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Michael Seewald's
Photographic Art Classes
San Diego, Carmel, Napa and International workshops.
Advanced / Professional Student Testimonials.
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Seewald's photographic 'fun-shops',
proudly sponsored by:
Chrome Digital Services of San Diego
"They've processed hundreds of rolls of
my film and printed hundreds of
my fine art
enlargements, all to my specifications, awesome company" MS
and
Pro
Photographic Repair (PPR) of San Diego.
"I've taken my cameras here for decades, always
top notch work" MS
"The outdoor class (Day II) gives the student real-time feedback
and the opportunity to practice getting it right, sometimes using Michael's
setup as an example. ...Practical advice about equipment and
lighting."Eric Yee, advanced
photographer.
New York, New York
Weekend class of 9.28-29.'03 |
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Balboa Park Grad Ceremony 1.11.'09
Photo by Pennie Ahmed
from our critique form:
How_was_michael_as_an_instructor?:
Very passionate about the difference between taking
pictures and creating art. I "get" it now ...
Short Paragraph of 'how it was':
If you are even remotely interested in improving your picture taking, this
class will undoubtedly help you. Whether you only care to improve your
weekend pictures or if you are looking to take your photography to the next
level, this class will provide you with intangible things that can not be
learned from a textbook. Before the class I felt I was quite a bit
better than the average "weekend warrior" because I had taken thousands of
pics and knew how to shoot in manual mode. Unfortunately the results were
nothing to brag about. After the 2nd day I felt like I had made a couple
of HUGE breakthroughs and am definitely more confident in my photographic
ability. Originally I signed up to learn how to take better pictures and
found out that anyone can take pictures, but photography is an art.
I have been wanting to take photography more seriously for a couple of years
but wasn't real sure on where to start. Taking part in Michael's workshop
was the best thing I could have done. I wish I had been able to take it
sooner. I look at it as an investment. An investment in my equipment.
Equipment that I will carry in my head not in my bag. If you want to take
your photography to the next level, take this class as soon as you can.
Dont spend thousands on the next generation camera and lens. You probably
already have the right camera and lenses. Spend it wisely on learning things
you cant purchase on line. This may sound like an advertisement but it
is merely an expression of the excitement that I feel after the fun shop.
After speaking with a few of the other students, their feelings were mutual.
I am looking forward to taking the portrait class.
Luis Arroyo, advanced photographer
San Diego, CA
Class of 1.10-11.'09 |
"...The class does a
great job at equipping the student with tools to esthetically enhance any
photograph, past or future.
I used to think I was a pretty good photographer because I
had good technical knowledge of how to take pictures. This class turned
on a little "light bulb": I have spent the last 40 years in
photography trying to say, "Look what I can do with a camera" rather than
concentrating on how to use the picture's strong points to enhance its
message."
Jeff Fischbeck, advanced photographer,
San Diego, CA
Class of 8/'03 |
"...
elements of composition
being explained and repeated until we finally got it!"
Carl Morrison, advanced
photographer.
Placentia, California
Class of 12/'98 |
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Hey There! My name is Christee, and I
took your weekend fun class back in Febuary 2006. I have been meaning to
e-mail you for a while, and your e-mail just reminded me. I wanted to thank
you for your time I just say how much I learned in your weekend class. At
the time, I really new nothing about photography, and I had a friend ask me
to shoot there wedding cause they had no money. So, I took your class just
to gain some info on the subject. Well I took the information I learned from
your class and shot that first wedding. That one turned into 2 weddings and
so on. My first year I shot almost 20 weddings. I now have my own business
and I seriously don't think I would have done so well if it wasn't for your
class. I remember taking the info you taught on shooting manually and just
practiced and practiced, until it become natural to me. I wouldn't shoot any
other way now. Just wanted to encourage you and let you know how much you
helped me. Thank you so much and God Bless you! |
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name: Eileen Hallett
short_paragraph_of_how_it_was: I am a Professional Photographer
that has been long-ago and far-away sorrowfully removed from the MANUAL
camera setting. Ever since the Digital World offering the fast & easy
immediate self-gratification exploded, I too only use my elaborate camera
on AUTO. Even though I hold my camera in my hands practically daily,
I honestly forgot how incredible the camera is at
truly capturing the spectacular views that catch my eye. What a treat /
GIFT it was to be reminded of all the cool images you can capture using
your camera in its manual mode!
