Has anyone attended a workshop...
 

...at this operation?

http://www.theworkshops.com/index.asp

They have a helluva lot of programs and they look interesting. But I am always a bit suspicious.

I had a girlfriend--Kate--who was into photography--in fact, the same girlfriend mentioned in my Watchdog contribution several years back--and she attended these workshops in Rockport, Maine several years in a row. These workshops are among the most prestigious in the country for photography, and they are staffed by highly trained professionals. After several years of these workshops, Kate was able to do things like "see" in black and white, use her hand as a gray card, and instantly know what f stop and lens combination she wanted to use for a particular shot. In sum, she went from ambitious amateur to well-oiled photographic machine, able to seek out interesting visuals and effectively critique her own work.

I haven't taken these workshops, but from hearing about her experiences, I think you'll get your money's worth, and that's probably saying a lot, because I understand these workshops are rather expensive.

Ken:

I took the Steadicam class at Rockport in '85 (and return to instruct ten years later). The workshops are the real thing in a wonderful environment, but of course they will vary depending on who is teaching. And, yes, they are expensive--but not compared to film school at a college/university.

I taught Avid editing the second or third year they offered it. It's very well done and their reputation is among the best. Highly recommended.

Jeff

Thanks everyone for the remarks. It certainly looks like I can set aside my suspicions. I'm particularly surprised to see two ex-instructors (Jeff and Charles)!

I'm considering attending the Documentary Videography class in October.

Outside of the educational benefits, Ken, if you haven't been to New England in October, you're in for a treat. Couldn't be more beautiful. And--uh--don't know if you are single or not, but there's a unique social aspect to those workshops too, sort of a summer-camp-for-adults feel, that can be VERY interesting...

I've wanted to visit N.E. in the fall for a very long time. This may be a good excuse.

But, alas, I'm happily married...and probably far too old for the camp scene. So that excuse would be out...darn it.

Hi Ken

Im trying to find that class on there web site but not having much luck.
I wonder if you would post the url, as i will be working on a documentary after the first of the new year in NYC, this would be something i would be interested in checking out.

Thanks Jim

PS Anyone know of a class like this in the Washington D.C. area??

Sure Jim. Here 'tis.

http://www.theworkshops.com/catalog/courses/index.asp?CourseID=2151&SchoolID=22