TESTIMONIALS
If I were to describe Catherine in two words, I would say that she is a "Spiritual Photographer." And I don't mean that in a religious way. I mean that in a universal way. Her intuitive nature, warmth, kindness and respect for her subjects and the impact her images have on the viewer go beyond art and beyond being an assignment. Her work is infused with love and depth. Her work is a reflection of her soul and it transforms those who come in contact with her.
How special to meet and photograph the Duke and Duchess in their amazing palazzo! Loved wandering the magnificent rooms and photographing details, capturing the beauty.
Puglia was such a special experience! All the elements came together…kind people, a beautiful place, good food and wine, learning, and great photo opportunities!
I've taken many other photography trips, but Catherine's are in a league of their own. The extraordinary people and places she provides access to make for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. She's a wonderful teacher and knows how to build confidence while helping you hone your skills no matter what level photographer you are. One of the best trips of my life - and I've traveled extensively. The people we met made the Vietnam workshop so much more than photography interesting sites. "Workshop" seems such an inadequate word for this experience. It is a journey for your life, as well as your photography. Her workshop experiences are really about creating opportunities for interesting and deep interactions and relationships with people, and then using these opportunities to make meaningful photos.
This photo workshop was very unique: relaxed atmosphere with structured classes. The food was fantastic and La Locanda was wonderful. Class instruction exceeded my expectations. Being able to study the true art of photography from Catherine at the Umbria workshop has greatly impacted how I can look at the world through my photography. Catherine was the one who guided me on this incredibly wonderful path and I will be forever grateful. The combination of one-on-one time and group instruction was so helpful. I learned what makes a photo more interesting and detailed information as to why some of my photos were very good. I also had fun! Every day was a new surprise and continued to build. We experienced extraordinary beauty, education and fun.
Catherine experiences everything with sensitivity and compassion; through her, our experiences are precious and meaningful. Nobody feels Vietnam as much as she does. She is uniquely gifted photographer and a teacher as well.
I admire Catherine's attention to detail in this workshop - finding amazing people and locations to photograph. She knocked this one out of the park!
One cannot pigeon-hole a Catherine Karnow Photo Workshop into a single genre. Be prepared to photograph artisans, architecture, food photography, street photography, photo journalism, unique dusk locations. Catherine has an enthusiasm and desire to teach that I deeply appreciate. I came away with experiences that I never could had found on my own.
Great combination of photographing the fisherman with their boats and nets, then at the private fishermen's club.
Words cannot express how much I learned from this extremely successful Umbria photography workshop. Your ability to teach in a way that is as creative as your photography makes you one of the best teachers I’ve ever had in any discipline. This workshop exceeded my expectations in a multitude of ways.
Corrado, the olive-maker, was wonderful to meet, to hear his story and taste his olive oil. I loved wandering among those ancient trees and capturing the mood.
Catherine Karnow organized the best workshop I've ever attended. Top notch food and accommodation, cultural exchanges with interesting people Catherine's known for years, workshop instruction in class and at the sites all made for an outstanding learning experience about today's Vietnam. This workshop fulfilled all the good things I wanted in a high quality workshop then went over the top with more yet!
The group projections allowed us to have great discussions and critiques of our photos - a good way to see how others photographed similar situations. There was excellent teaching in the field - giving suggestions, helping set up shots, then reviewing our photos on the classroom's big screen to see the composition … all the hard work put into this workshop is greatly appreciated.
Overall, thank you so very kindly for all of your hard work and for your love of Vietnam and her people. This is the most meaningful and life-altering trip I've taken to date!
I have attended many photography workshops. I would rank this experience in the top! Catherine Karnow's Vietnam Workshop far exceeded my expectations of what I would learn as a traveler and photographer in Vietnam. The food is amazing throughout Vietnam! Interspersed within all of these amazing venues, are the critiques and instructions that will make you a better photographer no matter what level you are currently at in photography.
