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Quotable Quotes from Alumni - Online Photo Workshops
Here are a few comments from our alumni. For more, click here.As time permits, we will be adding more quotes.
Margo's online workshop is just what I needed to get me to pick up my camera and have fun! The assignments challenge you to be creative, the critiques are helpful and the time to socialize is much appreciated during this difficult time.
and in February 2022 ...
Was a great time and enjoyed meeting the newbies as well as seeing old friends.
and then again in June 2022...
The online workshops are challenging, fun and inspirational. The critiques by the workshop participants and Margo takes the work to another level - always improving the images and my confidence in my work.
~ Karen T., Delaware — Karen is one of our "Legacy" alumni, having been with us since the very first online photo workshop.
Thank you all for the wonderful week. It was thoughtful and inspirational. I am up for another week in July. What ever week I can make some changes to my work schedule to make it work. Take care all till next time.
~ Anne Marie H., New York — Anne has participanted in almost every online photo workshop we have held since spring of 2020.
Thank you for such a fun week. I got a lot out of every assignment and critique. It was a hugely beneficial experience!
It was a pleasure meeting all of you, and I hope we get to see each other again soon.
Take care, be safe and happy shooting!
~ Gene T., Texas
My latest BCPA Online Workshop has come to a close, and as always I learned a lot and enjoyed it immensely. Margo always makes it fun, challenging, and entertaining!
A lot of this week's focus, and challenges/assignments centered around creating images in black and white and photographing an image representing Summer — that which is important to us, something we care deeply about, or are passionate about.
~ Nicole R., Maine
I had a great time in the workshop! Something totally new for me. I learned so much, and it was a great group. I hope to get it on a future workshop. Thank you again!
~ Megan K., Florida
I wanted to thank you for a wonderful experience. As you may recall, this was my first time doing anything like this. I was a little nervous at the beginning. But, the environment you create for the online workshops is very comfortable and enjoyable. I got a lot out of the time I shared with you and my classmates. I am excited to continue to improve my photography — you will see me again.
Thanks, so much, for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
~ Bob C., North Carolina
I loved the format, challenge, and discussion of technique during this workshop.I felt that you really care about helping me to improve my skills. (This hasn't always been the case with other workshops I've been in.) I plan on finding my way to your future endeavors although I'm still not ready for f-2-f encounters. We're both vaxxed, however my husband is on immunosuppressant drugs and I will not take a chance on jeopardizing his health.
Looking forward to "seeing" you both again!
~ Robin A., New Mexico
Thanks for hosting the workshop. It was challenging, fun, sometimes sobering, and motivated me to explore photographic opportunities close to home. And, as always, it's great to see both of you and to make new friends. I was very impressed with many of the photos created by my classmates. I am inspired by what they created and am always learning something new!
and a few workshops later ...
Thanks again for the class. I think I enjoyed it the most of all those online classes I have attended. Maybe I'm just getting more comfortable. Maybe it was the group of participants. Maybe it was the assignments. Maybe all of the above. In any case, it was fun.
~ Bill P., Massachusetts
I wondered if I had actually learned anything new and I think the emphasis on the photographers was the really new learning experience for me. Then, I was scrolling through my photos at FineArtAmerica.com (I do manage to sell some) and found myself critiquing them like never before. Yes, I had heard all these things to look for but possibly not in the same place. So I learned to look at my work differently. Some photos I wouldn't change a whole lot but I would look at others differently. I am grateful for this.
I enjoyed the interaction with the group so much. I have been a hermit most of the year and was craving human conversation. My cat is tight lipped. Hubby is wonderful but he does not speak photography and when he does, he puts his foot in his mouth. So, thanks.
~ Harriet F., Texas
I participated in three online workshops this past summer and am looking forward to the Outer Banks next week.
I have always wanted to pursue my Masters of Fine Art. I was planning on studying for that through the University of Delaware's free for seniors after age 65 program, only to watch the deterioration of the art department through the years of waiting to get to that age. As I approached 65, I realized that this goal was impossible unless I commuted to Philly to one of the art schools there. Your online workshops have fulfilled this dream of mine, with the discussions of photography as an art form, the project work, and the critical thinking that was required by you. Each one has been like a mini course for my "BPCA Masters" and I plan to do more this winter. You have helped to expand my creativity, kept me pursuing a body of work and encouraged my creative juices to keep flowing. Keep it up!
~ Elisabeth B., Delaware
Thanks for creating your online virtual photo workshop. The at-home assignments are just the push I need to wander less aimlessly around the house and to find the photographic opportunities that have always been in front of me but not always acknowledged. As always, the critiques are a great learning experience.
and later ...
