Testimonials from 2020
 

The information you imparted was top notch. So many different ideas about what fine art is and tons of examples. It was exceptional. I loved the assignment. It really made me think. I have spent all my years trying to get THE perfect shot and had never thought of a series of pictures that are linked by theme or story. The idea of a gallery wall was a new concept for me. It has really changed how I think when I am out shooting. The last 2 sessions were amazing. I loved how you set up the virtual gallery walls and the artist statements. I also appreciated the discussion around the images and overall theme.
     In my view, a workshop should leave you thinking, challenge you to try new things, impart a new or different concept or inspire you to shoot more. Your workshop did all of those things. It was superb... Thank you.
— Linda Banks
I have taken many workshops with Rick – and each one has been instrumental in improving my photographic skills and knowledge. The virtual fine art workshop continues with that trend. Packed full of information and advice including a one-on-one Zoom session, it was truly inspirational! I highly recommend this workshop for photographers of all skill levels.
— Dennis McMahon
Thank you so much for presenting to our club last night. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Your presentation was outstanding and I know we all learned a lot. You are also such a great presenter and teacher.
— Jack Pickell
Rick’s four day workshop was just what I needed to get an understanding of camera settings, rules of composition, understanding light, and so much more. I was on my way to becoming a photographer, and Rick’s workshop truly inspired me and set me on a path. Another inspirational experience that built on my journey to become a better image maker was a 6 week course which Rick conducted at SFU’s Downtown campus in Vancouver. Rick, thanks for sharing with me and your other students your vast knowledge of image making, and doing so in such a passionate and beautiful way, with just the right amount of ‘dry humor.’ You are certainly one of my Photography Heroes.
— Derek Campbell
Mind-blowing. So many amazing ideas, and so few years left to try them!
— Nick Russell, PhD
Rick . . . Thanks, so much, for your presentation to NSPS on Monday night! It was very informative, entertaining and inspirational. The technology worked fine, and our members received a lot of benefit. The challenge/assignment is terrific… I look forward to seeing what members come up with.
— Randy Singer
Thanks so much for presenting a great learning experience via your Virtual Fine Art Photography Workshop. The Zoom format was a very pleasurable way to learn about this topic. You were organized and patient which made for a pleasant, and informative experience. We are fortunate that you willingly share your knowledge, facilitate discussions, and urge us to experiment with new photographic techniques. You put it all together and make it look so easy.
— Dorothy Morrison
I have been wanting to take one of Rick’s courses for quite some time but always just miss out due to their popularity. I finally got my opportunity, and have just finished Rick’s Virtual Fine Art Photography. It definitely did not disappoint! Rick is such an engaging, interesting and humorous guy that it’s impossible not to enjoy his presentations. He’s a gifted communicator and teacher, and the course was presented in a thought-provoking way that was also easy to understand. The fact that Rick has had to shift his courses to a virtual format makes his teaching skills all the more evident. It’s not easy to hold someone’s attention in a virtual format for extended periods of time but Rick managed to do that with ease. Despite the volume and depth of material being presented the course was always absorbing and there was never a dull moment!
     Rick is also incredibly patient and flexible – giving freely of his time outside of class hours to help participants in any way that they need. Feedback on images (both privately with Rick and within the larger group) was constructive and supportive, and designed to encourage participants rather than to judge their work. At the same time, Rick gently encouraged participants to expand their boundaries in terms of both creativity and knowledge.
     I highly recommend Rick’s courses to any level of photographer looking to expand their camera work and creativity, and wouldn’t hesitate to attend another course by Rick – in fact I’m already looking forward to the next one!
— Andrea Ryan
Rick Hulbert as a speaker … super … I could listen to Rick all day … I always learn so much.
— Deb Taylor
I am highly impressed with the teaching style and ongoing support provided by Rick in my Photography Learning Journey. I took his workshop when he came to teach us Street and Architectural Photography organized through our Photo Club. For most workshops of this nature, the relationship ends after the workshop. But Rick’s dedication and enthusiasm outshines as he continues to provide support and guidance on group or individual basis whenever we need it. It is my good fortune to have met Rick and to learn from such a professional who is not only an expert teacher but also a humble human being. Thank you Rick!!
— Suresh Sharma
Thank you for a superb course on fine art photography. The four lessons in the first week contained many novel ideas and prepared us well for our challenge to make a series of 4 to 7 photographs on a single theme over the next ten days. Although I felt apprehensive initially, the 1 on 1 Zoom session with you during that time allowed us each to receive individual mentoring. Interestingly, the use of Zoom led me to get to know much better the other participants than I had in your previous non-Zoom courses. I learned so much also from the final two mornings when each person described their images and you discussed how you had curated them. The success of the course was highlighted by the request from everyone at the end of the course that we have a further session next year to discuss the next set of series.
— Kevin Farrell
Rick’s workshops are fantastic – they are insightful, interesting, very easy to comprehend and practical. I have taken numerous courses in the past BUT, I have never learned as much as I did being taught by him. His enthusiasm in sharing his experiences is truly commendable. His vast knowledge and immense patience allowed me to truly grasp and explore my true potential. Rick inspired me to discover the world through my camera. I’m looking forward to taking more courses with him in the near future.
— Niru Karia
Rick’s Fine Art Photography course was so inspiring. He is an excellent instructor and his Zoom talks were very stimulating. I expected more of a ‘nuts and bolts’ course, but his course was about creativity and experimentation – seeing possibilities and trying things out. My photography has greatly improved. His one-on-one sessions were very supportive and encouraging. This was my first class with Rick. I would love to take it again as well as other future workshops with Rick.
— Dee Dee Lozier
I wanted to thank you for your generous sharing of work flow information and your knowledge of colour with us at the Harbour City Photo Club. I have learned a lot from your presentations and, after implementing your tips, I can see improvement in the final images. I am reworking some already processed files as well. Your advice really has been most helpful and it is truly appreciated.
— Trish Hanna
I’ve learned more about composition from you than anyone or any workshop I’ve attended. I always enjoy your newsletters. Love the images with outstanding detail and incredible color. Don’t think I’ve ever told you that every once in awhile you encounter someone that is special in many different ways. If you are lucky you get to spend time with them. Fifteen minutes, a day or more. I think of you in that way. I feel privileged that we’ve had time together in the classroom and in the field. You are indeed one of those rare individuals.
— Ed Alexander
I recently took Rick’s online Fine Art Photography course. As is always the case with Rick, it was an excellent course with a great deal of thought and effort put into the Zoom presentations. There were lots of opportunities for feedback and the content was interesting and stimulating filled with tips and suggestions how to improve your photography. Great course. Thanks Rick.
— Dr. Garry Lunn
Thanks for editing my RAW file. The image is richer and has more depth. Thank you for sending the panels showing your edits. Going through your edits is a course in itself!
— Peter Owens
It was my pleasure to take part in Rick Hulbert’s workshop, ‘Creativity in Photography . . . Striving for Fine Art’. I think this can be a valuable experience for every photographer, beginner or the seasoned. If you would like your photography to be more creative (and really who wouldn’t) then this is highly recommended. Rick is an open and gifted instructor and he offers practical information along with valuable insights. Thanks Rick.
— Bryan Treen
I think this was the best of three of Rick’s excellent workshops that I have attended. This Virtual Fine Art Workshop demonstrated Rick’s passion for teaching and his abilities as an educator and communicator. I particularly enjoyed Rick’s use of humour as a teaching tool. The provision of written materials let me really listen and absorb information during the sessions. Finally, Rick made the assignment fun and non-threatening. He gave lots of personal help to each participant and made it clear that the important thing was to try to create a fine art gallery.
— Gordon Griffiths
Thank you again for your amazing presentation. I’ve seen it before and still enjoyed it!!! I had very good reviews of the evening. Members loved your presentation and it gave them a lot of food for thought. They were amazed how differently we perceive color and light.
— Janet Slater
I have taken a number of workshops with Rick and I have always found his lectures to be inspiring. He presents photography as a meld between art and science and his information is stimulating, understandable and really creative. Rick’s sense of humour gives the lectures a sense of fun and play. In the field, Rick is very helpful and feedback is always respectfully delivered with wit and humour. I have learned so much about composition and post processing. I highly recommend taking any one of Rick’s workshops for a very creative and fun learning experience.
— Mary Weir
Rick, your presentation style and the quality of the graphics made the time go quickly and I found the process to be a pleasant experience. The educational aspect of the workshop was (in my opinion) undiminished by the fact that we were attending remotely. I feel that you should strive to continue offering workshops in this manner. I highly recommend your workshops, whether in person or remotely.
— Bryan Walwork
What a delight to hear Rick speak at my photography club! He could have stood at the front and given a rousing talk that would have left us satisfied, but Rick went many steps further – actually manipulating images in Lightroom as we watched on the big screen. As a former teacher, I admired Rick’s ability to convey the information in a way that an audience of varying skill levels could grasp. In fact, I’ll bet that everyone took something valuable away that day. For me it was an ‘Aha Moment’ regarding the use of histograms. Rick is an entertaining speaker whose skill, sense of humour, and enthusiasm combine in just the right proportions.
— Ruth Raymond

