Testimonials

COURSE / 1 WEEK LANDSCAPE  MASTERCLASS
Martin not only had patience with will all of us being at different levels in our photographic skillset, his thorough and in-depth knowledge of this art form made us all leave with our heads held high and a sense of achievement. Giving us a sound introduction to the world of RAW and digital negatives, and steering us away from “pixel bashing”, his perseverance made us realise that the days of the darkroom have just moved from a tray of chemicals onto a computer.  Artists see the world through different eyes, and in some, he reawakened those eyes, and in others, he helped find their artist's eyes.  Also in this competitive day and age, it’s rare to find an artist willing to share their knowledge so freely.  The comfort and relaxed ambiance of our shoots and theory classes made them fun and we had some very good laughs. This was a dynamic platform to meet fellow students and to see how they interpreted the breathtakingly beautiful Cape Town and surroundings. – Di and Shell Cooper
 
 
COURSE / 1 WEEK LANDSCAPE  MASTERCLASS
Thank you for such an insightful and humorous course. We all had amazing good fun, despite the freezing cold weather and very early hours. It was such a pleasure to watch our photos come alive with the techniques you have shown us in Lightroom/Bridge and Photoshop. I am really grateful for your expertise in helping us set up for light and composition. Driving eight women round a few bends to some glorious locations, with great safety and patience is a feat indeed. – Cathy Bell
 
 
COURSE / 1 WEEK LANDSCAPE  MASTERCLASS
Thank you so very much for a fantastic student showcase page!   I am very grateful for everything you did for me in regard to this.   As for the course, I have wonderful memories of patient help, inspirational ideas, and fun!   The lectures were enlightening, to say the least, and the outings were simply fantastic.  I feel as though I have left my old level and ascended a steep ladder towards the light!  Thank you. – Joy Hudson
 
 
COURSE / 1 WEEK LANDSCAPE  MASTERCLASS
I have been ever so fortunate to take three courses with Martin and am thrilled at how far I’ve come in one year since I started as a beginner. Last week’s landscape class was the highlight and I’m still amazed at what I’ve been able to capture. You are a gifted teacher, with a wonderful sense of humour, and I’m truly amazed at your patience with us all. Thank you for taking us to some magnificent spots with just the right conditions - the setting moon and rising sun over Noordhoek beach doesn’t get any better. Thank you so much. – Patricia McVitty
 
 
COURSE / 1 WEEK LANDSCAPE  MASTERCLASS
Martin is the most fantastic teacher who inspires through passion and knowledge. His utmost patience all week with a group of females was remarkable, we were a challenge to him. The week taught us many things but I would like to highlight a couple of advantages of such a course. Firstly it taught me the huge value of working in a small group and experiencing a wide range of different great photos all taken at the same time. Was I really at the same location? Truly inspiring, the group produced some remarkable photos that everyone was proud of. I just want to go back to the same places and do better with my new found knowledge. Secondly much to my surprise I am a new convert to the advantages of working with Raw files in Camera Raw. Thank-you Martin for not giving up on me! And lastly Martin has put new energy back into my photography and I am determined to get out there and take photos somehow, somewhere every week. I will no longer be a holiday snapper. – Tricia Owen
 
 
COURSE / 1 WEEK LANDSCAPE  MASTERCLASS
Dear Martin, thank you, thank you, thank you for one of the best weeks of my life. I have admired your work for a long time but never knew what an excellent teacher you are.  I have learned more in the last week than the previous 10 years since I bought my first DSLR.   I really appreciate your style – the personal attention, the confidence you gave me that I will be able to have an amazing image by the end of the week and the way you freely shared your knowledge. Baie dankie weereens vir ‘n moerse lekker week. - Jacoba van Zyl
 
 
COURSE / 1 WEEK LANDSCAPE  MASTERCLASS
As for the course...WOW! I was in a rut with my photography and was struggling to get out of a "pretty pic" mode; The course most definitely challenged me to get out of my comfort (or should I say "lazy") mode, and it was very interesting, informative and most of all inspirational six days! Not only is Martin an amazing photographer, but he is also a great teacher in that he guides the group as a whole and then has an exceptionally good personal touch with each of the individuals within the group. The week was packed with dynamic shots and fascinating processing, and I feel my photography has improved beyond my expectations. A most rewarding and motivating week, many many thanks to Martin. Much appreciation.
- Pat Scott
 
