Santa Fe Workshops - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Elizabeth J. (.

We just returned from an indescribable photo journey in Cuba’s “Orienté” region: Granma and Holguin provinces. So far removed from the beaten track, yet so deeply immersed in the astonishing story of the Rebels’ heroic and unimaginable landing and movement into the interior with their Revolution.

Our accommodations were very comfortable; our hosts, most welcoming and so eager to please us. Our Santa Fe workshop leader, renowned street photographer, Jennifer Spelman, assisted by the inimitable Havana native and world class underwater (and terrestrial) photo wizard, Carlos Otero Blanco, presented our group with jaw-dropping photo locales and introduced to a multi-generational family unit living without electricity or running water who prepared a beautiful roast pig lunch for us. We were thrilled with a long, rollicking drive along the southernmost Cuban “highway” between sheer mountain faces and the azure Caribbean Sea. Surprise and awe; heat and water; sharp, vivid colors and deepest forest shadows; long drink from fresh-cut coconut and the crispest hot pigskin. Oh, Cuba!!
Thank you Jenn, Carlos and the intrepid, irreplaceable Jorgito, and to SFW, for just a splendid trip! Can’t wait to get back!
Cuba Lover, Libby
January 2024

Robert M.

I've participated in a couple of SFPWs and had great experiences. This review focuses on my recent trip with Thomas Kelly in the workshop "Nepal: Himalayan Festivals, Sacred Landscapes, and Beyond." It was outstanding, and Thomas was an excellent leader.

I had long wanted to visit Nepal, and this workshop exceed my expectations. The selection of sites and festivals made this an especially rich cultural experience, more than a simple introductory trip. (Yet it just whetted the appetite for additional time in Nepal.) Thomas, as a resident of Nepal with extended ties to institutional leaders, facilitated access to spiritual sites and activities and provided exceptional insight into the peoples and cultures of Nepal. His experience as a photojournalist based in the country enriched the photographic guidance he provided to the group and to each of us as individuals.

The experience was well-planned, organized, and executed. The description of the workshop was clear and set unambiguous expectations in terms of sights (and sites), accommodations, and physical demands. Thomas and his team and local contacts provided exceptional support during the trip. As in any travel plans, weather and other contingencies are imperfectly predicted and require flexibility. In this trip, for example, we had an unexpected snowstorm in the Himalayas, resulting in a scheduled flight cancellation. Thomas had prepared optional plans and worked with the participants in making joint decisions that resulted in minimized disruption of the overall schedule.

Overall, an outstanding trip. Kudos to Santa Fe Workshops and to Thomas L. Kelly and his Wild Earth Journeys team!

Scott H.

Love The Santa Fe Photographic Workshop. I took a street photography week long session with Jennifer Spelman last summer and LOVED it. Great instruction and so much fun. They offer on campus housing. Their meal plan was amazing. Such variety, healthy and delicious meals served by a wonderful staff. All around amazing experience. Cant wait to go back!

Marcia W.

The Santa Fe Writers' Workshop I went to in January was without question the worst writing workshop I have ever attended. It was mis-represented in the marketing materials, poorly organized, and one of the teachers was not even familiar with the assigned readings. Speaking of which, of the four books assigned, one was high quality. The rest were approximately the caliber of beach reading. The sessions were so bad I left before lunch on the first day. My complaints were ignored until I directed them to the owner after which I received a wan apology from a staff member. A staff member who had been sent a copy of my initial complaint some five weeks prior. They are only interested in your money. Stay home and write. At least you can have a drink there*.

* We only learned it was alcohol-free 24/7 upon our arrival.

schuyler R.

Exhilirating, productive, inspiring, wonderful - Santa Fe Photography Workshops does everything possible to help you achieve your goals. I had a terrific experience and plan to return again.