Welcome to beautiful-landscape.com

• Testimonials •
from:

1-Printing Mastery Workshop on DVD owners
2 - Print collectors
3 - Workshop participants & 1 on 1 consulting students
4 - Tutorial CDs customers and subscribers
5 - Readers
6 - Editors & publishers
7 - Website visitors

There is nothing else out there that offers people guidance on the *art* of photography quite like your essays, and I am grateful for them (fyi, when people ask me for advice on a good book about learning photography, I send them to Amazon and thell them to buy your book).

In fact, I enjoy your essays so much that I always read them over a cup of coffee at the Great Hall Cafe at the Met. Kind of like a double dose of inspiration. :-) As a matter of fact, you are the reason why I even have memberships at the Met, the MoMA and the Guggenheim.....all places that I go to to immerse myself in art as part of my photography

Ken,
New York, NY

Your writing style is no less than your shooting style.
I would just like to express my gratitude for your essays I read at Luminous Landscape.
They are invaluable and what you're doing is a great service
to thousands of men/women from all around the world; me, included.

My heartfelt thanks,

Bülent Celasun
Ankara, Turkey

I had to send a quick note to tell you what an impressive and vast collection of information this DVD contains. This is guaranteed to help improve the print quality of just about any photographer, at any level - myself included. For those interested in achieving the best possible quality from their printing, this DVD is a must-have. Congratulations and thanks to yourself and Natalie fgr producing and providing such an important learning tool.

I think the format and flow of the DVD really works well, the audio is very good quality, and what you say is informative and spoken well. When looking at the PDF's while listening to the audio it's as if qou are in the room teaching a course. You can tell you are not reading from a script - and it is very effective.

Matt Suess,
Marston Mills, MA

I just finished reading your outstanding article, "How to Establish a Personal Photographic Style." As I reached the end of the page, I saw there were 206 other photographers currently on your site. Like them, I continually return to your website for information, insight and inspiration.

I have learned so much from your generous sharing of your experience, and I just wanted to thank you. In your article on establishing a personal photographic style, you recommend finding a mentor--well,
I consider your website a kind of mentor!

Thanks again for sharing such a great wealth of knowledge with us,
not to mention so many very beautiful photographs.

Colleen Farrell
Windsor, California

Dear Alain et Natalie

Merci infiniment for a wonderful learning experience and amazing two days in the Arizona desert.

You are both wonderful instructors and I really appreciated my time with one of the most famous landscape photographers of our time. It was an honor.

I am enjoying your fabulous book and hope to return some day!

Marcia Gold
Los Angeles

I would like to give you some of my initial impressions about your Marketing DVD which I received about 1 month ago.

I had never before spent so much money on acquiring information and my purchase of your Marketing package was a leap of faith in you and your product. Let me tell you that within a few minutes of listening to your audio recordings, I was blown away by the contents. The quality and quantity of information you provide is extremely valuable and massive. I have already learned so much and my mindset towards selling art has changed dramatically to say the least, and I'm only one quarter into the material.

However, the proof is in the pudding, as they say, and I'm trilled to have sold my first photograph at an exhibition. I was able to go from the buyer saying to me in an apologetic manner "...we just bought a painting from another artist..." to closing the sale and handing the photograph to the happy new owners (without lowering the price). There is absolutely no way I could have sold that piece without the knowledge I gained from your Marketing DVD. I have so much more confidence now in my selling abilities. I can't wait to go through the remaining three quarters of the material.

Thank you very much Alain.

Araz Jakalian
over email

I want to tell you how much I enjoy reading your articles They are without doubt the most informative and inspiring missives on the artistic and emotional mindset of a passionate photographer I have found.
And yes, everything you say about business is spot on.

One of the aspects I find most amazing about your work is your ability to harmonize your writing and your photography. Finding a photographer who can write as well as he or she captures images is truly rare, yet you accomplish this for all of us to enjoy. Bravo, Alain.

I have begun to explore photography as a means to share my view of the world around me, and as a method of earning enough to live modestly. I recognize that I have very much to learn, particularly about determining and developing my 'style.' I am most interested in attending your workshops in 2008.

