Workshop Testimonials

"I had so much fun and learned a lot from you and everyone else on the trip, as always. It was an amazing experience with the cyclone. Huge story to tell later. I have no idea how fishermen handle rough sea during the "perfect storm"."

Hoang - Oregon '21

"To all. Greg here. Just to echo that these past nine days challenged me both physically (bomb cyclone) and artistically. Also I enjoyed meeting all of you and hope I made a few new friends along the way. Paul a great job in keeping us together in the field and aiding me on your composition guidance. Have a good weekend everyone 👍"

Greg - Oregon '21

"Paul, thanks for everything this past week in Munising! I appreciate your help in my photography journy, and to be with you and the other photography "ENTHUSIASTS"

Gary - Ice Caves, Munising '20

"Thanks so much! Enjoyed shooting with everyone and learning so much. The Zion and Antelope Canyon trip was just as wonderful as the Eastern Sierra. Photo bootcamp #1 & #2, LOL!"

Sharon - Eastern Sierras '19

"The entire trip was quite an adventure with wonderful people. Haven't laughed so hard so often in a long time. Best of holidays to you all."

David - Eastern Sierras '19

"Made it home yesterday, two weeks was a lot of early mornings and late nights that went very fast. I had a great time with all of you, so enjoyable to be with a cohesive group of good photographers willing to share and learn from each other. I hope that sometime I will be lucky enough to join some of you again. Paul thanks for all the help and great locations. Until next time Dave S"

Dave S - Eastern Sierras '19

"Wonderful time, wonderful images, and wonderful friends! Thank you Paul"

Barbara - Eastern Sierras '19

"I sincerely appreciate the opportunities you provided me in which to learn more about making great images!"

Charlie - Eastern Sierras '19

"Many thanks for a wonderful experience in Charleston. I love the city and the areas we visited to photograph. I hope to do another workshop with you soon!"

Suzan - Charleston '19

"I want you to know that the Southwest trip was the best workshop I've had. I learned a ton. I appreciated you going around to help everyone. I also enjoyed the company, which made the trip much more fun."

hoang - Southwest '18

"The 2018 Southwest Workshop was excellent. Even though we had photographers of every level of experience, Paul gave each person as much attention as he or she needed to produce beautiful images. This was my 5th workshop with Paul, and each time, I have learned more about exposures, light, composition, and camera functions. Paul always includes some time for post-processing in the workshops as well. I'll definitely be joining him for another workshop soon."

gwynette - Southwest '18

"Great fun, learning and group. Just getting into the 2000 plus shots, planning on doing a SW Fall Series, lots to choose from"

Ray - Southwest '18

"It was a very enjoyable trip with good shooting and great company."

Hoang - Southwest '18

"Can't express how much I sincerely enjoyed meeting everyone and sharing some wonderful experiences and creating beautiful images in the dessert. It was inspirational and very educational indeed. Best wishes to all for a healthy and safe holiday season and look forward to seeing each one of you again soon. Paul should create a special reunion workshop!!"

Charlie - Southwest'18

"Had a great time getting to know everyone, and learning some new things In photography, cant wait to see everyone. It will take me a bit of time to work on these few photos that I took with all the happenings of this holiday season."

Barbara - Southwest '18

"this last workshop was great fun with wonderful people. I came home with some wonderful photos and new friends. Paul, your workshops never disappoint."

Deborah - Southwest '18

"Paul-A simple thank you seems hardly enough for all your patience, teaching, kindness, water and expert navigation. Thank you so much for another great workshop experience!"

Zay - Charleston '18 Smoky Mountains '18

"Thanks for another great workshop"

Bob - Charleston '18 Italy '15

"I greatly enjoyed the 2017 smokies workshop with Paul. I have been on several workshops with other photographers. This was the most congenial group I have been with and most were repeat attendees. Paul was an excellent group leader. He got us to the right place at the right time. He was extremely helpful in terms sharing his expertise re: composition and technique.Other workshops have promised to review post processing.This is difficult to pull off during a workshop. Paul made it happen.Great workshop. I plan to join Paul again."

David - Smoky Mountains '17

"I have been on four workshops with Paul and have enjoyed each and every one. Learned a lot too. Just can't beat working side by side with someone whose work I admire and inspires me. Thanks Paul!"

