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Quotable Quotes from Alumni - General
We have been touched and gratified by the many thank-you notes and comments we have received from both our participants and those whom we fondly call our "spousal units," to wit a sampling below. We are also humbled by the many alumni who return to us time and time again, not because they haven't learned anything in previous BCPA workshops, rather because they know we will push them to their next level.We are continually updating our website, so as time permits, we will be adding more quotes.
The Salton Sea workshop (my first with TBC) was much better than I could have hoped. In this remote, bizarre, humbling environment Margo and Arnie encouraged us to expand both our subject matter and how we view it. The guidance we received during the taking of photos was outstanding and changed how I approach working in the field. And then once the images were developed, we were treated to an extremely helpful, honest, and refreshingly direct critique of all aspects of our work. I’m very much inspired to do new things photographically and looking forward to my next workshop with the group..
~ Art J., California
A friend told me about Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures a few years ago, and the time was finally right to sign up for one. Then, a couple of months before the Charleston, SC workshop, I noticed they had added an optional 2-day Lightroom Classic course on at the beginning. I have been a Photoshop user, albeit a mediocre one, for a decade, and I had tried multiple times to learn Lightroom – mostly because of its reputation for photo organization. First I bought a book, but was overwhelmed. Then I did an online course by a Lightroom guru. Still overwhelmed. The info was there but having to pause the lesson, get into LR and try what they were saying, then going back and forth when things weren’t working as expected – well I was once again overwhelmed. I had pretty much given up on LR, and was using Photoshop and Bridge and resigned to it. It didn’t help things that I am a Mac user, and trying to decipher PC instructions was interesting, to say the least.
The Barefoot Contessa's Lightroom course was amazing. There were only 4 of us, 3 using Macs. The sessions were laid out logically, and we all went through everything on our own computers (!!), not just observing a big screen. When we had glitches, Margo would come by each one of us and help us get it. No mean feat since she is mainly on a PC, but has a great working knowledge of Macs. I can’t say enough about her computer abilities. I left that course with LR set up properly on my computer, and the ability (practiced in class) to download, organize, label, develop, save and export photos. Margo made sure that I was able to accomplish this and not just learn and forget it before I was able to use it. I was over the moon! She had handouts and source materials that were very well put together, and she was generous in sharing some of her “pointers” from over the years.
I have a long way to go in using all the develop tools, but I understand them even though I am not yet adept at using them. I do believe one more course will take care of that.
~ Robin B., Virginia
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 "of a certain age" 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 these particular workshops 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 D., Florida
Back in 2008 I wanted to figure out a new vision for my photography, as well as make the leap from film to digital photography. Where to start? I signed up for a private photo workshop with Margo and Arnie and showed up in New Hampshire, new camera in hand, laptop loaded with unfamiliar lightroom software, and no idea of what I wanted to create. Right from the start, it was clear to me that I was in expert hands. We set up the computer and the camera, and on the road we went. The assignments were far-ranging and challenging, and I was more successful with some than others. If I had a technical question, or couldn't quite make the image I wanted, they were there to guide and advise, but never to direct. Sometimes I was stumped, and that was ok too. You need to make a mess of things in order to grow. And then, on the last day, it all started coming together and I had one of those "one-click-wonder" moments. I still remember standing by that small pond up the Kancamagus Highway. It was magic.
Over the next 11 years I participated in many group workshops with Margo and Arnie, from New Orleans and Canyon de Chelly to the Isle of Skye. Group workshops are an absolute joy. You are always learning, and nothing is of more value than the input and critiques from Margo and Arnie, as well as fellow photographers. The camaraderie and friendships that develop on these workshops never fails to amaze me. The work produced is inspiring.
Fast forward to 2019, and it was again time to shift artistic gears, this time in Paris. After years of landscape photography, I had been experimenting with urban street photography, mostly in New York City subways. Not satisfied with making my New York-style images in Paris, I decided to try develop something new for springtime Paris. And yet, I had no idea what that would be. The first day of the workshop was tough, as I waited for Paris to speak to me and tried to figure out my vision. Margo and Arnie understood the struggle, and gave me space to feel out a new city and see what resonated. What resulted was a completely new style of making images that I pursue to this day. Their input was invaluable during the process.
So, don't hesitate! Sign up for a workshop and dive in. A whole new world of photography awaits.
~ Lauren B., New York
Days are long and rewarding. Margo and Arnie push participants to “seek your own vision." Don't settle for the postcard picture; make it your own. In the field they push you to do just that by not giving you technical answers, but asking probing questions about why and how you are choosing to compose what you are photographing. Then they will guide you to help you achieve something that may better fit your vision. As your abilities improve, their guidance goes deeper.
Learning continues in the classroom as you get subjected to the critique sessions. Unlike many workshops where everything is wonderful except maybe you might want to tweak this or that, here you get honest comments, always in a constructive way. Additionally all the participants comment on all the other participants work. Although a little intimidating to the 'newbies', listening to everyone's point of view gives you a wide spectrum of opinion of what may make a photograph work or not, both yours and others. When you critique other's work constructively, you not only help the other person, but also hone your critical skills regarding your own work.
Finally, and just as importantly, the workshops are just plain fun. The camaraderie that develops gives the group a synergy that makes the whole experience work so well as a workshop and a vacation. Every BCPA workshop I have been on has had a mix of new participants and returning ones. Every workshop I have been on, I've known at least one participant from a previous workshop (except the first one of course). The high rate of return speaks volumes about the level of care and instruction of Margo and Arnie.