 
COURSE / 1 WEEK LANDSCAPE  MASTERCLASS
I do not know where to begin with explaining my experience on this course! Martin's landscape course has been one of the top highlights of my photographic journey...His guidance through all the different aspects was amazing, true and invaluable, driven by his love and passion for the medium of landscape photography. I cannot thank him, his family and all that are involved, enough for everything for what they have left me with... this experience will forever be with me. I would highly recommend that you attend one of his landscape courses. You will leave with better knowledge and understanding of the art. Martin... Thanks for making me see the light. - Nolan Lister. Pretoria, South Africa
 
 
COURSE / 1 WEEK LANDSCAPE  MASTERCLASS
I’m alive with the k-pow! I got on this course: I learned to look differently and to see what I was looking at. To breathe in glorious colours, juxtaposed shapes and make sense out of chaos. I loved being out before first light, and on the beach, pants rolled up, shoes soaked and tripod wedged into wave-splashed sand, I loved watching the last light faded and walking back with a single headlamp-beam dancing on rocks and the path. I loved leaping up Cecelia forest to find the fog and fell in love with the simplicity of dead trees still reaching through the mist, I found myself mesmerized by subtle light, hi-key, low-key and infrared, I’m finding my way through ways to process my images, so they speak for themselves. Thank you, Martin, your mastery is beyond words. - Jocelin Kagan
 
 
COURSE / 1 WEEK FINE ART MASTERCLASS
Thank you just doesn't suffice…  I had such an amazing time at your fine art course last week.  I've come home feeling inspired, positive, and to be honest - remembering why I fell in love with photography in the first place! My wee notebook of ideas and thoughts is almost full, I've been more inspired in the past week, than in the prior 5 years.  I can't wait to not only shoot more but to also work my way through some of my existing images.  Images that I already like, but that I know I'm going to love even more once they've been given the fine art treatments that you shared with us.  Russia - such a hard place to live, now seems much less daunting. So, again, Thank you!  Not only too you but to Anita, Sam, Banda and Janet.  Your team is just lovely, and I felt so well taken care of.  It was wonderful to be able to focus only on photography for a week, to give your undivided attention to something you love is such a rare treat. - Coralie Sneddon
 
COURSE / 1 WEEK FINE ART MASTERCLASS
Some of the best things in life happen on the spur of the moment. I was browsing through Martin’s portfolio on his website and loved what I saw – images that are not only beautiful but which touch a chord in me. I’m guilty of taking plenty of pictures and then not printing any of them. The idea flashed into my head – perhaps Martin’s fine art course could inspire me to make my photographs something worth hanging on a wall. Indeed it did! Martin’s relaxed manner helped me overcome my nerves on day one, and we all discovered the truth of his assurance that ‘mistakes’ can result in something stunning and unexpected. He is generous with his vast knowledge and shares invaluable tips he has discovered over many years. The hands-on workshops taught us many techniques and opened up a whole new world for me. I now have a much clearer idea of what to look for before I start shooting, as I have a specific end-product in mind. The luxury of spending a week of uninterrupted creativity under the guidance of a master photographer is almost unimaginable and I’m so glad I did it. - Pat Botes
 
COURSE / 1 WEEK LANDSCAPE  MASTERCLASS
​Attending Martin’s week-long advanced landscape course is a quantum leap in understanding and practising the art of photography. His knowledge of photography is rich and extensive and his patient style and ability to impart crucial tips allows one to walk away enriched and highly motivated. He is a true professional who gives generously and I recommend anyone who wants to advance their ability to plan and take compelling and interesting photographs with absolutely no reservation.  Very few professionals commit to the 14-hour day Martin enthusiastically spends with his customers in such a thoughtful and patient way. The best of all is that one walks away feeling one has advanced one’s photographic skills in ways that could not have been imagined. Martin is one of a kind! - Rob Smith
 