Steve Pope
Hancock, NH

Alain and Natalie:

Throughout my life I have not encountered individuals in private business who share the knowledge and tools of their trade so unselfishly as you do. Your energy and excitement exhibited during the photography sessions is contagious. Your experience in the field and during printing sessions is demonstrated by your breath-taking images,

Your ideas, philosophy, and perspective of reality is so practical and convincing. I ask, how can a person gain and retain so much practical understanding at such a young age!

Natalie, You are always in the present. You are aware of everyone's needs and well being during the workshops.You saved us and our equipments numerous mishaps and picked up our belongings when left behind.

Thank you for your company and help during the workshops, which I missed greatly on the trip we just took to Utah. I know Rodney missed conversing with Alain and asking him questions. Participating in the workshops provides us an opportunity to meet other individuals who share similar interests and be less competitive and supervising of one another.

Mae and Rodney Wertz, Lubbock, Texas

Dear Natalie and Alain,

We wanted to thank you for such an enjoyable and productive workshop.
Steve and I both grew artistically and technically from the experience.
The quality of the workshop was due to your teamwork.
It is refreshing to see a couple work so well together and it is inspiring!
Such beautiful art could only come from such a beautiful pair!
We certainly hope to participate in future workshops and events.

I was lovely meeting you both and your efforts on our behalf were certainly appreciated.
All the best until we meet again...

Alison Acott and Steve Van Devanter

The May 2007 Antelope Canyon Workshop had to be the best workshop I've attended so far.
Alain took us to beautiful and breathtaking locations such as Horsehoe Bend
but Antelope Canyon was the BEST! The experience of shooting in the canyons
(and in a sand storm no less) was totally unique.

Alain with his many years of knowledge was really helpful with instructing us
on the best camera settings to use and kept reminding us that capturing
extraordinary light along with excellent composition was the ultimate goal.

Thanks Alain and Natalie for the best photo workshop ever!

Don Wood
California

I am enjoying your essays tremendously. It is a pleasure to read your articles and I appreciate
that you are willing to share your knowledge with us.
James Knox

Thank you for the information in Essay 3 of your approach to artistic expression (Developing your Vision).
I am really impressed with the amount of learning and experience packed in these essays.
That is why I purchased CD 3 and a subscribed to Briot's View.
Dirk Danneels

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your podcast interview with Jeff Ball. I listened to it while driving from San Antonio to El Paso. I must say that your way of expressing your feelings and thoughts about art, photography and the "process" (i.e., technology) is most illuminating and inspiring.

I especially enjoyed your comments about how for so many years black and white was
considered the "art" medium of photography and color was, just color. I had never thought of it that way, but it is so true. The artists gravitated toward the medium over which they had the most control...to be creative, to experiment, to push the limits.

Digital has truly opened up the realm of creativity for all photographers, amateur as well as professional, to push their creativity, vision and inspiration, and so few teachers of photography understand it and can communicate it as well as you do.

Bob Fields
Texas

Your new book is unlike any landscape book I have ever read. Unlike any photography book I have ever read. It is a testament to your approach, and your apparent refusal to "talk down" to us as photographers by making everything simple, neat, and prepackaged. This book is a treatise in every sense of the word.

Mastering Landscape Photography can guide the reader to a true photographic discovery within themselves. Once again, thank you for sharing your knowledge and insights.

Robert Eckert

The Master Prints are very impressive.

Charles Morrin
California

I love the prints.

Luc Schoonjans
Washington

I wanted to thank you and Natalie for a great Navajoland workshop. The pace of the workshop was perfectly engaging as well as challenging. I came away KNOWING I will be a better photographer and I look forward to honing my skills using the newly released
Printing Mastery Workshop on DVD.
Thanks again,

Gary Hamilton
Texas

Your Printing Master Workshop on DVD is absolutely amazing. It has so far well exceeded my expectations - by far one of the best investments I have made. This is an absolute MUST for any one interested in furthering their skills in image processing and presentation. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge accumulated over the years.
You have moved me up my learning curve by leaps n bounds!

You present an absolute wealth of information in an easy to absorb format and the overall content is well produced. Personally, the spontatinety of your presentation style keeps the material interesting and retains a sense of humor. I have worked through your 28 steps - listening/viewing to content and experimenting with the techniques you have showcased. Results so far on my image(s) have been nothing short of spectacular! The Quick steps and curves sets have come in quite handy as well - I appreciate the thoughtfulness of providing them.

