Leo Port
Sydney 3 days 2015 + Melbourne workshops

From the first moment you meet Peter you can not help but notice his genuine, unrestrained passion for photography. He immediately engages your mind with his way of thinking about light which is probably one of the most important aspects of his approach to setting up a shot. On every training session he spends ample time teaching you HOW to see the light and what helps him to decide when the light on the subject will produce the results he wants. And then he encourages you (almost compels you) to do the same. So when you take the shot, it is your shot, your setup and your light.

The same is true whether you are practicing with natural light or in the studio.
I have attended workshops where multiple lighting scenarios have been set up a day before the event, tested on a model and the markers placed on the floor for your subject to stand on. You set your camera to given parameters, click the shutter and get the picture. But is it really your picture?

In Peter’s workshops, he builds the setup with you while explaining why and how he uses different lights and modifiers. He even gets you to analyze beautiful images taken in the past so you can try and figure out what kind of light is used to produce that effect. It is you who directs the models to move around the sources of light to create you own unique images. Yes, you are using Peter’s studio and equipment but he constantly encourages you to think for yourself and create your own shot. He also gives you a lot of directions on how communicate with models and how to encourage them to deliver that magical shot you always wanted to make.

No other book, website or workshop helped me more to really understand how to see the light and how to modify it for a beautiful shot.

Maurice Lohrke
Berlin 2 day workshop 2015

I love b&w photography since i got my first camera, so it was easy to find my way to Peter`s photography. When I read, that Peter will come to Europe and even to germany to do a workshop, there was no question for me, wherever it will be, I will travel to attend this workshop.

I would start with the most important thing I have learned during this workshop, but to understand this point, it is important to know what kind of person Peter is. Peter is in my eyes a very sensitive and respectful person, he is that ‘sensei’ for photography, a real master who is never peacockish but humble in a very positive way. What you will recognize fast is, he has no fear to share his knowledge. He will not hold back any information or answer you are questioning. Peter opens the doors to his huge knowledge and experience about photography and completely shares his passion with you.

So the most important thing I have learned in his workshops is to be confident in my own style of photography. To walk my individual path of light. There is no wrong or right, if it is right for you, it will be right. He helped me to see my vision of images more clearly and to evolve myself as an artist.

Peter doesn’t want you to copy 1:1 all of his camera settings, as well as he shares all of it, he wants you to understand why and finally helps to pick that one, that will lead to the picture you want to create.

Same as with the other details like where to position the light etc. Peter shows his way and why he does it this way. He always keeps it simple, so you are able to focus on the most important issue in people photography, the people. Many of the things he says are surprising to what you usually would do or have learned before, but after his explanation, you understand why and it is so logical and liberating.

You are able to proof what you have experienced before and compare it to his point of view, as I said before, he gives you the opportunity to compare and with that inner discuss, to create your own style. Peter wants you to learn and therefor provides anything you need to evolve your own photography.

For me Peter is the mentor of light and having the opportunity to learn from him, was one of the most impressive lessons I have learned about photography. Thank you for this, Peter.

Stefano Catalani
Berlin 2 day workshop 2015

I’ve first heard of Peter during my stay in Australia, but I never got a chance to attend any of his workshops, so when he announced he was coming to Europe for the first time ever, there was no way I was going to miss that opportunity!
Peter is a master photographer and a very good teacher, he made everything very easy for me to follow and understand, so I could replicate what I learnt from him when I was working by myself.
It has been a two days workshop full of knowledge and inspiration, but never too serious, I love his Aussie humour!

Declan Roache

Hey Peter,
I’m just writing to say a thank you.
You held a mini workshop in Brisbane, at the TAFE I was studying at back in 2008, for an AIPP event.
Since then I’ve held you as a major inspiration to keep shooting, and one of two people I look upto in this industry.
Every time I walk into CRK in Brissy I see your prints on the wall, and it continues to inspire me.
Don’t even know if you’ll get this, but from being a very green photographer, to giving up entirely, to now working in a studio and working freelance, you’ve shaped me and never even knew it.
I just want to say a big thank you for everything that you’ve done, you continue to do. Your work, vision, mentality and attitude is a continuous form of inspiration to me. I’m extremely grateful for you coming to teach and inspire us back when you did.
If you’re ever up Brisbane way and not on a job or teaching a workshop, I’d love to buy you a coffee or something.
Thanks again, really appreciate it.
Regards
Declan

Ewan Ermel – Paris Natural Light Workshop 2015

Hello,

Wonderful day with you guys,
I learned a lot, and you’re so nice.
A workshop with you is a leason of humility.
Thanks for sharing you talents and passion.

