Gannets Galore Photography Workshop Testimonial — Leslie Scopes Anderson

“What an amazing experience! My husband and I attended the Gannet workshop and were awed by the vast expanse of beautiful birds and impressed with the expertise of the instructors. The course advanced my comprehension of digital photography, and taught techniques for capturing birds in flight and in varying weather conditions. For example: How do you photograph a white bird against a white sky? The one-on-one instruction at all levels was very beneficial.

I was thrilled that one of my photos from the workshop was recognized as a "photo of the week" in the 2009 National Geographic International Photography Contest.

Thanks for sharing your invaluable expertise!”

— Leslie Scopes Anderson | Arcata, California, USA | Gannets Galore Photography Workshop

Gannets Galore Photography Workshop Testimonial — Jean-Daniel Gagne

Dear Chris,

We are back from this wonderful experience we all had on Bonaventure Island this week (August 12 to 14, 2007). I am completely exhausted physically, but highly energized mentally after our 3 intensive days.

There are images that will definitely stay imprinted in my mind starting with the Gannets twirling around us, and diving for fish, when you positioned the Zodiac in the middle of a school of fish on the last morning and many more.

What an experience!

I should say that I am a marketing professional who has done photography for more than 30 years. For the last 10 years, photography has been a passion. My personal goal is to become a professional photographer in a few years. I did think, and my experience at your workshop has proven this to me, that a good photography workshop allows someone to make a major leap forward in his progression in the art of photography.

Your Bonaventure Island workshop has been a revelation for me on several points; such as shooting in manual mode and working with an incident light meter, composition, lens usage and understanding bird behavior.

Days were long in training hours but everyone, including myself, were always excited to start a new day of learning.

I should also add that your dedication to your workshop attendees' learning has been exemplary. The workshop has definitely surpassed my objectives and I came back home with more knowledge and abilities in bird photography, as well as with more friends.

I should add, as an anecdote, that I was surprised how local people were happy to see you back, even though you were not a local, which I think describes the facility you have in getting along well with people.

Please keep me informed of the next workshops you intend to organize; if my schedule allows it, I shall be part of it again.

I will keep this workshop in my mind as a super experience; that's for sure.

To anyone considering a workshop by Christopher Dodds, I say: “Chris is a remarkable photographer and coach. He took good care to have everyone learn as much as they wanted. I should say that after 30 years of serious photography, I was amazed at what I have learned. Which gave me a great leap in my progression.”

Regards and friendship,

— Jean-Daniel (JD) Gagne | Montreal, Quebec, Canada | Bonaventure Island Gannets Photography Workshop 2007