The South India Photo Workshop was an amazing experience in so many ways. We had access to photograph people not accessible on a regular tour or other photo trips. I loved that we met and photographed people with ancient trades: silk weavers, Kalamkari painters, basket-weaving women. This workshop also had so many spiritual experiences: the temple in Madurai, festival in Thanjavur, the death rituals temple and the Matrimandir in Auroville. Every day was a new photo adventure.
As with her other workshops, Catherine's South India workshop offered me a first class look at the people, culture and customs of Tamil Nadu. A rich mix of places, interesting people, delicious foods, fun and photography with like-minded instructors and guests made for a wonderful experience.
The experiences are unforgettable. Catherine is extraordinary for her technical and teaching abilities as well as her care for each of us. The hotels and places we visited and photographed are so memorable that they have a place in my sweetest dreams, and the in-depth exposure to this magical region and its beautiful, fascinating people from a broad range of economic and social levels makes this workshop experience richer than I ever could have imagined.
[Workshop producer] Ngan achieves the impossible. She keeps the whole show moving seamlessly. Given the complicated logistics, the sheer number of venues and hotels and transportation arrangements, her management of unexpected and challenging situations - she is a one-of-a-kind jewel. She is also a wonderful and warm person.
For me immersion is the way I learn best and fastest. This was pure immersion in the most efficient and fun way imaginable. From having only a basic understanding of my camera and a very limited understanding of what makes a photograph good, I have moved surprisingly quickly to having capability with my camera and knowing how to execute photos that can be impactful and powerful both intellectually and emotionally, and tell a story. For me, as a beginner, this has been record-breaking learning and growth. Catherine's teaching is fabulous and truly memorable.
...last weekend at Miraval... my learning curve was straight up, so I feel like the world of photography will now open up to me.
During my one month private workshop traveling throughout Southeast Asia with Catherine, she really opened up the world of photography to me. I think she is extremely creative and terrific as a coach and as a person. I made huge strides and she gave me a wonderful sense of confidence. It was a truly a transformative month.
With Catherine Karnow, there is that special "something more" which she is able to capture in those short moments which she has with her subjects. She struck a chord with me in how she captures not just the images, but people in her photos. Clearly, she tries to relate to her subjects even if it is for just a few short moments. She steps outside herself and puts herself in their shoes. Not everyone can do that. As she spoke of how she tries to get photos of people, the uncertainty of their reactions ... I too have been there in my travels and my photography. Catherine truly has a gift. I was feeling down about photography and considering giving it up. Now I am wanting to pick up my camera again. And I have done so! I think her perspective is also extremely important for people to hear and learn about.
It was an absolute privilege meeting Catherine. She is an artist of the highest order. She has inspired me beyond words.
Thank you for a great workshop, something I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.
I learned more about photography and the essence of capturing a photographic narrative in three days of listening and watching [Catherine] than I had over my 4 years of college. I also gained a new perspective on not only viewing the world through the lens of travel photography and photo journalism, but the ability to see the emotional connections of human interaction that makes each and every photograph speak to the audience. It has been an experience of a lifetime for me.
We are still on cloud nine about the trip. The people, food, exciting experiences, and very patient instruction made it one of our best trips ever.
My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Seeing the work of others in the class, along with Catherine's critique, was invaluable. I am so grateful for the one on one time Catherine spent with me. I now grasp the complexity behind a good photo. Catherine provided us with a view of Umbria we would never have attained on our own. The workshop was an experience of mind, body, and spirit. Photography has captured me. As I said at the end of the workshop, it doesn't get any better.
I connected with my camera again. Now I can go off and continue to take pictures...Catherine was so kind and caring and gentle and there was no pressure at all..
I was very impressed by the energy and time that Catherine put into the workshop in San Francisco, and her delight in sharing her experience of photography ... that enthusiasm was evident throughout the time we spent with her."
Puglia has such a charm/beauty that I was never aware of. Thank you for introducing me to Puglia.