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Quotable Quotes from Alumni - Autumn on the Outer Banks
Here are a few comments from our alumni. For more, click here.As time permits, we will be adding more quotes.
It seemed like a long journey, but it was finally great meeting you and Arnie in person. I was looking forward to this workshop for a year and a half {because of the pandemic] and you did not disappoint. Both you and Arnie were fantastic sharing your knowledge of photography, the area, and your life experiences. I came away from the week with my head spinning from information overload. I will, however, remember not to cut the frame in half, and to Arnie's point to look beyond just shooting a bird on a pole. I feel like I am seeing the world a little differently these days, so I thank both of you for helping me create my own vision. I can't wait until the next workshop, and there will be a next workshop, I'm just not certain when yet.
~ Ron S., Pennsylvania
It was so fun to participate in the Outer Banks BCPA Photo workshop in October 2020. After months of being home, it was great to get away to such a beautiful spot and stimulate the photographic juices again. As always, the twice-daily photo-shoots were well-thought-out with some great challenges and opportunities. The critiques are always my favorite part (along with the photography and the camaraderie and instruction!--4 favorites!!).
A special comment during these special COVID times — Margo and Arnie set very clear expectations about compliance with social distancing, masks, temperature measurements daily, and room ventilation during the critiques. I felt extremely safe throughout these few days. The hotel was very accommodating and respectful of these same issues. I expected nothing less than this and wouldn't have gone or stayed if it had been otherwise. Special shout out to the other participants for making this a safe, comfortable, and learning week.
~ Nancy C., North Carolina
I have just completed my third workshop with Barefoot Contessa Photography (Outer Banks), and my photographic skills continue to grow as a result.
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 deC., Ohio
Are you searching for a way to move from taking pretty pictures to creating stunning photographs?
I highly recommend a workshop with Margo and Arnie, Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures. You’ll walk away being inspired to improve your photography skills, and in conjunction with the developing of your images, they will guide you to seek your own vision for creating stunning images.
~ Gisela D., North Carolina
I just want to let you guys know what a great time I had. You energy and enthusiasm is contagious. It is clear you love what you do which is rare and special, and it rubs off. Still processing how much I learned but I was looking to take the "next step" forward but I think I accomplished a leap instead.
I just returned home from my second workshop. The number of returning alumni (one going on his 12th workshop) should be enough to convince anyone to try it. Margo and Arnie have as much passion about photography as they do wanting to teach others. I was at the end of a very long boardwalk and texted Margo for guidance and she insisted on coming, because that is the way she is. My favorite image from the week came from this location and Margo wouldn't miss the chance to help me. They just never stop; from 5am to well past dark they give it their all. The critique sessions are amazing and where SO much of the learning takes place.
If you want non-stop hands on instruction and great locations to shoot, this is it. Fair Warning - Bank up some sleep credits before the trip because you will need them.
Thanks to Margo and Arnie for another great workshop, I am now a proud Alumni, and you will see me again, I promise!!!
~ Keith K., Florida
Thank you - can’t wait to see/travel/shoot with you again, you guys are so much fun, and so inspiring!
~ Dana D., North Carolina
The fun I had at the first workshop with Margo and Arnie along with the destination choices brought me back. This one was even better. I really wanted to improve my composition and feel like I succeeded thanks to both the instruction and peer mentorship. AND, always learn new LR techniques. Can’t wait to attend another one!
~ Julie H., Illinois
Just to let you know I really enjoyed the workshop. Interestingly, I noticed I have been seeing things differently ever since!
Thanks so much.
~ Dean M., Florida
It already seems forever ago that we were dodging the surf, climbing the dunes, and working as hard as coeds on our daily assignments. BUT... It seems like just this morning that I heard my broken-record 'Egh-Egh' ringing in me ears. It will stay with me forever....unfortunately. ;). Thank you soooo much for making this one of the best experiences I've had. It was truly amazing! Hope to see you on another adventure.
~ Liz S., Massachusetts
I had a great time and learned a lot. Thanks for yours and Arnie's patience. At first, I felt like a fish out of water with the new camera and so many experienced 'buffs' around me, but by the time we were done, I felt more at ease and confident.
~ Lamar G., Georgia
I reflect on the week, and am glad I went. I learned so much.
The workshop was a total, out-of-the-box adventure. The days were chock full of continuous learning from sun-up to sun-down, literally...it was hell at times, but it made me a much more informed and artistically sensitive photographer.
By participating in the workshop, I have gained both technical skills and artistic insight to take my photography to a higher level.
Again, thank you,
~ Liz L., North Carolina
Luigi and I had a really great time in the Outer Banks with you, Arnie, and the group.
I cannot believe how much I learned. It was so impressive to see how my pictures improved in a just a few days – I could not have done it without you and Arnie. You are very kind, patient, and extremely knowledgeable; oh, and lots of fun, too!
Luigi also said the workshop was excellent; he feels that it really helped me, and while he thinks my pictures have gotten better, he said that there is still room for improvement.
From now on, I will always hear you saying, "Remember what attracted you to the scene," and Arnie saying, "Simplify and isolate," and "Chase the light." I will try to remember those concepts as I continue to shoot.
Thanks again for an amazing workshop. Hope to see you soon. I will definitely take another workshop with you in the future. [They joined us just a couple of months later for People & Culture of Belize.] Arrivederci.
~ Carmelina C., New Jersey.
The web site looks great!! I love all the new student gallery photos. After seeing all the beautiful photos, there are so many other workshops that I want to do.
