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Sports Shooter Academy
| When? | |
April 8 - 12, 2009
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| Where? | |
Irvine, CA
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| Rating | |
9.76
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| Notes | |
Held in cooperation with the NCAA Division I Big West Conference, Sports Shooter Academy participants will be covering major college events along side top professional photographers, receiving hands-on instruction, on the spot evaluations, tips on portrait and arena lighting, using remote cameras, working with coaches and athletes and making story-telling images.
USA TODAY staff photographer Robert Hanashiro directed the first Academy in 2005 that saw 32 students photograph everythng from baseball to basketball to horse racing. Students also shot portraits over this five day event.
In April of 2006 Sports Shooter Academy II was held and the students were also able to photograph NBA basketball, NHL hockey and AVP volleyball in addition to the above-mentioned sports.
Faculty have included Matt Brown, Donald Miralle, Wally Skalij, Dave Black, Michael Goulding, Sean Haffey, Myung J. Chun, Robert Beck and Darrell Miho.
Students stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Irvine-Orange County Airport.
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| Additional Info | www.sportsshooter.com/news/2095 |
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|| Member Feedback [add your comments]
Matthew DAlessandro
Photographer
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Salt Lake City
| UT
| USA
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Comments
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[11/30/08] App and info:
http://www.sportsshooter.com/news/2113 |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Cliff DesPeaux
Student/Intern / Photographer
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Shoreline
| WA
| USA
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Comments
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[10/26/08] Does anyone know where I can find an application?
Thanks! |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Jared Wickerham
Student/Intern / Photographer
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Pittsburgh
| PA
| U.S.A.
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Comments
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[10/17/08] So many things to say about SSA. Last year was my first year and I hope to be chosen to attend again in April. I have already been saving up for this trip! The staff are amazing and I learned more in 5 days than I did in a whole years worth of schooling(is that bad?). But like others have said, the networking of faculty and friends that you will meet there is priceless. Rod Leland, Charles Ludeke, and Daniel Berman have been some of my best friends, although halfway across the nation in some cases, since attending SSA V. Amazing doesn't give this workshop justification but everything about it is amazing; the faculty, the attendees, the experience, and the price. One word of advice: GO! |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Octavian Cantilli
Student/Intern
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Gainesville
| FL
| United States
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Comments
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[03/12/08] You know, I’m tempted to rate this workshop a 9 only because it ends so abruptly and leaves you yearning for more. However, that won’t be fair, so I’ll go ahead and give it a 10.
I came from Florida so the price totaled around $1600 for everything. Some of you might be thinking that I could have bought a new camera and lens with that money, which I could have used for a couple years. This is true. However, the inspiration to shoot differently, the contacts made both with peers and faculty, the access to some very unique shooting situations and the critiques from faculty can benefit you for a lifetime. The choice is yours.
Here is a link to what other participants though about SSAV.
http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=28600 |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Rafael Agustin Delgado
Student/Intern / Photographer
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Pasadena
| Ca
| USA
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Comments
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[10/16/07] Nothing compares to the wealth of information one is able to tap into during the Academy. The ability to head out to the field with the faculty. Then have them conduct constructive criticism is what I enjoyed the most. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Bob Ford
Photographer
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Lehighton
| Pa
| USA
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Comments
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[05/15/07] The SSA IV was incredible! I went in expecting to learn from the instructors, but wasn't expecting as much information. On top of that I learned a lot from the other students. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Kenneth Gatlin
Photographer
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Port Orchard
| WA
| USA
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Comments
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[05/12/07] I had an awesome time at the workshop this past April. I highly recomend it to anyone wanting to see better and shoot better. I cant say enough about how much the nighlty one on one sessions with the faculty helped me.
Thanks again to Robert and the Staff. I cant wait till next year. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Aaron Nagata
Photographer
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KEALAKEKUA
| HI
| USA
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Comments
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[11/30/06] After reading other participants comments I felt like there wasn't anything else that I could say. But then I sat back and realized that no one pointed out the negative parts of SSA III that should be mentioned so others could be made aware of what they are up against.