Thanks Margo. It’s always great to be with you. You have taught me a lot over the years, and you’ve made it a fun journey. As for the assignments, it’s always great to see what everyone else does, too.
Hope we’ll be good for Salton Sea and Joshua Tree this year but also better safe than sorry. See you soon.
and several workshops later ...
These online workshops have been a great reminder that there are numerous opportunities for great images within and around our homes. You come up with challenging open ended assignments that (similar to when we’re on location) wind up with the participants coming up with great images that have often had me wondering how they did that. The zoom format allows the usual good natured banter and critiques. I also enjoyed the newly added Photographer Assignment. It was interesting looking up the photographer you would assign and studying their work. I look forward to the return of on location workshops but these are a good way to keep the photographic juices flowing.
...and more recently ... Ditto what George said. In a "real" workshop, the critiques allow you to see how each photographer interpreted the physical location we're in. Online, we get to see how each photographer interpreted the one word assignment. Always interesting, often humbling lessons from Margo !
~ Phil P. Ohio — Phil is another of our loyal "Legacy" online workshop participants.
One of the great aspects of a photo workshop is meeting fellow photographers and sharing the experience. I was not sure how this might work for an online workshop but I found the experience very satisfying. Another aspect of a workshop is having someone help you elevate your work. If you want to improve your photography, I highly recommend the online workshops offered by BCphotoadventures.com
~ George W., North Carolina
This online workshop was fabulous. Great participants who were so talented, thoughtful, and kind. Margo assigned really challenging and interesting concepts for us to photograph. Other than a huge mess with wax on my carpet because I was so engaged in taking the picture, no mishaps! They have added some really interesting discussions of photographers, so we get an opportunity in a guided way to explore other photographers' work. Can't say enough positive things about this experience.
I've taken two of the online photo work shops now and completely recommend them. Margo proposes challenging prompts for the projects that really have made me think about what I'm trying to achieve. This is a different experience than going on site and discovering an image in a short period of time - this is more about developing that image and then creating it. Challenging, fun, entertaining and above all, great learning.
~ Nancy C., North Carolina
Admit it, life today for most of us is very different than life a year ago or even six months ago. As humans we adapt, that is why we survive as a species. Our creativity has shifted to determining how to shop for groceries or how to care for family. We don’t have the energy to pick up our cameras or we can’t think of any subjects in or around our homes to photograph. The world outside our immediate borders has far more interesting subjects to photograph, right? Well, I am here to tell you that if you look around your immediate surroundings you will find an unlimited supply of objects to photograph and make stunning images.
The motivation and key to shifting our paradigm is to join a Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures Online Workshop. Margo will challenge you to think outside the box by providing concepts that we need to interpret with our cameras. Class critiques are facilitated via Zoom, so the learning and sharing continues, just remotely. I have found a new appreciation for the items in my home and have created a few very stunning images without leaving my home. I have also learned a few new "tricks" as I always do during BCPA workshops. So, what are you waiting for, join a session and reawaken your creative juices.
~ Rose P., Ohio — Rose is another, very loyal, member of our "Legacy" online photo workshop participants.
I really enjoyed taking this online class with you and the other participants. It made us think outside the box and learn some new techniques that we can use in our photography. Your classes, like your workshops, are always fun, interesting and very educational. I also enjoyed the discussions and hearing about other famous photographers. This is a great class to take for your photography while you are inside staying safe. Most of the assignments are completed within the safety of your home or your neighborhood.
~ Carmelina C., New Jersey
The workshop made a seismic shift in my understanding of photography. I had basic ideas about how to approach the concepts for each assignment, but after discussing the concepts during the critiques and seeing examples from your photographs I realized that there are so many ways to use and interpret a concept. Thank you so much for broadening my horizons.
~ Chip C., North Carolina
I finished my first online workshop with BCPA this past Saturday. I’ve had a number of photo phriends contact me inquiring about my experience. I posted this on Facebook for all to see.
I was skeptical about the benefits of an online workshop. But now, having been through one, it was well worth it and a positive experience. Here are some insights.
