photography classes and San Diego digital photo camera Workshop Testimonials

"...If you are new to photography and you want to learn it all "correctly" the first time, I highly encourage you to take the class. If you already have the technical knowledge but feel like you need a fresh perspective (no pun intended) on photography, then please, go ahead and sign up.

Michael is not just a photographer, he is an artist and a perfectionist. He will teach you how to "walk"... what you do from there is up to you. ..."

Mauricio Rubiales, beginner level photographer,
San Diego, California.
Class of 3.29-30.'08

Michael Seewald's
Photographic 'Fun-shops'.
Too fun to be called workshops,
so we call 'em 'fun-shops'

Beginner and intermediate
level testimonials.
(Advanced photography students click here.)

Photo courtesy Mr. Kay Cheng, © 2.11.'07.

Karen Bales is presented her 'Certificate of
Achievement' by instructor Michael Seewald

"I didn't have any understanding of how to use my SLR on manual; nor understanding of f/stops, aperture, shutter speeds, histograms, light meters nor what to look for in getting a good tripod. I walked away from the workshop very very satisfied because now I do!! I am the brains behind my camera now, not visa-versa. Even advanced photographers who were in my group gained from the workshop."

Karen Bales, beginner level photographer,
Class of 2.10-11.'07
Oceanside, California

Photo copyright Kimberly Rizzo
Class of 2.25-26.'06

How much do amateurs learn?

The above image was made by Kimberly Rizzo in 'self timer mode' combined with Seewald's long time exposure 'ghosting effect style', both of which she had just learned that day.

ALL exposure necessities were made on manual settings, figured out all by herself with her in-camera light meter, which she did not know she even had, nor even how to use it even if she had! This after just one day of Seewald's tutelage on the technical aspect's of 'how to use the camera' (which takes place on the 'Day II' part of the two day class)!!!

This 'ghosting effect' is an advanced procedure taught and learned by all at the end of the second day of class.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

"...Michael is a great teacher, he has so much personality and love for what he dose. 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.

Just in the first 5 minutes (of Michael's instruction) I was looking at my camera differently. I had learned just how powerful my camera was, and I am enjoying it more!..."

Kimberly Rizzo,
intermediate level photographer,
Anaheim CA
Class of 2.25-26.'06

“For two days, this exciting fun-shop turned my digital camera into an artist's tool. I learned the difference between taking a picture and creating art. The discussion and hands-on lessons about compositional elements will make my photos much stronger. Sure you may trip up along the way, heck you might even get frustrated during this class, but by taking this two-day seminar Michael will open up a whole new world of photographic possibilities. If just a few peas stick you'll be rewarded for the experience.”

Troy Garrow,
San Diego, Ca.
Class of 1.20-21.’07

Click to enlarge.
Photo copyright Rod Wesley, crouching bottom right.

Class of 1.20.’07 in Balboa Park, San Diego.
Troy Garrow is standing up behind a crouching Michael.

We just rec’d the following letter and photo from Troy on 3.2.'07 and he gave us permission to post it:

Michael,

Telling you that your class inspired me would be an understatement. I just got back from my trip to Kauai a couple of weeks ago with my post Seewald Fun-shop photographs. Living in manual mode and getting creative with aperture and shutter settings was a blast! Mentally thinking about the “rule of thirds” before pressing that shutter was a hoot too! My tripod became a trusted, ball-headed friend. My wife thought I was out of my mind sometimes. That’s where I need to fill you in on a little story.

