Maine Photographic Workshops at Rockport - any good?

Dear fellow photographers,

 

I am an intermediate level photographer (having only taken a course

at NYU but otherwise taken '000's of photos) and I am considering

taking a one week intensive course at Maine Photographic Workshops

and wonder whether any of you have gone there and what you think of

it? When one factors in tuiton, board and renting a car for a week,

it can total $1800 so I want to be sure it's not just a group of

people taking pictures together and is actually instructional and

helpful to honing my skills. (I am interesting in the Photographer's

Eye course.) Any input would be most helpful.

 

Phil

Phil,

This might not be the answer you are looking for but it depends. Meaning it

depends upon who is teaching the course while you are there. This workshop

lists several instructors but only one of those listed teaches for that week. You

might do better to select a workshop in a specific area of the medium that you

believe you need help or wish to explore. just a thought.

The B&W Printing class taught by George Tice is a hum-dinger. But be aware that there seems to be some kind of problem due to the autocratic owner of the Workshop facilities. For general photographic participation and enjoyment I would recommend the Santa Fe Workshop, which is owned and operated by a former employee from Rockport. Both have gotten a little too expensive for me.

Gentlemen,

 

Thanks for your comments. I just returned from my week in Maine and thoroughly enjoyed it. The course was about Vision which makes assessing progress a little nebulous. But by the end of the week, my eye for what makes a photograph works was certainly honed. I was also with wonderful classmates. It was a very nice week. I did however pick up on the tensions one of you mentioned regarding the owner of the Workshops. It seems that his imprimatur on the school is too strong. His creativity lectures were of very little value to me and I did hear concerns from staff about his management.

 

Nonetheless, highly recommended and enjoyable. Maine's coast and quirky population make for great subjects. Rockport with 1200 people, is bigger than you think.

 

Phil