Using humor, tremendous patience, repetition and years of expertise,
Michael Seewald teaches & shares you step-by-step how to use these manual
settings. This class was fun, illuminating, gave
me renewed photographic interest and liberating …
How_was_michael_as_an_instructor: Due to the fact that everyone
absorbs instruction differently - Michael is a comfortable mentor that
finds numerous ways to drive his facts/teachings home. While my individual
experience had it’s up and downs – when all was said and done … I GET IT! Michael makes sure that everyone gets ‘ALL’ from
the uncomplicated, straightforward instruction, to his finer, advanced,
enhancing the quality of your own personal photographic experience.
How_was_Michaels_teaching_style: I have always had fun capturing
the sights that move me – Obviously Michael shares the passion.
He has a entertaining sense of humor and offers this
class with a serious, yet light hearted persona.
how_tough_respectful_day_one: I enjoyed the critiquing portion and
understand how truly valuable this analysis can be. One cannot fix old
habits without having comparisons. My preference is to spend a little less
time on ‘EVERY PHOTO’ and get ‘Straight-to-the-Point’. A little harsher is
this area would have been just fine with me.
how_tough_respectful_day_TWO: Having Michael view my possible
images right through the eye of my own camera was helpful and offered me
something that I have never had before. Immensely, this was comfortable
and a fast assessment teaching technique, “This is what I am seeing … Do
you see my vision? Is it a miss? What am I missing? and Michael would
respond.”
what_thought_of_suggested_Ball_heads: I will most certainly be
acquiring a Ball Head Tripod! This was a very valuable photographic tool
to learn about…
Eileen Hallett,
Carlsbad, CA
Advanced photographer.
Class of 3/3/'07
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"...There is no question that Michael knows what he is talking about and his
enthusiasm is contagious."
Raymond Sarwinski - Cryogenic Designs, Inc. /
physicist/ “birder too”, San Diego, CA
Advanced photographer.
Class of 9.22-23.'07
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"Why would anyone fly across country from Massachusetts to
San Diego for a weekend photography course?
I’m an advanced amateur, whose become
very involved in photography. Have developed some technical skill shooting,
Photoshop skills, and have learned to print to beautiful 16x20 prints. I’ve
won one local contest, and have had requests for my photos. Many of my
photos, though good, lack impact. I’ve never had formal art training, and
felt I really needed some guidance and education in the area of composition.
Our class consisted of
varying skill levels from beginners to advanced. Day one was spent learning
what makes a great photo great, with discussion of the elements (and rules)
that must be followed to make a piece work. Michael first showed some of his
art, then discussed how we look at a photo, and what makes us want to
continue to look at a photo.
We then each showed our work, and
all including Michael critiqued it with an eye toward helping us improve
composition. It was amazing to see Michael look at a somewhat interesting
but vague or defocused photo, and in moments with cropping make it into art.
He did this time and time again. We didn’t gain Michael’s eye or skill in a
day, but we began to understand, and often as a group we were able to
dramatically improve compositions by cropping.
Day two was spent at Balboa park,
shooting. We did a number of exercises to help us learn how to use the rules
of composition. Those who didn’t understand f stops, shutters speeds, depth
of field lens selection or histograms were helped with those issues. We
spent very valuable time in the photography museum critiquing the exhibited
photographs. As the day progressed the group members were beginning to be
able to see elements of great composition before they were pointed out. At
times we were able to apply the rules to see how a composition could have
been improved.
We ended by using all the rules to try
and create compositions, and in so doing learned a lot about light (our
paint).
Throughout we had fun. The sessions were
lively. At times we were a little resistant to the “rules”. When we didn’t
“get it” Michael was patient and logical. It seemed to me students of all
levels had fun and learned.