My wife and I were driving on the north Shore of Kauai one afternoon and we stopped by the Kilauea Lighthouse. I pulled out my camera and tripod to take a photo. The sky was clear, the mid-afternoon sun was bright and there was a big crowd of people huddled around the lighthouse. I turned to my wife and said this shot isn’t even worth it so I put my camera gear away. We started walking back to the car and I noticed that the operating hours were from 10:00 to 4:00. I thought if I got there before 10:00 the crowd of folks wouldn’t be messing up my shot. I also thought that with the lighthouse facing North/East it would be great light to catch it at sunrise. I looked at my wife and said, “The money shot is to take this picture at sunrise.” So with the weather cooperating on February 14^th, I left the hotel at 6:00 am (now you can see why my wife thought I was crazy) and drove 50-minutes to the lighthouse viewing area. I captured this image with an f/22 aperture and 2-second shutter speed. I played with it in Photoshop a bit, cropped it, and this is the end-product.

I’d love to enter it into the fair. What’s your impression?

Photo copyright Troy Garrow,
Class of 1.20-21.'07

"Wow Troy, great job, you are on your way buddy. Thanks for the kind words and letting me publish them, along with your award winning image. Now I hope your wife no longer thinks you're Looney-tunes." MS

"Oh my goodness! I knew I had a lot to learn but I never imagined I could learn so much in just two days! I took away so much knowledge and hands on experience from this workshop. I was somewhat nervous about my beginning skill-level but Michael's ability to teach while exercising his natural tendency to turn everything into a joke was great!! I was at ease in no time.

It was a true honor to be taught by someone with Michael's talent and experience. It is obvious that he truly enjoys sharing his God-given talent with others."

Answer to critique question: Value you thought the class was worth: $500 to $600

Becki Smith, San Diego, California.
Beginner level photographer,
Class of 11.25/26.'06

value_for_the_money: Quite a bit more than paid.

"I would recommend this class to anyone- in fact I already have. I am excited about getting out there and making art. I am ready to read my photography books, now I might understand what they are talking about! Day two was exciting for me because after 8 years of shooting with a slr, I know what shutter speed and an f-stop finally is and how they affect your photos. I have only taken this one class ever and I feel I have invested my money wisely. I came home and began to read my camera's manual again, but now I am starting to comprehend what it is saying. ...

Day 2 was where it all came together. I was thrilled when I finally, for the first time, shot in manual and it turned out!!!

...I really do like the ease of the tripod with the ball head; I did purchase it and was thankful for it."

Melissa Bence, Vista, California
Beginner level photographer,
Class of 9.22-23.'06

"The way it was presented made me think about what I needed to do to make great photos - not just regurgitate a formula....Respectful and honest. Though at times frustrating, appreciated the honesty and suggestions that made me think more about what I was doing...Day two, hands on fieldwork- very well taught. Easy to understand. Enjoyed hearing Michael talk about light as we walked around between assignments.... Persistence and practice with critical review is the only way to get better."

personal_attention_day1: 10 - Very satisfied- handled all my questions
personal_attention_day2: 10 - Very satisfied- handled all my questions
How_helpful_was_class: 10 - Very helpful
How_satisfied: 10 - Very satisfied
value_for_the_money: Quite a bit more
name: Ted Rahn

"The class was a real eye opener for me. I had never before thought critically about what I was about to shoot. With Michael's help I now look at scenes differently and know that my ratio of OK to really good photos will improve dramatically."

Ted Rahn, intermediate level photographer,
San Diego, California.
Class of 11.25-26.'06

We have had more and more teenagers sign up recently. Do you have one that wants to learn about art and photography?

Kayli, a 16 year old intermediate photographer that loves shooting bands already, had this to say on the critique form:

personal_attention_day1: 10 - Very satisfied- handled all my questions
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: 10 - Very satisfied
value_for_the_money: About right
amount_class_was_worth: $400 to $500
quote_me: ON
name: Kayli VerSteeg

How_was_michael_as_an_instructor: He was extremely patient with me and all the other students. He would repeat concepts we found difficult in a number of ways until we all understood it.

How_was_Michaels_teaching_style: I liked the balance of fun and teaching. I think he has it pretty well mastered.