Cathy - Lake Michigan, Smoky Mountains, Southwest '17

"Paul James, you are a gifted photographer and outstanding teacher. Thanks for sharing your great skill with me and others"

Zay - Lake Michigan, Smoky Mountains '17

"I had a great time at the workshop. Besides learning new techniques and being awed by beautiful scenery, it was a pleasure to meet new people (and my BIL) with whom I could share the adventure.I look forward to working on some images together. Happy Thanksgiving! Peace and all good."

Jim - Smoky Mountains '14 Southwest '17

"I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving and that your art show appearances have been successful. Although I came home tired I had a great time, learned a lot and met some great people. I could not have asked for a better week.I have obtained Lightroom Classic and am in the process of editing some of my pictures. Regards"

John - Southwest. '17

"Paul, Thank you so much for all your patience and teaching on the lighthouse tour. I learned so much from you and feel much more confident mow on getting out and shooting. You and Jane were wonderful hosts, taking care of us with every detail!"

Zay - Michigan Ligththouse. '17

"Paul, I just came back from a photo club meeting tonight where we had a intra-club competition between Lakewood photo society and Chagrin Valley camera club. The requirement was images of Sunrise or Sunsets. I didn't have too many examples, so I had to turn to two of your Workshops and images taken in Zion N.P. in 2013 and Michigan Lighthouses 2015. The competition was limited to 25 images from each club. I submitted 4 images and all were accepted in my Lakewood Club's pre-competition. The Chagrin Cub is a much larger club with probably 50 members and they had a pre-competition to select their club's best 25 images. Three of my images captured the highest score (25 out of 27 possible) and the three tied for the First Place edging out all the other 47 images in the competition. I was a little embarrassed. Fortunately they did not announce all the winners and places so the other club may not realize it till they get the printed results. Without your workshops and help I wouldn't have gotten to these locations nor would I have gotten up so early or stayed so late to get the best pictures. Thanks"

Bob - Zion N.P. '13, Michigan Lighthouses '15, Provence '16

"Hello Paul, Thanks again for a wonderful trip and shooting experience. The whole trip was a great experience for me and I hope you got the shots you need to sell and to promote future workshops. Devil's Fire is a wonderful and most unique place and most people will never get to see it firsthand the way we did. Thanks for finding it and getting us there and back safely (twice)."

Steve - Southwest '16

"Five Stars, A+++++, Wonderful! Paul, your Charleston Photography Workshop was the best workshop I have ever attended, bar none. You have an ability to express/impart your experience, knowledge and expertise in ways that all can easily understand, apply and grow as a photographer. It was like, having my very own, one-on-on instructor. I can't wait to incorporate the bracketing (HDR), focal stacking, long-exposure and work flow techniques, I learned, into my future works. In fact, I have cleared my schedule and booked a spot in both your Tuscany and Cinque Terre Italy Workshops in June. Looking forward to new sights and learning even more! Thank you again for a wonderful time and experience."

Chuck - Charleston '16

"The workshop was amazing. Everyone was great to spend time with. I could spend a week in Bryce hiking the trails and taking photos. Loved Ruby's Great Western."

Sherrie - Southwest - Venice - Tuscany - Rome'15

"Happy Thanksgiving - a very happy birthday to you today as well! Instead of watching football last night, I reviewed my images from the Zion-Valley of Fire workshop. Working on these images will be exciting and I thank you again for the insight and instruction you gave us on that trip! See you soon! It was a true pleasure meeting everyone and I enjoyed it all! Best wishes to everyone and see you soon on another photo adventure!"

Charlie - Southwest '15

"Hi Paul, Just a note to say thank you for such a good experience with the workshop. It was a great choice of locations and the timing was good. I have been looking over my images and believe I have several good ones. You had many good informative suggestions and the fact that you were willing to give up your spaces to get good photos to others was very much appreciated. I enjoyed meeting the other participants. It was a good group. I already have a couple of photographer friends who will likely join you on one of your workshops. I will send a few images later when I get time to process them."

Merrill - Southwest '15

"Hi Paul, thank you for guiding us during the workshop - I enjoyed it a lot and will enjoy editing my images for the next few months!!"

Regine - Southwest '15

"It was great meeting and working with you all!!"

Kathy - Southwest '15

"Thanks for the photo and ALL the personal instruction this week. I look forward to seeing you all again!"

Gary - Smoky Mountains '15

"Happy Holidays Paul, remembering all the good times I've had on your workshops!"

Bob - Mighigan Lighthouse Workshop'15

"Hi Paul, We made it home last Thursday evening and are finally catching up on everything from mail to house cleaning, unpacking, and getting back on Eastern Time! We both had so much fun and learned so much on the workshop. We really enjoy traveling, learning and photographing with you."

