LESS THAN A THOUSAND WORDS
Each year our students show up in ways that surprise and delight us.
At the year's closing, we want to take a moment out of the busy holiday season to celebrate those who chose progress over perfection and courage over cowardice. Those who make the time and take the time to learn, grow, create and wield their cameras once again to make beautiful images we think the world should see.
These are those people. You are those people.
The photographs you are about to see are not a scant collection that represents a few of our "best," if you will. They are images from every student who attended a Photographers Breakthrough workshop this year.
You'll be reminded over and over again while flipping through these pages that no matter the experience level of each photographer, they're creating incredible work.
What you'll witness is the magic that happens on each and every workshop. If you haven't before experienced what I mean, by the time you turn the last page, you will.
To each of you represented in this year's catalog, you are the cherry on top of our sundae. Witnessing you pushing through creative hurdles and coming out on the other side with this level of work is why we do what we do and why we are so proud of each and every one of you.
Welcome to the Student Collective.
Photo by: Steffani Grande
Photos by: Deb Pierce
Photo by: Joe Westover
Photo by: Dave Carlson
Photos by: Darlene Quigg
Photo by: light/layers/time
Photo by: Deb Pierce
Photo by: Steffani Grande
Photo by: Sandra Riggins
Photo by: Donna Garcia
by:
Photos
Grant Jones
Photo by: Michael Lee
Photo by: Chris Murphy
Photo by: Richard Dangerfield
Photos by: Maureen Jordan
Photos by: Dave Carlson
THE STUDENT HIGHLIGHT
Throughout this catalog, you will find a small handful of highlighted students representing photographers with different photographic interests, life experiences, and levels of expertise behind the camera.
We have asked them some questions about what has been influential and what has inspired them throughout their journey as photographers and their personal experiences attending PB workshops with Tony.
We hope that as you read through their insights, you feel a sense of community and commonality with your fellow students.
Photo by: Jen Corbell
Photo by: Sheila Potter
JUDY Johnson
"I often ask students to create photos that lead with feeling. Judy's work does just that. Her use of color, atmosphere, and space creates photographs that make you understand exactly what she felt and what compelled her to fire the shutter." - Tony
by:
Photo
Judy Johnson
Photo by: Judy Johnson
Q.When did you start photographing, and what got you into photography?
A.My mother gave me a Brownie camera when I was 10. I suppose I kept asking her about it because I was interested in the artistic way she photographed us kids and family events. Or maybe she just wanted me to stop saying I was bored. I don't remember. She also had these amazing albums she made of photos she took of her teenage friends and their adventures. My Uncle Joe was always taking pictures with his Polaroid Land camera, and every time we visited my Grandma Johnson, we would drag out the tins of old photos, even though we'd seen them a million times. It seemed important to record big and little moments in life to pass on. Photography was always there.
I remember waiting eagerly for Life magazine to arrive in the mail. I'd turn to the last page to see what prominent photographer was featured that month. I loved the photo essays inside. I always thought those photographers were great people doing important work.
I also spent six months in Iran on a goodwill exchange with a Kodak Instamatic, recording what I deemed were quintessential bits of Persian life that I was to give talks about upon my return. After that, I was there whenever a camera, class, or darkroom was available!
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Q.What has been your most important takeaway after a workshop? (in life or photography)?
Photo
Judy Johnson
A.Develop good instincts and trust them. Educate yourself.
Be curious.
Slow down.
Embrace failure.
Accept praise.
Trust the process. Share with others.
Be generous of spirit.
Getting better at something takes dedication, hard work, and times when you seem to get nowhere, but eventually, you will, and it will be worth it. Stop worrying and get out and about with your camera handy.
Photo by: Judy Johnson
Q. Q.Why did you join us on a PB workshop this year, and why do you like having Tony as your teacher?
I like location workshops because I can immerse myself in photography for days at a time.