ForEveryon_how_tough_respectful_day1_critiquing: He was just as tough as necessary and helped me compose solid pictures

ForEveryon_how_tough_respectful_day2_critiquing: He was extremely helpful and would share his opinions but still make us compose the pictures on our own.

short_paragraph_of_how_it_was: The class was an in depth extensive two day funshop. It taught me very much that I didn't know. It covered everything from how to manipulate the camera the way you need to, to how to compose solid award winning photographs and even how to edit your previous pictures to be winners. I really enjoyed the class and highly recommend it to anyone interested in photography.

Kayli VerSteeg, age 16, of La Jolla, Calif.,
Class of 5.3-4.'08

Michael's class was a very exciting experience for me. I knew the concepts of photography (mostly technical) but have not been at all successful in applying them when I'm out and about taking pictures. I had no eye for composition and knew that was my biggest downfall in getting the pictures I so desperately wanted. The two days with Michael were literally "eye opening" and worked together so beautifully. Between the morning of day 2 and the afternoon of day 2 some remarkable things happened for me and it felt like my mind opened up and my soul smiled. I saw, I understood and I achieved knowledge and results that I've been struggling to obtain for a year. Michael helped me begin a journey of passion that I have wanted for so long and now I have the tools to spend a lifetime perfecting. Thank you Michael....

Laura Gabel, intermediate level photographer,
San Diego, California.
Class of 7.14-15.'07

Photo © Aimee Werth, class participant (good job Aimee).

Karen Maynor receives her Certificate
of Achievement at Spanish Village in
Balboa Park, San Diego California.

personal_attention_day_1: 10 - Very satisfied- handled all my questions.

Day 1: Michael was professional in his critiquing of the photos. Really took the time to look at everyone's art and gave valuable pointers to use when making and cropping photographs.

personal_attention_day_2: 10 - Very satisfied- handled all my questions.

Day 2: Michael was both diplomatic and constructive in his critiquing. ...I found the assignments made me think and look differently before I photographed my subjects.

"The info that Michael covered on Day One got you thinking when he gave you assignments on Day Two....This class provided the right amount of information and instruction that I needed in order to perfect my photography...."

Karen Maynor, intermediate level photographer,
Oceanside, California
Class of 11.25-26.'06

Day one, theory benefits?:

"Tough enough that I felt I was getting an honest-candid appraisal, respectful enough that my feelings were not hurt. Constructively critical, which is exactly what I was looking for.... Exposure to the fundamental metrics of photography (balance, arrangement of elements, center of interest placement, how the eye moves around the image.)"

Day two, fieldwork benefits?:

"...Using the tri-pod. Using a quality tri-pod was a benefit by itself, more importantly, using the tri-pod put me at a entirely new experience level using the camera (being able to make relatively slow shutter speed pictures with confidence). Equally beneficial, learning how to use the histogram. ....Seewald's fun-shop is a great way to learn and experience what it takes to advance your art work to a higher level. Seewald utilizes a formula for success; sharing his learned knowledge of fundamentals and technical methods along with providing personal attention and feedback....emphasis on tri-pod, histogram and manual mode camera operation was a huge benefit for me."

"Michael, I would like to say that I really enjoyed being surrounded by others who share my passion/interests in photography, Photoshop, art. I made several friends in the fun-shop and I look forward to socializing, sharing with and learning from them. It was a wonderful experience and I'm grateful to you for making it that way and for providing the opportunity. Thank you!"

Charlie Jones,
intermediate level photographer,
San Diego, California.
Class of 11.25-26.'06

6.11.'06
"Michael, I am just writing to thank you again for all I learned in the class (March 2006). I resubmitted two pictures (per your suggestions w/ new cropping and adjustments) to the 2006 San Diego Fair's 'International Photography Competition', that did not get accepted in 2005. Both of them were accepted to show this time and one (the frog - attached) received First Place!

...I'll have to take another one of your classes - maybe Monterey some day."

