Reviews – In-Person Landscape Photography Workshops

“When I first contacted David, I was resident architect on the renovation of a French château in the Loire valley, France, and although I had time off during the day – I really needed to remain on the château worksite – as any renovation of an ancient building throws up surprise questions at any odd time. We planned the photography workshop around the various châteaux in the Loire region. Shoots were planned in advance and David created a structured plan that allowed me to stay in contact with my on-site work but learn the techniques in a logical and meaningful manner. Bringing the photography workshop to me was very unique – but the perfect solution given my work situation.”

“I found the free portfolio days a huge bonus. The fine art landscape photography workshop is structured and had very specific goals. On our portfolio shooting days, the pressure to learn a specific technique was lifted, so I could observe how David worked and benefited from a more informal exchange on composition, analysis of light and getting all the basic raw material correct, at the camera stage. David is a very patient tutor, open and generous with all his knowledge. A great tutor and very easy to get on with, making learning both easy and enjoyable. I got as much out of our portfolio shooting days as the fine art landscape photography workshops more formal and structured days. If you really want to learn then David puts in the effort and I reckon the week we spent together was worth a year of self-study.”

“Choosing to travel to a new destination with David for the fine art landscape photography workshop was the perfect solution; I was able to learn how David approached his fine art photography from inception to completion with personal tuition – BUT on ‘real’ travel locations. A valuable insight into David’s entire approach and returning with some incredible portfolio photographs from Prague, all while learning valuable new techniques such as researching, scouting and planning new locations to photograph. By learning the digital workflow with one-to-one tuition and returning home with great portfolio material, made the ‘Travel With You’ option a perfect investment of my time and money.”

“Even though I had 10 years of experience as a full-time fine art photographer, I gained extremely valuable information and techniques during my workshop with David. The idea of spending 11 days with someone I had never met was a bit of a concern – however David is super personable with an approachable, patient, relaxed style of teaching. David presented revolutionary new ideas. I now utilize his step-by-step digital fine art photography workflow in all my landscape photography work. This has taken my fine art photography and post processing to whole new quality levels and made huge improvements in the aesthetic quality of my photography. The fine art landscape photography workshop completed; I cannot imagine absorbing all the information in less time. I whole heartily recommend both David as a tutor and his fine art photography workshops – totally worth the investment in both time and finances.”

Ed Cooley. www.edcooleygallery.com

“I was looking for a digital photography workshop – but with an experienced professional photographer that focused on Photoshop; not just on learning all the tools of the software program, easy to do from online courses, tutorials and videos, but their real-world application to achieve an artistic vision. David’s fine art workshop was exactly what I was hoping for. A methodical, step-by-step approach to creating images – a workflow that provides an analytical framework from which to create unique images. The one-on-one format was invaluable; allowing me to progress at my own pace, returning home with all the notes and images to continue my progress and learning independently.”

“The fine art landscape photography workshop was set in a peaceful, comfortable, traditional cottage in Wales, surrounded by beautiful rolling green hills, and sheep, of the Welsh mountains outside the front door. The cottage owners are very welcoming, and the cottage itself, the perfect setting to focus on Photoshop, without distraction, yet the quaint town of Betws-y-coed and the Snowdonia National Park were minutes away providing easy access to food and photography opportunities. The logistics were very easy – David did all the work, picking me up in London and returning a week later. And he brought his desktop computer and 27” screen with him – just like home!”

“The first time I stepped across David Osborn´s work I knew: This is what I want to be able to achieve. An advanced, artistic way to transform my photography into real fine art statements. Since I had almost zero experience using Photoshop, I was apprehensive. David turned out to be an excellent, patient teacher with lots of experience. David has a real desire for you to learn and be successful. His great sense of humor helps; he always keeps you laughing to make the fine art landscape photography workshops fun. You won’t get bored! His photography and Photoshop teaching is very well structured. The benefit is tremendous. Best fine art photography workshop I have done so far!”

