What People Say
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is single best experience you can invest in. Not for everyone perhaps- if you’re looking to make cookie cutter photos then it’s not for you…but…if you’re willing to grow as a photographer, give everything you’ve got, put your ego aside and deeply want to start taking real, compelling images, don’t hesitate – jump in.
The workshop is not only about photography; it’s about breaking boundaries and going beyond that what you’re comfortable with. You are thrown into situations you possibly haven’t faced before. Whether finding a story at a smilingly “boring” place or getting closer to strangers than you ever felt possible- you have to come back with a visually compelling story- FW WILL prepare you to do just that.
The hardest part is being critiqued in front of some of the best photojournalist in our industry – having to show each and every image you’ve taken. Marcin told me that it feels somewhat like getting naked in front of others. He’s right, not only the mentors and staff are THE BEST, you are among fellow students that are extremely talented, established and highly respected photographers in our industry. They all see your work, you all grow together.
The workshop is not about promising silver bullets, it opens the door to rid of your fears and start seeing…seeing others, telling their stories.
Team leaders along with mentors give so much [safe to say a 24h/day mentoring], but you also learn from participants- watching their photography flourish in just few days. Friendships that form during this workshop are something beyond imagination. All the hard work, late night editing, night talks, powerful presentations and people that share everything they got with open heart, will make this experience beyond what you can imagine! This will be the most intense and lovely workshop you can attend, it’s no lie, we all want to go back each year.
It’s hard to come back after this workshop, you find yourself missing everyone there… you wish for one more sleepless night to spend with your friends, to take few more photos, to grow… thank you for the inspiration and tools to continue our growth as photographers.
- Aga [with input from Marcin], both participants, FW7
FW7 was so much more than a workshop…it was an experience. It wasn’t so much of a how-to kind of workshop for me, but more of a “face your photographic weaknesses” kind of experience that makes this a memorable and, hopefully, life-changing week. I learned that fear is something that comes with the unexpected life of a photojournalist and it doesn’t necessarily go away. You can bring it along for the ride and make it your hostage rather than letting it control you! I realize now, that having fear of the subject you photograph can hinder you from capturing creative and memorable photographs. That’s what this week opened my eyes to. I have to thank everyone from the leadership to the students for sharing their lives for an incredible five days!
– Ray Anthony, participant, FW7
Last week, I attended the Foundation Workshop, which helps wedding and portrait photogs develop their photojournalism skills. To say it like that seems so dry, as I made so many new friends and feel like I have joined an amazingly warm and supportive community by attending. I also learned a ton about myself, the way I shoot, and how my psyche is most definitely involved, good or bad.
Each student was given an assignment in the DFW area to cover and create a story with images. I was assigned the McKinney Senior Recreational Center. I loved it so much that I am actually going to become a volunteer there! What an incredible community resource it is…I hope it is still around in oh, 30 years or so.
– Kate Mefford, participant, FW7
I returned today from the Foundation Workshop. It’s the best photography workshop out there! Under the instruction of some of the best wedding photojournalists and former newspaper photographers in the country, students work independently for two days covering a photo story within the community. During the evenings every photograph is critiqued in a small group setting. It’s painful at first but it’s been the best way I’ve grown as a photographer.
This was my second year to do the workshop. Also returning was New York photographer Aga of Aga Images. Together we were assigned the annual Golden Gloves Tournament held at the Hella Shriner’s Temple in Garland Texas.
– Ashley Langford, participant, FW6 and FW7
The foundation workshop was an eye opening experience for me. The opportunity to be taught by arguably the worlds best wedding photojournalists gathered at one workshop was out of this world. To be honest, the entire experience was amazing. From the days spent on assignment to time shared with other students to the extensive late night critiques, the only way I can describe the foundation workshop is “the complete experience”. You will be taught, challenged, supported and loved by the staff and participants through a powerful, life changing journey.
- Nic Dragomire, participant, FW7
A life changing experience. It might sound a little cliche, but there really is no other way to describe it. From the classes on the first day to the slideshows on the last, this is the best workshop out there for wedding photographers. Too many workshops focus on trying to make you a better wedding photographer. Foundation will simply make you a better photographer. You will learn from some of the best in the industry how to move past getting the safe shots and start learning how to find & tell a story. If you sign up for FW8, come say hi because I plan on going back every year.