You and Natalie have produced a winner! Congratulations ...

Ambika Balasubramaniyan
Arizona

I just received my copy of your Marketing CD and am very impressed.

I was not sure the material would be worth the price, but can now say it was a wise investment.

Thank you for making this CD available.
I plan to follow nearly all your advice, as I have just started going to shows to sell my artwork. .

Rob Bennett

1 - Unsolicited testimonials from Printing Mastery Workshop on DVD owners:

Testimonial from Doug Winn in Oregon
Hi Alain:

Well, I just finished a two-and-a-half day session focused on your new “Printing Mastery Workshop on DVD” and I have to say that it is the very best compilation of useful concepts, work flow and techniques that I have yet seen on this subject—bar none. As you know, I participated in your “Expressive Fine Art Print” workshop last February—that was tremendous and I have my notes from that workshop right next to my work station all of the time, referring to them regularly during my Photoshop works. But this “Workshop on DVD” is just wonderful, and far better than my notes! It will reside in one of my DVD drives on my computer until it all becomes second nature to me, and as you say in your conclusion, “mastery come from repetition and regular use” so I’m encouraged that “mastery” is attainable, thanks to you and Natalie.

The “highlights” for me are many:

Starting with the clarity in concept and application of your 28-step approach. It is clear, is based upon your years of experience and good fine art work, is clearly presented and each step is then validated with real live examples. Since the presentations are on a DVD I was able to repeat the steps as I went through your video presentations. [I actually had Photoshop CS2 on in the background, and I applied your steps to one of my images right along with you as you showed how to do it in the video. That was very educational for me, and it really drove home the concepts and techniques that you were presenting].

Next was your demonstrations of current systems on the market today relating to digital image conversion—showing how Camera Raw Pro, Bridge, DXO and Lightroom work was dynamite. You made it so clear, without “trumpeting” any of the hype from the digital street…you focused just on how they each worked, where each of them “shined”, and what the future might have in store. That was so helpful.

Next, your video “how to’s” and “Quick Steps”. They are loaded with information, and I’ll use them often. I’m in the process of making a number of my own templates, based upon my workflow, but revolutionized by the extensive use of layers. Thank you so much for clearly explaining how to use them.

Next, your presentations on printing and printers and RIPs. Again, comprehensive, practical, usable and results oriented.

And finally, Natalie’s presentations on the nuts-and-bolts of mat cutting, mounting, and framing was very helpful. And her personality made it all very genuine.

PS: I've opened the DVD four times already today...adjusting my colorspace, resetting my Photoshop memory, and referencing two adjustment curves on two different images. I really am using it!

Thanks, Alain and Natalie, for your good work,

Doug Winn, Oregon

Testimonial from David White in California
I've found that the DVD is very well organized with a wealth of materials. Every lesson is presented as a Quicktime movie with additional supporting materials which can be viewed separately. I've found that working on one of my images in Photoshop while viewing a movie presentation has been very helpful. I can pause the movie and try what he is presenting on my own photographs and instantly see what works and what doesn't work on a particular image and why.

The DVD has more material and presentations that you would probably get in a 2-3 day workshop on printing and is costs a lot less than you would pay to go to such a workshop when you look at the workshop cost, transportation, lodging and meals.

The material is superb and covers just about everything you need to know about how to produce a fine art photograph from capture to mounting and matting and I've found it to be a worthwhile investment for me. I've already had several concepts and techniques that I have struggled with cleared up and made easily understandable.

Certainly, $975 is a lot of money, but when taken in perspective it isn't that much. This is certainly no corporate fluff training DVD.

I am impressed with the quality of the teaching.

David White, California

Testimonial from Bob Fields in Texas
Your Printing Mastery Workshop DVD is simply masterful. I'm just up to Global Image Adjustments, and it's apparent if I had this DVD when I started working in Photoshop and pursuing fine art printing it would have saved me a great deal of time and money.

It is well worth the price.

Bob Fields, Texas

Testimonial from Peter Cox in Ireland
I have gotten through a large part of the DVD now and have found it very useful. The curating section in particular has given me plenty of ideas re my own print framing and fulfilment.

Bravo.

Peter Cox, Ireland

Testimonial from Edward Delaney in Ireland
I am amazed at the amount of information contained on the Printing Mastery Workshop on DVD and the Expressive Print Seminar 2006 CD.

