Testimonials

The Outer Banks of NC - April 13 - 16, 2023

Thank you for the time spent shooting in the various spots and sharing some great spots to eat as well. Thank you for sharing your time and experience. The Outer Banks workshop provided me access and opportunity to spots I would not likely have discovered on my own. John's instruction and suggestions helped me assess how to capture shots I may not have seen. I was up at early morning hours I have not recently seen! The time was entertaining and educational. I learned a great deal about camera settings and ways to capture shots from different angles and positions. I highly recommend this workshop!

Richard L. - Durham, NC

Spring North Georgia Waterfalls - May 15, 2021

I took this workshop because of the content and location. I have a passion for waterfalls and have not been able to capture the falling water with the correct exposure. John worked with me over the course of the day, side by side. He showed me many different techniques to get the shots I wanted. I finally understood the camera settings and what they each do. It was a breakthrough moment for me. The small group size gave all of us time to learn from John individually. If you want a great experience, call John.

Dawn W. - Chattanooga, TN

Spring North Georgia Waterfalls - May 15, 2021

I contacted John to discuss this workshop in advance. I wanted to enroll my son in his class but he has special learning needs. John reassured me that it would not be a problem at all. The day of the workshop, John made sure that my son was able to grasp the concepts that were discussed. It was wonderful to see the look on my son's face when he "got it". His eyes lit up many times that day. I will never forget how happy and engaged he was. We look forward to the next time we can go on a workshop with John.

Melissa G. - Hayesville, NC

The Outer Banks of NC - April 8 -11, 2021

I had been looking forward to this workshop for a long time. I had been on a 1 day workshop before and this was my first experience in a group setting. John made sure that each participant received all of the time and attention they needed. We had a variety of weather conditions from calm and sunny to cold and windy. John was able to take us to other locations to overcome the weather conditions. He knows the area very well. The best thing I liked about this workshop was that John was there for his clients. He did not shoot and made sure we got the shots.

Cynthia B. - Pompano Beach, FL.

The Great Smoky Mountains Workshop - October 24 - 27, 2019

Recently finished my second workshop with John. His knowledge of the area and ability to shift gears when weather didn’t cooperate was great. These workshops are like going out to shoot with a friend but one who has plenty of photography knowledge to draw upon. It’s so nice to spend as much time as needed at each location and never feel rushed. John is always well prepared and does a great job of meeting the needs and desires of the all attendees. I look forward to taking future workshops with John.

Barbara C. - Dawsonville, GA

Spring - North Georgia Waterfalls - May 2019

Thanks for a great time on your Spring N. Georgia waterfalls photography workshop, shooting waterfalls in North Georgia. This was a great area to shoot in, and you did a great job organizing things to maximize our time in the field. Being able to shoot 5 different waterfalls in one day was awesome! Thanks for the good advice you gave me on composition and camera settings. Although I've shot a lot of waterfalls before this workshop, you gave me some tips and ideas to try things differently than what I'd been doing. I'm really happy with the shots I was able to get on this workshop and what I learned will help me going forward. To me your workshop had the feel of going out and shooting with a friend - only your friend is a pro and he knows where to take take you, and he wants to help you be a better photographer. I'm already looking at your Fall workshop dates, and I'll certainly be recommending your workshops to others.

Bruce H. - Charlotte, NC

Spring - North Georgia Waterfalls May 2019

My husband and I had planned to visit some waterfalls in the North GA mountains this Spring, but his surgery put that trip on the back burner. When I saw John's workshop on a Facebook group that I belong to, I took advantage of the opportunity and signed up. Was I glad I did!!! John's knowledge of the area saved a lot of time that I would have spent just searching for these locations. I was the only attendee and the individual attention was fabulous. I was able to shoot four waterfalls in the span of eight hours and John placed no rush to finish until I was pleased with the results. For the first time, I understood how to use exposure compensation and the light bulb went off in my brain. I was pleased with the fact that John had a good knowledge of my Nikon and all of his attention was on my shooting. It was a fun experience!

Maggie S. - Athens, GA.

The Outer Banks, NC - April 4-7, 2019

I had the pleasure of attending John Deas Outer Banks workshop. John is an excellent workshop leader. It was evident he had thoroughly scouted our shooting sights and was able to point us to the best shooting locations. John is engaging, patient, and knowledgeable. He seamlessly attended to the needs and questions of all participants and was helpful to each regardless of their skill level. We were able to photograph many locations and were afforded ample time to explore each location. John was always attentive to his workshop members and rarely did any shooting himself. He was always their help us get the best captures we could. Thank You, John for a wonderful workshop.

Barbara C. - Dawsonville, GA

The Outer Banks, NC - April 4-7, 2019

John Deas is a well-versed professional with a vast knowledge of the tools and artistry that make photography such a wonderful pursuit. His experience shows through in his location scouting and extensive planning down to the last detail. His workshops are a great value for photographers of any level. First let me begin with thanking you for a great workshop. I really felt I got to cover the area's high spots and captured some fantastic light more than once. You're an excellent leader, well-prepared and easy-going. You are consistent on teaching and guidance without letting your own shooting get in the way. Kudos on that, many leaders cannot seem to grasp that concept. I personally liked the heavy shooting schedule (some people do not). I can have downtime at home, I'm there to see the area and shoot as much as possible when there is good to great light. The locations were scouted well and it was obvious you had done the work beforehand to achieve success for your participants.