Yves Steinmann – Paris 2015

Thank you very much
It was two incredible days
Peter also thanked for everything that he gives, his generosity, his talent, his experience

Martin Beddal – London Workshops 2015

Hi Peter,

Just a quick note to say thanks for today’s workshop. I tried to say thanks in person but you were shooting Rozanna and I had to dash for the train.

I’ve been a photoographer for 24 years – first workshop I’ve done. I didn’t shoot much – it did confirm my fears about workshops, lots of eager photographers jostling to photograph models 😉 You don’t quite get real shots like that.

But I wanted to watch and listen to what you said and did. Unlike many photographers who hold workshops, you have the work and the experience to back you up!

I bought the Sony a couple of weeks ago, still finding my way around it, so it was interesting to hear your thoughts and briefly chat with you about it. Not sure I can finally persuade my wife to let me buiy the Noct still though 🙁

Anyhow, lots of very useful stuff. Cheers!

Good luck with the rest of the tour!

Hectos Arribas – Mardid Natural Light 2015

Thank you very much, Rozzana. I had to leave on sunday when you had gone for the lunch, so I had no chance to thank you so I did to Peter. You both made the workshop very comfortable and funny, although instructive. It was an authentic pleasure and a very recommendable experience. Thanks for it.

Darren – Sydney Workshops 2015

Probably the best $1200.00 I’ve ever invested, I think.
To anyone who thinks they can’t afford a workshop with Peter—- Go Borrow, beg, sell your dog, sell your neighbours dog, sell a kidney or go get a loan. It’s worth it! 🙂

Darren

RJ – LA Workshops 2015

Rozanna:

I just wanted to extend my sincerest appreciation for your hospitality this weekend.

Peter was a joy to watch and learn from, and the two of you work very well together.

I consider myself a portrait artist and don’t get too much into fashion, but I love applying new lighting principles whenever I can.

I believe I gained the most from the time outdoors and the conversations regarding TTL metering and the search for beautiful light.

We take studio lighting for granted, and the studio is definitely my comfort zone. It was nice working outdoors in available light.

I look forward to pushing myself for better work outdoors.

Kind regards,
RJ Coleman

Chris – Melbourne port folio builder 2015

….for our day with you late last month, Damo and myself have been very busy utilising all the info from our workshop with you. Its amazing how many shoots since have been candidates for a good spot light or boom held soft box or diffuser lead window light …. SURPRISING THAT….certainly your enthusiasm on the day has got me thinking outside my comfort zone…
“Happy Trails To You” Chris

Daehong – NZ 2015

Hi Peter,

My name is Daehong Kim an amateur photographer who attended your workshop in Auckland on Thursday evening.

I would like to thank you for your amazing workshop. The experience made me an indelible impression on me, and I will also never forget how you said that “An elephant can still fly in my photography”.
Hope to see you again one day and you will always be my mentor in my photography life.

Thank you

Daehong with kind regards

Victor – Port folio Builder Melbourne 2014

Dear Peter

I just wanted to say thanks for a great workshop last Sunday – I learnt a lot from the day. I found the models to be very professional and engaging. The other participants were enthusiastic and co-operative. Of course, I found your style of teaching to be very instructive and you were generous with your time.

I have a lot of what i think are great photos from the day – in fact, so many, it will be a pleasant challenge to identify the shots that are the pick of the bunch.

Kelly – Port folio Builder Melbourne 2014

Hi Peter,

Thank you for running the workshop over the weekend, I found it to be a hugely beneficial experience and it came at a time when my own experiences had brought me a to a point of being ready to appreciate the guidance and insights you were providing. I look forwards to incorporating the things that I learned into my future shoots and approaching those shoots with a more open minded view about what elephants can and can’t do. It was a pleasure to spend time with you and your wonderful team and to spend time in your fabulous studio. Even though we covered so much in one day it felt very relaxed and well coordinated (and catered) and with time enough to carry on those informative little side discussions. Your workshop was of great value to me and I’m very glad that I was able to attend.

Warm regards
Kelly Anne Greham