You teach how to home in on the important parts of the scene. You help develop a photographer’s eye and focus on the important details. You teach how to work the subject to take advantage of the best light and shoot at the decisive moment. After over twenty years of taking your courses, there is always more to see and learn from you. I am always developing new insights and improving my photographic skills.

Merv Pinerman

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.

Gary Carlton

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

Bob Chzran

The Johns Hopkins U. class, “Photographer’s Eye,” used St. Michaels as the source of subjects to improve my “eye” for composition and photography skills. The lectures and field exercises gave me new perspectives on how to take better photos. Irene’s wealth of knowledge and experience helped me to improve composition, be more sensitive to light, and see in a new way. The small class size was a plus. I enjoyed the perspectives of my classmates and more hands-on instruction. … Read more

Edward Bouwer, Ph.D. , Chair, Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins University

On behalf of the Gaithersburg Camera Club, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for an outstanding, well-organized presentation on “A Passion for Wildlife Photography, the Stories Behind the Images“. The wildlife images which you shared were stunning. Your insights on wildlife photography such as composition, lighting, shooting angles, and lenses and other equipment were helpful. I enjoyed hearing your observations on the behavior patterns of the animals and how each photo sho… Read more

Mel Sessa, Gaithersburg Camera ClubProgram Co-Chair

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.

Jim LubtizEducation Coordinator

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

Greg Hay

On behalf of the entire Gaithersburg Camera Club, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for an outstanding presentation on “A Passion for Wildlife Photography, the Stories Behind the Images“ which you made last evening. Your presentation was extremely well organized. The wildlife images which you shared with us were stunning. It was both helpful and instructive to hear your insights on wildlife photography such as composition, lighting, shooting angles, and suggestions on lenses… Read more

Mel Sessa, Gaithersburg Camera Club

Thank you so very much for your excellent judging at the Charlotte Camera Club. Everyone enjoyed your clear and concise comments on all the photos submitted to the monthly contest. Personally, after I implemented your suggestions on my photo, it finished first place in another club’s contest the following week. Your suggestions were excellent! Thank you from me and the entire club for your time and expertise.

Can’t wait to hear your presentation at the Club at the end of the month.

Sharon… Read more

Charlotte Camera Club Judging

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!

Tom Field