Here are some testimonials from previous workshop students:

"I recently took John Sinclair's "Introduction to Digital Photography" class at his studio in Friday Harbor.  I have taken "point and shoot" pictures for years, but I was pretty ignorant about the things that "camera nerds" all seem to intuitively understand, like shutter speed and aperture and depth of field and all that stuff.  I was nervous.  As it turned out there were some people in class who knew more than I did, and maybe one who knew less.  John did a great job of assessing where we were without putting us on the spot, and then went on to address these subjects in a way that de-mystified them for me.  Sure, there's more to learn that could be addressed in a "deeper" class.  But I think even folks who THOUGHT they "knew it all" picked up some ideas.

A brief but interesting part of the class touched on composition.  I thought about things I had learned as I walked around town during our unguided lunch-time shoot.  I felt like a "pro on assignment" for that half hour!  Back at class I enjoyed my tasty sack lunch while John put our pictures up on the big monitor and we all critiqued each other's shots, focusing on the positive. Using Lightroom2 as his digital editing "tool-of-choice", John then taught us a few basic elements of editing and preparation for printing.   Class pacing was good, and the time went by quickly.

A few days later, each of us got a note to stop by the studio to pick up a large matted print of our lunch-shoot "best".  They look very professional, if I do say so myself!  I don't know about the others, but for just a moment while picking up my "art" I felt like a photographic artist rather than a guy who sometimes uses a camera.

I highly recommend this class to anyone who loves to shoot pictures.  I think it will increase your enjoyment and the quality of your shots, whether you are using a simple point-and-shoot camera or a DSLR with all the bells and whistles.  You're sure to meet some nice people who also appreciate the beauty we all share, and I guarantee that you won't be singled out or embarrassed.  Go for it!"       james "shu" carroll

"I was given the beginner's class as a birthday present and it was one of the best gifts I ever got!  I learned so much and walked away with a wealth of information, met some really nice people and really enjoyed the day.  What I learned took my photography skills to the next level.  Also really enjoyed getting my best shot of the day  professionally developed and matted."   Randy Schnee

"I took the beginners class and it was packed with information that was really helpful. I feel like I now understand the basics about photography and how to use my digital slr and I am looking forward to just getting out there and taking as many photo's as I can. Anyone who is intimated or afraid to get out of automatic should take this class. It is totally worth it.  Thank you so much John!!" Andrea Berlatsky