Was I crazy for flying across the
country for a weekend course? Very possibly, but I would do it again. I went
to learn about composition and I did. I feel grounded now in an area that
was a mystery to
me. Do I think every photograph I take from now on will be a prizewinner?
Probably not, but I feel I have acquired some of the basic building blocks
of good composition. With practice and perseverance I may find it easier to
produce more of those “WOW” photos.
Was it worth the trip? An unqualified
YES!"
Mike Gotthelf, advanced
photographer,
Boston, MA
Class of 2.25-26.'06
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"Hi Michael- Thanks for the great workshop this weekend.
Learning about how the eye moves around the image was worth at least twice
(no -- three times) the price. I am going to try to finish the exercises to
increase my understanding of the process. With all your encouragement, I am
going to try entering the Marin county fair...(Updated note; she followed
Michael's suggestions on improvements to her art and was accepted!)
...Given the in-depth portfolio review we had
over the weekend, (and in comparison to other workshops I've
attended) I believe that your price could have been $1,750...
...Thanks again for all the help. Let me know if
I can return the favor. "
Take care,
Dorothy
Dorothy Gantenbein, advanced photographer,
Fremont, California
Weekend Class of 4.16.'05
http://www.dorothyphoto.com
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Note:
The following letter was rec'd before the student even had the second day of
the two day class!
"
Dear Michael, ..
added together, I probably took 18 months of classes. I'm now
realizing that the class I enjoyed today surpassed those 18 months. The prior
classes never put it all together. They talked about composition without
explaining what makes good composition. They didn't explain the goals of
composition. You laid down goals of a 'good photo' and gave understandable
directions of how we can compose a 'good photo.' The critique session of
our photos made us be honest and evaluate attempts at a 'good photo' and how
our photo would be improved. This was the first time I've been asked to look
at a photo and decide what can make it better. Wow, that exercise started
putting it all together. I understood that light was important but didn't
understand the subtleties. I now will be more aware of light; strength and
direction.
The walk around the courtyard was another
example of your subtle but effective teaching techniques. Early in the class
you pointed out that photos are one-dimensional. No kidding, I thought. But,
when you explained ... , I
thought 'why wasn't I shown this in previous classes?'
The class setting and structure was relaxed; almost impromptu. I got more
from this non-direction direction (or flow) than you can imagine. If you
would have handed out the 'Evaluation Guidelines' at the beginning of the
class, some of us may have been overwhelmed about everything that goes into
a picture. You made us 'drink out of a fire hydrant' without knowing we
were. It was like a great movie; I had to think about it (on my drive home)
before it could be appreciated... "
Thank you,
John Silver, advanced photographer,
Orange County, California.
Class of 6.'02
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Click on photo to enlarge.
Weekend class of 5.21-22.'05.
Taken in the beautiful botanical gardens in Balboa Park near
downtown San Diego, one of the places 'worked' during day 2 of Seewald's two
day San Diego 'Fun-shop'.
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"...I believe that opening yourself to the critiquing of those whose opinion
and professional input you respect is essential to one's growth as an
artist.
Michael helps you realize not only your strengths and weaknesses but your
potential as well!
I think that the class was
well balanced and covered the important points in composition.
Everyone should walk away from the class with a new outlook on how to set up
that next shot."
Christian Johnson,
advanced photographer,
Del Mar, California
Class of 3/'98 |
"...I
will look at a potential photo with more strategy now!"
Brit Christofferson,
advanced photographer,
Cardiff by the Sea, California
Class of 2/'98 |
"I
thought the class was great and very individual to each person. There was much input
on current work and improving what is already shot! Cropping aides are invaluable-
I'm re-infused with excitement about my existing work..."
"...I feel I received more than my moneys worth!"
Chris Barley, advanced
photographer,
Cardiff by the Sea, California
Class of 4/'99 |

Click to enlarge.
Photo copyright Valerie Seewald 2.1.'03!
