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

Chincoteague Photo Workshop, May 2202

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

I had the good fortune to participate in Irene’s Spring 2022 Chincoteague Photo Workshop. Essential to the success of any workshop is for the leader to be proficient not only in the technical aspect of photography, but also have complete command of the subject matter and knowledge of the geographical area. Irene hits all the notes. She is there to provide coaching on composition and exposure. Our subject matter was birds and horses. Irene understands the behavior of the animals. This is critica… Read more

Tom KallecheyWorkshop ParticipantOsprey Photo WorkshopsChincotague NWR

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

Presentation at the Horizon Photography Summit, Fall 2018 I attended a presentation by Irene at the Horizon Photography Summit Fall 2018. Her work was so inspiring. It’s clear that she understands both the technical and creative aspect of nature photography. There is so much that goes into making beautiful and inspiring nature photography images, and she’s a master at her craft. Jean Meile

Jean MeileAttendee

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

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

Irene
On behalf of the Westchester Photographic Society, I would like to formally thank you for your presentation to our club, and others, this past Friday evening.

Your content more than lived up to the title “Passion of Wildlife Photography” as your dedication and enthusiasm for photographing animals were both apparent and resonated with the audience. Your images were lovely story telling captures that conveyed some important essence of the animal. This made your images interesting and… Read more

Westchester Photographic Society Wildlife Photography Zoom Program

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

Melanie DormesWorkshop Participant

Enjoyed a super weekend in Assateague with lots of new photography friends. Visited many beautiful spots and tried to do them justice capturing them to pixels. Thanks much, Irene.

Dave Darrah