Workshop Attended: Isle of Harris and Lewis March 2023
How Did You Hear About Me? – Further…How did I make my purchasing decision? How did I choose your workshop? Google search – “Photography workshops 2023” -> Browse various workshops -> Review location/organizer photos -> Review itineraries/timeframe Choose a few locations of interest based on landscape dynamics/interest/preferences. Workshop leaders posted photos important factor. Check timeframes per annual family schedules. Review itinerary for reasonableness, travel time/location, downtime, post processing Determine total cost including airfare, lodging, food, connections, etc. Determine total air travel time to destination (very important for international travel) Select a couple for the current and next year, with alternatives. The number one thing that influenced me was your posted images, multiple date choices, air transport schedule, total cost
What Did You Enjoy About Your Workshop?: Unique conditions: dramatic weather, raw terrain, pastel beauty, varied landscape and conditions.
The daily itinerary/time schedule was not too busy, flexible, downtime was scheduled in, post processing technique session included.
On-location help with composition principles and ideas. Social aspect: Small group Lodging (single) being included and packed lunches were super nice.
Your post processing technique session was very important to me. To me, at least 50% of the artistry is performed in post. Most photographers, like me, have not been formally educated in art.
What, If Anything, Would You suggest I Do To Improve the Workshop?: I would cut the number of bothies. I liked the structural aspect in the raw landscape, but maybe include different types of architectural structures. The lightnouse structural was superb.
I would reinforce something I noticed in your conversations during your workshop. More than once your instructions/help were “principle based” not just a tip or “how-to” for a particular situation/shot. That is, your input had applications to many situations not just to the specific situation or photo. For example, you related your studies in France observing Van Gogh’s work and how your eye would travel typically left to right and not right to left. And, how that was an important aspect to how your composed your photograph.
To me, workshops should be a learning experience. Workshop leaders should be educators, not just tour guides. Teachers provide basic knowledge for lasting/future applications and value. As the adage goes…. teach a kid to fish and he can feed himself forever, give him the fish and he only has one meal. This concept spans a continuum from simple tips and techniques to the deeper principles and theories of landscape photography.
What Further Comments Would You Like To Make About Your Workshop?: This workshop was everything I imagined and anticipated. The unique landscape, weather, and terrain challenged me. Photography in those conditions was not a new experience. My best photos have been when the weather created drama in the landscape. For me, photography opens up new adventures and shared social experiences. Your (Dean’s) leadership style was friendly, flexible, and productive.
Would You Recommend my workshops to others?: For sure, I would recommend this workshop to others with the caveat of “be prepared” for New Hebrides weather and terrain. Definitely need waterproof boots or wellies for the boughs. Bring rain gear for your camera. All in all I had a great time. Thanks Dean!!