"as the first! I can't believe all the new things that I've learned and the different images that I shot. I'm still looking at my photographs rom the Outer Banks and finding new ones that I love. Now when I go to shoot, I hear both of your voices, and I smile. Miss you both.
~ Melanie S., New York
Thank you so much for helping my dad and me create a very happy memory. Despite his strong self-criticism and seemingly serious demeanor, he actually had a wonderful time and is very pumped up about the experience. I, of course, loved it (but you knew that). It was a very special week for both of us. You and Arnie are a real pleasure to be around, and I felt completely comfortable putting myself in your hands. I'm definitely a better photographer for the experience. I'm very hopeful that we'll be able to attend another one of your workshops next year — I can't think of a better tradition for us to start.
~ Brian S., Georgia
You really have been busy with upating your webste, and I have enjoyed viewing all of the new pages! I truly enjoyed the workshop, as I always get more than I bargained for! You and Arnie are purely delightful...your knowledge, patience and enthusiam are inspiring.
~ Sherrie W., Georgia
Once again, thank you for the incredible experience we shared in the Outer Banks workshop. The terrific locations, instruction, and camaraderie of your workshops has to be very hard to beat anywhere. I could repeat my comments made a few months ago (Cascades and Wildflowers of Virginia), but the bottom line is simply you are two of the nicest and caring people we have met. What you bring to the workshop on a personal and professional level is the true value of this experience. I would recommend to anyone looking to meet and work with great people who share their passion for photography to sign up now for a workshop. There is no way you cannot learn in this environment, and you will have a most wonderful time doing it! Chris and I wil be back!
~ Gary O., Wisconsin
Thank you for a most enjoyable workshop. For me it was both a humbling and enjoyable learning experience — humbling, because I realized how conventional most of the pictures I brought with me were and how average my skills were, and enjoyable, because I could sense my perception of what constituted good photography expanding as the days progressed...
Although we went to each venue as a group, we were really individual souls examining he world around us each from our own unique universe. I regret that we had to leave before the show and tell, because I know it was enjoyable and a good learning experience. After seeing some of the stunning shots other people made, I felt that I was the least experienced photographer in the group and had much to learn.
Margo, you challenged me to use the x, y and z axes and to move myself and the camera rather than the zoom lens to control the elements and frame the shot. Arnie, your gentle, low-key suggestions about exposure values and aperture control stimulated me to think about the effects of changing the mood of a scene to make it more effective before moving on, and most importantly reminded me to slow down and smell the roses. I think you guys make a great team, because your different styles complement each other.
I hope to put what you taught me to good use. My goal is to get to the point where I use photoshop to correct for the limitations of the camera and lens rather relying on the program to correct the limitations of the photographer.
I hope to see you at another workshop next year.
~ Sy S., Florida
Thank you both so much for providing me with such a wonderful opportunity to photograph and to learn. You gave me exactly what I wanted and needed — to be pushed, to make the sort of images that are compelling, interesting, and are truly me. You helped to take me to another level of photography that I know will stay with me.
As I told you when we said,'Good bye,' I will continue to hear your voices whenever I am shooting. Nevertheless, I know that my work will still be unique to me. I feel much more able to express what I see and feel with my camera. Even though I learned much more about technical issues, what I learned most is how to produce images that comes from the heart.
Yesterday, after the workshop, I went back to the harbor to shoot some more. Again, I heard you telling me to look around, pre-visualize, become aware of what might ruin theimage and what will make it a better image, look at all four sides of the image that I see in my viewfinder, and understand what caught my eye and then capture that when I click the shutter. Of course, there is much more. Just as in New England two years ago, this workshop also fulfilled and surpassed all of my expectations.
Take care, and thank you again.
~ Arnie B., Michigan
You are not [going] to believe this—our "Nets at Dusk" photo which I took waiting for that 6 o’clock ferry earned me a Nine in my club’s competition tonight. It is the first time I got a Nine, and I’m bursting with pride. However, a lot of the credit goes to you all who really, really helped to make it even more magnificent that it was from the camera. The gradient tool made the sky just perfect. It is being framed and double matted. Ed might have to add an extensionto the house so it will get the right light!
Ed and I really enjoyed our workshop with you and hope to take another one soon... We had a wonderful time and learned so much. Thank you for making Ed feel so welcome.
~ Alice L., New York
I want to thank you very much for your time and generosity in sharing your passion for photography with me during the workshop. It was an incredible photographic and personal experience...
You have changed my perspective on photography. I walk in the street, and I do not see things quite the same. I think that you have helped me to expand my photographic capability by a lot.
Your workshop structure is excellent. It is not only oriented to taking pictures, it also covers the production of a finished product. That was very important for me at the beginning of the workshop, and the results have greatly exceeded my expectations. You have also make me realized that money spent on a workshop has a lot lot more real value compared to spending the same amount on photographic equipment.
For me, I do not have a dream of making money with photography. It is a passion and a great way to maintain my psychological equilibrium while doing challenging projects. I want to push my expertise as much as possible while enjoying the process. You told us at the beginning that you would push us and that is exactly what you did. You did it without being sarcastic; you did not put our mistakes in our face. I thank you for that. I came back home with some good images but also with the beginning of understanding of what makes a WOW image compared to just a good one.
Finally and not the least, I think that I now have friends somewhere in North Carolina.
~ Alain R., Québec,Canada
I learned more about how to make a good photograph just a few days of a Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventure workshop than I had in the previous five years of reading and experimenting on my own.
~ Tony M., New Jersey