-Scott Williams, participant, FW7
My thoughts on my experience at Foundation Workshop aka. FW7, may be a bit scattered and underwhelming. That is not due to the fact that it wasn’t an amazing experience. It was more than anything I had anticipated. It’s just been difficult for me to put into words what I went through, what I felt, what I know I’m still growing into.
People keep asking how it went, tell me all about it, did you enjoy it? And a selfish part of me wants to keep it all to myself. Not spill a thing.
It was such a personal journey, words just fail to describe.
The images were not the important thing for me here. Honestly, I just wanted to learn. Learn how to get out of the way of myself.
My team leader, Tyler Wirken, was such a phenomenal teacher. His ability to get his point across without making you feel as though you had done something wrong was outstanding. Ok, well, sure I screwed up, but he never belittled me for it. I could tell that he just wanted me to see. Really see.
My assignment took me to Southfork Ranch, otherwise known as the place where the exterior of the Dallas tv show was filmed.
I met some incredible and fun people, from the workers there to the avid fans of the show. Many a thank you to you kind folks!
However, it comes back to, for me, taking a chance on myself. Deciding if I was brave enough to fail. And then, if I had the courage to continue forward and really open my eyes.
It was a crazy good time. It has boggled my brain and heart and the level of understanding I had of myself. It’s challenged me, which is exactly what I needed. I’m a bit battered and bruised, but not in an unhealthy way.
My heart keeps skipping beats each morning I awake, thinking it’s time to head back out there and shoot. And then be edited again.
And a large part of me is sad when I realize that it’s now up to me to keep that momentum alive.
As much as I was terrified of the whole editing and shooting process, there was comfort in knowing you were surrounded by others in the same boat.
More importantly, surrounded by honest to goodness great teachers who you just knew, felt to the core of your being, that they were invested in you, sometimes more than you may have been in yourself.
Many many thanks to the team members I worked along side: Duncan Kerridge, Dan Shuman, Jerry Yoon, Joseph Allen; the very patient and kind mentors: Mark Adams, Neil Cowley, and Janine McClintock.
Most importantly my heartfelt thanks and praise goes to Tyler Wirken. You. are. awesome.
I’m going to continue forward, and hope I do you all (as well as myself) proud.
ps. If you are a photographer interested in any of these experiences, check out the FWF forum for more info on future FWworkshops.
Also, Tyler and another extraordinarily talented photographer, Brooks Whittington, are holding their own workshop this coming April, check it out!!
– Stacey Doyle, participant, FW7
I just got back from Dallas, Texas where everything is BIG. I went down to attend The Foundation Workshop . My goal was to improve my storytelling skills and to stretch myself as far as I could without breaking as I reached up closer to my potential. I just want to make better images. My teacher is a 2 times Pulitzer Prize winner and I was THRILLED to be one of 5 photographers to be learning from Greg Gibson. I was given an assignment to shoot over the course of 2 days. Mentors came out to the field to coach and we had critique sessions every night. (into the wee hours) My assignment was to find and tell a story at Bill Smith’s Cafe. I loved being a part of this workshop and loved my assignment.
I try to get to a workshop or 2 ever year, but they all paled compared to this experience. I was there to learn by stepping out from behind all my preconceived notions of who I am as a photographer and what kind of work I do. I was blessed to have Jennifer Domenick, Joe Dickie and Tina Carter on Greg’s team as mentors correcting me, pushing me, cheering me on, and coaching me to make better images.
- Verna Pitts, participant, FW7
Participating in the Foundation Workshop has affected me in positive ways that are immeasurable, and to this day remains an integral part of the compass by which I rely upon to guide me on photo shoots.
The professionals under which I studied provided amazing feedback, critique, and instruction that no book or website could ever offer. The Foundation Workshop immersed me into real life situations where moments happen at the turn of a dime, and it taught me to anticipate those moments and capture them through my lens.
If you are wondering what would be best way to gain practical and effective knowledge of photojournalism that you can apply to your skills as a professional photographer, in any form, wonder no more. The Foundation Workshop will teach you to see your surroundings with new eyes, and will open your mind to many great possibilities that will stay with you throughout your career.
I can now provide my clients with more interesting art, which has helped our business stand out among our peers and provide something unique.
Thank you, Foundation Workshop, for nurturing and mentoring me in such an amazing way!
Andrew Mejia, participant, FW6
I think FW is one of the best workshops any photographer can take. It’s a must for those wanting to really produce work that is breath taking and real.
