Testimonial N@W Photography workshop course coaching lesson Singapore

BEYOND BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY WORSHOP, February 2008

I am usually a bit skeptical about these classes because I didn’t really get much out of the ones I attended before. So I came to John’s class with a skeptical mind and not sure what to expect. But I have to say that I’m surprised at how much I have learned in just 3 days!

Thank you John for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.
This course is not just a teach-and-learn experience but the beginning of a journey for me to explore the fascinating world of photography.

It is also nice to meet all of you. I hope that we stay in touch and share the wonderful pictures you take and the stories behind them.

Zhilin, Canon EOS 400D

I have come away from the workshop feeling truly inspired to do more with my photography. Thanks John for being such a wonderful teacher and thanks to everyone else for making the weekend so relaxed and enjoyable. It was a pleasure to meet everyone, I hope we stay in touch.

I feel very inspired to keep learning about photography. I plan to practice, practice and practice some more all the techniques you have taught me but would also like to take things one step further and attend the 201 Intermediate and Creatic course

Dawn, Nikon D40X

Hi John, thanks for the great class. I'm excited to put into practise what I've learnt, and I really applaud the class for being Informational, Instructional, and Inspirational. Thanks and keep in touch, class.

Jamie (waiting to buy the next D-SLR)

Just dropping by to say thank you for the very inspiring workshop we had for the last 3 day. I really enjoyed it. I would really love to enroll to your next lessons if I have time. I want to this hobby make it a higher level.

Thank you for sharing. See you around?

Take care and God Bless you and your family...

Asher, Nikon D200

Photo by Peter Yeong

I have been taking photos for more than 8 years. I started with film and have now moved into digital for the past 4 years. Until June this year, what I know about photography has been
self taught or from books. Initially I had reservations about attending a photography class because I felt there was nothing more I can learn. How wrong I was! After attending your basic class, I had learnt at least 3 things I never knew in the last 8 years. Upon completion
of your intermediate class, I was totally humbled. I wished I could turn back the clock and attended your class 8 years ago.

You have a special way of explaining complicated subjects. You had a class of students with very different levels of photography experience but you still managed to keep the attention of the seasoned students without losing the beginners. This is really testimony to your experience and personality. You are a friend to all who wants to learn more about photography. Your course duration is just right, your field trips are real eye-openers and your enthusiasm to share is simply contagious.

Now I see the world in a different light and I know I have embarked on a new journey…..into the world of photography. Thank you, John.

Peter Yeong, Canon EOS 30D,August 2007

Photo by L. Pasqual

Photo by Lei

I was a little bit tired of taking pictures of the holiday-snap variety and so was looking around for a photography class when I found John Arifin's website - it looked professional and well-organised and I thought ok, this might be a good start.

I opted to take a private lesson ( 1 on 1 ) instead of a workshop to suit my work schedule, and it was one of the best ideas I have had in a long time!

John was patient, professional, and quick to answer the million questions I had, and the result was one of those rare occasions when you actually learn something important and useful in a very short span of time. Now I can move to the next level, thanks to John!

L. Pasqual, Panasonic Lumix, communications strategist, October 2007

I had experience with film SLRs and wanted to get started quickly with my new digital SLR. John gave me a 6 hour personal lesson tailored to a variety of my needs. I found the session to be excellent in every regard. I have books on photography, many very good, but what John was able to do was take my interest, level, and where I wanted to take my photography all into consideration and weave the elements necessary for me to understand into each hour. He made everything relevant, simple, and built on the basics verifying that I really understood the core concepts before taking the next level. I found that in the end, not only did I understand my camera and how to maximise the features, but I also felt that the field of photography (professional photography) was demystified and that the only things stopping me what my time and experience. I was very impressed in John's flexibility in setting up and delivering a tailored program. It was an excellent way to accelerate my skill and quality of photos.

R. Straiton, IT Director,November 2007

Photos by Carolyn Tay

I have had a great time with the course, it was a great pleasure to learn from someone with the technical expertise, an eye for the unusual in daily life &
above all a generous teacher.

In the last 2 years, I have read many photography books, attended online
course but I believe this experience has proven to be the most beneficial.
It was a great kick to be able to learn, ask & share in such a personal way
with the teacher & group. In 3 days, I have learnt many new things & I also
feel that the bits & pieces of information that I have had are falling into places.