I am looking forward to the challenge of studying the 28 Steps. I can really appreciate the amount of work that went into putting this together. I consider it great value for money.

The more I delve into this DVD the more I am impressed with its contents.It definitely wont be your fault if I don't produce excellent fine art prints when I finish the course.

Many thanks

Edward W. Delaney, Ireland

Testimonial from Rob Eckert in Pennsylvania
Hi Alain,

I am very impressed with the DVD. I have been pouring over the contents since I received it. I have most of the software tools that you cite on the DVD, but I did not understand how to tie them together in a cohesive workflow as you have done for me. Who knew that I could compare my Joseph Holmes DCam profiles with my camera profiles in ColorSync. ColorSync just sat on my hard drive with all that potential that you unlocked for me. The tools that were on my computer were, metaphorically, like a disorganized orchestra. All they needed was a talented conductor to bring them together. I must say I was taken aback by the price of Printing Mastery when I got your email announcing the availability of the DVD, but it was well worth every hard earned penny.

Thanks again,

Rob Eckert, Pennsylvania

Testimonial from Ambika Balasubramaniyan in Arizona
Your Printing Master Workshop on DVD is absolutely amazing. It has so far well exceeded my expectations - by far one of the best investments I have made. This is an absolute MUST for any one interested in furthering their skills in image processing and presentation. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge accumulated over the years.

You have moved me up my learning curve by leaps n bounds!

You present an absolute wealth of information in an easy to absorb format and the overall content is well produced. Personally, the spontaneity of your presentation style keeps the material interesting and retains a sense of humor. I have worked through your 28 steps - listening/viewing to content and experimenting with the techniques you have showcased. Results so far on my image(s) have been nothing short of spectacular! The Quick steps and curves sets have come in quite handy as well - I appreciate the thoughtfulness of providing them.

You and Natalie have produced a winner! Congratulations ...

Ambika Balasubramaniyan, Arizona

Testimonial from Matt Suess in Massachusetts
I had to send a quick note to tell you what an impressive and vast collection of information this DVD contains. This is guaranteed to help improve the print quality of just about any photographer, at any level - myself included. For those interested in achieving the best possible quality from their printing, this DVD is a must-have. Congratulations and thanks to yourself and Natalie for producing and providing such an important learning tool.

I think the format and flow of the DVD really works well, the audio is very good quality, and what you say is informative and spoken well. When looking at the PDF's while listening to the audio it's as if you are in the room teaching a course. You can tell you are not reading from a script - and it is very effective.

Matt Suess, Marston Mills, Massachusetts

Testimonial from Charles Morrin
I have had the Printing Mastery DVD workshop on DVD and CDfor about 3 weeks now and I have listened to most of it at least once. They are far better than any of the books I have read. I have already learned much.

I practiced by improving and reprinting a set of photos using your approach. I just made a print from a photo that I took two years ago, solving the problems that I previously experienced. But I am not surprised -- most of my progress in learning Landscape Photography results from reading your essays on the Luminous Landscape in 2004, and then practicing when I had time the last 2 years. Yes, I also bought the book. I look forward to further study of the DVDs and doing more exercises.

Charles Morrin

Printing Mastery Workshop on DVD Testimonial
by Peter Farrer

I must thank you both so very much for the DVD, there are no photoshop books which can help to improve the image quality to near perfection. I am so very pleased with my results which are only with thanks to your DVD workshop. I feel that a cheetah photo is the best quality animal photo I have ever seen, you want to stroke it. I intend to offer a limited amount of postcard size animals to the kids for free.

I am using your mat board technics Natalie, it ensures the longitivity of the artwork which is important to me. I feel the DVD is underpriced but I did get it at the special offer first 50 price. Some of the advice is priceless. I use Canon ipf5000 and only hahnemuhle paper which is also extremely high quality.

Please feel free to visit my new website, where you will see some unique shots of Kilimanjaro: www.petersartwork.com

Printing Mastery Workshop on DVD Testimonial
by P.W.

I have just finished working through the workshop at my own pace, and wanted to write something for the two of you.

The Printing Mastery Workshop on DVD is a gift.
It is a set of tools--with a message.
It is an exhortation-- to focus better, to extract the art from the data, to slow down in the beginning and take a few notes, to slow down in the middle and possibly go in a new direction, to go where the image is going and to expand one's personal art by orders of magnitude.