Linda - Tuscany '15

"Hi Paul, We made it home last Thursday evening and are finally catching up on everything from mail to house cleaning, unpacking, and getting back on Eastern Time! We both had so much fun and learned so much on the workshop. We really enjoy traveling, learning and photographing with you."

Bob - Tuscany '15

"Paul, Enjoyed your presentation on Wednesday to the MMPC group. I would be interested in receiving a copy of your book containing the photos of Charleston but I forgot to enter my email address on your sheet. I have particular interest since my son is in the Air Force and will be transferred to Charleston in July. I certainly would enjoy viewing the photos and then looking at the locations in person. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with our group."

George - Mid Michigan Photography Club '14

"Paul, thanks for the wrap-up email and all the instruction during our workshop. Diane & I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves throughout the entire workshop. Wednesday we got to take some pictures in Coral Sand Dune State Park and drove through Fredonia, AZ picked up the last two coffee mugs from Prairie Dog Pottery (same as those at Oscar's without the name on them) at the source. Delightful visit with the owners there and got an education on their town and their work. Thanks again for your guidance and instruction."

Brad - Zion '14

"Paul, thanks so much for an unforgettable week. So many good sights - sounds and advice. It taught me a great deal including how much I need to learn, and it certainly was a very good lesson in humility. "

Don - Zion '14

"Paul, Thanks again for all of the driving you did on our trip. Having all of us travel together definitely added to the enjoyment of the trip. I feel that I also learned a lot about photography techniques just by listening in on your conversations with others."

Gwyn - Zion '14

"Hi Paul, Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your workshop. I learned so much on this workshop that I am looking forward to going out with you to Las Vegas next year. I was really touched by the way you welcomed me and Gina into your group even though I was the only shooter you did not leave out the non shooters. It was a pleasure to meet you and learn from you. You are a very gifted photographer and teacher. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge and friendship. Great Workshop!"

Jonathan - Charleston '14

"Bob and I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed your Smoky Mountain Workshop. This was our third workshop with you and once again we each came away with more "aha" moments of how to see a composition and capture it.

You teach with humility and no arrogance and you are just good with people. These qualities mean a lot to me as a student. Thank you for not only teaching Bob and me so many new things in each workshop and for creating an environment for having fun while we learn."

Linda & Bob- Smoky Mountains '14 Charleston '13 Italy '12

"I just wanted to say that the expertise you shared during the workshop was invaluable. I couldn't begin to quantify the amount knowledge I came away with. Looking forward to attending another workshop with you."

Elizabeth - Charleston '14

"Thanks again for another wonderful learning week! "

Charlie & Janice- Charleston '14 Tuscany '13

"Thanks Paul, In spite of my old knees, I really enjoyed the trip. You are a great teacher and have helped me a lot. Steve and Grazia made the trip to Rome an enjoyable and interesting experience. Want to go back."

Paul - Venice '13

"I have never forgotten how much I enjoyed your Italy excursion. It was so awesome! Learned the most of any workshop I've been on so far!(Sold many canvases as a result..)Yet.. I feel like I've lost the invaluable skills and knowledge I learned on that trip - and would love to think about another."

Lisa - Venice, Pisa and Cinque Terre '13

"Paul, I am so happy with the workshop and again wanted to thank you for all the ideas, tips, guidance, and patience. I think your style is superb and I hope to stay connected to your work and perhaps help set up or take down one of these days. I have downloaded all the images, installed Nik software on my laptop and pc, and am ready to work on enhancing them. One nice thing about being away for the week is that I realized that if I am going to be any good at this, I had better get out and shoot. Best to you"

Bob - Smoky Mountains '12

"Paul set up a "private" workshop for my teenage daughter and her friends in the Smokey Mountains. We all had a great time, capturing images during the early morning hours and evenings, and rafting and tubing during the afternoons. Paul was wonderful in setting up a variety of shooting opportunities, and the girls learned about cameras, composition, and lighting. The best part of the workshop was that the teenagers woke up before dawn and enjoyed themselves doing it! Thanks again!"

Deb- Smoky Mountains '12

"I want to thank you for all your help and advice on how to BEGIN to take professional photos. I will never look at a cloudy day again in the same way. I learned so much about shooting and the digital SLR - plus I had a great time. So it was work and fun at the same time. What a great combo. We had such a nice group of people that made the trip special".