Testimonials from
Online Photography and Camera Club Presentations



Over the past few months, as my live photo workshops have been temporarily curtailed, I have had the pleasure of contributing virtual presentations to a number of camera clubs in Canada and the United States. The reception has been very rewarding. With permission of The Woodlands Camera Club in Texas, I thought I would share the feedback from a recent live Zoom presentation.

“Rick’s talk last night was superb! I think he could talk about photographing phone books and I’d be all-in.”

“Rick’s presentation was fantastic. His point of view, as an accomplished Architect and scholar, discussing how Light, Edges, Space and Depth ties so beautifully to photography was awesome!!! The added scientific comments helped to tie all of these together as to how we view photographs.”

“Thank you for offering this fabulous workshop!!!”

“Wow! I thought it was great! Even though I have worked with him before, he is always inspiring.”

“I really enjoyed the workshop last night. Rick is experienced, knowledgeable and an excellent speaker who knows how to hold your attention. I would attend another workshop with Rick any time.”

“Excellent presentation by our old friend Rick. He is generous with his knowledge and time, and wise in many ways. I would welcome most any topic he feels competent to speak about.”

“It was really great. I liked that he covered topics for all types of photography. I think zoom is perfect and Rick is an excellent speaker!”

“I really enjoyed Rick’s workshop. I thought his presentation was excellent.”

“The session with Rick on Monday evening was great. I also attended his workshop here a few years ago and I have learned from him each time. He describes himself as a teacher of photography and he comes across that way.”

“I am interested in almost any photographic subject taught by Rick since he has a style that includes a high level view of what he is trying to accomplish along with the details of how to accomplish it.”