Part of my personal credo is 'getting out of the way and letting my soul expand' and you've given me lots of new tools to get out of my own way. For me it is about the connotations of an image, about the emotions evoked in the resonance of another soul. Thanks for showing me how to expand my soul and touch others.

--PW from Jersey."

Printing Mastery Workshop on DVD Testimonial

The DVD is a remarkable body of work, from the quality of the audio to the clarity of the explanations. The amount of caring that it took to assemble the body of work is just staggering, and the quality of the production is exquisite. Congratulations!

I have a much better chance of touching others and myself with the help of the DVD. I get to start kind of 'standing on your shoulders.'

Thanks for the boost, and a very sincere thank you from my heart--

2 - Unsolicited testimonials from collectors:

Dear Alain:
We bought a couple of photographs from you a few years ago right at the edge of the Grand Canyon, they are still a source of great pleasure and bring fond memories of our trip out west. Thank you for sending me news about your work; it is always beautiful and very enjoyable to look at.
With kindest regards,
Manuel L. Zapata, P.E.

Alain,
Your two photos arrived in good shape--they are beautiful. Thank you.
Joe Sharp

Dear Alain,
I just thought I'd write to say Happy New Year to you and your wife and to also say thanks. I want to let you know that after having enjoyed the photograph "Clearing Spring Storm" for a year now, I am still amazed at the beautiful image. There is something about this particular image and place that captivates me and makes my soul feel good, sorta spiritual. (I hope that doesn't sound too wierd) Anyway, as you can tell, I am very proud of this piece.

I had lunch with our friend Ken Krahn today and as often discussed, the topic of photography was prime. I am looking forward to viewing your new "Navajoland Portfolio", when Ken receives his'. I am sure it will be excellant. Ken gave me the CD you sent and again, thanks.
Gary Stewart

Dear Alain & Natalie - We enjoy looking at your beautiful photography of SUNSET AT YAVAPAI POINT in our family room - every day.
WISHING YOU THE BEST OF HOLIDAYS AND A NEW YEAR FULL OF HAPPINESS AND INSPIRATION!
DAVID & JOY HAY

Alain,
The photograph I ordered arrived yesterday and I was thrilled. I simply love it! You are an excellent photographer! Thank you so much.
Jetta K. Lewis
Attorney General's Office
N.C..Department of Justice

Dear Alain:
We bought a couple of photographs from you a few years ago right at the edge of the Grand Canyon, they are still a source of great pleasure and bring fond memories of our trip out west. Thank you for sending me news about your work; it is always beautiful and very enjoyable to look at. With kindest regards,
Manuel
Manuel L. Zapata, P.E.

Thank you so much for your help with our gift. It got here right on time and our friend Jane loves it! As I told you she and her husband just finished the Rim to Rim to Rim, so the photo was extra special. Your little happy birthday card was a great touch! I have attached a shot of Jane and her new picture of Bright Angel! Thanks so much!
Julie Armstrong

Alain,
Your Navajoland Portfolio took me to a far away place/time. Terry’s flute music is a perfect match.Once again very nice, your work just keeps getting better. Best of Holiday wishes,
Russell Laeufer

Alain,
It is good to hear from you ... you will be surprised to hear this, I opened up your portfolio and was soexcited, I closed it and am having a group of friends over so we can look over it together and listen to themusic for the spring equinox. I wanted to experience it that way as I am very excited to have it. But in a few weeks I will give you my thoughts. The box itself is exquisite and the cover photo perfect.
Randy Mosteller

Hello Mr. Briot
Jackie Stoken e-mailed me a link to your site after viewing my photo's on worldisround.com. Just wanted to compliment you on a difficult job well done. To actually take a landscape like much of Arizona that has been photographed to no end and be able to prove that the viewpoints (or points of view) are endless is quite an accomplishment! You're images are far beyond cliché and you should be proud! Ever been published in Arizona Highways?
Steffon Hamulak
Nashville, TN

Dear Alain,
As an avid photographer of this beautiful landscape I find your web site a major source of information and inspiration. You have truly captured what I consider to be one of he most sacred regions on the planet.I hope to be able to attend one of your workshops in not to distant future. I’ll certainly be returning to your site for guidance and inspiration regularly. It is a true gift that you share with us all. Thank you so much.
Sherman Bryce
Croton-on-Hudson, NY