Eric Bischoff

Seewald notes: How do you compare one photo to the next, is there a objective way? "Kinda", Michael states, "I use the San Diego Fair's International Photography Competition for comparison. Folks that enter have about a one in three chance of getting their photo accepted and shown. Three judges critique each piece with a certain amount of points given for each image; composition, technical and overall effect.

Click to enlarge.
Photo © Eric Bischoff, 2006
Eric Bischoff's first place image,
2006 International Competition San Diego Fair.

There are many categories one can enter, getting a first place is just about impossible as there are hundreds of entries in each one, with lots of good photographers entering from around the world. [note: Not only did Michael also take a 'First Place' in one of the categories once, but he also took 'Best of Show' in 1996, an even more difficult feat, considering over 3,500 entries were submitted!] I critique each piece brought to class as if it were going to be entered into the fair. How would it do? Get accepted? Get a ribbon? Etc.. If not, I show how can we make it better through cropping and strengthening it in various ways with my know-how. I share all this during the course of the class, to help improve it's chances, and to teach by doing so. This is what I did with Eric's piece, guiding him in how to improve it and suggesting a re-submittal of his piece which was not considered 'good enough to 'hang' last year. Congrats Eric on a job well done".

"I went merely to support my wife's blossoming photo hobby, but found that even a non-artistic individual such as myself benefited greatly. As a result of Part I of the class, I am generally more knowledgeable in viewing art, how my eye involuntary moves from one subject to the next, how long my attention is captured by the center of interest, intrusion/distraction elements all factoring into how well the shot has been composed and cropped. (All of which I learned at class.)

But then to take that new knowledge and try to apply it in Part II with Michael’s coaching was truly rewarding; to begin really thinking about all of this new knowledge as I attempt to compose a shot, tweaking all of the technical aspects of the camera to achieve my objective, and wondering more and more is the shot even worth taking; this kind of thought process is the real reward and the permanent addition to how we look at making photographs.

My wife and I were quite pleased with many of the pictures we ended up taking in part II of the class, and we are all the more critical of them. You can’t improve a process if you are not even aware of the mistakes you are making, year by year I know the quality of our photos will improve."

Steve Cluer, beginner level photographer.
Oceanside California
Class of 1/'04

"...Seewald's "FunShop" is a valuable investment for any aspiring amateur photographer. As a "graduate" of his class, I find myself better equipped to critic my own photographs (as well as others', of course!) and to better compose them. What amazed me the most was how, in one day, I became much more selective in what I chose to photograph.

Michael's tips on how to improve existing photographs were also invaluable. I was amazed how he was able to look at a few of my own photographs and, with a little cropping, the photographs went from good to great.

...Michael was able to explain concepts in a straight-forward manner, with lots of examples. When discussing composition, he pointed to his own works to empathize points and then further demonstrated them using the students' own photographs. He was quite patient with the students, even when they were frustrated.

...I also enjoyed the short tour of the photography museum. It was very enjoyable to critique the works of art with our new "eyes."..."

Christina Supran, beginner level photographer,
San Clemente, CA
Class of 3.29-30.'08

"...This class was was fun and informative and I found it to be very beneficial to me as a beginning photographer. Michael made the concepts easy to understand and his critiques on both days were both helpful and respectful.

I would highly recommend this class to others."

Tracy Nackel, beginner level photographer,
Encinitas Ca.
Class of 5/20-21/'06

"...I would say/have been saying that it was a great class that taught me just how much I didn't know. All this time I thought I was employing the "rule of thirds" when I actually was putting my focus in the very bottom corner. Michael's class helped me see what I was really doing....I loved his style! I don't like people who are too serious. He got the info across and joked around with us at the same time.

The class is also cool because he gives a hand out that explains exactly what you need to do and be conscious of when making your art. There's a lot of information on that handout and he even tells you to reread it in a day, next week, and a year from now. I put mine in my camera bag so I won't lose it and can refer to it each time I take out my camera....

Day II was taught well... I started the class knowing about F stops and shutter speeds, but I still learned a lot! It was harder out in the field than I thought it would be; his critiques helped me understand what I was doing wrong... He was always respectful."