Bob - Charleston Workshop '11

"Just a quick note to let you tell you again how much I enjoyed the trip. Had a great time and learned a lot."

Sharon - Charleston Workshop '11

"My journey to Charleston is one amazing memory thanks to you and all of your photographic skills and equipment."

Mary Lynn - Charleston Workshop '11

"Paul,It was a great learning experience for me to be with you on the workshop in Tuscany. You did a fantastic job of lining up picturesque places to capture great images at sunrise and sunset, as well as teaching techniques that I wouldn't have known otherwise.The others in the class were also fun to be around and provided fond memories. Thanks again."

Paul - Italy Workshop '11

"Paul, what a mind opening experience! It was a vacation for my mind -- all new things people, places. Pat had I both had a great time. You are the BEST travel guide & photo teacher! I learned alot."

Judy - Italy Workshop '11

"Italy was my second workshop with Paul and just as enjoyable and informative as the first. Tuscany was filled with great images just waiting to be captured. I came home with a nice variety of shots - landscapes, local towns, objects, even an Italian cat (which closely resembles my American one). If you have only one chance to go on a photography workshop, go with Paul."

Sharon - Tuscan Workshop '11

[We have] a picture from high on a hilltop of Vernazza, the village in Cinque Terre where we stayed for 4 days. We would go out every morning before dawn to "catch the light" and then climb the same mountainside to "catch the sunset" I walked the mountain goat like trail between vernazza and Corniglia and have the pictures to prove it!"

Carol - Italy Workshop '10

"It was a wonderful workshop. We loved the locations, the instruction, and especially enjoyed all the people.

Craig - Italy Workshop '10

Helen and I enjoyed the trip to Italy very much. We thank you and Jane for the wonderful experience we had while in Italy. We will highly recommend your Italian Photographic Workshops to everyone who wants to learn how to photograph and learn more about photography. Your photographic workshops were great. I can not thank you enough for all the help you and Jane provided."

Clyde - Italy Workshop '10

"What a wonderful trip! We really enjoyed the workshop! It was a great learning experience and so much fun with the people you had in the class. I know I learned a lot of new things from camera techniques to composition ideas, and got a bunch of great photos to work with... [my wife] felt you really got her back into photography and helped her learn a lot of things too. It was a perfect sized workshop group so that you were able to work with each of us on each shoot. We'll keep an eye on your web site to see what workshops you have planned in the future. Again Paul, thank you for a wonderful photography and learning experience in a beautiful part of the world!!!"

Bob - Italy Workshop '10

"Hi Paul, I just wanted to write to tell you how much I enjoyed your workshop in Cinque Terre. I am so glad for the experience and appreciate your patience with me at my beginner's level with digital photography. I came away eager to learn more and Bob and I practiced everyday after your class when we went on to Lucca, Pisa, and Siena. You taught such a good foundation of the important basics for creating good photographs. Catching the morning and evening light is so important as I now realize more than anything. And how you taught to compose the photo as to the amount of sky versus land or water and whether or not to include foreground trees, twigs or bushes."


"I realize I am only at a beginner's level at all of this, but I can see myself improving a little bit with every time I go out and practice. All in all, your workshop was a fantastic experience. You are a very good instructor and you are also a very kind, considerate, patient, tolerant and understanding person. Thanks so much for a wonderful class. I learned so much and most of all am so inspired to continue learning photography."

Linda - Italy Workshp '10

"Not only was it my first time visiting the Smoky Mountains, I also was relatively new to photography when I signed up. Paul taught me how to properly compose a scene, and achieve correct exposures when the light was tricky. They know the Smokey Mountains well, and took us too many photogenic spots."

Robert - Smoky Mountains Workshop '09

"In the past I have been to the Smoky Mountains, but was never satisfied with most of my photographs. Paul was very helpful and know how to teach photography, because this time I captured some really good images (better than any of my previous pictures in 5 years of photography)."

Karen - Smoky Mountains Workshop '09

"Paul conducted a well-organized Smoky Mountains workshop. They know the place well, and had each day's itinerary planned. They were eager to offer tips when I needed it, but they also let me do my own thing."

Steve - Smokey Mountains Workshop '08p>

"Great Trip! I really felt like even though I knew very little about my camera or how it worked Paul took the time to show me what to do, and I ended up taking some amazing photos. You really helped me understand what it means to look through a lens and "see art". You patients and guidance really made for a once in a lifetime opportunity. I can't wait to go again!"

Rachel - Grand Canyon Workshop '08