Natalie,
I received the portfolio 2 days ago.
The pictures are fabulous. Need more time to get into them! The paper makes the pictures also so different to what I'm used. I'm about to order the Epson 4000 printer and also I must try out this pare for my own pictures. Of course nowhere near what seen here in this set. Many greetings to Alain.
Kirmo Wilén, Finland

Alain,
I want to personally extend my thanks to you for processing my order for the Bright Angel Trail in such a timely manner. I know that you fit this in to a busy schedule and it arrived earlier than you had told me. When I opened the packaging, I was awestruck by the beauty you were able to capture in that photo!

It made the perfect retirement gift to our Vice President who has a special fondness for this trail! Many people commented on it and asked where I got it from. Of course, I passed on your website to them.

Hope your enjoy the holidays and may the new year present spectacular images for you to capture and share with the world!
Gloria Tileston-Tharp
Tucson, AZ

I’m running out of adjectives to describe the beauty of the Navajoland portfolio…
Ken Krahn

Greetings,
et aussi l'opportunite de vous dire combien j'apprecie la beaute et la qualite de votre travail. Voici mes voeux pour la fin de cette annee 2004 et celle a venir
Regards,
Yves

My I compliment you on your body of work displayed on-line, it is beautiful!
Mark Henrich, Student, University of California-Riverside

Hi Alain,
My husband and I met you and purchased a large matted and framed photograph of the Grand Canyon (Yavapai) a couple of years ago when we were there on vacation. We have enjoyed it very much and friends often comment on it when they come into our home. I have carried a camera around with me - even when I was a child - but never really studied anything about photography. I've been like everyone else - getting a lucky shot now and then, but having mostly junk pictures around.

I am now using a digital camera and recently took a 2-day course on Photoshop 7.0 because I had bought the software and couldn't learn enough on my own to use it. I am a mother and grandmother and just wanted the software to be able to create fun things to share with family and friends. During that class, I began to think that I might actually be able to start doing some photography "on the side" (I am a full-time government employee until I am eligible to retire in 6 more years). I have started studying a little to try to learn more about photography and am enjoying it very much. We currently live in Texas, but are both natives of Florida. When we retire, we'll go back to Florida. My plan is to learn between now and then, so that I can have a small studio to "work" in as a second career. I expect that one will be a lot more fun than the one I have now.

In the past, I have enjoyed your correspondence and web site - just to view the work you have done. I now look forward to learning from you as well. I just wanted to drop this note to let you know that you have inspired me to get more serious about learning how to do more than just getting that occasional, accidental, good shot. Thanks,
Linda

Alain,
Don't know if you have seen the cover of April Outdoor Photographer, has picture of Havasua Falls. In my opinion it doesn't begin to compare to your Falls 2 image! Just wanted to let you know. Regards,
Ken Krahn

Hello Mr. Briot,
My name is Alaina D. Adakai and I am currently stationed in south korea and have been here for a little over a year. I am full blooded Navajo and was a student of your wife's at chinle junior high in 1997. I remember seeing you a couple times with your beautiful photographs especially during the christmas seasons. I was on the internet searching for pictures of home to help keep me from a loneliness especially during the holidays when I came across your web page. I just want to say thank you mr. briot for the beautiful pictures that have touched my heart and given me renewed strength and love for my homeland. My soul now dances knowing that images of home are just a click away. Thank you once again and may god bless you and the beautiful work you do.
Thank you,
Alaina D. Adakai

Dear Alain,
It arrived!!! It's beautiful!!!
I purchased this work from you about a month ago and have been meaning to tell you how much I'm enjoying it. My original intention was to check out the print quality of the R-800 printer but I'm also very happy to have such a subtle piece of architectural photography. I'm am considering purchasing this printer and coupling it with the recently released Nikon D70 with the kit zoom lens and a 50mm prime. The camera, as well as your choice of the Canon, seems like a good match resolution wise given the size of the printer output. Of course, everyone likes large prints, but the work of some of my favorite artists such as Paul Klee have a very small format but are very powerful. I think the photographic equivalent of this painter as being someone like Ernst Haas. I recently purchased a copy of his now out of date book entitled Ernst Haas Color Photography and was amazed at the beauty of his images. Sorry for digressing, I really wanted to ask you if you had any information on the archival quality of the inks used with this printer? The Wilhelm site is a bit messy and I'm al\ways a little skeptical of Epson's claims regarding ink longevity.Thank you for your time and keep up the good prints.
Michael Sheppler