Class of 2.1.03
Pictured left to right. Don Dreyfus, atty., Solana Bch, Calif.,
Jim Lennon, architect, Del Mar,
Tom Shjarback, int'l. telecom. instillations, Lakeside, Calif.,
Dr. Joel Scheiner, Seal Beach, Calif.,
Michael Seewald, of course,
and Dr Stevan Silberstein, of Lunenburg, Massachusetts.
Seewald notes:
This was a 'tough group', as they were all very savvy in this art.
Sometimes we'll get more beginners, but not with this group of professional
people.
Most had darkroom experience and other classes. A tough group to
teach/ perform for
but check out how they rated Seewald below.
After class survey/ critique results:
Would you recommend this class to
friends?
yes -100% / no - 0%
How much 'value for your money' do you feel you rec'd?
Less - 0% / About right - 80% /
More than - 20%
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..."Michael, you're as good a teacher as you are a photographer!".
Don Dreyfus,
advanced level photographer,
Atty., Solana Beach, California
Class of 2.1.'03
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"...I've made good progress
because now I have a way to evaluate what I'm seeing before I shoot. I'm not
shooting quite as much (as I'm looking more), but I'm getting more images
that I like.
...Putting
concepts into practice is "always" a faster learning curve than simply
talking about them. Being able to look at Michael set up a shot where you
are trying to capture something was very valuable.
....the
small class size in the field allows one to learn from the others too; about
their
equipment, their eye, & their techniques."
Dianne Arnold, advanced level
photographer,
Encinitas, California
Class of 9/'03
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Day one presented clearly and graphically the core fundamentals of
effective composition, and how it is achieved in photography. The night
after the first day I was unable to sleep well, conceptualizing in my mind
what had been learned, reapplying it to photos I had brought to class that
day as well as to many more which I could not wait to revisit at home and
apply the principles Michael had presented in class. I have not been so
excited about my photography in years. Michael's instruction would help any
photographer improve their work, and allowed me to take "nice" photos I had,
and turn them into dynamic pieces of art.
Day two: The practical application of theory is always a
challenge, and that is what day two essentially involved. The greatest
benefit I received was finally arriving at a realization of what a center of
interest is in a piece of art, and how better to end up with the concept in
a photo on purpose rather than by accident.
Dan McGeorge,
advanced level photographer,
Lakeside, California
Weekend Class of 3.12.'05.
NOTE-3'.06:
He has since taken another class, a Carmel one week workshop last summer.
He has just signed on for another one week one this upcoming
summer!
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"Hi Michael
I just want to thank you for a most
incredible weekend of learning, thinking, trying, shooting... Our discussion
on metering light and getting the balance right in our images really got me
thinking on my way back home from Balboa Park yesterday. . ...
Thank you so much for
talking about light meters and how to get decent exposures. I like the way
you present a topic, without saying it all but saying enough to make the
mind go to work on the topic and did my mind work on this one and the
results are fascinating!...
Anyhow Michael, once again, I really enjoyed this weekend tremendously,
thank you very very much for everything and I hope to come up and perhaps
visit you at the studio soon!
Kind regards,
Francis"
Francis Swarts, advanced level photographer,
South Africa
(temporarily working in
San Diego, CA)
Class of 2.25-26.'06
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Claudia Maddux receiving her graduation diploma,
Photo
by student Derek Tarr,
Class of 3.4-5.07
"Michael is a
remarkable photographer with great enthusiasm for teaching. As an advanced
photographer, I feel that my skills will improve much more quickly than they would
have without my taking the class. I think any beginning or intermediate
photographer would get their money's worth from this course..."
Derek Tarr,
San Diego, Calif..
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"Michael's photographic vision is incredible,
his willingness to share that vision is an opportunity serious photographers
should not pass up."
"Like many amateur
photographers, I subscribe to several photo magazines, have purchased dozens
of books on photographic technique and technology, and spent more that I
probably should have on equipment. Why wasn't I making really great
photographs?
I found most of the answers in Seewald's Workshops,
the best photographic investment I've made, short of sponsoring one of his
works."
Bill Landon,
advanced level photographer,
Murrieta, California
Class of 5.'96 |
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"...Michael is a great teacher, he has so
much personality and love for what he does. He kept my attention the whole
time. He is vary easy to learn from and understand.. I learned more from
him in two days than I did with a year of college photo classes.