I truly enjoyed learning in such an encouraging & positive environment. I love & agree with you when you said that there's no wrong angle to approaching any picture because that angle is unique to the eye of the beholder.

Please continue the good work of sharing your technical expertise & more importantly your passion & love for the art of light.

Please do contact me if you visit Holland.

Carolyn Tay, IC Designer, Canon 300D,
Intermediate & Creative Photography Workshop, January 2006

Before workshop

After workshop

Luisa attended the Basic Photography Workshop WS 101 and she recaptured the surfing shots with her new understanding and skills on photography. She achieved the
photo on the right with CLEAR focus, action captured with the correct exposure.

Photo by Luisa Gonzalez- Tarrio

September 2007
Nikon D80

Photo by Katherine Lye

I have learned a lot from your 3-day workshop prior to having zero knowledge on camera or photography except reading pictorial book.

Your workshop is easy to understand and I can instantly apply the theory when I pick up my SLR camera.

When I shot this dragon fly on the hot, sunny mid day (left ), I was blinded by the reflection of the rock. I immediately applied the skills learned from John on the outcome of a picture I want. The basic workshop WS 101 has given me the confidence to explore my camera and I will continue to discover the journey of photography. I regret not learning from you earlier.

Katherine Lye, June 2007, Nikon D40X, Basic Photography Workshop 101

Thank you for your patience and your use of layman's language to conduct
your photography class over the past 3 days. Now, I have knowledge of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO which make reading the camera manuals easier. I can also feel less intimidated with the camera functions and will make an effort to practice what I have learnt.

Mariati, Nikon D40X, June 2007,Basic Photography Workshop 101

Photo by Rosmini Sukardi

I have enjoyed the class tremendously. The main benefit I got was empowerment,
in that I am now better able to translate my artistic ideas into technical
specifications on the camera to produce results which I want. That to me, is
ultimate empowerment.

I am particularly impressed by your ability to simplify difficult technical
concepts into easily digestible pieces of information.

I look forward to using my new found knowledge to explore this absolutely captivating interest.

Thank you once again.

Rosmini Sukardi. ,Auditor, Canon EOS 20D,Singapore.August 2005
Basic Photography Workshop 101

Photos by H K Tang
Telamonia spider on leaf.

The Intermediate Photography Workshop 102 with the creative photography element added in is both an artistically and a technically rewarding experience.

The emphasis on fieldwork with the theories explained in the field is just the format that works hand in hand with digital photography. Its ability to allow
instant feedback reinforces effective learning, which is a hallmark of your workshops.

Intermediate 102 opens my eyes to new vistas of familiar places in Singapore.
I must have driven by the HDB block (see picture on the left )hundreds of time but without 102 I did not know it holds so many visual wonders.

Associate Professor H.K.Tang, Olympus E-300,Singapore. May 2006

After the completion of the Macro Photography Workshop, I decided to invest
in the 50mm Olympus Zuiko macro lens.

I am more pleased with my shots. I change my light-tube design a bit and gets
a softer image such as this one with the Telamonia spider on leaf.

Associate Professor H.K Tang. Olympus E 300,Singapore February 2005

You can see more of Tang's work on spider here
Ant-mimic Spider photography

Photos by Samantha Lee

I used to be so over-whelmed by the 'hard to understand' jargon that most photographers use . So I was hesitant to attend the workshop fearing that
I may not be able to catch up.

But you really put me at ease with the easy to understand analogies and I was
able to step out of my 'point and shoot' & 'dumb mode' syndrome and venture into 'A'/'S'/'P'/'M' modes in my camera.

I hope in time to come, I can capture the emotions in every picture better & get people to stop and stare at my picture instead of just flipping through.

Samantha lee, Nikon D50 March 2006 & June 2006
Basic Photography & Macro Photography

Photos by

John has a good way of putting things simple and easy to understand. His personal approach in coaching also make you learn from your mistakes .
I like his idea of having the all lectures and field trips over the 3 consecutive days. This definitely assist in remembering the techniques taught and put them into practice during the field trips.

Thanks John for helping me discover the beauty and joy of Macro photography.

Goh Siang,
Canon EOS 20D with 90mm Tamron macro
Basic Photography Workshop March 2006,
Macro Photography Workshop ,June 2006

Photo by Steven Ng

I truly enjoy the workshop. It is very comprehensive and easy to understand.