Dear Alain,
I picked up your photo of Navajo horses in Canyon de Chelly from the Post Office today. Thank you!!! It is just a stunning photograph. The on-line version -- or, more likely, my computer screen -- doesn't do it justice. The colors are much warmer and lighter than I expected.

The most amazing thing about this photo is that this is an image I have had in my head for about a year. I had been trying to explain what it looked like to friends, but couldn't capture it in words. My boyfriend kept pointing out drawings and photos and saying, "Is that it?" -- and it never was. I don't know what my imagination was doing galloping through your world, but I am really glad that you had a camera there!

The frame is also beautiful and unique. I'm delighted that you still had one left. There is a longitudinal crack along the black laminate edge on the outside, probably due to something in shipping (although, boy, did you pack that well -- it took me half an hour to unpack). Our local postal service is just brutal. However, my boyfriend is a finish carpenter, and he loves anything that is beautifully crafted. When I described it to him along with all the inlays and wood, he said he could probably fix it. It doesn't show in any case, because it is not on the front of the frame.

Thank you for the workshop information. It looks to be a great gathering, hands-on, informative, interesting, and very reasonable in price too. Right now, however, I am saving for a better digital camera. I have lens-envy and am tired of working around the automatic-everything of my little point-and-shoot. I have my heart set on a Canon EOS Rebel, so it will be a while before I can indulge in the very thing that would make the workshop worthwhile. Maybe next year . . . .

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that the photograph arrived in one piece, it is beautiful, and I will give it a good home.
Salutations,
Andrea Kaus

Your work is awe inspiring and absolutely beautiful... You are blessed
Paula Curry

Your work made my heart sing.... Thank you
Paula Curry

Alain,
I was reading your Epson 9600 Diary from bottom up (oldest post first). I ordered immediatly when I saw your first print of the month in your 9600 diary, a few moment later I read that the offer expired around 2/10/2003! I just want to thanks you for taking my order anyway.
Best regards,
Stig Rothberg

Hi Alain and Natalie,
Just a quick note. Received the Spider Rock picture today. It arrived in perfect condition. And like you said - it is so much more beautiful than the web site can show. It is FABULOUS. What a great moment you captured. When I look at it I feel like I am on that overlook myself! And I am shivering with the cold!!Thanks so much for getting it here safely and timely.

Just an update - I am working with a retired photographer here. I have loaded B/W film into my 4X5 holders for my Linhoff Technika. We will go out to shoot on the 31st. Slowly but surely I am making my way up the ladder to better cameras and someday great pictures.
Can't wait for the Navajoland trip. See you then.
Sincerely,
Jackie Stoken

Alain,
I found your work on the Luminous Landscape web site. I emailed you once before that your series Aesthetics and Photography is absolutely the best. I have read your articles over and over.However, I am writing to ask a question about your Single Clay Pot photograph. First of all, it is stunning. It took my breath away when I first saw it. It is the only photograph ever to do so. It is the first photograph that I want to study every inch of. The colors are incredible and combined with the detail of the background rock makes for a truly inspired piece. You are truly a master.I have a perfect place in my house for it. But I am a little confused as to the actual sizes you are offering for this piece. In one place you say you are offering it in Studio and Gallery sizes. In another place you list Decor and Studio sizes. Can you please elaborate the available sizes? Also do your framed prints include glass?
Thank you,
Bill Lamon

Alain,
The photographs arrived Sat. in perfect condition. They look awesome and will look even better once I frame them and hang them in their respective places. Thank you very much.
Bill Lamon

Our photograph arrived safely. It is just beautiful! Thank you so much. It's the perfect keepsake for a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation to the Grand Canyon.
Jill Sox
Tampa, Florida

Your website is beautiful!! I love your images of the Southwest. Last spring I took my son on a hiking trip to Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon National Parks and your photos really brought back the feelings that I had when I was there."
Steven Rosenblum
Ann Arbor, MI