~ Mark S. - Virginia
What makes their workshops stand out in the crowd of workshops are their work sessions or 'critique' sessions during the day between the best hours to shoot, morning and late afternoon. While it is great fun to be out and about with the camera shooting all day, unless you get to study what images you produced and how they work or not and how to improve upon them, you learn very little. Furthermore, shooting midday is pointless as the light is too harsh.
The critique sessions are gently managed, especially for less experienced photographers, and include comments by fellow participants which I feel is extremely valuable and seemingly unique to their style of a workshop. They follow up on our participant critiques with their own comments showing you what you can do to make the image stand out. And it is not uncommon to hear different 'takes' between the two of them, demonstrating that not all photographers view an image the same way, including the pros!
You also get to see how others viewed the same location in a way you never did! So you get to learn from your fellow peers, some of whom are very experienced and others newbies. You will come away with little sayings in the back of your head - 'border patrol!,' 'what is your hero?', 'uninvited guests,' 'it’s all about the light,' 'blue skies, who needs'em?' and many more to help you in the field as you shoot and at the computer as you edit.
They will also work with you in the field so you must not be shy to ask for their guidance! They can help you “see” while at the same time not telling you what to shoot, making it your own vision - looking for lines, different types of light, angles and even how to change your viewpoint with the camera (up, down, sideways, angled, etc).
Although you can learn about things like aperture, shutter speed, depth of field, etc., their workshops are not technical gear workshops. They are more about the art of photography. And in addition, they are very good at creating a sense of community amongst their participants, so I have made what I hope will be lifelong friends from many places since joining their workshops. I have found that some of us reach out to each other to get critiques, ideas on how to exhibit, what to use for creating your own websites, whatever. My community of 'Photographer Phriends' has grown immensely. They set a wonderful tone of laughter and socialization at the end of a long day as we usually go out to dinner together and tell funny stories. Many of us follow each other on FaceBook or Instagram.
I have attended a few other workshops because of locations I wished to see through the eyes of a photographer, but while they were nice people and beautiful places, most of them didn’t provide full service morning, daytime and evening in helping you improve upon not just finding pretty pictures but upon creating your own art in the camera and in post processing afterwards. So, get over any anxiety about critiques and go do it! You’ll never regret it!
~ Lynne N. - North Carolina
Such a fun time in Paris & on the barge! Loved the travel companions, food, weather, barge crew, activities. While waiting in vain for a [French] chef to arrive with a wonderful meal, we are beginning to address the actual photos now. Everyone at the studio wanted to see dance pictures- Eiffel Tower, Rue de Mouffetard, Sète street party, wherever.
To those 3 locations I would have to add high-speed train, fresh oysters (always great in Provence), Gallician (for meandering/bikes), Saint-Marie-de-la-Mer (needed more time to wander), and Arles as things I really enjoyed a lot. Clearly it is a well-traveled group, so a challenge for you to find different opportunities. We can’t thank you enough for all that you do in the line of duty, extra, and 911 calls. You two are saints.
So I thank you for a wonderful respite with wonderful people!
~ Anne S. (one of our returning "Spousal Units") - North Carolina
Let's start with locations. Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures delivers top-notch venues in which to seek out your photographic vision. The sites are thoroughly scouted to present the participants with a variety of unique photographic opportunities. Margo and Arnie know where to go, when to go, and why to go.
Another reason is the learning experience. Both Margo and Arnie are long-time professionals who have actually done everything they teach. They bring a wealth of proven photographic knowledge and techniques to the table. In the field or in the classroom, these techniques are uniquely applied to the individual needs of each participant. There is no better learning environment for photography than a Barefoot Contessa workshop.
A third reason is the camaraderie developed during the workshop. The workshops are managed in a fashion that allows everyone to interact. No matter what level your photography is at, everyone shares and learns from each other, all while having a great time. Margo and Arnie do a wonderful job of making everyone in the group feel a real apart of the workshop. You leave with a hug or hand shake knowing that any question or idea can be discussed or explored with a quick e-mail to a new-found friend.
There are so many more reasons, I could fill up pages. Simply put, if you are a photography enthusiast looking for a well-rounded, fundamentally-sound workshops, designed for any level, taught by two of the nicest, dedicated people in the world, this is the place to be!
Thanks again, guys. We can't say enough about the growth we have experience under your guidance.
~ Gary and Chris O. - Wisconsin
When I attended my first workshop two years ago, I had just retired and wanted to take the time to really focus on my photography. Attending the Barefoot Contessa workshop in Maine turned out to be the perfect way to do that. The extensive experience of Arnie and Margo both in the making of photographs, and the communication of those skills to others, the focus on developing and giving expression to a personal vision, and the chance to work with a small group of photographers who are serious about their work and wo provide honest and constructive critiques, was a perfect fit for me.
In the last year, I have had the first exhibition of my work, sold several of my prints, and had work accepted for several shows. I owe much of that success to what I have learned from Margo and Arnie, and from the other participants in the workshops. While the workshops are intensive and certainly not a ‘vacation’, and I’m exhausted by the end, I always return home inspired and ready to go back again, which I plan to do by attending the workshop in Venice this fall.
~ Alan d. - Ohio
and a few months later ...
Thanks for putting on a great workshop. And for all the thorough work you do to prepare and make it a great experience. I continue to learn a lot. Sometimes I'm disappointed with my progress, and sometimes I think I'm doing pretty well! It's definitely a learning process.
The critiques are as important as the shooting. It's grueling, but well worth it.
Thanks again, and I hope I can join you for another photo adventure in the future.
~ Bill P. - Massachusets