Having no knowledge about camera/photography prior to this workshop (except using point and shoot type), I'm now able to produce decent photos using
the various functions and modes
of a D-SLR in 3 days. Thank you John for imparting your knowledge and skills to us.

Looking forward to your Intermediate Class in the coming month.

Steven Ng, August 2005

Photo by Photo by Yian Hah.

Thank you, John, for the wonderful courses ( Basic & Intermediate photography workshop ).

I'm very satisfied and glad that I've taken the Beginner and Intermediate courses at one go. Within two weekends, I progressed from limited D-SLR camera knowledge to someone who is comfortable with using D-SLR camera on Manual mode. Time and money well-spent indeed!

Yian Hah, Canon EOS 350, May 2006

o Common Kingfisher
by Jim Walset

At one of John's workshops, you get to learn, perhaps for the first time, perhaps for the umpteenth time, the basics and you get to explore the more advanced concepts, like fill-flash compensation and minimum/maximum distance of background from subject in macro work.

On the more practical side, John's presentations are thorough and step-by-step. He has numerous examples to show you about the topic at hand, whether exposure compensation or depth-of-field. Most concepts are illustrated whether with actual slides or with digital graphics. Don't quite understand something? Not to worry, the workshops are small, so every participant is free to ask questions and discuss things until everyone is on board.

I learn something new everyday, or re-learn something long-forgotten. It also forces me to go out and take pictures and to be disciplined about it.

I recommend the workshops to anyone.

Jim ,Canon EOS 3 Singapore, Dec 2002. Advanced photographer

Photo by Wendy Zhang

Thanks for the effort you've done for us.

I learnt a lot from both the Basic and Intermediate classes and I'm very happy with that I finally get rid of the Auto mode...;-D

Wendy Zhang, Web designer, Canon EOS 350,Singapore May 2006 -

Having "played" around with photography for many years, I had never really left the Automatic settings of my camera, hence my photos were always average.

John explained the differences in Aperture and Speed priorities in such an easy language that I was able to move off Automatic easily and confidently.

Having more creative control over the outcome is what makes a photo truly memorable. I really look forward to the next learning experience .

I would encourage all those wanting to get some truly amazing assistance with photography to give John a call no matter what your level or age.

Steve Young, South East Asia Director, Canon EOS 300,July 2005

Photo by Ernest Chua

I would really like to thank you for your patience in guiding us along for the 3 days,

In just 3 days, not to mention only a couple hrs per day, the things that I have learned will actually benefit me a lifetime.

The field trip have also changed my perspective of nature, now those seemly innocent flowers and trees will never look the same again. My only regret is not taking this class earlier.

Ernest Chua, Canon Powershot S1 IS
Senior Consultant,August 2005

Lotus Pod- Image scanned from 35mm slide.
Photo by Benjamin Aw

Thank you John for stressing the fundamentals of photography and your easy to understand analogies. It was fruitful and very comprehensive basic course for beginners like me. The fundamentals taught during this course will set the base for better results."

Benjamin Aw, Nikon FM-2 , Fuji Velvia 50 ,March 2006

Photo by S.Y. Ang

" Over a short period of 12 hours workshop, spread over a weekend, it is amazing that I, as a beginner in photography, could pick up skills, such as panning, bracketing and metering, to start composing interesting pictures.

S Y Ang " Senior Citizen, Olympus E300, January 2006

Thank you for the workshop. It was very enlightening.

To me, the flash part was initially the most confusing.

To help myself to understand this part, I have created a table for flash settings and would appreciate if you could kindly take a look.

	Manual		TTL
	Full	Fill in	Full	Fill in
Exp Mode	M	A	A	A
Meter Mode	Any	Any	Evaluative	Evaluative
Apecture	25 (1:3) / 36 (1:1) at ISO 200, 180mm		Any	Any
Speed	125	Ambient	Ambient	Ambient
Compensation	F stop	Flash	Camera EV	Flash
Dark/Mid/Light	+1 / 0 / -1	0/-1.5/-2.5/-3.5	-1 / 0 / +1	0/-1.5/-2.5/-3.5

Peter Mok Nikon D70S
Singapore , November 2005

Thank you for a very insightful & inspiring workshop! You have helped to open a whole new world for me as I am now empowered with control over my camera & photos. I now know there's more to creativity than meets the eye - there's technical creativity too! I'm looking forward to applying my new knowledge as I start on a new journey into photography...

