"Mike is an exceptionally talented artist and photographer, yet he remains humble. It’s a pleasure exploring locations and creative interpretations of the subject at hand with him. He has zero ego and the focus is always on helping the workshop participants express their own vision with his extensive technical expertise and generous guidance. I have worked with him many times and I always learn something new. He’s a natural leader and teacher as well as being an accomplished artist. This combination is rare in my experience. I feel lucky to have found him to help me improve my own photographic vision."
"Mike is a brilliant photographer and the best teacher I’ve ever worked with. He’s extremely knowledgeable, patient, and has a unique ability to meet his student’s needs at their individual experience levels. He’s fun to work with because he’s alway enthusiastic, positive, and he truly loves what he’s doing. Also, he comes prepared with contingencies and alternative locations in mind to respond to unpredictable weather conditions. I especially appreciate his resourcefulness."
Mike is an exceptional teacher and a great guide! As a total beginner, I learned more from him in just 20 minutes than I had on a prior 2 week long photo trip. His passion for photography and nature is contagious and makes every shoot exciting and fun. He's super attentive, patient and a great hands-on instructor; helping set up the composition, talking you through and explaining what settings to use and why in every situation. His scheduling and shoots are well thought out and he's great at finding the best spots to help you get a great shot. No matter your level, I'd 100% recommend traveling with Mike--he's just the best!
I highly recommend doing workshops with Mike. I’ve done half a dozen with him over the past few years and it’s always a highlight of my year. Mike’s a funny, easy going, nature loving guy who is a joy to be around because he truly cares for and enjoys people. He will have you experiencing wonderfully beautiful locations while growing your skills as a photographer, and having fun while doing it. I walk away from each workshop feeling refreshed to go back into work, and with a killer shot I can’t wait to share.
The small group sizes are great because it enables Mike to pay close attention to everyone, being attentive when you need it and also knowing when to give you space for learning and creativity. I think one of the biggest selling points of Mike’s workshops is the deep research and trip planning he does before starting a new workshop. I’ve seen the benefits of this in the unique locations Mike takes us to, the interesting knowledge he shares that leaves me feeling more connected to an experience, and the on-the-fly flexibility Mike pulls from as mother nature disagrees with our itinerary. I’ve seen weather make him need to pivot our plans from A to B to C, and we’ve still come out having a good shoot. A few days on a photo trip planned by Mike leaves me with more high quality shoots than the sum of all my personally planned trips in a year. Mike makes it so you can simply show up and focus 100% on photography. Don’t hesitate to book a workshop with him, you won’t regret it!"
I’ve been on numerous photo tours and workshops and have found Mike to be one of the best guides! He has fantastic teaching skills and patience for beginner through advanced photographers. This workshop showcased his careful scouting and planning for our awesome week in Kauai; including hiking and site access tips, specific location and timing of each shoot along with access knowledge. His upbeat attitude and sense of humor always makes the workshops enjoyable and productive.
