I have taken several
photo "Workshops". Most instructors get you to a site and then just
stand back and let you shoot. Ask a question, get an answer. For
years I've helplessly fumbled through my camera's manual, but
without practical help have made only moderate progress. I heard
that Randall called his workshops "Lessons" and what a difference!
At the first meeting he explains and sets each of your cameras
settings to optimize Landscape work. At each site he sets up,
explains each setting he is starting with and then fires off a few
shots. He then moves to each student in turn and checks their
settings and suggests adjustments. We were on site before sunrise
and out after sunset every night learning composition and how to
apply split neutral density filters to help bring out color in our
shots. Thanks to Randall I have firm knowledge of my cameras setting
and how to apply them. I no longer think of myself as a guy that
takes pretty good pictures but now as a real photographer.
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I would highly recommend and do recommend Randall's classes to
anyone who is wanting to learn to take spectacular photos. I've
taken several classes with Randall and have learned a lot in each of
them about composition, light and how to take phenomenal pictures.
Recently I traveled to Europe and had people stopping me to ask how
I was able to take the photos I was taking where I explained the set
up and filters which capture more of the color than what the default
camera is set up to take. I was able to take some phenomenal photos
in Scotland and Switzerland with what I have learned from Randall's
classes. I recently took the epic class on OR coast and was able to
take some incredible photos at each of the locations. Randall
helped me get a new camera and all set up to get the most out of it.
I am continuing to take classes to mostly get the best locations
and gain more insights on how to continue to become a better and
better photographer. I just started a year ago and everyone is
surprised by that because of the quality of my photos. Plus the
classes are lots of fun and get to see incredible beauty in addition
to learning lots. I appreciate the feedback from Randall in
classes and everyone who takes the classes is helpful as well.
Many blessings, Lisa
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I just wanted to thank you so much for the great photography class.
I feel like I gain so much from your classes. I really appreciated
all the individual help you gave Teri and me. That helped me so
much, and I felt like I went to a whole new level in this class.
It’s really gratifying to take a class and see gains. You are such a
great teacher, and I love taking your classes. I’m very grateful for
all I’ve learned and how I’ve grown as a photographer.
Molly |
Well F**K
I just downloaded my images from the last 4 days and they are even
better on the big screen. It's hard to believe that I took
image that look like that. And no need for lightroom except to
add a watermark.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your passion. The
Workshop was great and the outcomes better than expected. |
Hi Randall, I returned to New York last night and wanted you to know
that although it was brief the workshop was terrific and you are a
very fine teacher. I enjoyed myself immensely and learned a
great deal about "getting it right in the camera" Thank you so
much |
Had a great time and met new friends. Randall, thank you for sharing
your knowledge this weekend, I learned so much. Workshop worth every
penny... |
Just wanted to thank you for an amazing class. I loved Mt.
Shuksan and Picture Lake. I really appreciated all the
feedback you gave us and appreciated your circulating among us to
look at our shots. That helped me a lot. It really was a
great class, and I felt like I gained so much. I felt like I
went to a whole new level in this class. Thanks for all your
help and instruction.
Molly
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Randall, thank you for showing me functions on my camera that I
never knew even existed! Your enthusiasm kept me rising early for
the sunrise and staying to after sunset. I also want to thank the
group for an enjoyable and fruitful photo adventure.
Mike
Dodak
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I didn't get a
chance to thank you properly for the class. I was thrilled with what
I learned in Death Valley. The new things and everyday repetition of
the Oregon Coast lessons has topped off my confidence. Thank you so
much. I'm looking forward to the class photo and email list.
Thanks again,
-Jim
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We have taken 4 classes from Randall over the past couple of years.
He has coached us through figuring out how to turn the camera on
and finding the setting to get a great picture. Now he has help us
in a more advanced class in Death Valley focused on more advanced
techniques creating pictures that pop! In our first
classes he focused on how to really get the most out of the camera
and as we progressed he has helped us move to a more critical focus
on framing the image and creating those iconic eye popping pictures.
Randall is always well prepared and has an incredible ability of
being able to put us in the right spot at the right time to get "the
great shot". He does this in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Shawn and Corinne Seven
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Dear Randall,
Thank you so much for an amazing time in Death Valley. I
learned a tremendous amount. In my opinion, got some great
shots. Many not so good, but they really helped me learn.
One thing I know for sure is I will NEVER forget to put the Circular
Polarizer on again, I hope. Your pointers on how you approach
a photo were most enlightening along with many other wonderful
learning experiences.