I'll start with the big kahuna. He's tough, intense, moody at times, will bite you on the spot but later redeem himself just because that's the way it is in the real world. There is no time for playing around when deadlines are just around the corner. You gotta realize this big kahuna, or high chief, operates 24/7 ensuring the Academy runs as smooth as it can. You must also keep in mind this big kahuna is responsible in making sure all participant's questions are answered, arrangements are made, and schedules are followed. His loyal and talented subordinates, aka assistants, are usually the ones to approach first if you have any logistic type questions. You must remember to follow instructions first, then improvise. Failure to adhere to the latter may result in raising the discomfort level of the big kahuna. Being from Hawaii, knowing the true meaning and characteristics of a Kahuna, Robert Hanashiro functions more like a Bushido of the anchient Samurai Era in Japan. Note: Kahuna's in anchient times rarely had contact with commoners. If eye contact was ever made, the commoner was immediately slain. Fellow SS members and future SSA participants, your lucky we live in today's world where the latter practice has since been abolished.
In closing, without the Big Kahuna, the talented and energetic faculty, wonderful and bright assistants, my trip to So. Cal would have turned into a mini vacation instead of a the real work experience that I was looking for. |
| Rating
| 9 |
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Daryl Peveto
Student/Intern / Photographer
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Ventura
| CA
| US
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Comments
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[11/29/06] This is a great workshop whether you are into sports or not. I went to improve my action so that I could focus on other stuff. What I got out of it was so much more. My understanding of how to approach each of the events is completely different now. I used to be terrified to shoot any sport, now I am excited.
The access to the events is amazing, the instructors are very hands on. I was never told no for anything I asked for. When setting up remotes at the tracks, when I asked Wally Skalij if I could set up on the gates, he made it happen. He even loaned me his Mark II when by 10D failed. Each of the instructors dedication to the students and to the workshop is what sets it apart.
At the end of each day you edit your work with the instructors, get feedback and then do a slide show of the group. This was amazing. Both is getting to see what veryone is doing and in the hands on help from the instructors. I really grew a lot from this workshop and improved both how I see and how I approach sports. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Kirk Irwin
Student/Intern
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Syracuse
| NY
| USA
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Comments
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[11/27/06] I had an amazing time. I learned a ton, was pushed to really see and make images. The staff was increadible. Everyone was very aproachable and ready to help when they could. I would highly recomend attending this workshop. The level of everyone there and the staff will force you to look for unique shots. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Jenna Tower
Photographer
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Berkeley
| CA
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Comments
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[11/27/06] I had the best time. Granted you will not get much in the way of sleep, and after a few days you might be running on fumes but you will still learn so much. The instructors are there to help you grow in ways you never thought possible, and make you think outside of the box. I felt I walked away with a different view on sports photography. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Osamu Chiba
Photographer
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Vista
| CA
| USA
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Comments
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[11/26/06] Learned a lot from SSA III just a couple of weeks ago, not only from faculty members but also from other participants.
If you're thinking about attending to this workshop, I suggest just be yourself. Don't try to make killer images and impress others. If you don't have a 300/400 mm, that's okay. Just do your best with whatever you have. I rented a 400mm and couldn't get most out of it due to lack of experience with it.
Oh, one more: if you're a semi-local like myself (San Diego), don't try to drive home every night (to see your baby). Get a room somewhere in Irvine and sleep more.
O |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Crystal Chatham
Photographer / Assistant
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La Quinta
| CA
| United States
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Comments
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[05/18/06] SportsShooter Academy II was a phenomenal experience. The workshop's combination of classes, demonstrations, hands-on pro and college shoots, editing sessions, critique sessions, and keynote address made this workshop a unique experience -- and, the opportunity for full control over our own schedules made SSA II a completely different experience for every attendee.
Beyond the classroom, the workshop provided a great foundation to forge new relationships with faculty members and fellow students. Moreso than a short course or weekend event, the five long days of SSA provided ample time to get to know one another and work closely with both veteran shooters and incredible up-and-comers.