Jenney Howe, intermediate level photographer,
El Cajon, California.
Class of 03/29-30/08

"The fun-shop was a very good experience for me. I feel that it has given me the tools to step up from a so-so, get a good shot every now and then, to where I now know what to look for, what light can do for a shot and what can be done with a photo after I have captured the shot. I hope that next year to take the Carmel class."

Dave McLain,
intermediate level photographer,
El Cajon, California.
Weekend class of 10.1.06

"By the numbers", from our critique form:

name: Dave McLain
personal_attention_day1: 9
personal_attention_day2: 9
length_of_class_day1: Just right
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: 10 - Very satisfied
value_for_the_money: Way more value than what I paid

"... It was interesting to note that the pictures that stood out as exemplary (in our brief San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts tour during the second day of class) were the ones that followed Michael's principals.

...I was a little nervous about attending, but you helped me build the confidence and skills I need to become a great photographer!

Thank you, Michael. "

Mary Savoia,
'Intermediate' level photographer,
San Diego, Calif.,
Weekend class of 3.18-19.'06

"Michael,
As an amateur photographer I have been floundering around for years not really knowing what I was doing, and occasionally coming up with an OK photo. Thanks to you, I have received a roadmap to the process. Thank you."

Don Tynan,
San Diego, California
Weekend class of 8.20/21.'05

Photo © Michael Seewald
Click to enlarge.
Beverly Bica sets up a shot on her mini-tripod.

"Michael,
Thanks for the great time.... I am truly a beginner at 61! However, the light has been lit. I also learned a lot from the exceptionally nice people you attracted from far and wide to the class- everyone was eager to help. Even though I experienced some frustration I kept reminding myself what an opportunity this was that I decided to take advantage of and to make the best out of it. Then my rate of absorption took off.

I realized what compassion you had for photography, .... To sum it up, I got to share a couple of days with a great group of photographers and the master himself and find energy in my own photography. I am truly inspired. "

Thanks,
West

West Flato,
San Diego, California
Weekend class of 1.21.'06

Photo © John Pohlman. Click to enlarge.

Artist Studio, Spanish Village

6.15.'06
Michael,
Thanks to your teaching patience, and your actual-practice classes on composition and lighting that I took from you (Class of 11/2005), I am happy to say that three of my photos were accepted to exhibit at the Del Mar Fair this year, and two got an Honorable Mention in their particular class.
I was excited when I found out, but you know after a bit of thought, it isn't the awards that I am excited about, but the fact that I am actually improving. I just might get to be a photographer yet.

With regards,
John Pohlman

PS: The picture I took at the Spanish Village in Balboa Park that you have on your website was one of the photos selected (under 'student's photo page'). You encouraged me to enter it! Thanks. [Now posted above too].

"Michael's class is absolutely excellent! His method of teaching is easy-going and infused with humor, making his class very enjoyable. You will come away with knowledge worth much more than you paid for the class.

If you're serious about making great photos, you need to take his class."

Loren Tilles
San Clemente, CA
Class of Jan 21 & 22, '06

Click to enlarge.
Weekend class of 7.23/24.'05
in Balboa Park, San Diego

..."Good to see you can pull a few more ‘gems’ out of a shoot by really spending time with the pictures before printing. Made me look and see better for sure. That info was worth the price of your class alone."

Scott Birchell
Morro Bay, CA
Class of 11.19-20.'05

Some major class benefits were...
Opportunity to apply compositional concepts (which we were just taught on day 1) to "real-world" photos and then see what Michael would do to make them better;
...to see examples in Michael's work of the concepts we were trying to master;
...meet a few fellow enthusiasts."

Dianne Arnold
Encinitas, California
Class of 8/'03

Click to enlarge.

Some Carmel students pose with Michael and
a Certificate of Achievement, June of '05.