While other workshops provide tid bits of how to imitate rock star photographers and promise you magic bullets, this workshop takes you to another level of self discovery and it literally opens your eyes!
It’s hands on, it’s intense and challenging but what you get out of it is something beyond ordinary. You do become a better photographer!
Aga, participant, FW6
We’re constantly striving to improve the our photo documentary skills and devote a good chunk of our R&D into a few workshops each year. I recently had the privilege of attending the Foundations Workshop 6 in Allen, Tx. The workshop is led by some top shelf photojournalists. It can be easily said that the top 10 wedding photojournalists in the world were assembled in one room and ready to show us the ropes. The main goal of the workshop was to help improve our visual storytelling by learning to think and see like a photojournalist on a real assignment. One of the many beneficial byproducts from the workshop was making friends with all the talented other students and instructors. Despite, all the talent gathered in one setting there were no egos, but rather everyone was intensely focused more on being inspired and learning from each other.
The learning process at the workshop can be a bit rough at times during the edit sessions, especially for folks like me who have been shooting more than half his life. However, by keeping an open mind and taking in advise from my team lead and mentors I was able to make some awesome strides forward in telling a story photographically.
This workshop was the most enriching photographic week of my life and has made me really excited about capturing some great images this coming wedding season!
Ed Atrero, participant, FW6
Some additional comments from participants at FW6 (who supplied these anonymously via their post-workshop surveys):
Foundation is a photographer’s opportunity to inspire and be inspired. With the high level of individual attention, you don’t leave Foundation without feeling like an improved photojournalist. You just don’t. Foundation has been the best investment made in my career thus far. Just do it.
FW6 was a single best workshop I have attended. The learning, the growth and eye opening experience will stay with me forever along with beautiful friendships. I wish I could attend this workshop every year- seriously it is THAT good.
The power of the Foundation Workshop goes well beyond techniques, images, and slideshows. The community of photographers and their professional and personal generosity is well beyond any single experience I have ever had, professionally or personally.
This is a great workshop to get started with true photojournalism as PJ is practiced by all photographers in the leading news agencies around the world. Learning about their work methods, how they think and react to a situation and the forces that motivate them is truly inspirational.
The presentation on Monday helped explaining the idea of PJ – how a photographer “sees the story” is a skill that requires experience, insight, anticipation, inventiveness, & passion.
I felt that the mini shooting exercise was very helpful, I learned how to create simple and clean images by using composition, cropping & angles. The exercise prepared me with using those skills to tell stories of news, emotions, and life experiences.
I valued the late night critic sessions the most!!! The constructive criticism from my mentor, Brooks, took my mind to a different level… I am now willing to take risks visually with photography, in order to create new and innovative images while documenting my subjects. I also learned from the critic on on how to brainstorm and develop an in-depth photos essay.
It is too bad that the workshop is only four day long. I think five-day workshop would be better because we all can be benefited from getting more sleep and be more productive the day after
it was such an intensive yet fun and life-changing workshop!
Truly the most amazing workshop experience I’ve had in my life. It’s life-changing and I made friends for life. Worth every f***ng penny!
Check your ego and your preconceptions at the door. This is the most intense, most valuable, most unforgettable learning experience you can ask for. You’ll be a better photographer and a better person for having gone.
It was impossible for me to fully understand what it was I would learn at FW6. But now, having been through it, I have to say it has been almost the most important photography experience in my life!
Attending this workshop turned out to be one of the best weeks of my life. The bonds formed with my team and my subjects – and everyone else – were not something I expected. To call this a “photography workshop” barely scratches the surface. Sure, I learned about photography, but I also learned about myself and what it is to give selflessly, as everyone so graciously did. The love and support were palpable and remarkable. It was truly an experience like no other, and I’m extremely grateful. Thank you to everyone!
If there is a single workshop you could take for the rest of your life to help you improve photographically, Foundation Workshop is it. The feedback I received after the first day of shooting helped immensely. After I received feedback from my team leader on the first day, I came out knowing my weaknesses and was able to improve drastically on the next day of shooting.
Also, another aspect of the Foundation workshop is learning within a team environment. Seeing other team mate’s edits and areas they can improve on reinforces everything you learn at the workshop. I learned as much from my team mates feedback from our team lead as I learned from my individual feedback, if not more.
I made friends for life at the workshop and received so much inspiration from the people I’ve met. I am really excited about this coming wedding season and constantly improving based on what I learned and people that inspired me at FW6.
