Quotable Quotes from Alumni - Along the Oregon Coast

Here are a few comments from our alumni. For more, click here.

As time permits, we will be adding more quotes.

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I have just finished my 7th workshop with Margo and Arnie and there is a reason they are my go-to workshop family. They put a lot of effort into making all their workshops work for all the participants from scouting beforehand, even to places they have been many times, to spending the time with everyone in the field and classroom to push us all to the next level in our photographic journey no matter where we are starting.

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

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I enjoyed the Oregon workshop immensely. It was a challenge for me, but I learned a lot, and I plan to go forth and make new images with everything I came back in my mind. I enjoyed meeting the new colleagues and wish them well. I hope you see them again in future workshops. All the very best.

    ~ Don N., North Carolina

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Great workshop. I enjoyed the daily photo critiques and the feedback from other students and Margo and Arnie. The sessions were very instructive and enlightening and I'm seeing my photos, both previous and new, in a new way.

    ~ Dan F., Kansas