I left SSA II having learned everything I'd hoped to and far more than I ever imagined. Apply and go -- it's worth every penny. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Ashley Vansant
Photographer
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Alabaster
| AL
| USA
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Comments
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[05/17/06] This workshop definitely lived up to its billing as the coolest sports photography event of the year. The opening speaker was inspiring, the classes were informative and the events were a blast. The nightly critique sessions were invaluable. The all-star faculty couldn’t have been more giving of their time and knowledge — before the events, on location and during the reviews. The small number of participants allowed for plenty of one-on-one instruction. The jam-packed schedule coupled with the interactive nature of the workshop means you are literally becoming a better photographer every waking minute. A must-attend for the workshop hunter, the Sports Shooter Academy is a real gem. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Chris Detrick
Photographer / Assistant
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Salt Lake City
| UT
| USA
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Comments
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[05/16/06] This is a fantastic workshop that gives you access to great sporting venues and some of the best instructors in the photo industry. You will spend the mornings watching inspirational presentations by the faculty then using what you have learned to shoot college and pro level sports. After a day of shooting, you will edit and submit your best images of the day to be critiqued by the faculty in front of the other students. You will leave this workshop refreshed and inspired to make great images. |
| Rating
| 9 |
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Carey Wagner
Photographer
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Visalia
| CA
| USA
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Comments
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[05/16/06] If you are looking for hands-on experience, access to great pro and college sporting events, and a chance to work closely with some of the best photographers out there, then sign up! The various portrait lighting sessions are an added bonus, and instantly improved my photography upon return from the workshop. The students who attended SSAII were really motivated and taught me just as much as the pros. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Carlos Delgado
Student/Intern
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Long Beach
| CA
| USA
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Comments
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[04/24/06] This is an experience that you cannot pass up. Nightly critiques are especially important because the experienced faculty provide essential feedback and advice that you cannot get anywhere else. Shooting events alongside professionals who are willing to answer any question you can think of, as well as 1-on-1 critiques, let me walk away with tons of valuable information and experiences. Great for students who want to build up an awesome sports portfolio... in four days, I got more than a semester's worth of great photos! SSAII was a great experience and an important stepping-stone to my photo career. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Johnny Vy
Photographer / Student/Intern
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San Gabriel
| CA
| USA
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Comments
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[04/24/06] Like most things in life, SSA is what you make of it. The freedom to plan your own schedule and choose which events or classes you'd like to attend make this workshop an effective tool to learn something new and to try something you've never tried before. On top of that, throw in a staff that is very willing to devote their time and have their brains picked, and you've got one of the best hands on learning experiences you can get. The opportunity to photograph a major professional sporting event is also great experience, as you get to see how the pros work. You will not get any kind of attention like this anywhere else. It is an intensive couple of days of shooting, and you will definitely learn a lot about real life shooting scenarios. |
| Rating
| 9 |
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Debra Gulbas
Photographer
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El Paso
| TX
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Comments
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[04/17/06] This workshop is phenomenal. There is a good balance between hands-on experience, classes and individual/group critique. The aspect that sets this workshop apart from the rest is the staff and the participants. The staff is extrememly patient, and eager to give advice. The participants share the same energy and passion in sports photography. This is an opportunity you won't want to miss. |
| Rating
| 9 |
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Melissa Macatee
Photographer
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Dallas
| TX
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Comments
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[04/16/06] Sports Shooter Academy is amazing. If you are fortunate enough to be accepted, you will learn more in the time you are there, than you can imagine. The staff is top notch with highly acclaimed photographers taking time from their busy schedule to work beside you giving you suggestions and tips to improve your photography. The access to the events was amazing, Big West Sports like volleyball, tennis, baseball along with professional sports, basketball, hockey, volleyball, soccer and horseraces. The classes offered on remotes and lighting indoors and out are extremely enlightening and you have plenty of opportunity to ask questions while getting hands on experience. Nightly edit and critique sessions are an opportunity you won't find elsewhere. Don't miss out on SSA if you have the chance, grab it and make the most of it. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Jackson Davis
Photographer
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Charleston
| SC
| United States
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Comments