Being able to go out and do 'hands on' with the things we learned from
day one was wonderful. Just in the first 5 minutes I was looking at my
camera differently. I had learned just how powerful my camera was, and I am
enjoying it more!
I really appreciated the brief tour of the photography museum in the
middle of our class... I look at art now with a whole new eye. Seeing how
other photographers think and work... I learned not all Art is great, ha ha!
...I know I am a much better photographer now. I hope to now enter my
work into a fair and/or other events. I am comfortable in doing that now
only because of what I learned from this class. I also hope to frame my work
and display it in my own house. Maybe even sell some to friends and family.
Michael, Thank you so much for this weekend and everything I
learned.... You have made me a much better Photographer. "
Kimberly Rizzo, advanced level photographer,
Anaheim CA.,
Class of 2.25-26.'06
______________________________________________
And from Kimberly's cousin who took the same class-
"...I really enjoyed the class. I agree with one of the comments on your web
site by another student, that the more I think about what we learned the
more excited I get.
I was really nervous about the second day and having to shoot all
manual mode. I thought that I would not be able to get it and feel stupid.
Michael explained it so well and I caught on really fast and came home and
taught my husband. So thank you so much for being such a good teacher...."
C. Wuite, advanced
level photographer,
Joshua Tree, California,
Class of 2.25-26.'06
And this just in on 5.5.'09
Hey There! My name is Christee, and I took your weekend fun class back in
Febuary 2006. I have been meaning to e-mail you for a while, and your e-mail
just reminded me. I wanted to thank you for your time I just say how much I
learned in your weekend class. At the time, I really new nothing about
photography, and I had a friend ask me to shoot there wedding cause they had
no money. So, I took your class just to gain some info on the subject. Well
I took the information I learned from your class and shot that first
wedding. That one turned into 2 weddings and so on. My first year I shot
almost 20 weddings. I now have my own business and I seriously don't
think I would have done so well if it wasn't for your class. I remember
taking the info you taught on shooting manually and just practiced and
practiced, until it become natural to me. I wouldn't shoot any other way
now. Just wanted to encourage you and let you know how much you helped me.
Thank you so much and God Bless you!
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"I
believe my skills have improved significantly since attending the classes. I
find that my approach to "artistic" photography is very much different than
before and even snapshots and vacation photos taken since the classes now
have more 'punch'."
Rick Wight, advanced level photographer,
San Diego, California
Note: Rick has now taken 3 classes-
Class of
6.'03, 9/'03,
10.'03
Students re-take the fun-shops to constantly move to
the next level of competency, and they receive discounted admission too.
Each time you learn more, building on your knowledge, and as Michael works
with each person separately in the class he helps them 'where they are at'.
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"Michael Seewald is amazing to work
with! ...the class was so very helpful and surprising to someone like me who
'thought' they had a good eye for composition. He pushes you to the
limit of frustration to better bring about the artist in you. At the same
time he is fun, generous and kind. And most of all, PATIENT! I am amazed at
his graciousness with everyone no matter what the skill level or equipment
brought to the class.
His suggestions are never without merit and always
helpful. Oh, and his story telling isn't bad either. At the end of the class
you will want more and guaranteed you will want to go on at least one trip
with him in the future. Very Addictive. Very fun! Very educational!
Thank you Michael for all your generosity!"
D'Arcy Lewis, advanced level photographer,
Temecula, CA
Class of 5.'06
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Critique form. By the numbers:
personal_attention_day1: 10 - Very satisfied- handled all my questions
personal_attention_day2: 10 - Very satisfied- handled all my questions
length_of_class_day1: Just right
length_of_class_day2: Just right
class_materials_day1: Told about the pre-class info page, forgot to
readclass_materials_day2: Was told to read the pre-class info, forgot
How_helpful_was_class: 10 - Very helpful
How_satisfied: 10 - Very satisfied
value_for_the_money: Way more value than what I paid
amount_class_was_worth: $800 or more
what_thought_of_photo_museum_tours: I think that it just
confirmed to me once more that you are the greatest living photographer
quote_me: ON
name: paul sabesky
Sponsorship_interest: Maybe"...As has been said by others, I learned more in 2 days then
all the class's that I have taken combined! I really want to thank you
for a great weekend and also for the many examples of what God has done in
your life...."