Selena Huynh, Manager/ Senior Consultant, Canon G5

I enjoyed and learned very much in your 2 courses. I know it is difficult to cater to all levels of students. But, you tried to and did well. I found your interactive method of teaching very stimulating.

You were confident in answering our many questions simply because you have extensive knowledge and experience in photography. You attempted to answer every question.

It is difficult to find in Singapore, experts who can also impart and communicate their teachings well. You are probably an exception. I could see your passion for photography and commitment to teach others.

If I may speak on behalf of the rest, we felt as if we were fellow photographers with you, and not merely as students, in both courses.

Both of your courses have succeeded in enabling me to to control my camera, rather than the other way round all these years. The theories which you explained so simply, were very useful, and they should enable me to understand photography much more.

Wee Peng, Director, Nikon D-70

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More feedback and testimonials from participants prior to 2005 on digital photography workshop

Before the BASIC workshop How best to describe the participants before the workshop ? They always use the AUTO or PROGRAM mode to take their picture They want to improve their photography They use digital ,D-SLR or SLR cameras or compact digital cameras. Their professions range from artist, student, engineer, banker, fashion designer, bank manager, DJ, photographer, home maker, teacher, IT manager, managing director to sushi master. Participants mostly reside in Singapore. However we have participants came from as far as India (Madras and Bombay) , Thailand (Bangkok ) and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur). Participants nationalities: Singaporean Malaysian Thai Brunian Indonesian Indian British Dutch French German American South African South American New Zealander	After the Basic Workshop ( just 12 hours later), here are their comments: In just 12 hours, he made me understand photography. Kenneth, Canon EOS 20D The workshop shortened my learning curve. Frankie, Canon EOS 20D Strong recommendation for beginner. Very comprehensive and easy to understand. John has a way of putting across complicated subject in a truly "digestible" form that is easy to apply. Silas ,Canon G5 Mandatory 1st step if you want to pursuit photography as a hobby. Soma, no camera yet. Comfortable & enriching that allow me to ask anything question from the beginning. Haryana, Canon 350D Easy to grasp and possible to put into practice. Serena, Canon 300D Simple, direct and easy to understand TF Chew, Nikon D-70 Well defined explanation and great photo-taking trip. LSC, Nikon D-70 John is not stingy nor selfish to share his knowledge. I learn in no time yet knowledge for the life time... AK Canon EOS 300D I truly enjoyed the sessions. I am also more confident as it allows me to reflect on my self that I am capable to learn as long as I wish to . Photography is indeed a good hobby to bring both my children on board this hobby. NS Canon G2 My basic knowledge of photography has been enhanced in many aspects... I have definitely discovered so much more about my camera... Sandy Nikon F55 The course is good for people who want a quick but well summarized overview of photography..... Justin, Canon Powershot I learnt a lot about the camera so much so that I am now more confident about the use of its various features. The sessions also helped me realized how much untapped potential there is lurking behind the ubiquitous lens- provided I know how to maximize twiddling with the aperture, shutter speed, metering, composition etc that is. One of the real values of the workshop I think is that you helped us translate our 'theoretical knowledge' into practical application. That to me was very useful. SF KOH Canon EOS 10 It has been a eye opening experience for me with regards to the 3 days digital photography session you had conducted. Besides learning new things I very much appreciate the hospitality and I would like to thank Anna and you for making us feel welcome. D Chia, Nikon Coolpix Thanks John. It was great fun and I did learn as you promised. Now I need to practice lots more and then join another of your classes. AM Lee ,Olympus C730 Thanks for running the workshop. It was a good refresh of technical skills and an excellent opportunity to learn new light tricks... Cyrill G ,Canon 10D The basic photography class was very helpful to learn how to use program mode and A/S/M mode which I never use before. Although Olympus does provide a class on "how to use your camera", but it was only for one night and there was no hands on. With the basic photography class, it was a good chance to have hands on, tried out the different conditions. At the same time, I can compare with my other classmate with more advance cameras, I was really surprise that even with my small camera, I can take very good photos. FW, Olympus C-730

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After the Basic Workshop ( just 12 hours later), here are their comments:

After
the Basic Workshop ( just 12 hours later), here are their comments: