This past March I signed up for my first photographic workshop.  I decided on going to this one because of my long time friendship with Chuck.  I knew Chuck on our mutual frays in the world of photography but not as my photographic workshop teacher and I, as his student.  I was in for a wonderful surprise.

For me, I had to do this adventure with someone I trusted.  I knew that no matter how new I was to photography, Chuck wasn't going to do anything but be supportive.  I was right.

Just days before the workshop, I ordered a new digital camera, from Chuck.  I had been wrestling with this for years and he had been patient with me.  But I decided to commit to making that purchase and he was so happy for me.  He said, Ardith, “It's about time!”  He was right.  His knowledge and calm manner navigated me through the minefield of products and honed me down to just what I was looking for, needed and could handle.  This is another of his talents.  He simplifies things.  When I got the equipment I was beyond pleased!

I flew across the country, from Boston to Carmel and during the whole flight out I wondered what I was going to experience.  I had no clue what to really expect because this was my first workshop as an attendee.

I went to the instructional portion of the workshop being taught by Mark Dubovoy, a technical expert and fine art photographer, who was specializing on the complexities of the digital print. Everyone in the group was learning as to why there was so much difficulty in bringing the image onto paper. The degrees of knowledge and artistic experience, was in direct relation to the learning curve.  I was at the beginning of the bell curve, for sure.

In the morning I hit the beaches along with everyone else, and took pictures.  I struggled a lot.  It was more than others were, but I did my best.  I asked questions from Chuck and Mark and got help.  I admitted my shortcomings. I was thankful for their answers and instructions.

I looked puzzled and help came from people in the group.  This was amazing to me.  From technical advice to offering of warmer clothes, I got help from everywhere.  I got photographic tips from so many wonderful people.

What I found out about Chuck is that I really didn't know him as well as I did.  I found out that Chuck is not only an amazingly patient fine art photographer but a collector of photographic souls who call his workshops “essential to their photographic and creative spirits”.  He has really developed a quality of workshops that is about providing instruction, photographic opportunities, and fun.  He has done this for decades and that is a testimony to his passion, commitment and love of the art and it's artists.  His wife, Marta, is an integral part of this as well.  Together they host amazing opportunities for people to work on their craft.

I met fabulous people that were not only true fine art photographers, but just wonderful people!  They are passionate about capturing the image and being creative and that to me is contagious!  They are now my friends and I am theirs.  I feel like I am part of “the tribe”.

If you have never attended a photographic workshop and have been sitting on the fence wondering if you should, let me share with you that you are missing out on something fabulous here.  Sign up for Chuck's workshop and find a fabulous place to be a part of.  Chuck has developed this community and it is always ready to bring in someone new, just like me.  Sign up and go!  Get that large format or digital camera out and shoot.  You will be safe here, I promise you.  As John Lennon says, “the love you give is equal to the love you get”.

You are making a great contribution to photography. Keep up the great work old buddy. Can't wait till the next workshop.

You somehow gather a great bunch of folks for these seminars. It is absolutely wonderful that we can get together and practice our love for the art of photography. You're doing a great job pal.

Another great Zion National Park workshop! If you get the Monterey seminar scheduled I'll be there. And, I am going to bring my girlfriend, Cyndee.

You did it again pal. Great workshop! Sign me up for Death Valley. I can't wait to get out there again and photograph with you guys.

Both of them were filled with more information than you could adequately soak up. Some of the participants at the Zion workshop had taken it before. All three instructors are marvelous photographers in their own right and great teachers.

If you are going to take a large format workshop you could not go wrong with either Chuck Farmers LF at Zion or Lone Pine, or the Bruce Barnbaum workshop anywhere.

The cost of Chucks'' workshop is a real plus. What with the cost of travel today it is a real bargain which leaves more money for film. The amount of information that is pooled within the group as a whole makes it impossible not to learn more than you came with.

I recommend both of these workshops. I wish Chuck would put on a printing workshop.

Much information was gained along with some unique shooting opportunities. In addition, the other participants were great and a lot of fun. We would recommend Chuck's workshop to all large format shooters.

I first attended Chuck Farmer's Zion workshop and during the first get-together, that's what actually happened. Chuck's workshops are great for photographers at any level.

If you need lots of help understanding exposure, how to properly work the view camera etc. you will get all the help and attention that you need. If you are advanced, you will find a great environment to get your creative juices flowing.

The workshops are well organized and the evening print reviews are great to both show your work as well as see others.

I strongly recommend Chuck Farmers workshops and I look forward to attending Chuck's workshops well into the future.

I want to express my deep appreciation for the fine and worthwhile retreat at the Thunderhead Ranch. I should realize four or five good negatives from the week's activities. Please know how much I appreciate your efforts.

I have conducted many seminars and workshops in entirely different areas of education other than photography and a very few in photography. I know how much energy, preparation and effort is required to present a quality program as yours.

You are making a great contribution to photography. Keep up the great work old buddy. Can't wait till the next workshop.

You somehow gather a great bunch of folks for these seminars. It is absolutely wonderful that we can get together and practice our love for the art of photography. You're doing a great job pal.

Another great Zion National Park workshop! If you get the Monterey seminar scheduled I'll be there. And, I am going to bring my girlfriend, Cyndee.

You did it again pal. Great workshop! Sign me up for Death Valley. I can't wait to get out there again and photograph with you guys.

Both of them were filled with more information than you could adequately soak up. Some of the participants at the Zion workshop had taken it before. All three instructors are marvelous photographers in their own right and great teachers.

If you are going to take a large format workshop you could not go wrong with either Chuck Farmers LF at Zion or Lone Pine, or the Bruce Barnbaum workshop anywhere.

The cost of Chucks'' workshop is a real plus. What with the cost of travel today it is a real bargain which leaves more money for film. The amount of information that is pooled within the group as a whole makes it impossible not to learn more than you came with.

I recommend both of these workshops. I wish Chuck would put on a printing workshop.

Much information was gained along with some unique shooting opportunities. In addition, the other participants were great and a lot of fun. We would recommend Chuck's workshop to all large format shooters.

I first attended Chuck Farmer's Zion workshop and during the first get-together, that's what actually happened. Chuck's workshops are great for photographers at any level.

If you need lots of help understanding exposure, how to properly work the view camera etc. you will get all the help and attention that you need. If you are advanced, you will find a great environment to get your creative juices flowing.

The workshops are well organized and the evening print reviews are great to both show your work as well as see others.

I strongly recommend Chuck Farmers workshops and I look forward to attending Chuck's workshops well into the future.