“During the one-week workshop at my place in Germany, I learned just how powerful Photoshop can be to convert a good photo into a real piece of fine art photography. Before that I used Adobe Lightroom for all my post-processing, but it always left me with doubt; if I had managed to get the best possible result. David teaches Photoshop in an easy, step-by-step way, just one process at any time. You never feel out of your depth or lost as you slowly work through the complete digital photography workflow – but it is amazing how much you learn in one week. Just call him if you want your fine art landscape photography to reach a higher level!”

“Dramatically. In fact, that’s the operative word – drama. I had been thinking of my work as blah. However, after seeing David’s images on his website, it made the decision to cross the pond for a solution an easy one. Not that I use my new knowledge with every photograph – I don’t – but it’s a great, methodical system to follow for when the scene calls for a dramatic emphasis to take it from just raw potential to actual killer image? Now, I know how to do that, my images are now more refined, professional looking with beautiful rich tones and atmosphere. It’s like my work is revived and reborn. I seriously recommend David’s fine art workshops for all wishing to improve their photography.”

“A local monthly publication – Nashville Arts Magazine – had held an annual photography contest for many years. It’s been open to both amateurs and professionals alike. I had never been selected as one of the 10 winners – until that is, I submitted my fine art workshop image of the beach huts at Teignmouth in Devon. It made it and generated many comments from friends and strangers alike. David’s techniques give you the “Wow” factor that separates your work from others. I am now working on my third book about the backroads of America and what I have learned from David’s UK fine art landscape photography workshop is playing a radical role in how I’m editing those photographs.”

Jerry Park Photography: www.jerryparkphotography.com

I just completed David’s online photography course. I have to say straight up, thank you. I could not recommend it more. I have learned new camera techniques that have done wonders for the quality of my photos. The information David provides is invaluable and it is made simple and easy to understand for anyone, but the most important aspect is. David’s ability to inspire and motivate you. David has a huge talent and experience for photography, but unlike many talented people, David also has a great talent to transfer his knowledge in a clear, concise way. David has a way to simplify complexities and challenges – and intimidation of post processing in photoshop. Now my pictures are more than simple snapshots – they look like art. Zoom worked perfectly and I loved that David could show exactly what he wanted to convey by working directly on my computer using Zoom. I highly recommend David’s online course and I am looking forward to joining him again for my next workshop in-person.

Beth Mohrsen, Naestved, Denmark

One benefit of the pandemic is having a period of quiet reflection about what we do and why we do it. Two areas for improvement were my command of Photoshop and how to manipulate my images to take on a more personal signature or style. It was the first time we were both using Zoom for a workshop, but I was amazed to discover it worked well and allowed David to demonstrate Photoshop on my computer 5,000 miles away. Because of my age, and the extensive depth of the course, I requested the workshop be recorded. This has proved to be an invaluable reference as I continue to put into practice the workflow and continue learning. David has created a really systematic workflow and approach to creating images, going from the camera and through a series of logical post-production stages to the final image.

Brian Lewis, Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago

Zoom worked for myself and was a consequence of Covid, but under any circumstances, is still a very good option and opens the opportunity for global tuition. David is a very good and patient tutor ensuring that every stage of the process is understood first, before progressing onto the next phase. The tuition was exceptional and highlighted that photographic fine art benefits hugely from an understanding of the art of processing; the camera only provides the image data, but the photographer creates the art. The key lesson was the application of skills that preserve the quality of the original digital data but combined with techniques to enhance the image artistically, like how to portray the light and create the powerful three-dimensional illusion. A major benefit is having the lessons as video recordings for future reference and revision. I made copious notes from these videos which added to my understanding. I fully recommend David’s online course for those serious about refining their photography.

Ed Mills, Sussex, England

Based on an internet article written by David, I had tried to arrange a live session with him in Europe. But my schedule didn’t fit, and then Covid hit. So, when he offered up a live internet experience, I jumped at it, all 27-hours. It was fabulous. There were no hiccups with the Zoom technology, screen sharing was perfect. He is a wonderful teacher, even demanding, moving on to the next phase only after I was comfortable with the present. Recording the sessions was critical, and I have reviewed the lessons many times over the last few months. Starting David’s program from scratch, from the perfect Raw file, is so rewarding. But I have also found that I can apply some, but not all, of those steps to older pictures in my archives. Without reservations, his course is top notch.

