CanvasBack-word | « “A Passion for Wildlife Photography, the Stories Behind the Images” , Part 2

Every time I have attended one of Irene’s photo workshops, I have learned something new that improves my photography. Besides her great photo and teaching skills, she has an uncanny ability to spot animals in the wild. On Skyline Drive, she spotted a dark shape in the crotch of a tree.  She stopped, saying she think she saw a bear. I didn’t believe it, but the black blob sprouted ears & was a bear cub. Irene’s enthusiasm is contagious and I find myself discovering unique photo opportunities in… Read more

I attended Irene’s workshop at the Chincoteague Wildlife Reserve in the Spring of 2022. She was an outstanding guide. She knows the wildlife and their behaviors, which helped us to maximize our experience. She had access to areas of the island that were not open to the public. She worked with each participant individually, teaching composition and camera settings. She does not take her own photos during the workshop, ensuring that her attention was solely on the workshop participants. She had … Read more

Irene was energetic and customer focused–concerned that we were getting the best shots that we could get. She strikes a good balance between being instructive and giving freedom. I loved her enthusiasm, especially since we were in a place she has photographed for years. And her exploring alternate ways to get around the Chincoteague resulted in some once in a lifetime pony interactions. Thank you! Melanie Dormes, workshop participant

The photo tour to Argentina and Chile with Irene was well planned with the right amount of time spent at the various locations that provided a good mix of wildlife and scenic photo opportunities.  That combined with the small group of photographers made for a most enjoyable and rewarding experience.

I think you hit another home run with the emphasis on a picture within a picture.  Too often we include too much in our frame, when the unusual or interesting bits are worthy of closer scrutiny and enjoyment.  I’m sure that message came through to the audience, with your numerous illustrations of the principle on screen. Thanks again for judging for NBCC – you undertook a long drive and a tough subject, and came through in spectacular fashion!

Thank you for the excellent presentation last night. Your images were outstanding, and we all learned a lot about both the subjects and the best way to approach them to get the best shots.

Irene I want to express how pleased I was with your Tangier Island photo workshop.  Your coordination and knowledge of the Island made the time spent worthwhile.  Knowing where to go in the early morning dawn and the boat charter to photograph the working watermen were the highlights of the trip.  I also found the critique of our photos very helpful and showed that making a good photograph better is just taking a second look.  I would encourage anyone who wants to improve their photographic … Read more

I got a lot of nice feedback about your presentation on wildlife photograaphy from Central Maryland Photographers Guild members.  We got a lot of good tips, saw photos that amaze (“how’d she get that?”), and, most of all, we got inspiration to go out and shoot.