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[04/15/06] Sports Shooter Academy is the best educational photography event I have ever attended. The classes offered are worth the tuition by themselves. I am most impressed by the ego-free attitude of all involved. Everyone, instructors and students, collaborated to help each better his craft. Access to top professionals in the business (an invaluable networking opportunity), and full access, top-tier, credentials to NBA, AVP, Big West, etc. events are icing on the cake. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Jordan Murph
Student/Intern / Photographer
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Pomona
| CA
| USA
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Comments
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[12/02/05] This workshop is totally amazing. Having some of the best and coolest photographers in the world taking the time to work with you one-on-one is simply awesome. Getting my worked critiqued after every shoot, learning to work on deadline, as well as getting pointers on the spot from the best in the business was killer. I learned so much and had such a blast the entire time. Made great contacts and great friends which is priceless. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Tom Braid
Photo Editor
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Edmonton
| AB
| Canada
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Comments
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[11/29/05] If you are accepted to participate in the Sports Shooter Academy you should consider yourself lucky to be part of this great learning experience.
And after you are done you should remember no matter where your career takes you that you should NEVER EVER stop learning, because the day you do is the day you are done.
Cheers;
Tom Braid
Photo Editor
Edmonton Sun
Edmonton Examiner
www.EdmontonSun.com
www.EdmontonExaminer.com
&
Vice President-Western Canadian News Photographers Association
www.wcnpa.ca |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Dustin Snipes
Student/Intern / Photographer
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Cheney
| Wa
| United States
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Comments
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[04/04/05] This is one of the best experiences I have ever had. The staff really motivates you and pushes you to do your best. The hands on treatment is very helpful. If I could, I would go again next year. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Robin O'Shaughnessy
Photographer
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Lubbock
| TX
| USA
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Comments
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[03/26/05] This was a great workshop. Access to equipment thanks to Nikon, access to great been-there, done-that professionals and access to critiques by everyone attending. I would highly recommend attending the work-shop. Great way to learn new tricks and new ways to photograph sports. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Peter Huoppi
Photographer
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Burlington
| VT
| USA
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Comments
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[03/08/05] Sports Shooter Academy made me re-evaluate how I approach each sporting event I cover. The amazing faculty was there before, during and after each event to constantly provide advice and feedback. Seeing the work produced by everyone else at an game I shot was illuminating. It made me take notice of everything I did and looked at while shooting. I may have actually learned more from the other students than the faculty, which is a good thing. I would encourage anyone with an interest in shooting sports to attend. |
| Rating
| 9 |
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James Rulison
Photographer
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Chino Hills
| CA
| USA
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Comments
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[03/03/05] WOW - I have been to a few workshops locally in Southern California but nothing like this. I don’t think there is another workshop in the world where you get to shoot everyday and support from the pros like Dave Black, Darrell Miho, Donald Miralle, and so many more. This workshop was amazing during the Arena Strobing class Darrell Miho didn’t just lecture he showed us one and then basically had the students help out with the rest. It was the hands-on type of workshop you have dreamed about. Nikon was great as well they brought in more equipment then you could imagine giving most students a chance to setup remotes or work with glass that they could only dream about. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Denis Rochefort
Student/Intern / Photographer
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Bowling Green
| KY
| USA
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Comments
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[03/01/05] Shooting actual sporting events that begin and end with no second chances is a great way to test your skill. Working closely with some of the best shooters in the country is as much inspiring as it is fascinating. The best part of this workshop is you leave with a handful of friends from around the country. |
| Rating
| 9 |
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Jamm Aquino
Photographer / Student/Intern
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Honolulu
| HI
| usa
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Comments
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[02/28/05] A great workshop that really involved "work." Not only did participants have deadline pressure, but the opportunity to work alongside some of the greatest sports photographers in the business was truly wonderful. You get direct feedback, ideas, and input while applying it right then and there to your own craft. Another great aspect was the many friendships and relationships you gain through working with both instructors and participants alike--one that is forged through the genuine love and craft of making great photographs. If I could go again, I'd do it in a heartbeat. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Dianna Russell
Photographer
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Springfield
| MO
| USA
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Comments
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[02/28/05] The SSA surpassed my expectations. Not only was it challenging but the staff made sure it was a fun learning experience as well. This was my first hands-on sports photography workshop and I certainly discovered what I need to work on.
