Workshop Testimonials
With my Los Angeles-based The Surprising Portrait workshop around the corner, I’ll share some testimonials from previous participants. I’ve led photo workshops in New York, New Orleans, Vancouver, Toronto, Austin, and Santa Fe, these quotes are generously provided by attendees from those events.
I work in a smaller market, scant of worthy mentors in the photographic industry; I took Chris’s workshop to put my ego on the line and grow in the process. Chris pushes you to go deep and really consider why we do what we do when every tiny decision counts. - Chris Edwards
“The Surprising Portrait” challenged me to dig deep, face my fears, and use the raw material of my experiences as inspiration for my work. What I discovered about myself during his workshop gave me the courage I needed to face my self-limiting beliefs about my potential as a photographer, creator, and woman. The camera is now a tool for radical self-acceptance, and Chris Buck helped me get there. - Courtney Potter
His workshop was an ass-kicker that had me analyze how I’ve approached my work until now. Most importantly I felt his authentic thoughtfulness toward the challenges I came to workout. Inspired by our conversations and his unreasonable requests, I took risks which to most would be reasonable to avoid. - Saverio Truglia
The greatest benefit from Chris’s workshop was seeing how a top-notch photographer approaches the craft of portraiture. The workshop was hands-on and any question was fair game. But I was affected most by seeing the amount of preparation and the level of professionalism that go into making great portraits. It was a stretching experience and it made me a better photographer. - Rob Culpepper
After hearing him on The Candid Frame Podcast, I got the sense that Chris had soul, and was more interested in sharing his experiences as a photographer and his human perspective then selling the idea of us becoming like the teacher. Chris's workshop was thorough and worth the investment. - Kirth Bobb
When I returned from attending the workshop with Chris Buck, I felt like I had gone into solitary confinement with my camera and been ass-whipped on the right side of the brain. Chris challenged my ideas of my own limitations and gave support where needed. We worked from sun-up to sun-down and I didn’t feel like a moment was wasted. - Lisa Kannakko
For years I felt disconnected from my photographs. I wanted them to be more, to say more, about myself. Clients loved my work, but it was empty. Chris’s workshop became a safe place to make photographs. He forces you to challenge yourself and to overcome fears. What once had made me feel broken as a photographer, became healing. - Jordan Naholowa’a Murph
All images featured were shot on “The Surprising Portrait” workshops.
Top Image: Portrait of Chris Buck by Steve Homol.
Second Image: Left: Chris Edwards; Right: Courtney Potter.
Third Image: Saverio Truglia.
Fourth Image: Rob Culpepper.
Fifth Image: Kirth Bobb.
Sixth Image: Lisa Kannakko.
Bottom Image: Jordan Naholowa’a Murph.