Tony is there every step of the way, guiding, nudging, cheering, answering questions, celebrating successes, offering meaningful feedback, and empowering us to be creatively vulnerable in a supportive environment. Tony has an uncanny ability to know where we are in photography and what we need to move forward.
What is it like attending a PB workshop?
Tony runs a tight but flexible schedule that packs a lot into each day. I've always gotten what I signed up for and more. Groups are small, and Tony gives ample personal attention to each participant. He is always there for us.
Judy- You focus predominantly on landscapes. How do you find ways of making them your uniquely own?
Photo by: Judy Johnson
A.Making landscape images my own comes from how I see the world. I find the world is full of small wonders and hidden surprises. I've made myself slow down while photographing, absorbing what my surroundings make me feel and what emotions they evoke. I work to create an image that reflects those emotions: something mysterious, something beyond representation, something unspoken that defies analysis or putting into words.
How you feel at the end of a workshop?
Photo by: Judy Johnson
Exhilarated and exhausted! Exhilarated because I see progress from taking risks and from sharing experiences with other photographers. Exhausted because I breathe, eat, and dream photography from before sunrise until late at night for a week straight.
A.Q.Photography is like therapy. You lay it all out there, emote to your heart's content with your camera as a therapist. I can set aside life's stresses and find inner calm.
Fulfilling my creative self is the way to my own true north, and photography is helping me get there. Photographing and working with a trusted mentor (which is essential to growth, I believe) has made me bolder, more willing to take creative risks and be vulnerable, and more accepting of failure as part of the process.
How has photography impacted your life and how you see the world around you?
Photo by: Judy Johnson
Photo by: Donna Garcia
Photo by: Kathy Stevens
Photos by: Judy Corcoran
Photo by: Steffani Grande
Photo by: Carla Yetter
Photos by: Jen Weiss
Photos by: Tina Sunderland
Photo by: Sandra Riggins
Photo by: Fred Schlich
Photo by: Sheila Potter
Photo by: Dana Dole
"YOU CAN'T USE UP
CREATIVITY. THE
YOU USE, THE
YOU HAVE. "
CREATIVITY. THE MORE YOU USE, THE MORE YOU HAVE. "
"YOU CAN'T USE UP
by:
Photo
Deb Pierce
Photo by: Denise Pensky
Photo by: Darlene Quigg
Photo by: Carla Yetter
Photo by: Jen Corbell
Photo by: Chris Murphy
Photo by: Carla Yetter
Photo by: Grant Jones
Photography the way i h ho w a hy w be ho w meant to be. Photogra
Photo by: Don Christian
Photo by: Kristin Locurto
Photo by: Richard Dangerfield
Photo by: Kristin Locurto
Photo by: Dana Dole
Photo by: Denise Pensky
AIMEE Carlson
"Aimee is off to an incredible start. She weaves light, pattern, and simple color together within her effective designs. It's hard to believe that she's new to the craft but her work is a great reminder of what matters most in photography." -Tony
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Photo
Aimee Carlson
Photo by: Aimee Carlson
Q.What has been your most important takeaway after a workshop? (in life or photography)?
A.Everyone has a different point of view. When we go on a location during a workshop, I am always inspired and in awe of how ten people can come away with a completely different interpretation of the beach or a botanical garden. It helps me understand and appreciate that we are all unique individuals with incredible perspectives to admire and respect.
A.Q.I have always enjoyed taking pictures for fun over the years, but it wasn't until I met my husband that I was introduced to the art of photography. But it was only in the last couple of years that I learned more about how we can tell stories through our pictures - that is truly what captured my heart.
When did you start photographing, and what got you into photography?
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Photo
Aimee Carlson
How has photography impacted your life and how you see the world around you?
Photo by: Aimee Carlson
A.Everywhere I go now, I see opportunities for photography. From the way light hits certain objects in my house to the way people stand out in an airport. I also have a new appreciation for architecture as well. The biggest discovery has been how Mother nature has gifted us an incredible canvas for capturing beautiful art.