Richard Gaston, Cotati, California, USA

David unlocked the key to the Photoshop mystery for me! I first noticed David’s painterly “museum quality” masterpieces on the internet. When I discovered he was offering online courses via Zoom, I jumped at the opportunity. I could not be more happy with my decision; his step by step approach to learning his complete workflow was seamless. David made the entire process learnable with his extreme knowledge, wonderful personality and had patience with every question I often had. Since I purchased all three parts of the course, it began with the camera and photography issues, then importing files to Photoshop followed by all the retouching steps in easy, logical order. Zoom saved me time and money since I live in the western section of the U.S. and having the ability to review the recorded Zoom sessions was the genius touch that sealed my decision. David is there, present with you, and if you have a question it can be answered and demonstrated in real time. With my new camera soon to arrive, I am planning on additional tuition with David and am blessed to have his 35+ years of photography and Photoshop experience at my fingertips.

Lance, Sedro-Woolley, Washington, USA

It was very easy to learn with Zoom, it’s almost like being together in-person, yet I am in France. David is very patient and explains well, why he uses each tool and also explains in what order they should be used. David believes it is very important to understand the reason behind doing things, not just to do them. The course is very well structured and the learning is progressive. First, David showed me how to do the step and then we practiced the step again, together. You work under his gaze as if the teacher were next to us; and he intervenes to correct and advise when required. This ‘hands-on’ approach is very important because it is only by handling the tools ourselves, that we can check if we have understood correctly. You learn how to highlight the subject and how to create the illusion of a three- dimensional world. He passionately conveys his artistic vision. I am a beginner photographer and with this course I also learned how to capture better quality raw files for enhanced shadow detail. The whole course is recorded so it is easy to review the videos later. David is very creative and his photos looks like paintings and that is what I love in his work. I fully recommend David as a tutor and the course.

Maite H, Biarritz, France

I had been wanting more from landscape photography than the unsophisticated and over dramatic images that abound on the internet. My interest naturally piqued when I happened upon David’s stunning images. Having minimal Photoshop skills, I began working through David’s full suite of courses over three weeks. David is a good, patient and methodical tutor and, while using Zoom may seem counterintuitive, it works extremely well. Zoom allows working at your own desk, on your own computer, and working at a pace that suits you. The recorded sessions are invaluable, allowing you to re-run the instruction as often as necessary as you process your own images. The learning curve on David’s courses is enjoyably steep and his approach suitably structured so that you come away having learned a considerable amount. But most importantly, David leaves you with an enthusiasm for excellence. A very unique photography course as it covers the whole workflow; photography and Photoshop, from setting up the camera to the final retouching of the image. Nothing is left out which means you have everything required to do the workflow yourself, with the Zoom recordings available any time as reference; which is an invaluable resource. David’s course is well worth the time and investment.

Glenn Burton, Edenbridge, England

I have worked extensively with Photoshop for 20-years but like many I have gotten my results with the bare essentials and a little understanding. I really was not aware of the depth and power of the Photoshop software. Combined with David’s knowledge and well-crafted workflow, the ability to enhance seemingly ordinary scenes and images into striking compositions with utterly flawless and believable depth and drama has been a complete revelation. Is it simple? No, but nothing worthwhile is. However, I asked plenty of questions and David patiently and comprehensively dealt with each one to ensure that I was fully up to speed and comfortable with the workflow. Since the course ended, unfortunately I haven’t had the freedom from work to put it all into effect. I draw great comfort, however, knowing that I can dip into the recorded video sessions at any time to brush up on the techniques that I learned. This is proving to be a fantastic resource, and because David’s process is based around the fundamental tools of Photoshop, and not gimmicky automation, I know the process will stand the test of time. Overall, a very worthwhile investment which I highly recommend.

Nik, Dublin, Ireland