- It was great to see Margo “live” during the Zoom sessions. Also I was able to link up with my long time photo phriend Rose Palmieri again;
- Without giving too much away, during the online workshop, we were given specific guidelines related to the nature of our photo we would submit for critique. I was forced (probably too strong a word) to “create” a composition. I found this to be very challenging and at times frustrating (but in a good way). This conceptual process was much different for me than the one I use in a normal workshop. In those, we really don’t know what to expect at the shooting location (unless we’ve been there before) so I'll wait for something to “speak to me” or catch my eye then work the composition. With the online workshop you still had to do that but within the confines of the assignment guidelines;
- With any workshop (not just BCPA) you have a limited time to shoot in a given location. In so many instances I would have loved the opportunity to go back a shoot at the same location again but couldn’t. With the online workshop we had almost 2 days to shoot the photo for each critique so you had time for trial and error and try multiple compositions;
- Finally, on a personal note, there were a number of factors which contributed to me being in a bad funk over the past month. I had no desire to pick up the camera much less do any Lightroom work. This workshop was just what I needed to “get back on the horse”. Being in the positive environment of a BCPA workshop with all the laughing and banter was just what the doctor ordered.
~ Bill M., Texas
Thanks again for a great class. As usual, I learned so much from both you and the others. You better bring your “A” game with this group! I would be interested in doing another night class.
~ Sharon T., Michigan
Thanks to both of you for providing a week of photo challenges and opportunities for growth. The alternating days of critique sessions and shooting sessions provided times for developing ideas around a theme, editing, and viewing the interpretations of others in the class. At a time when we are experiencing difficulties and a new normal, your online sessions provided focus, camaraderie, and a chance to immerse ourselves in the joy of photography. Thanks for bringing us some much-needed light. It's all about the light!
~ Joyce P., Florida
Loved the projects and meeting new people shooting from a very different perspective. Opened one’s eyes to seeing more and more and more…Thanks for including me.
~ Robin D., Florida
Great fun! Thanks for the challenge and the opportunity to spend time with fellow photographers. Stay strong and eventually everything will be OK!
~ Diane P., Georgia
Has been a great experience and as is true of all the workshops have learned a lot. Best part (although painful at times) are the group critiques and getting to look at the creative work done by others in the group. Given me a focus to work on each day and involvement with others.
Have signed up for the next group
~ Alan deC., Ohio
My thanks to both of you for this past week. What a great experience!! The workshop was what I expected and then some. The whole group was a pleasure to be around and very respective of my limited skill set. It was great getting my BCPA feet wet with all of you, and hopefully we will get the opportunity to meet in person.
One of my biggest takeaways was that I learned to look more closely at an image and take it apart for improvements. I look in my viewfinder or live view with a much different perspective. The critiques pushed me to another level, and hopefully you guys saw at least a little improvement by the last assignment. I finished the workshop with some confidence that I can create images that I can at least hang on my own wall and be proud of.
(and in a later e-mail)
Thank you both. Like I said in a previous email, I do see an improvement in my vision. I have a tendency to rush things too much and my vision doesn’t come to me until I leave a site, so I just go back when the light is right or shoot the image at the angle I should have in the first place. Someday that will come a little more automatically and I’ll waste less time. I just wanted you guys to know that you do make a difference and that I take the learning part of the workshops very seriously. The “fun and frivolity” is an added bonus. Sometimes the best lessons are the ones that tear you down a little. Keep doing what you're doing and thanks for being willing to pass on the knowledge.
~ Ron S., Pennsylvania
Thanks so much! I had a great time and really appreciated the opportunity to make some photographs and get feedback. It was great to meet everyone!
~ Andy R., Virginia
Thanks for a great workshop. Very enjoyable.
~ Ron H., Massachusetts
Kudos to Margo for creating a valuable and fun online learning experience to help us keep our creative juices flowing while spending our days indoors, or outdoors if you can safely do so. This workshop continues their tradition of pushing you further along in your quest of becoming a better and more rounded photographer. The assignments are challenging and out of your comfort zone making you think about how to approach the assignment and how you can use what you have in your home to achieve your goal. I know the lessons I learn can be put to use outside to widen my vision of what I see to help me create even more beautiful images. I now walk around my apartment trying to imagine how to make ordinary objects extraordinary.
~ Mark S., Virginia
I found the BCPA online workshop liberating, challenging and best of all, fun! Imagination, skills and editing all come into play just like a "normal" BCPA workshop but without the travel. More challenging than it may seem and a great way to be creative while at home. All skills come into play so their assignments really were learning experiences. Thank you for hosting these online workshops and keep us "creating images". I'll sign up for more!
~ Steve P., Georgia
Improve your photography skills while wearing your PJs! That's nice, but the real benefit is being able to up your photography skills through online interaction with two consummate professionals with challenging and fun assignments. Finally, the round-table critique sessions with all participants provides the true learning process. Highly recommend.
~ Dave H., North Carolina
Thanks for a workshop that made me think and explore.
~ Dave R., California