Paul Sabesky, advanced level photographer,
Tehachapi, California
Class of 1.6-7.'07
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An
open
letter from Michael TO YOU...
4.7.'05
Hi folks,
This story is a bit
strange in that in a way it has two endings - one of them YOU get to write; A
lady from overseas called me last month. She really wanted to learn how to
take great pictures and she said she loved my work. She was going to be in
the area during my next two-day seminar and then said she takes a lot of
pictures of her travels, but most all of them were not worth looking at.
She wanted to know exactly what I taught!. "Well", I told her, "I teach people to ‘see’ as the camera sees, which is NOT how we see, and to ‘think’
as I do, so the work will have a sense of time and place to it, like mine does.
To create art so your eye stays
in the image longer, to eliminate varying distracting elements that will stop
folks from un-consciously looking at your art, so you too can create award winners,
among a few things".
It takes me two complete
days of fast paced talking and presenting and that there was no way I could tell
her 'exactly' all what I taught, per se, as she would actually have to take it to
hear all that I teach!
How do I put it in words that I transfer, basically, all the 'important' knowledge gleaned
from my entire college degree in photography, and forty years of serious
practice from working at my art-
into her brain all in just two short days?
I told her I've fine tuned the fun-shops after 20 years of presenting them and
that most of the advance folks give me the highest praise, as the beginners
don't know how much they don't know, does that make sense? Then she told
me she once ‘got burnt’ by a class in that she did not learn much,
even though the instructor took good photos. I told her all about the
great testimonials from previous students, both beginners and advanced, with
many that had told me the same story, that they had been taken to pretty places
but the instructor did not teach them all that much. Well, she said she
would have to think about it!
Think about what? Would I really have all of these great testimonials if I did
not do a good job? Think about it? Hello!!! One student reported
that he learned more in just my first day of class than he had in 18 months of
college photo classes! What is that worth, MUCHO time and money right? I
really felt sorry for her as she never called back to sign up- what a pity.
This means she will probably continue to take the mundane pictures she complains
about making; or at least take many many years to 'possibly' get good by trial
and error! More likely she will be self-condemned to mediocrity all
because of taking a class with a so-so instructor once!

Click on photo to enlarge.
Photo copyright/courtesy Kevin Nichols, class of 11.5-6.'05.
Flower, Botanical Gardens, 2005
Now, as stated, 90% of MY
attendees report they received MORE THAN their monies worth, with a total
of 99.9%
reporting they received 'AT LEAST their monies worth’! (And this rating is
across the board, beginners, intermediate or advanced students. (That .1% that
did not get their monies worth reminds me of the sign at the entrance to my old
childhood town of Gila Bend, Arizona. It read; 'Welcome to Gila Bend, home to
1,948 friendly people and one old crab'- well, what are you going to do?).
Now it’s up to you. This lady never got back to me and
will miss a great opportunity to save a lot of time and money learning how to
make great photos, (or even be able to paint great compositions). But YOU
don’t have to go that route, all you have to do is sign up before someone else
takes the spot that will get them creating those awards winners before you do in
the next FUN-SHOP! Classes are very limited in size so you can get a lot
of personal
attention from me, ALMOST one on one in effect. 90% of classes sell out at
least two weeks in advance!
See you in one of my classes soon, right?
Michael Seewald
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How_was_michael_as_an_instructor:
Michael is just about the best instructor I've ever taken a workshop from.
He's very clear and easy to understand when explaining concepts; Michael can
traverse the basic to the advanced and bring the entire group along. This is
a rare gift. Michael gives just the right amount of attention as needed by
each student and keeps everyone working towards the next level.
short_paragraph_how_class_was_overall:
Michael Seewald has taught me how to look at art from a whole new
perspective. Before Seewald's funshop, I was guessing while composing a
photo. Michael gave me the tools to MAKE a great photo. I really enjoyed
Michaels enthusiasm for his craft and his ability to bring along both the
beginner and the advanced student.
