Testimonials

Chris Orwig Testimonials

"Chris Orwig is a vibrant and authentic individual who brings passion to everything that he does. I would unequivocally recommend this book to everyone who wants to reach further with their photography or other creative endeavor they cherish.” —Douglas Kirkland

"Chris Orwig's new book Visual Poetry is full of wisdom and humility. In a world obsessed with tools and techniques, he gently reminds us that the most valuable thing we have to offer is ourselves. Visual Poetry offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with what's most important our selves and each other." John Paul Caponigro

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Ryan Caldwelll just sent in the following review (see below). Thanks Ryan!

Summary
I just finished my first of what I suspect will be many reads through this book. I'm initially struck by both the richness and approachability of the content. It's also incredibly inspiring while remaining realistic and practical. The author drew me in with his intimate style, personal accounts, authenticity, and humility while avoiding fluff, filler, and cheese. I will be recommending this to my pro photographer friends, my point-and-shoot friends, and the others in between. To my pro friends, I would expect this book to rekindle the passion that was once the reason they started shooting seriously. To the others, I believe this could be the book that will provide that extra something needed to take photos that truly capture. This book challenged me as a creative person and photographer, but also as a father, spouse, traveler, and friend.

Inspiration
I had been anticipating this book for a while as I'm familiar with Chris's work and Lynda.com tutorials, but he has exceeded my expectations. I started perusing the introduction and before I knew it, I found myself in Chapter 4 only to look up and see my camera beckon me from its resting place. This book has reminded me that I'm a creative person daily tempted by uniformity and routine. I'm also reminded that creativity needs to be fought for, invested in, and daily cultivated. The author provides very practical methods and tips to foster and maintain a creative spark. I can honestly say that I'll wake up tomorrow with a polished lens through which to view the world.

Technicalities
It seems Orwig takes somewhat of a minimalist approach to photography. The yuppie and boomer gear fiends tattooed with Nikon logos may miss the value here. He doesn't go into great lengths as to what's in the cookie. He doesn't spend chapters discussing how one type of flour is better due to its molecular composition and the wheat harvest techniques. He instead lights a fire in you to bake with utter abandonment. The emphasis is on vision, risk, perspective, experience, and such, not on shutter speeds and megapixels. That's not to say he doesn't get technical. Every subject, whether it be family portraits or travel, has specific comments on gear. He even goes into certain brands and models. But instead of going on with a comparison of lens noise, he puts the focus on practical tips such as packing power bars for sunrise shoots or how to be incognito when shooting "underground". He regards gear as tools of the craft, not the object of the craft itself. This really resonates with me and gets my focus off what I have (distracting) or don't have (limiting). It reminds me that photos are taken by people, not cameras.

Practicalities
There is nothing more deflating for me than being inspired to do something, but not knowing how to get started. One of the greatest strengths of this book is that the many workshops get you out there putting your new found inspiration to work. There is also a network in place to share results with others. Having first only read the book, I now look forward to journeying through it.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone looking to capture more of life. I think it is especially valuable for those looking to increase the wow factor in their photos, whether amateur or seasoned pro."

Once the book is published more testimonials will be posted here. If you have a testimonial you'd like to contribute, you can send it on by way of the contact form. For now read some testimonials about the other training he does. Chris authors a wide range of training on digital post-production for Adobe Systems, Lynda.com, Adobe Press, Peachpit Press, Layers Magazine and Photoshop User Magazine. Here's what people are saying about his other publications.

For Post-production Training Materials:

Chris,

My name is Charlie L. and I am a Senior Imaging Technician and Training Supervisor for the Digital Imaging Services at the National Geographic Society in Washington,D.C. Recently I completed your course on Lynda.com, I very much liked the course and learned a great deal and am in the process of currently implementing some of the techniques into our lab procedures. As I was going through the movies I was impressed about your passion for photography, working for one of the premier organizations in the field for almost 40 years I also share that passion for images. I would like to extend to you an invitation to tour our lab and observe how we prepare images for publication in the National Geographic Magazine, and our other publications as well as for exhibits for our photographers. I would also like to show you some of the other areas of the organization whose mission is images. In my 40 year career here at NGS I have had the high privilege to be associated with some of the best photographers in the world and am always willing to share with others in this wonderful art. Looking forward to hearing from you,

Charlie L.
National Geographic Society

Hey Chris, I am absolutely elated now that I have finished your tutorial.  I don't know what not to say!!!  It has truly opened my eyes and given me a fresh lease on being a photographer. Since I left my job to follow my dream of being a photographer, or visual creator of some sort, I have gone through waves of feeling unworthy, untalented, and unprepared.  I have been bogged down with feelings of not having the right equipment, not having the right environment, and overall just not being able to create any profound imagery.  After watching these movies I feel completely reassured that all it takes is time and patience.  With Chris' guidance everything has become clear and manageable.  I CAN do this! Chris Orwig is SUCH a talented teacher in that he shares his passion for photography and life...it is infectious!  His creative tips seem as though they come from someone well beyond his years.  I played them for my fiance (who is completely technologically challenged) and he found them to be just as inspiring!  Chris Orwig helps you prepare for every goal that you set for yourself, not just taking meaningful photographs.  Many people in the creative and photography field are guarded, cold and elitist but not Chris Orwig. Throughout the tutorial he is warm, friendly and answers every question before you think to ask it. I have no doubt that I will watch these movies over and over again as I continue my journey of becoming a photographer.

Thank you Chris!
Auriga B.

 First of all, I don't send letters like this. I just don't. I've gone completely digital in my photography. I've been studying PhotoShop for a few years. You know, I thought I had a pretty good handle on it. But, I saw Chris Orwigs class. I thought I'd check it out. Oh my goodness--goodness gracious, and all the things I can say in mixed company. I'm a little over 1/2 way through the class and my photography has been changed COMPLETELY. I'm totally blown out of the water. I hang around with nature and landscape photography buffs in northern Nevada and the Sierra Nevada Mountains area. I'm blowing their minds with what I'm now producing. One of my friends told me he was going to throw away his camera and take up golf. :O)

Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Graham W.

Hey Chris, I'm going through your training on Lynda.com and just had to write and tell you thanks. You explain everything is such easy to understand detail and your happy, positive way shines through. I've listened to a few other tutorials on Lynda.com and have to say that I wish you taught all of them. Not everyone has your skill and pleasant vibe. This is by far the most helpful instruction in Photoshop that I have had.

Thank you.
Justin H.