Workshop poll

[Witold Grabiec]

I am planning to attend a workshop (perhaps more than one) later this year. Since there is many on here who have done them before, which ones were your best experiences? Which ones helped you move noticeably forward? Which ones were well organized and which rather chaotic? I'm thinking of Wolf, Sexton, perhaps Ritter and others.

I'm looking at both LF camera work and developing/printing, none digital at this time.

Thanks.

[Louie Powell]

For LF: I have been in workshops with both Tillman Crane and Chip Forelli, and would highly recommend either. Tillman organized his workshop around the use of polaroid material, so there was no opportunity to interact with him in the darkroom. Chip did use conventional materials, and he taught/demonstrated his dye-dodging technique. Both are great guys to get to know.

For printing: I've been in many workshops that included a printing element, and have learned a little from each instructor. But with a doubt the best printing instructor I have encountered in Bill Abranowicz.

[Jim Rhoades]

What area of the country are you from, willing to go to and how much are you willing to spend. I think these are resonable questions because I have attended workshops in Maine. They are very well done with lots of other things going on at the same time. Shows each night at the Union Hall partying in Camden etc. They are also very expensive. On the other hand you have many of the same instructors teaching the same course at Peters Valley in New Jersey for about 1/3 the cost. You don't have the nightly Union Hall programs or as good a room. In fact the rooms are primative. But the food is good, the people great and it's much cheaper.

Sometimes Maine or Palm Beach or New Mexico will have coures you can get no where else. For all the rest research is the key.

[steve simmons]

Gordon Hutchings (The Book of Pyro) does a lf class that includes some printing every June at the Maine Photo Workshops

Michael Smith and Paula Chamlee do printing workshops

michaelandpaula@michaelandpaula.com

View Camera magazine is doing a large format conference in Rockford, IL (just outside Chicago) in June (8-11). The program is on our web site www.viewcamera.com

steve simmons

[Eric Biggerstaff]

I have been to many workshops ranging from two weeks with John Sexton down to a one day with a local pro here in Denver. All can be of value depending on what your mindset is and how open to the experience you are. Some questions:

Where do you live?

What do you like to photograph?

Do you want private or group? ( I would suggest group unless there are very specific areas you need help with).

What is your budget?

Do you want field work, darkroom or a combination?

What are your goals?

What is your current skill level?

Does the course you want to take have prerequists and if so, can you meet them?

These are all good things to ask yourself as you decide on a program.

I think there are several very good areas you can go. Check out the Ansel Adams Gallery, Maine Photographic Workshops, Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, Anderson Ranch Arts Center to name a few. Also, most of the better known photographers offer workshops either on their own or as part of a school, you can contact them directly ( most have websites).

Workshops are a great way to improve your skill level, be introduced to new ideas and meet new photographers who have a similiar interest as you.

I hope this helps and thanks for the post.

Yours,
Eric

www.ericbiggerstaff.com

[Eric Biggerstaff]

I almost forgot, all the workshops I have attended have been well organized and run ( either by the individual instructor or the workshop host). Each was very different in what was taught,the teaching style, the location, etc. The two people you mentioned would provide a solid workshop experience depending on what your expectations are.

Thanks again,
Eric

[Bill_1856]

I've been to several, including at ICP in NYC, Rockport, Maine and Santa Fe. The best had to be Michael and Paula's long weekend in Pennsylvania.

[David Karp]

I attended John Sexton's printing workshop (not the advanced class). It was well worth it. I enjoyed it very much. He gave a lot of information. I had the opportunity to meet very talented photographers who are passionate about what they do. It was a great opportunity to see photographs printed by some excellent printers, including Sexton, Anne Larson, Brett Weston, and Ansel Adams. The print critique session was very helpful. I wish I could take the second class, but I always have to work when it is offered. Note however that this class is not hands on. At least when I went, you don't print. You watch John print. I did find it very useful. My printing improved after attending this workshop.

My late father in law attended a printing workshop by Bruce Barnbaum. He enjoyed it very much, and his printing improved after attending the workshop. I believe that this workshop was more hands on, in that he had the opportunity to print and have Barnbaum work with you right there. If I am not mistaken, Barnbaum even invited participants to call him after they got home if they had any questions. I am sure my father in law did call him, and got some good advice. My father in law also attended a workshop/trip with Sexton and Ray McSavaney. He found this workshop very helpful as well.

Hope this helps.

[Witold Grabiec]

Great input guys, thanks. To clarify some issues:

- I'm in Buzzards Bay by Cape Cod and naturally I would prefer New England area, but it is almost a non-factor as I would go to any place in the country

-budget is somewhat an issue, but the overall value of a program much more so

[Jim Ewins]

Some of us at a "certain age" find the extremely intensive workshops (14-18hrs/day for 5 or 6 days) difficult. The data begins to blur.

[Frank Petronio]

Take me on vacation and I'll give you a private workshop.

The Point on Lake Placid would be a nice place to start...

[phil sweeney]

I thought Michael Smith and Paula Chamlee's workshop was excellent. I got a lot from it and I think their price is pretty good also. Close to philadelphia.

[Kevin M Bourque]

I took Howard Bond's darkroom workshop (ann Arbor, Mich). There isn't much he doesn't know about printing, and he's a good teacher besides.

[Todd Wright]

I see you are on the east cost I would subject Richard Ritter for a large format workshop. You would be learning in a setting that is similar to the area in which you live. Also who better to take a large format workshop from, then one of the best in the field, just look at the glowing report about Richard. He just doesn’t repair camera he is also a very fine photographer. I took a one on one with him before he started doing workshop and he knows what he is doing. I’m going to take another one from him this year.

[Tom Westbrook]

I've only taken John Sexton's workshops, so can't compare them to any others, but found John to be a fantastic teacher and a wonderful human being with a great sense of humor. The intro printing workshop took my rather weak printing skills to a whole new level--like night and day. I have also taken his advanced printing workshop and the Southwestern field workshop from him (I was impressed enough to keep going back for more) all were well worth the expense, actually underpriced for what I got out of them.

I have heard (no direct experience) that Bruce Barnbaum can be a bit harsh in portfolio review sessions, so those that don't take criticism well might not be the best place.

[peter schrager]

I can wholeheartedly reccomend the fine focus workshop with Richard Ritter and Bruce Barlow.
They are good people and your time is well spent. Tillman Crane also runs a great workshop but you might have to travel a bit further for that.
Peter