"...I gained a new, better way of evaluating the composition of an image in terms of the impact on the viewer. Michael was able to dramatically demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of each image. The value of Michael's suggestions and comments was tremendous.

The second day gave practical light to Michael's suggestions and observations. "Doing" made Michael's approach real.

...Michael was born with a gift for communicating and demonstrating complex concepts in an easy to understand manner. His patience was remarkable..."

By the numbers:

name: Robert M. Bennett

How_satisfied: 10 - Very satisfied
How_tough_was_critique: 10 - Not tough at all
personal_attention: 10 - Very satisfied
length_of_class_I: Way too short
length_of_class_II: Way too short
How_helpful_was_class: 10 - Very helpful
class_materials_part_I: Well informed
class_materials_part_II: Well informed

Robert Bennett
Vista, California
Weekend Class of 4.06.'05

"...Critiquing the groups pictures made the abstract principles real!"

Bryan Warren
Del Mar, California
Class of 2/'98

"Michael is fully engaged in teaching the art and technique of photography. It is clear he derives pleasure from the "ah ha" when his students grasp a new concept."

David Taylor
San Diego, California.
Class of 11.25/26.'06

Click to enlarge.
Charlie Jones receiving his Certificate of Completion.

how_tough_respectful_day_one?: "Tough enough that I felt I was getting an honest-candid appraisal, respectful enough that my feelings were not hurt. Constructively critical, which is exactly what I was looking for...Your emphasis on tri-pod, histogram and manual mode camera operation was a huge benefit for me."

How would you summarize the experience?:
"Seewald's fun-shop is a great way to learn and experience what it takes to advance your art work to a higher level. Seewald utilizes a formula for success; sharing his learned knowledge of fundamentals and technical methods along with providing personal attention and feedback.

...I would like to say that I really enjoyed being surrounded by others who share my passion/interests in photography, Photoshop, art. I made several friends in the fun-shop and I look forward to socializing, sharing with and learning from them."

Charlie Jones,
San Diego 92124 CA.
Intermediate photographer/class of 11.25-26.'06

     "...Michael gave me practical and personal advice on how to not only see better photographs, but also how to compose my shots so I end up with great images with impact, not just 'good ones.'

     I also learned to view photographs as the camera sees them, not how I want them to look, or hope they turn out."

Steve Gmyr
San Marcos, California
Class of 7/'01

"My daughter Jessica and I learned to see through the lens with an artist's eye. Michael's lighting and exposure tips at the end were extremely helpful."

Barbara R Wiener and 15 year old daughter Jessica
Irvine, CA., beginner level photographer.
Class of 8/'03

"...Now I know what it is about an image that makes it appealing; this class de-mystified the 'intuitive attraction' into tangible elements. I am certain my photographs will improve as a result."

Eric Franks
Costa Mesa, California
Class of 4/'00

Click to enlarge.
Weekend class of 5.21.2005

"I learned that I needed to rethink my photography and my compositions. I understand a different way of looking at a scene that will potentially make a very strong photo. Critiques of our photos were valuable as was the ability to actively discuss the changes needed for each photo to be a better composition."

Joyce Coker
Mission Viejo, California
Class of 8/'03

Then the one week Monterey/Carmel class, summer of '05.

"...Thought I would feel a little insecure about my art, but instead I feel more confident!!
Thank you."

Linda Westervelt
New York City, New York
Class of 2/'98

"Michael, I very much enjoyed the class and can’t wait to get out shooting again so I can apply the techniques and rules I learned. On Sunday I have to say I was feeling pretty overwhelmed (with so many new concepts to think about) and so can’t say I’m crazy about many of the pictures I took, but here are my top 3. (See one directly below.) On the orchid photo I couldn’t decide which crop I liked better. I recruited a few “jurors” and it was a split decision, so I’ll let you choose.

Thanks again and I hope to take another workshop, err fun-shop, after I’ve had some time to absorb and apply the lessons from last weekend."

