Does anyone have experience with photo workshops or phototours run by one or more photographers? Seems like lots of them exist, and there ought to be some good ones.
Problem is I have been to about half a dozen different ones and they vary from utterly useless to marginally useful (aka I learned a little but should have learned a lot more!).
I'd like to hear about some positive workshop experiences and who led them. I would include as candidates places like Santa Fe Photographic Workshops or Maine Photographic Workshops.
Santa Fe ones are unbelievable and fantastic although very pricey. There is also another group that does them Capturing True Emotion Photography, they teach classes as well as do workshops and shoots, very good workshops and although I have not attended a shoot I have friends that went on the Montana one and raved about the experience and pan to go again this year.
There is also a man in San Diego, Mark Holmes Photography that teaches classes both group and private as well will take you in and around San Diego for shooting/teaching as well. He is an excellent teacher, has moderate prices and has group shoots monthly for no charge.
I've attended several with Marc Muench (www.muenchworkshops.com). Marc usually brings a second photographer along to help (often Andy Williams). Both are competent photographers and excellent instructors. I've gone to Utah, Montana, Death Valley and a couple of other places with Marc and his crew. I've learned a lot and had a great time too.
Muench Workshops are priced higher than many but these are often all inclusive. It's nice, one fee and just worry about getting there and home again. You can expect to shoot most mornings and evenings with critiques available before you head out for a night shoot.
One things for sure, if won't want for more shooting opportunities
You may want to consider FM member Mark Metternich. One of the few people I've found that give tours that actually take the time to respond to a PM/email etc (although I have not taken a tour with him).
It often amazes me how many photographers expect people to pony up thousands of dollars for courses or lectures but fail to respond to any request for information. For Hawaii I'd also consider Tom Kuali and/or Bruce Omari.
Gavriel Jecan would also be on my short list of places to start.
DLP wrote:
You may want to consider FM member Mark Metternich. One of the few people I've found that give tours that actually take the time to respond to a PM/email etc (although I have not taken a tour with him).
Thanks very much Dave. I do em! I have led several FM folks on tour/workshops and everyone has been very happy with them. Just recently I decided to ditch the bigger tours (even though they are much more lucrative) to concentrate on the quality private tours, where my clients get full attention (I include top notch post production/Photoshop training too). I do have discounts if someone brings a friend, with a limit of 3 total (this is common). I mainly focus on the great SW, NW and Glacier National Park.
BTW, Marc Adamus does excellent tours as well. I have never attended them but I do teach post production/Photoshop via Skype, to some people who have taken his tours and they said it was very good. Marc eats, breaths and drinks landscape like few in the world.
Lastly, Tom Kualii is an awesome guy who has incredible expertise on the Big Island of Hawaii. I did his tour (and now we are great friends) and I cannot say enough about what he has to offer! A workshop/tour in paradise is a no brainer!
I've been with Glenn Bartley on his Victoria, BC class. I am heading to Costa Rica with him in April. Top notch fellow. Great photographer and great teacher. Highly recommended!
Thanks all for the responses. I'm making a list! Interestingly, none of the ones mentioned are on my already-decently- long list of known ones except Santa Fe Workshops.
I have led several FM folks on tour/workshops and everyone has been very happy with them. Just recently I decided to ditch the bigger tours (even though they are much more lucrative) to concentrate on the quality private tours, where my clients get full attention (I include top notch post production/Photoshop training too). I do have discounts if someone brings a friend, with a limit of 3 total (this is common). I mainly focus on the great SW, NW and Glacier National Park.