Tony is incredibly supportive about meeting you where you are. The work starts before you attend the workshop, which is important and helpful. The time he takes to get to know your work and what your goals are really helped me get clear on what kind of photography I want to create. He is thoughtful about locations and timing and even has fun little surprises along the way. I especially appreciate how he gives each person their own focus for the week. A. Q.
What is it like attending a PB workshop?
Photo by: Aimee Carlson
Photo by: Aimee Carlson
Q.
Why did you join us on a PB workshop this year, and why do you like having Tony as your teacher?
A.For years, I have heard from my husband about this Tony guy and how awesome his workshops are. It wasn't until I met him at the end of a workshop my husband attended that I started to see what he was talking about. Tony was very encouraging about working with new people and said he actually welcomed it! After reading more about him and his work on his website, I was hooked. I joined my first PB workshop this year. Tony was so helpful and patient; best of all, he encouraged me to get out of my head and embrace my perspective as a new photographer.
Photo by: Aimee Carlson
Q.How you feel at the end of a workshop?
A.Creatively inspired, positively exhausted, and full of gratitude for meeting like-minded people who share a passion for photography.
Q.Aimee- What would be your advice for someone new to photography who would like to take the leap and attend their first workshop?
A.Just do it! The only regret you will have is that you didn't do it sooner!
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Aimee Carlson
growth
Photo by: Richard Dangerfield
mindset
Photo by: Jen Corbell
Photos by: Mame Hunt
Photo by: Kathy Stevens
Photo by: Sherry Skipper
Photo by: Steffani Grande
Photo by: Ashley Lamb
Photo by: Don Christian
Photo by: Jacki Box
Photo by: John Nixon
Photo by: Richard Dangerfield
FEAR KILLS MORE DREAMS THAN FAILURE
Photo by: Sheila Potter
Photo by: Dana Dole
Photo by: Shelly Hafner
Photo by: Shelly Hafner
Photo by: Richard Dangerfield
by: light/layers/time
Photos
Photo by: Jacki Box
LAURIE
Stevenson
"Laurie seems unafraid of failure. Her work is bold, complex, and unapologetic. It challenges the viewer's understanding of the art form and how one can use a camera or phone to photograph the world around them. "-Tony
Photo by: Laurie Stevenson
Photo by: Laurie Stevenson
When did you start photographing, and what got you into photography?
A.I've always been a very visual and observant person and learn best through seeing things. I wanted to be a photographer from an early age, but no one in my family did photography, and I wasn't necessarily encouraged to explore it.
It wasn't until much later in my life that I decided to give photography a try. I had connections at a local newspaper and convinced a friend to give me a shot at doing sports photography. And, well, that was it! I spent nearly 15 years as a freelance sports and editorial photographer for a community-based newspaper in my area. I absolutely loved sports photography and still do to this day. For me, it's the perfect marriage of composition and story.
Q.
What has been your most important takeaway after a workshop? (in life or photography)?
A.Open yourself up to honest feedback if you're really there to grow.
You're only as good as your last image. Push yourself.
Respect your co-participants. They are on their own journey with their own vision. They probably see the world in front of them entirely differently than you, and that's just fine.
Have fun, for goodness sake. If you're not having fun, you're missing the point of what it means to create art.
Don't procrastinate over your next PB opportunity. It's a competitive world out there.
Photo by: Laurie Stevenson
Q.
What is it like attending a PB workshop?
A.I've attended many PB workshops, and each one has helped me grow and further discover myself as an artist. Without fail, I walk away from a phenomenal experience that furthers my skills as an artist. I always feel extremely satisfied with the workshop itineraries, which are always diverse and strike a balance between instruction and self-exploration.
I've met incredible people through PB, with whom I have remained connected for years. We laugh together, support and push each other to become better artists.