COURSE / 1 WEEK FINE ART MASTERCLASS
​Dear Martin, It's my first day back home in Durban after one of THE most stimulating, creative weeks I have ever had. I was ecstatic when I knew what you were offering as it's something I have always wanted to do and have done in my own way, but your generosity of spirit, your sharing and caring unstintingly, your ability to make everything exciting, fresh and new...and a reality to a group of already artists, was beyond my wildest dreams. Martin you gave so generously of your knowledge, your expertise, your time, your creativity as an artist...not only as a photographer but as a painter and creator in many mediums, was exactly what I was looking for and I received it all...and more...much much more. I feel greatly blessed...as did we all. Thank you for showing me that my dreams are possible and that there is no limit to my creativity. I have come away on an absolute high, rejuvenated...and with many diverse tools which I can't wait to put into practice. I feel privileged to have been on this special journey with you and like-minded new friends. Staying in your B and B was a great plus too as it meant I didn't have to break the rhythm of creativity which made the whole experience even more intense and memorable. This week has been a highlight for me...not forgetting the pinhole shoot which I enjoyed beyond words. Love and gratitude. - Jane Bedford
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COURSE / BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE NEXT STEP​
​I never knew what was real photography, until I went on the photography course at Martin Osner's. It is like entering a whole new world of colour, texture and creativity. I've learned so much and will never take any photo in automatic mode again! - Mary-Ann Sim
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COURSE / BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY / THE NEXT STEP / ADVANCED LESSONS
It all began when I attended a "Lets Talk Photography" seminar, presented by Martin Osner. I was completely captivated by Martin's enthusiasm, zeal and passion for photography. Listening to his talk and seeing his photographs – and hearing the stories behind the images – was captivating and inspiring. So I signed up for the Basic Photography Course. At the beginning of the course, Martin said that by the end of the course we WILL be taking better photographs. He was confident that our photography would improve dramatically and his goal for each of us was to have at least one excellent photograph to print and frame. I felt a bit intimidated (I think we all did!) and thought: 'here is someone who has a lot more faith in my photography than me'. But he was right! The quality of the photographs taken by the end of the course bare testimony to what an excellent teacher he is. The course was presented in a very professional, clear, concise and easy to understand manner and it covered every aspect of photography. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and learnt so much – and I look forward to doing the Advanced Photography Course.
Thanks, Martin for the awesome inspiration.​ - Sue Docherty

​COURSE / BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE NEXT STEP
Signing up for the basic course was the best thing that I could have done. I acquired my new camera at the beginning of the year and I started off by reading the manual page by page – twice! I then wasn't quite sure of what my next step should be, so I joined a beginner session at a local photography club. I walked out knowing more than I did before – but I knew it wasn't the right environment for me to pursue my new hobby. For the following six months I looked at different courses which were being offered, but nothing grabbed me. By pure coincidence, someone mentioned to me that Martin Osner also offered courses. Once I saw his pictures on his website I knew that he was going to “fit into my plan”. What an inspiration – the person that took those incredible pictures could teach me to take photos! I thoroughly enjoyed each class. It was presented well and easy to understand. I am now even more inspired to continue with my new found hobby and I will definitely continue this journey with Martin on my side. I can’t wait to do his advanced class and continue to be inspired even more. - Ina Schlothauer
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COURSE / BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE NEXT STEP
I received a beautiful and expensive camera three years ago as a gift. Not knowing anything about photography, I spent the next three years shooting on “auto”! It was only when a friend of mine told me about Martin Osner's photography classes that I considered learning more about the art of photography. I went online to see what the course had to offer and then I saw Martins work at an exhibition and was hooked! I signed up for the beginner's course and haven’t looked back. I am so much more aware of the beauty that surrounds me – sometimes in the smallest of things. The beginners class covers every aspect of photography, from how to operate your camera through to lighting, composition, various techniques and much more, as well as a practical group outing. My only regret is that I didn't do a course earlier.  Meeting like-minded people on the course was also very refreshing and encouraging – so much so, that our entire group is signing up for Martins advanced course!​ - Jane Stone

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COURSE / BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE NEXT STEP
Martin - I just wanted to say a huge thank you for introducing me to a world outside the automatic mode! You know that I probably wasn't the most enthusiastic scholar on that first evening back in January - no fault of yours or photography but rather a feeble act of rebellion against a well-meaning husband who should have known better than to try and organize me!! Anyhow, as you know, he is well and truly forgiven. In fact, the course has turned out to be the best present I have ever had and he now knows that! There was a method in his madness… although financially it's costing him :) I'm hooked for life...​ Many thanks. - Clare Brooks

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COURSE / LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY IN ONE WEEK​
​Dear Martin, I have just finished reorganizing and retyping the extensive notes I took down while I was on your week's workshop.  What an amazing gift it was to have learnt so much in just a week. Your passion, enthusiasm and energy were so contagious. I have been involved with Photography for about ten years and never have I learnt as much as I have with you.  No question was too silly. You went to endless lengths to reaffirm, help and encourage us. I feel refreshed in my photography and to have spent that unique week with you on the spot in your guesthouse, was awesome. Thank you, Martin, for giving us so much of yourself and your talent... I can’t wait to do the advanced course with you once I have fully mastered what you have taught me. I feel truly blessed to have met you. Thank you most sincerely for all your nurturing and helping me to see beyond just the superficial.​ With gratitude. - Jane Bedford. Durban, South Africa