There are two things I would have done differently and in retrospect I would suggest to future SSA students: 1. Sign up for and do everything possible OUT of your comfort zone. 2. Sign up for as many portrait sessions as is allowed. 3. Request that extra camera body to use as a remote and sign up for a 400/2.8. The Nikon support was absolutely wonderful.
There were so many great classes/sessions to sign up for that it was very hard to choose. Believe it when it is suggested that you should do things you have never tried.
Be prepared to be inspired by the great faculty and also by the talented students working right next to you. This workshop will both excite and motivate you to push past any barriers that may be holding you back. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Chris Lawson
Photographer
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Centennial
| CO
| USA
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Comments
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[02/28/05] The Sports Shooter Academy combines talented and outgoing professional instruction with hands-on and intensive "real world" shooting situations. In my opinon, any workshop that is worth attending should inspire, motivate and excite its participants. The SS Academy does not disappoint. The buzz of sitting shoulder to shoulder with some of the future superstars of our industry is unsurpassed in my experience. Everyone entered the academy with an open mind and a willingness to push themselves to create great images...portraits, peak action, details, scene setters, etc. One faculty member talked of the importance of keeping one's ego in check and I think that this workshop puts a great deal in perspective in that respect. I feel an SSA student will learn where they are in their work, where they can go and can begin to decide where they want to end up. It was a pleasure to be part of the inaugural class and I would highly recommend it to all the students and young professionals in our community. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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Allan Campbell
Photographer / Assistant
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Salem (Portland)
| OR
| USA
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Comments
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[02/26/05] This was a great workshop. The four days changed the way I look at each event I cover. The largest class for me had 12 people the smallest had 3. Everything from Portraits, details, game coverage, and technique were covered. There was plenty of personal attention from the faculty. David Black’s multi speedlite lighting demo to Donald Mirale’s outdoor sportrait had little tidbits to be taken and experimented with. Bert and Ron did a great job pushing each attendee helping us to improve each day. Matt Brown shared his knowledge of each school and the Big West with ease. Darrell Miho’s attitude at the arena putting up remotes and strobes made working with new techniques very easy. Overall everyone was there to make your experience the very best it could be. Personally I am hoping this is a workshop that you can attend over and over again. |
| Rating
| 9 |
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Mark J. Rebilas
Photographer
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Seattle
| WA
| USA
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Comments
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[02/26/05] An awesome workshop that focused more on shooting than just listening about what others have shot. Really hands on training from some of the best in the industry really helped all the students take their shooting to another level. Not only did my photography step up a notch but I made some great friends with some future players in our field. The evening critiques really gave us insight on what we did right and what we could do better next time. I left the academy super motivated and my photography definantly shows it. |
| Rating
| 9 |
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Andrew Malana
Photographer
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Tokyo
| JP
| Japan
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Comments
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[02/26/05] Working alongside photographers with extensive experience in the many facets of sports photography picking their brains on how best to capture 'The Moment' was top rate throughout the workshop.
Additional support from Nikon allowing us to use gear augmenting our own made it complete in many ways. Use of lenses and cameras allowed us to push our own photography envelope. We learned and gained valuable career building experiences.
If you are thinking about attending this workshop, I would highly recommend it. It will be a weekend you will never forget. Shooting alongside the 2005 Staff photographers asking questions and receiving tips is an opportunity you wont have if you are working alongside them in the real world.
A casual yet intensive 4-day workshop will help bring your photography to the next level, learning from the best and from yourselves. |
| Rating
| 10 |
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