The Santa Fe Workshops are a well-oiled machine, but the people who keep it running so beautifully are far from machine-like. I encountered so much warmth and welcoming, an unusual level of appreciation for the faculty and students, and a program that allowed for learning, inspiration, good food, and new relationships. It was an atmosphere of joy and excitement and Director Reid Callanan set the tone with grace and enthusiasm.
Last night, the 5 classes had their final presentations, and each teacher had to speak about their class, with a slide show to follow. I didn't expect to get choked up, but I did, because I have made a group of new friends who I respect and admire. Thank you to all at the workshops for making my stay so special, huge thank yous to Brandon Johnson for all of his amazing assistance, and finally thank you to the wonderful photographers who came from all across the country to share in this experience. I look forward to all of their successes!
Sally deFord, Untitled
Santiago Vanegas, Antarctica #1823
Randy Karg, Self Portrait
Brandon Johnson, from Cowboy and the Angel
Yvette Meltzer, from Picasso's Playground
Jay Ritter, Abstract #4
Alex Arzt, from Human Animal
Christa Blackwood, Hanukkah, France's crib, wetplate
7 comments:
Having attended a workshop at SF Workshops, I couldn't agree more Aline! It was a magical and memorable week for me too! K. Carson
Oh oh oh oh oh (insert favorite "feel good" tune in the oh's)! What can I say? Before meeting Randy, Brandon, Alex, Christa, Yvette, Jay, Sally, and Aline (!), I was a bit unsure about the purpose of my photography in this world. Now, more than ever, it feels right. Full of inspiration, focus, and ... purpose. Aline, thank you thank you thank you for your talent, honesty, wit, experience, generosity, and humanity. Again, this is only the beginning.
Love to all of you big shots :)
-Santiago
What can I say, the joy of working and meeting Aline. The joy of making special friends that I will always have there to help me along with my photographic journey (and kick my butt if need be). Thank-you to everyone!
Randy Karg
What a joy and honor to meet and work with Aline! I will always cherish the times I had with my new photo team/friends. It will be nice to have such a talent pool to help me, teach me and kick my butt when needed! Thanks everyone it was a fantastic time. (Now time to plan the next workshop).
Aline, YOU were a joy to have here and we are all excited about the huge success of your workshop in a very intense 4-day format. I've heard only positive and happy comments from your students. And we, the staff, loved making a new friend. Can't wait to have you back!
Cheers,
Renie
I took three classes at SF Workshops and they were all amazing and, in a way, life changing. One was fun, inspiring and really really helpful. One I cried through because it was so hard (studio lighting...auugggh!) And one convinced me that I would never be a top notch photographer but had a really good eye for looking at other people's work. The final course was the one that pushed me towards being a gallery director which is how I met you, Aileen.
If I could afford to, I'd still go back just to experience the place and stretch my mind.
I"m so glad you loved it and not a bit surprised that your students loved you.
cheers, Liza Cowan
Randy Karg,
What a wonderful image (Self Portrait). I've gone back to it a couple times. I've looked for your site, to no avail. Where are you?
Yvonne Muller, www.yvonnemuller.com, Review Santa Fe participant, 2007
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