Michael Seewald's Photographic Workshops
Advanced / Professional Student Testimonials.
"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. |
| "...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." |
"... elements of composition being explained and repeated until we finally got it!" Carl Morrison, advanced
photographer. |
| Class Date: 6.9-10.'07 personal_attention_day1: - 7 [Between so-so (5) satisfied and very (10).] personal_attention_day2: - 10 [Very satisfied- handled all my questions] length_of_class_day1: A bit long length_of_class_day2: Just right class_materials_day1: Well informed, read the pre-class info page class_materials_day2: Well informed, read the pre-class info page How_helpful_was_class: 10 - Very helpful How_satisfied_overall: 9 quote_me: ON 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 |
"...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 |
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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
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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. " Dorothy Gantenbein, advanced photographer, |
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?' |
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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, |
"...I will look at a potential photo with more strategy now!" Brit Christofferson,
advanced photographer, |
"I
thought it (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..." Chris Barley, advanced
photographer, |
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: After class survey/ critique results: Would you recommend this class to friends?
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..."Michael, you're as good a teacher as you are a 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,
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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, 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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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!...
Francis Swarts, advanced level photographer, |
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Claudia Maddux receiving her graduation diploma,
Michael is a
remarkable photographer with great enthusiasm for teaching. As an advanced
beginner, 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. |
| "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, |
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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, ______________________________________________ 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...." Christee Wuite, advanced
level photographer, |
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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,
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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...."
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An open letter from Michael
4.7.'05 This story is a bit strange, in a way it has two endings in that 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! 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!
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! |
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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.,
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(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)
Michael,
Regards, |
"...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,
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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6.16.'07
1.'08 - 54