Workshop and Photo Tour Testimonials
"Michael provides several quantum leaps of knowledge in all aspects of large format photography. He conscientiously and thoroughly covers every pertinent topic, so that you are in awe of how much you really do know by the end of your time with him. You will not only be able to spell Scheimpflug, you will actually have an intuitive understanding of the principle and know how to apply it to your photography. And Scheimpflug is just one of the seemingly arcane subjects that Michael handily clarifies. Michael is the best photography instructor I have ever encountered. Treat yourself to one of his workshops, and get ready for many AHA moments!" Susan Aylward - Davis, CA
"With no disrespect intended to the instructors at the workshops I had previously attended, the tandem of Michael Gordon and Guy Tal were simply the best instructors I have had..." Rick Russell - California
"I was looking primarily for an experienced photographer who could show me several unique locations in Death Valley National Park, and help me get there at the right time of day. In addition, I was looking for regular insights to help me improve my photographic abilities and that help was continually forthcoming. I was impressed with your total dedication to me and with your desire to optimize the tour to my specific objectives. It was a real pleasure to spend a few days with you, learning from your unique approach to your art and discovering those aspects that apply to my style and needs. I plan to return for another tour." Stephen Naor - Ottawa, Canada
"The weekend was the most intensive photo experience since one of my NZ trips about 10 years ago. I was especially impressed with your conscientious preparation and attention to my aims and needs. It was a rare display of professionalism...you have earned a source of business referrals for life." David Fisk - California
"Michael is a walking encyclopedia of the Eastern Sierra geography and conditions. His professionalism, energy, attention to detail, and his passion for outdoors is extraordinary." Balaji Venkatachari - California
"Every part of the workshop for me was outstanding and useful. I hated for it to end. It was so much fun and informative there are not enough words to describe how great it was." Michael W. Ellison - Savannah, GA
"Michael is an excellent teacher and enjoyable person- it was a pleasure to spend time with him. He shared freely, was always available, and not shooting for himself. This was an excellent workshop - I was very pleased with the scope and quality of instruction." Richard Fee - Tempe, AZ
"I just wanted to thank you for the time spent with Kate this past week. She talked glowingly about the depth and breadth of your knowledge and talent and felt that her three days were extremely worthwhile. She feels that she has learned a tremendous amount." Les Millett (arranged a 3-day private workshop for his daughter, Kate) - California
"The workshop was very well done and entertaining, and Michael was able to cover it all thoroughly. I always find interesting people that talk with their hands - it shows enthusiasm for the topic." Harry Hicks - California
"Michael has a keen ability to help his students because of his wonderful personality, knowledge of photography, and attention to his students. You won't be disappointed by his courses!" Dr. Michael Manhard, D.D.S. - San Diego, California
"I enjoyed most Michael's willingness to provide guidance on subjects that were outside of the course syllabus." Paul Hayward - San Francisco, California
"I enjoyed the personal attention given to each attendee's needs and questions. I really appreciated Michael's willingness to help and his obvious mastery of the craft." Jay Hanson - California
"Michael tailored the day to meet my interests and needs it was outstanding. I learned what I wanted to and paid to learn. The day was an excellent investment and will quickly pay for itself in saved time and money not to mention results on film. Michael is an excellent teacher, guide and enjoyable person. Spending the day with him was a pleasure." Donald Newman - New York, NY
"I couldn't have been more pleased with the workshop! You're expertise and enthusiasm for photography, both in the technical aspects and the subject matter, was superb and "infectious" if you will excuse the term! In addition, the help in the digital arena was also great and you were a wonderful birding guide to top it off. We all had a delightful and very rewarding weekend." Sue Haake - California
"...you made accurate exposure seem so easy! Large Format is somewhat intimidating, but you made it all look easy and fun!" Leslie Koyama - California
"Again, thanks immensely for your generosity with your time - extending the session we had really helped me nail everything." Nikko Odiseos - Boston, MA
"I wanted to say thank you very much for helping to reignite my passion for photography. I think that I will be doing a lot more photography in the future." Erik Haake - California
"Once again I wanted to say that I received so much from the class [Introduction to Large Format Photography] that I can put to practice now and use out photographing later. The class was not only a great motivator but gave me several new ideas to practice and apply." Donald Hartwell - California
"I had a great time at our private workshop a couple of weeks ago. As I mentioned, your art inspires me and I was glad I had the opportunity to learn from you. I feel much more confident now with the large format camera as well as the post-processing that is required of film. You have a great personality and you make it easy and a pleasure to learn. I look forward to meeting up again next time I am in California." Martin Stankiewicz - Chappaqua, NY
"I believe anyone who takes one of your workshops will walk away feeling fulfilled and satisfied knowing they are armed with the information they need to take great pictures...You are so personable and friendly that even though you were the instructor for the day I feel as though I was working with a friend not a teacher. I appreciate that connection and am very happy to have made your aquaintance." Hollyce Weber - California
"Just wanted to send a thank you note and let you know I really enjoyed the instruction yesterday [Introduction to Large Format Photography]. You were able to help me meet my goals and offered even more and I'm very appreciative." Larry D. Hayden - California
"I enjoyed how patient you were, and that you didn't have a set time limit. You explained everything thoroughly and your enthusiasm for photography showed." Sharon Gershon - California
"I had a great time at the workshop with you and thanks for sharing all the tools and techniques that are going to help me take nice pictures. I was really inspired by the landscape and now I feel more confident I can record some of that on 4x5 film." Teak Nichols - California
"Michael was great as a person and teacher – very informative, and very good in organizing and leading the group. His logistics were perfect. He is also a fun and delightful person to hang with, with a treasure trove of desert stories, and valuable geological, cultural and natural information to share." Rina Shapira - Los Angeles, California
“I just want to say many thanks for the excellent workshop. Your coverage of pertinent topics, in-field help, and sharing of tips was comprehensive, friendly, and overall an excellent experience! You teach the stuff well.” Nino Aimo - Alberta, Canada
“I want to thank you again for the most awesome large format camera workshop. I also watched the Vimeo video and have become inspired and motivated to start developing my own film again. It was a great group to work with and you have demystified the techniques of large format.” Helen H. - Washington, DC
"I want to tell you again what an incredible experience I had, and I can vouch for Dan that he felt the same way. Our time with you far exceeded my wildest expectations. Besides being knowledgeable about photography and Death Valley, you are just an all around nice guy who made the whole trip fun, despite, or maybe because of the early mornings and long days." Jim M. - Memphis, TN
“I just finished up a Death Valley workshop with Michael and wanted to say what a great experience! My expectations were met or exceeded on everything from the technical knowledge of the team leaders and their guidance and recommendations about composition, to the photography discussions during down-time or in the car rides between sites, to the unbelievable amount of general knowledge Michael possessed about the history and geography of the place and of course the amazing sites we had the pleasure of shooting. Thanks again for the great experience - I look forward to my next trip.” Kalim T. - Houston, TX
"Thanks for all your one on one time. My confidence level with large format has sky rocketed! I just picked up my film, and I can see an improvement in my exposures after the class. It’s interesting… I find myself seeing differently. I really enjoyed my time with you." Mark DeWitt - Chandler, AZ