Take care,
Lois Kosch,
Encinitas, Calif.,
Class of 2.25-26.'06

Click on image to enlarge.

Photo copyright Lois M. Kosch, class of 2.26.'06

"...Nice job; great demeanor and engaging style. ...you love what you do, know it well and enjoy teaching it...."

value_for_the_money: Quite a bit more

amount_class_was_worth: $400 to $500

Ed Murphy
Solana Beach, California
Weekend class of 1.25-26.'06

"...Some of the major benefits of taking today's workshop was that now I can 'focus on ideas', and seeing better, with "new eyes"...

Carolyn Markham
San Diego, California
Class of 2/'98

Intermed. photogs- How was day two? Too tough technically?

"Good, it was really good putting things into practice. My college photography instructors have told me (I'm in my fourth one) that they shoot in manual but never showed ME how and I always thought it was going to be really hard to do, but it wasn't. And the polarizer suggestion was great. Well I am a visual learner so it was really good for me to put into practice the things we learned on day one the next day, if not I wouldn't remember them as well or as long...."

Lara Cisar, Bonsall, Calif..
Intermediate photographer/ college student.
Class of 9.22-23.'07

"The best part of day one for me was using the mats you gave us to crop with. That was a real eye opener -- to see things differently --... and I felt very comfortable with Michael and the group as a whole -- I liked the critiquing, what a great learning tool.

On day two you eliminated 'The histogram mystery'...and I learned how much effort and planning that goes into making a great photo.

...Loved the photography museum, (a short tour Michael arranges for the San Diego class to discuss their new compositional tools and which is no charge to them) ... I could appreciate the difference in styles, and could see why a photo was really good or not after my new found knowledge....

...It was a pleasure to meet with Michael and the others. Thanks, Michael, for sharing your photography expertise and your stories. It was a real insight into the profession.

Wishing you continued success with your classes and your photography, Diane Goodman."

Diane Goodman
Leucadia, CA
Class of 5.20-21.'06

Click to enlarge.
A much younger Seewald at The Great Wall of China, 1987.

A much younger, and skinnier, Michael takes a break from photographing as Chinese soldiers look on. Michael sprinkles travel stories in with his teaching explaining the 'behind the scenes' info to some of the work shown in class and the thinking behind why some scenes work and some don't.

"Westerners instantly draw crowds as the locals are so curios." MS

Here is the 'report card' from
Sheila Brown of Chula Vista, Calif..

Note: A lot of these are left in 'form mode' exactly as we received it from our website.

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: Well informed
class_materials_day2: Well informed
How_helpful_was_class?: 10 - Very helpful
How_satisfied?: 10 - Very satisfied
value_for_your_money?: Way more value than what I paid
amount_class_was_worth?: $500 to $600
quote_me?: ON

Intermediate_students_Day_ONE_too_tough?: Not at all! I was able crop and correct previous photos in my head while I listened to his "rules". Of course there were so many I needed to 'fix' when I got home that I was too overwhelmed to do it in one night! =)

Intermediate_students_day_ONE_different?: Probably should have brought our photos to lunch to have more time to view and discuss them. It was so much fun seeing everyone else's work I was very sorry we didn't have more time just to look!

Intermediate_students_too_hard_day_TWO?: I was a little frustrated in the morning only because I didn't know my camera like I should have. MY fault! Also since I've only been a "snapshot" taker, it was a little hard to all of a sudden pick out a center of interest and make it work!

Intermediate_students_what_day_two_done_different?: Definitely worked with my camera more BEFORE the class so instead of fumbling trying to find the features I could focus more on the adjustment part.

[Note: we now suggest that folks find these adjustment buttons before the class in their instructions manual. ( It's in the 'what to bring' page they must read after they sign up for class). They are NOT asked to know how to use them, just how to get to them, such as where the shutter control is in manual mode is, etc.. Michael teaches them how to use them and what they control, etc..

