will not do -- and this is why I chose her -- is sugar coat anything. She will not pat you on the back and tell you things are great when it’s not warranted. She will tactfully say the words that are sometimes hard to hear, and believe me I’ve heard them. We all have egos and like to hear good things about our work, but as I said earlier, she will tell you the truth, which is what I need to hear.
Sometimes I get more out of my mistakes than I do out of all my successes. That’s how I learn, and that’s how I improve. Repeat business is often used as a metric in how well people like what you do. If that’s the case, I will certainly be signing up again. In fact, I headed to New Orleans with Margo in January for another workshop.
Congrats, Margo, on putting together such a great mentorship program.
~ Ron S., Pennsylvania
I attended my first workshop with Margo and the late Arnie Zann in 2010 as I was changing from film to digital photography and seeking both information and inspiration. I considered myself an experienced photographer, but I wanted to progress beyond vacation and family memories; I wanted to make “memorable” photographs.
I have now taken over 20 BCPA workshops and consider myself fortunate to have been mentored through the years by both Margo and Arnie. My work has transformed in a way truly surprises me; it is now very much my own vision, my own photographic voice.
The feedback and encouragement from them has helped me work through some lean and frustrating times when I knew enough technically, but was discouraged with my results…because I hadn’t yet internalized their message of “seek your own vision”; I was trying to make better versions of someone else’s vision. Their continued support, and honest feedback, made all the difference.
Gradually, through the continued critiques and mentoring in each workshop, I found my own vision. Their patience and knowledgeable coaching even extended beyond the workshops, to recommendations of photobooks and exhibitions, introductions to influential photographers and to personal reviews of my own work over the years.
I’m very grateful for the time and interest both have taken in my progress and I look forward to continuing my photographic evolution with their guidance and support.
and several years earlier...
Margo and Arnie have changed my photographic world. From my first “Barefoot” workshop many years ago, I discovered the mentoring, coaching and encouragement that helped me become a better photographer. With their guidance, over several years, many workshops and a few glasses of wine, I have developed my own “eye”, but I continue to lean on them both for honest critiques and professional advice. I am indebted to them both.
With tears of gratitude in my eyes
~ Mike L., North Carolina
I met Margo and the late Arnie Zann in 2012 for the first time. Thruth be told, I got in contact with them two years earlier but, due personal problems, I wasn’t be able to attend the workshop scheduled for August 2010. In June 2012 I took a part in the Provence workshop. I perfectly remember the moment when I arrived at the accommodation, les mas des capelans, after a long trip (over than 400 miles); I felt part of a big family. This is one of the most important things. These are Margo and Arnie. This is the BCPA’s Family workshops.
Photographically speaking, "The Marnies” completely changed not only the way I make photographs but the entire concept of photography in my personal world. Photography is the making of sensations, emotions, sweetnesses ... Photography is a romantic melody played throughout the narrow streets of a small Italian village. Photography is a glass of wine breathing the sea breeze in the morning. Photography is carnival festival, full of coloured masks ... Photography is the fog along the canals in Venice. Photography isn’t made of diagrams, ISO and megapixels ...
Sometimes, I’ve read about photographers who promise to teach you to see. Margo teaches you to live with a camera in your hand and thus, go further than any other tuition.
~ Mattia Z., Verona, Italy
Margo and the late Arnie have been invaluable in my growth as a photographer. The wisdom they’ve been so willing to share with me (from constructive input, to the philosophy of creating art, and right down to the practical side of working as a professional) has been so much more helpful than the countless books and blogs I’ve read over the years. Beyond those things though, the greatest gift they’ve given me is the confidence to trust that my most personal work will always be my best work. I am forever grateful. Margo continues to mentor me.
~ Steve C., New York
Thanks again for a great session. I learned so much, as always, and now feel quite comfortable wrapping this project up.
Not only are you a great teacher, you're a great friend. For that I am especially thankful !!!
And later...
Recently I agreed to photograph a wedding - something I swore I would never do. The first call I made was to the late Arnie Zann and Margo to mentor me through the process. Margo counseled me on pricing and contractual matters; Arnie worked with me on how best to use flash photography at the rehearsal dinner and reception; we talked through shots to make and things to consider; and finally, they helped me do a bit of final editing on the finished product. My shoot was a resounding success thanks to their mentoring. I especially appreciated the hands-on approach they took as they coached me through practice sessions with the flash. Hands down, this team is the best in the business no matter the issue. And Margo continues the great work.
~ Cindy M., North Carolina