The bottom line is that PB workshops deliver every single time with excellent instruction, a fantastic itinerary, connections with amazing people, and personal growth.
Photo by: Laurie Stevenson
Q.
How has photography impacted your life and how you see the world around you?
Photo by: Laurie Stevenson
Photography has been a significant influence in my life. One of the most important lessons my photography experience taught me is that every person has a story. I've spent a lot of time photographing people and have come to understand that the most compelling images come from a place of honor and respect for your subject, even in street portraiture. Taking even a moment to connect with your subject genuinely can make the difference between a good and a great image.
I've also learned not to compare myself to others, which is one of the biggest mistakes artists make. The reality is that there are many great photographers in the world. It's great to be inspired by others but never be intimidated. Find your own way, doing your own thing in a way that speaks to you.
Q.
Why did you join us on a PB workshop this year, and why do you like having Tony as your teacher?
by: Laurie Stevenson
Photo
A.When I met Tony, I knew I had met one of those people who would be influential and inspirational to me throughout my entire artistic journey. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him. I consider him a friend and mentor. He has seen my work over many years and has been instrumental in helping me go in new and different directions, including the path I've been on for the past several years with multiple images and image layering.
While he is encouraging, he is also candid with his feedback. I appreciate his honest assessment of what works/does not work in my images; I wouldn't want it any other way. I've grown exponentially through my PB experiences, and under Tony, there's infinite space to improve my skills. That makes it exciting, and that's why I keep coming back.
Q.How you feel at the end of a workshop?
A.At the end of each workshop, I always feel a mix of emotions, from the sadness that it has ended to a bit of exhaustion.
I'm filled with new energy and excitement to continue to put into practice what I learned. I also walk away with gratitude for the opportunity to connect with incredibly talented people and share my interests. It doesn't take too long after a workshop experience to wonder where I will go next.
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Photo
Laurie Stevenson
Q.Laurie-
Your work has taken on a bold new energy this year. What led you to your new-found vision?
A.I completed the PB Chicago workshop several months back, right after the world emerged from COVID (for the most part, anyway). I had done nothing creatively during that time and felt my creative spark was utterly exhausted. I knew I needed to try something to turn that part of my brain on again. When I saw the Chicago workshop, I knew it was an opportunity to jump back into the creative scene.
As soon as we hit the streets on day one, all my anxiety disappeared. I found myself completing unloading in so many ways. For the first time, I just embraced the complexity of the world around me, didn't overthink anything, and allowed myself the freedom to flow. I felt like I got into my zone and created images that I was excited about. There's an intensity and new energy in my work, and maybe a bit of chaos. To some degree, it might have been a function of coming out of a creative hiatus, but I'm hoping it's a direction that I can sustain in the future. Layering images through multiples allows me to create a place in time that only exists in a photo I've created, which excites me immensely.
by:
Photo
Laurie Stevenson
Photo by: Ashley Lamb
Photo by: Dave Carlson
Photo by: Mame Hunt
Photo by: Lisa Seguin
Photo by: Ashley Lamb
Photo by: Christine Bilous
Photos by: John Nixon
Photo by: Darlene Quigg
Photo by: Denise Pensky
Photo by: Mame Hunt
Photo by: Kathy Stevens
Photos by: Steffani Grande
Photo by: Kristin Locurto
Photo by: Christine Bilous
Photo by: Lisa Seguin
Photo by: Chris Murphy
Photos by: Christine Bilous
Photo by: Sherry Skipper
Photo by: light/layers/time
Photos by: Carla Yetter
Photo by: Richard Dangerfield
Photo by: Sherry Skipper
Thank You
Thank you to each and every one of you who joined us on a workshop this year. This catalog is the proof that when you show up, good things happen.
It has been our pleasure to take you to these wonderfully special places and help advance your photography to the next level.
Want to join us on location in 2023?
Click here to find out what workshops are available next year!
“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
-Elliott Erwitt
www.photographersbreakthrough.com