Glen T. - Atlanta, GA

The Great Smoky Mountains Workshop - October 18 - 21, 2018

This is the second workshop with John that I have attended. The first was earlier this year at the Outer Banks. With John's assistance, I have made great strides in my ability to optimize the camera to create the desired effect. Prior to working with John, it would take me multiple shots to to make a photo that met my expectations. Often, I never did get the photo I wanted. John ushered me through several sessions and showed me how to get many of the expected results. He keeps the group small so that everyone gets the attention they need. John also increased my awareness of content and composition. Specifically, you have to get out and look for interesting subject matter. He takes you to some of the most beautiful areas around and immerses you in the beauty that exists there. I would strongly recommend taking one or several of John’s courses. They have greatly improved my photography skills.

Dennis K. - Hickory, NC

The Great Smoky Mountains Workshop - October 18 - 21, 2018

I had the pleasure of attending John's workshop in the Great Smoky Mountains. It was hands down one of the best experiences I have had and fantastically educational on all levels. John's knowledge of both the photography and the area made this experience invaluable. He has incredible patience, especially with us novices, and took the time to show us everything (and answer all of our questions) about our camera and about shooting .....from the basics to learning some neat tricks! It was so nice to be able to take our time at each location as well to just play around and find out what works best for each of us as an individual. We also worked as a team in some respects which was great and we all learned a little from each other as well. I felt so much more comfortable using my camera by the end of the trip and can't wait to attend another workshop. Whether you are just starting out or even have experience, I would highly recommend taking one of John's workshops. He really is there for YOU, and to make sure you come out with the best experience and knowledge possible.

Kait T. - Bethel, CT

The Great Smoky Mountains Workshop - October 18 - 21, 2018

What a pleasant way to spend some time with a friend, make some new friends...while learning to use a camera that had been sitting on a shelf!! I am so glad I was able to attend the photography workshop in the Smokies, taught by my friend John Deas. My camera, a Nikkon 3200 (a gift from my deceased husband) had been sitting unused for far too long so I was pleased to learn about Johns workshop and decided it was a good opportunity to learn how to use it. It was fun learning how to ditch Automatic Settings and learn about f-stops and lens filters and all those buttons I was afraid to touch. John worked with the group and also with us as individuals. He helped us look for the best lighting and what to do if we couldn't find the best lighting. I have truly I ventured out of my shell some and learned some nice techniques. I was pleased with some of the shots I did during the session and can study the ones that were not so good. He also helped us critique our work. I feel more confident in using those Manual Settings and will be on the lookout for photo opportunities . If you have a chance to attend one of John's workshops.........please do. He knows his stuff and can take you to the most beautiful areas to find your own great shots. A friend and student.

Marilyn S. - Upton, KY

The Great Smoky Mountains Workshop - October 18 - 21, 2018

John’s workshop was fantastic! From the locations he picks out and scouts beforehand, to his patience with helping everyone. John takes time with each person in the group to go over the camera functions, what they do, why you should use them, and when. He does not rush you from one place to another and gives ample time in each spot. If you have questions, he answers without hesitation. I learned so much about my camera and shooting from John. I highly recommend his workshops to anyone!

Mary R. CT.

The Outer Banks, NC - April 5-8, 2018

I had become frustrated with trying to move to a fully manual mode from automatic mode. By the end of the class I had developed a complete confidence in moving forward. I look forward to implementing what I have learned and then taking another course. John provides a comprehensive class that can assist both the beginner as well as those who are more experienced. On the Outer Banks. weather can change quickly. John was prepared for these changes and made many “mid course corrections” that enabled us to fully take advantage of his knowledge. His experience at the Outer Banks gave us many opportunities to get some great sunrises, sunsets, lighthouse and wild horse shots. John further tried to insure success by giving you pre-course instructions on both clothing and camera equipment. I would highly recommend this course for anyone who is trying to improve their photography skills.

Dennis K. - Hickory, NC

The Great Smoky Mountains Workshop - October 12 - 15, 2017

I have had the pleasure of having attended three workshops over the past few years. Each workshop has provided opportunities for me to build on my skills, learn new techniques and see places at these locations that, without John, I would not have had the time or would have simply overlooked due to not knowing the Park. John has a very impartial personality which makes all those in attendance relaxed and evens the field between the most experienced and the novice. He takes the time needed to ensure those in attendance can get the "one on one" attention needed to ask and answer questions, learn the basics (exposure techniques and composition), and enjoy the natural surroundings of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you are questioning whether or not workshops are just money grabs, know this........... Johns workshops are worth the money and, if you listen, you will be a better photographer as a result of having taken the workshop. Who knows, you too may go back again, and again, and again.

Mike and Cheryl - Kingwood, WV