That is why he has this critique form filled out by the attendees after they go home, online, so he can constantly improve the classes and get even further accolades from you future folks!!!]

major_benefits_day_ONE?: The lighting and the placement were the huge things I learned...

major_benefit_day_TWO?: Having a professional take the time to help you understand your equipment, point out the pros and cons and have knowledgeable suggestions about all aspects...there's nothing that can beat that kind of attention to detail.

what_thought_of_museum_tour?: Absolutely! I didn't care for the second artist's work, however it was exciting to be able to critique an artist after only 24 hours [of taking this class]! Art is art and you can't expect to understand or like all of it but having someone take the time to teach you the basics and teach them correctly just gets you excited and eager to learn more.

where_will_you_be_in_2_years_from_now_because_of_this_class?: I hope to be at least in the Advanced ballpark in 2 years. I may never be the person that sells their photography but I hope to be appreciated within my own circle for what I can produce.

refer_friend?: Yes, Michael J. O'Leary - xxx@xxx

any_further_pertinent_info?: I would just like to say thank you for making the workshop not only fun but very easy to learn. The friendliness you exude gives a confidence to beginner/immediate such as myself to ask questions and not be shy about the lack of knowledge we possess.

On the drive home after day two I was seeing things a lot differently. I wanted to pull over and start taking photos right then and there. Unfortunately, 4 batteries later, I had to go recharge!

Sheila Brown of Chula Vista, Calif..
Class of 3.18-19.'06

"The class was a real 'eye opener'. New ways to look at a potential photo- knowledge of light, shadow, composition- the importance of what you eliminate, like 'tension points', and much, much more...

...it was great! I really enjoyed the day."

Julie Bernardy
Spring Valley, California
Class of 3/'98

..."It was good to be able to review the discussions while viewing Michael's photos at the end. It solidified the morning session."

Tracey Springstead,
San Diego, California
Class of 7.'04

"This course was extremely satisfying in that it really explained and demonstrated to me the key difference between just taking "photo album" pictures and taking photos that can be considered real art and appreciated by others. The lessons learned about the proper composition and use of the proper light are invaluable."

John Garcia,
Carlsbad, California.
Class of 10.1.'06

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: 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: 10 - Very satisfied
value_for_the_money: Quite a bit more
amount_class_was_worth: $400 to $500

Click on photo to enlarge
Ghost students with Instructor- Balboa Park.
Copyright by beginning photographer Dan Clement, class of 3.13.'05.

This is the kind of fun and exciting image you will be able to make towards the end of class using your manual settings (yep, your MANUAL settings)!
You will adjust your aperture and shutter speeds manually with confidence after taking correct light-meter readings. You will compose a strong image and set the self-timer to working to get into your own award winning photos- Whew!

Like Dan Clement stated when asked if he'd gotten his monies worth,
"Heck Michael, I OWE YOU more money!"

"...I liked the fact that MS was forthright - telling me exactly why he thought one of my pictures was not that good (and why) and why the others were much better and how they could still be improved much more. He was like my best friends - who know all my fallacies, say them on my face, and love me anyways!

..Day Two brought home the fact that great art isn't magic - it has a lot of hard work behind it! Even diamonds need careful polishing before they can shine!!..There was so much to learn and so much patience was needed. It was also physically tiring - which affected our own enthusiasm at times. Michael kept us going - prodding us, poking us, encouraging us....

...The sign of a true master is that he makes the path very simple. When the student is struggling he knows exactly when to let them struggle (only to discover something on their own) and when to intervene (and show them something new that they have not noticed). Michael is a true master of the art in this sense. He knows how far to push people to think on their own and when to provide that masterly intervention.

The fun-shop was a ton of fun. Michael's sense of humor kept the learning "light"! He gave us all the tools in his repertoire and blessed us to begin our own journey into this wonderful world!"

Vivek Gulati, beginner level photographer,
San Diego, California
Class of 1.6-7.'07