...Michael makes the learning / growing process
fun. His personal stories add richness to the learning process and I really
appreciate that he's willing to share both his successes and challenges.
Day one benefits? - it's all about the
composition, I saw the critiques turn my OK photos in to really good photos.
It helped a ton to see this done by a master like Michael. ...
How_tough_respectful_day1_critiquing:
This needs to be a tough day / process - I don't think you can learn unless
teachers are painfully honest. Bring the pain, it can only make my art (if
it ever truly becomes art) better.
Day two benefits? - The major benefit of the
field work was the assignments, they were not easy, and each assignment
played right in to the concepts that were being taught. ...Michael is
both tough and respectful. I know I was making mistakes and I appreciate
Michael pointing them out while making great suggestions.
Tripod w/ ball head good idea? - The ball
head tripod is my best photographic investment to date. The ball head my set
up and adjustment so easy. If you don't have a ball head tripod, listen to
Michael - get one now....
Final_comments? - Don't ever stop teaching
Michael, you're doing the photographic world a major service.
John Granquist, San Diego, Calif.,
Advanced photographer.
Class of 9.22-23.'07
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Click photo to enlarge. Copyright Mark Albert 2006.
Courtesy crop by Michael Seewald
The Two Marks
Self-portrait by Mark Albert of the
Class of 10.1.'06
(Note: I like the way Mark took
advantage of this great hallway that was pointed out during class to go make a
dramatic self-portrait afterwards, using all of the leaned techniques and
compositional elements combined. Move to the front of the class Mark!
MS)
We rec'd this from Mark with his photo.
Michael,
Thanks for imparting your wisdom, creativity and
knowledge. Two days does not a master make, or Rome wasn’t built in two
days. But if you are able to duplicate yourself
you will need half the
time. See attached (upper photo).
Photoshop manipulation was crop, levels, curves. No
cut and paste. How did he do that?
I was explaining to my wife on Saturday night the
improvements possible to my images. She jumped right in talking like a pro
after 10 minutes. So, I told her we need to visit the studio. So look for
us some weekend. ...
Regards,
Mark Albert
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"...I really
enjoyed the class and I came out with a lot more value from it than I
thought I would.
It made me want to use my camera for other uses besides my commercial
photography too.
It opened the door to the joy of
photography ... help me become a
complete artist."
Rick Whitehead, advanced level photographer,
N. San Diego County
Class of 11.5-6.'05

Click photo to enlarge.
Copyright Chris Parson, 2007
Ghost Students by advanced
photographer Chris Parson,
class of 1.6-7.07.
Some comments from Chris:
"...Action Packed, come with your thinking cap on, leave your
pre-conceived notions at home and be prepared to have your eyes
opened up. The outdoor session - I loved learning a new train of
thought required to make "ART" and I felt it was easy to understand, just
difficult to put into play when all my bad habits wanted to keep filling
my mind."
...Day 1, theory: "Comprehension was easy." Day II- "translating
it to a photo is where the going gets tough... Remembering how much more
satisfying it is to put the camera on manual, thinking about proper light,
exposure, f-stops and "making" a photo versus "taking" one."
how_tough/respectful_was_day_one_critiquing: "Rough but fair. But
always done with an explanation."
how_tough/respectful_was_day_one_critiquing: "Little rougher, but that
comes from it being harder trying to produce in a confined space with
limited time."
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I would like to personally thank the many students whose
praise
makes my work all the more enjoyable. Thanks for
taking the time to
critique me, encourage me and to help me improve too. MS
Go to
Guest book
and request more
info/sign up for class dates announcements.
Go back to
main photo class page.
Go to
home page.
_______________________________________
Wedding and Portrait Helps...
Coming soon to a thirsty world
eager to make more money:
Seewald's
"How to shoot great wedding
images for
big profits" class.

reset 10.'08
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