I am most grateful for your patience with my novice status as
a hiker. Your patience allowed me to experience everything
and your strength in getting me down from Manly Beacon was beyond
amazing. Thank you. Thank you.
Looking forward to continuing learning and experiencing.
I am having great FUN!
Many Blessings, Nanette
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Hi Randall,
I just want to say THANK YOU for your wonderful classes. I have
taken your "Silver Fall", "Mount Rainier", "Mount Shuksan", "Fall
Color" four classes so far. I have learnt so much from you. I really
appreciate your teaching. Your class is fun and practical. You
taught me so much of how to using my Canon camera correctly by
setting up aperture, white balance, picture style, control exposure
comp and much more. I really like that you have taken us to the
fields and shown us how to take picture in different settings -
water fall, sunrise, sunset, fall color and hands-on to correct our
mistakes. I greatly appreciate your way of photography - capture the
image as we see it. Not depends on much post Photoshop. I have
benefited from the class tremendous and felt my photography skill is
in a new level. I love to continue taking your class and learning
from you.
Thanks again, Mary
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After having attended two of Randall Hodges Photography classes I
feel that I am finally on the right path to learning DSLR
photography. Randall
always suggests a starting point for camera settings and how to
tweak the settings for the best results. In addition he drops little
"Pearls of Camera Wisdom" all day long that result in better
Images. Added Bonus: The classes are fun!
Jon Traylor
When I first met Randall while he was working his booth at a street
fair and he told me his photos come from camera adjustments and
filters only, I was skeptical. So I signed up for one of his classes
to shoot fall color and I was amazed! Right from the start,
Randall's instruction had my photos looking unbelievably amazing! I
had a hard time believing that the photos on my camera were really
taken by me! The experience level of the students in the class
varied from brand new on up and he had everyone taking stunning
photos in no time. The class was well worth it and I plan on taking
more classes in the future. Highly recommended!
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I have known Randall for three years. In that time I’ve taken six of
the workshops he offers. These workshops have taken me from a
beginning photographer to a very proficient amateur. He teaches how
to shoot landscape photography with filters like the pros. You also
learn how to shoot macro and night photography. Randall’s technical
and workflow are designed to minimize computer time and maximize
shooting time. He has an easy going style and gives everyone the
personal attention needed to understand the concepts of photography.
Randall’s workshops will take you to some of the most beautiful
places in the northwest. This September I went on a two day backpack
trip with Randall into the North Cascades.
I was able to work side by side with him on a professional
landscape shoot. This was a once in a lifetime experience. If you
are ready to take your photography to the next level, I recommend
this "one on one" trip. Two years ago I traveled to Bryce Canyon for
the three day adventure with Randall and have booked next year’s
“Big Adventure” to Escalante in the Southwest. Every trip has been a
great learning experience and the friendships I have made will last
a lifetime. I highly recommend taking any of the workshops Randall
offers.
Thanks Randall, for sharing your knowledge and your endearing
patience with me. Your friend and student, Ron Smart
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I have enjoyed photography for many years. Reading photography books
and periodicals is very helpful but having hands on help from a
professional photographer created a whole new world for me. Randall
teaches photography by teaching students how to use their camera as
it was meant to be used.
He teaches composition, lighting, and all things required to take a
good picture and how to set up your digital camera to get the best
picture using bracketing, saturation, lenses, filters and a host of
other things that one should know. You can take Photoshop quality
pictures without ever using any computer programs.
I have taken several photo workshops with Randall and have
found him to a very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful instructor.
I enjoy being around Randall have learned much from him. He has
made every trip and workshop a real experience and has given quality
time to each and every student.
I have been to Bryce Canyon and Calf Creek falls three times
and Second Beach on the Olympic Peninsula once and I have signed up
for a workshops for next year. I always learn something new on each
outing and besides it is more enjoyable being outside hiking and
taking pictures than sitting is a stuffy classroom learning computer
programs.
I hope you can come along with Randall, you will never be
disappointed!
Greg Martonick, M.D.
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Hi Randall-
I have taken nearly every workshop that Randall has offered.
I learn new things every time and the areas he has his workshops in
are incredibly beautiful. At the beginning of each class Randall
"circles us up" in order to give basic instructions regarding camera
settings, composition, etc. Then it is time to hit the trail with
our newly learned knowledge. Randall is great at offering one on
one instruction throughout the day, checking our photos and making
suggestions for improvement. Randall's workshops are the highlight
of my year and I look forward to new and interesting locations in
the years ahead.
