Testimonials

Gail is hugely encouraging and supportive but cares enough to tell you when something is not good enough. Another fundamental of great teaching!

I had to pinch myself as I sat down at the computer with Gail Fisher, a former photo editor of the LA Times! Gail expertly trawled through my pictures sharing her vast experience on how to edit a series of images to create a meaningful narrative.

As something of a novice to photography, these 5 days gave me instant access to the considerable expertise of the course leaders.

The instructors are dedicated to demystifying the world of photography and providing opportunities to practically engage in creating photographic art.

Dotan is hands on and supportive but will challenge each of his students to push themselves. Like all great teachers, he understands where you are on your artistic journey and on what to focus to move to the next level.

Dotan's passion and expertise cast light on all aspects of photography.

This workshop gave me an opportunity to work in a collaborative atmosphere with a diverse group of fellow photographers. It was a truly exceptional learning experience.

I experienced a "real world" photojournalist assignment.

The immersion experience focused my learning and enabled me to gather on site composition tips and gain confidence behind my camera.

Working from dawn until evening and a deadline looming, experienced pros Gail and Dotan guided me through all phases of the shooting, editing, and sequencing of my photos.

The end result of the workshop was a photo journal I could share with both the artist I followed - and the City of Santa Barbara for promoting the festival in future years.

A "feel good" experience all around!

My prior experience with workshops is that they teach you new processes and techniques in a short time period but there is no real long term change on your work habits. This workshop is quite different.

The workshop is built around a specific photo assignment with real deadlines and specific outcomes, which gave me the focus and intensity I needed to push myself.

The small number of participants allowed for lots of meaningful, enriching interactions with the instructors and other students throughout the week.

I enjoyed the intimacy of this workshop: With only 8 participants, our common passion for photography and a hunger to push ourselves brought us together as kindred spirits.

It was great to all work on our own assignment without having a horde of paparazzi shooting the same subject.

This was a transformative experience in the practice of developing my photography.

I am so thankful that I got to participate in this workshop. I met amazing people, developed some new friendships and discovered profound insights on my photographic journey.

The combination of learning, stunning location, and camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts made it an exceptional experience. My gratitude goes to the organizers for crafting an immersive and enlightening adventure.

Learning to capture the essence of the Solstice celebration through documentary photography was such a rewarding challenge. It provided more than technical skills; it instilled an artistic perspective that has elevated my photography.

The highlight, undoubtedly, was the book layout session. Bringing all the learnings together, I was able to synthesize my journey into a visual narrative that I'll have for forever in the form of a photobook.

The coached editing sessions were pivotal, guiding us to curate and enhance our images by weaving together compelling narratives for an eventual storybook presentation.

Excellent meals, a variety of espresso drinks and liqueurs ensured that our focus remained on the art and craft of photography. From refreshing sodas to delightful cocktails, the workshop organizers left no detail unattended and even prepared many of our meals!

The comfortable on-site and spacious lodging was not just a place to rest but also an opportunity to relax and chitchat with the other members of the workshop and to really get to know one other.

Group critiques enriched my understanding, helping me refine my skills with diverse and positive input from my peers. The teaching presentations provided a solid foundation, while the contextual coaching in the field pushed me to see and compose stories in new ways.

Dotan and Gail's workshop was such a memorable experience!

This workshop enables any aspiring photographer to improve their skills across the board, including rarely taught skills such as editing and sequencing images to tell a compelling story.

Dotan's proven and actionable system helps students consciously improve all aspects of image creation.

You will leave a better photographer, with great memories, and new friendships!

I have nothing but highest regards for the complementary skills of these two masters of their craft, and I'd love to spend time learning from them again.

Dotan has a methodical approach to seeing photographs before you take them: the act of making a photo happens more in your mind's eye, regardless of the camera you choose to use.

As an engineer, I appreciate that Dotan lays out criteria to better photography (design-information-moment) that you can use as you learn, both before and as you grow into a style of your own.

Gail, as an editor, is capable of reviewing and picking through thousands of photographs to easily spot clear winners, weed out the chaff, and find places where your story has gaps.

Gail started me on a path of thinking in a bigger scope: of a single photograph being part of a whole, that not only can, but should find its place to carry the viewer forward with a unified narrative.

As the result of the workshop, I now have a really nice reportage photobook, and a deeper understanding of Dotan’s methods and Gail’s editorial knowhow.

My time was well spent and worth every cent.

Editing and composing a photo book were real treats. I can't wait for future workshop offerings!

Gail and Dotan's enthusiastic coaching helped me focus on key components including fishing, foreseeing and looking to tell the story.

This workshop took me several levels higher in my skills and education in just a few days due to the complimentary methodologies practiced by Gail and Dotan.

I was initially worried I was too inexperienced to tell a story with photographs but Dotan and Gail gave me the confidence and tools to get it done.

I learned as much as I normally do in a whole Semester of study. This workshop is one of the best things I could have done for myself to increase my photography skills, improve my confidence in photographing strangers, and learn to tell a documentary story from start to finish.

I've come away from this workshop enthusiastic for my future photography work. It has been a highlight of my photography journey to date. It’s also been a highlight of my life!

We all stayed at or near the workshop headquarters and had our meals together. That created a special homely atmosphere where friendships were forged and fun was had.

A dream of mine as a child was to be a National Geographic photographer, so when I heard that Gail Fisher, ex Nat. Geo. Editor, was running the workshop with Dotan, I jumped at the chance to soak up as much knowledge as possible.

Dotan and Gail work as a fantastic team together. The both have a slightly different approach, which adds to the learning experience. And they continually bounce ideas off each other.