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Hi Randall,
I
would like to thank you for your instruction and insight this
weekend at the Second Beach, LaPush, WA seminar. I had a
great time! In just the instruction portion of the class
I learned SO much! I felt by the time that we got to the
beach, I was ready to really start capturing great images! And
I was right. Learning to use the in-camera features and
setup really kept me away from the feeling that I would have to
spend longs hours behind the computer screen trying recapture what I
felt and saw at the beach. I left feeling as if I was
beginning to master my camera and understand the principles of
light and composition! I look forward to learning and working with
you at future seminars. Again, thank you!
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I have completed five
workshops with Randall.
His
methods and style have completely changed the way I shoot
landscapes.
Camera
settings and functions are now becoming automatic and I have a
workflow plan that gets me from camera to print much faster.
He
covers all aspect of photography. I recently took Randall’s ‘Second
Beach’ workshop.
It was
one of my best photographic trips ever.
The
beach and sunset were spectacular!
It was
very exciting knowing I had the tools and knowledge to properly
shoot that scene.
I highly
recommend doing any or all of his workshops. Thank you, Randall, for
your wisdom, patience, and for introducing me to some of your
favorite places.
Ron
Smart |
Thanks for the great learning experience last Saturday at Second
Beach. I had some basic photography experience many years ago, but
most of my picture taking experience since the advent of digital
cameras has been basic point and shoot. You really opened my eyes to
capabilities beyond the automatic settings of the camera. Even
though my camera wasn’t the full blown SLR like most of the folks, I
really appreciated your ability to help me get the most out of the
camera. I also appreciated your easy teaching style. You
communicated the lessons, plus all the hints and tips, in a way that
was instructional, but was also fun and casual. I know it is not an
easy thing to do given all the different skill levels and
personalities. I look forward to taking some of your
other classes. Thanks, Chris Boyd
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The Second Beach Sunset Photography Class this last weekend was a
fantastic experience, one not to be missed! Once we got our
formalities of the class and gear organized, while Randall
demonstrated techniques and tips, off we went with determination to
learn "world Class" sunset capturing photography on one of the most
beautiful and breathtaking beaches you'll ever see. Randall has an
easy going style, amazing energy and enthusiasm to help his students
really learn and gain individual instruction on their own gear. I
love his concepts in shooting style and his willingness to share his
incredible skill and knowledge with others that love photography.
Thanks Randall for a great time, wonderful, magical tips and amazing
sunset shots I did capture!! Unforgettable! ….Kim;)
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I really found it inspiring and helpful. I think I've noticed that
now that I've used that CPL, I'm seeing colors more vividly. Its
really cool! I think one of the most helpful tips was to keep the
camera perfectly still when using tripods on unstable surfaces;
don't touch it or move at all. I'm anxious to keep trying out new
shots.
Thank you so much for what you taught us all.
God bless. Josh
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Sunset at Second Beach was one of Randall's best seminars to date.
The Olympic Peninsula is stunning, and having the opportunity to
photograph it with an instructor as talented and patient as Randall
was an exceptional experience. Earlier this summer his Silver Falls
State Park seminar took us to Salem for a weekend of hiking and
waterfalls - a not to be missed adventure which resulted in some of
the best training and waterfall photos ever. Not only does this
instructor have an amazing eye and working knowledge of cameras, he
is able to communicate effectively at whatever level his students
shoot at. Can't wait for the Mt. Shuksan class in Washington this
fall! Warm regards,
Diane Beard
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Hi Randall,
I would like to thank you for your instruction and insight this
weekend at the Second Beach, LaPush, WA seminar. I had a great time!
In just the instruction portion of the class I learned SO much! I
felt by the time that we got to the beach, I was ready to really
start capturing great images! And I was right. Learning to use the
in-camera features and setup really kept me away from the feeling
that I would have to spend longs hours behind the computer screen
trying recapture what I felt and saw at the beach. I left feeling as
if I was beginning to master my camera and understand the principles
of light and composition! I look forward to learning and working
with you at future seminars. Again, thank you!
Daniel Rogers
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I took part in the Columbia River Gorge seminar and not only had
fun, but also learned a great deal about what my camera is capable
of. Spending time with fellow photography enthusiasts added to the
experience. Randall is not only knowledgeable, but patient and does
a great job of explaining the subject matter. I found the seminar to
be very worthwhile. Gordon Hjelm
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