Greetings from Australia. Just a quick note to say congratulations on a stunning and inspiring site. Whenever I see the clarity, detail and punch of large format cameras I feel like throwing my 35mm away...keep up the wonderful work.
Craig Fenemore
Australia
via email

I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your work. Thank you so much for sharing it with the world. Imagine if Ansel Adams could experience this instant publishing phenomenon I think people begin to take for granted this amazing technology, then a photographer like you comes along, with a subject as breathtaking as Canyon de Chelly, and all of a sudden I have a new appreciation of this magic box that sits on my desk.
Jerry Sherman

I will enjoy your photograph every day as it hangs on my wall.
Thelma Feist
Minot, ND

I love both good composition, and excellent printmaking, and this photograph has both.
Steve Fox
Herndon, VA
In a personal letter referring to "El Tovar Sunset". March 2000

Received photographs today. Everything OK. Who did the packaging? Great Job!
Jim P.,
via email,

...my breath, quite literally, was taken away by your images. They are absolutely stunning. I was so stunned by the photos that I had to send you a note to express my appreciation."
Margaret Cronan
Epson America
Long Beach, CA

Your work is created by someone who is part of the landscape, as opposed to an outsider who comes in for a short visit and then returns home. This, I believe, increases its value & marketability.
Steve Sears,
via email

The picture arrived in great condition-good packing. The framing and matting are perfect.
Mary Erickson
Sun City West, AZ

We look forward to receiving the photographs and to doing more business with you in the future.
Pat Brewer
Concord, MA

I enjoyed meeting you at the El Tovar and looking at all of your beautiful photography. The piece I brought home looks more magnificent every time i look at it. I am so happy to have one of your landscapes."
Pam Tubbes
Concord, MA

I would love to learn from a photographer like yourself, if you ever go on an expedition down into the Grand Canyon with other photographers or just on your own I would love to join you.
Tracy L. Amero
Somerville, MA

Thank you for shipping the photographs so quickly. They're beautiful and exactly what I saw when my friend and I were at the Grand Canyon.
Peggy Scheier
Tempe, AZ

I enjoyed having the opportunity to view your "fantastic" photography at the N.A.U. First annual Art Soiree! You have inspired me to achieve better results in my wedding photographs. Thank you for the valuable information you gave me.
Cynthia D. Zapien
Phoenix, AZ

How I wish that I could be
An artist with the gift to see
The world in all its radiant might--
Spectrum shades of dark and bright.
C. David Hay
Rosedale, IN
-inspired by Alain Briot's photography

Your wonderful photo arrived promptly and is now being framed as a "surprise" Father's Day gift for Jim.
Robin Karnik
Encinitas, CA

I shall treasure the picture as a momento of my experience of traveling West and visiting a Grand place.
Lynda Dillon
Middletown, DE

Your work is breathtaking, and the pieces we purchased will grace my office walls.
Steve Comet
Cleveland, OH

Your artwork will be a stunning addition to our home, and a constant reminder of our best family vacation ever!
Nancy Dulavy
St. Paul, MN

What a wonderful way to spend an evening-with many friends enjoying your breath-taking photographs. I will look forward to receiving more in a couple of weeks!
Mary Bilby
Phoenix, AZ

The picture immediately went on the wall in my office and made me more determined to try my hand at photographing the slot canyons."
Leonard M. Miller, Ph.D.

The photo is now hanging on one of the living room walls. It's a pleasure to look at and reminds us of a time when our hearts were much lighter. God bless America!
(Sept. 15, 2003)
Virginia M Kuebler
East Aurora, NY

Thank you so much for your help with this special wedding gift. It will bring back fond memories of their hiking in the Grand Canyon each time they look at it.... thanks to your special talent.
Marshall Tyndall
Clinton, WA

I enjoyed meeting you and talking photography & cameras with you at the South Rim this past August. Tough choice picking a picture online.
Ethan Derbois, via email

I wanted to let you know the photo arrived yesterday safe and sound. Thank you once again for a beautiful work of art and getting it here so quickly. I look forward to perhaps ordering the next photo for myself.
Leslie Woods
Glendale, CA
via email

3 - Unsolicited Testimonials from workshop participants & 1 on 1 consulting students:
On average, we have from 50% to 75% return participants in our workshops. Most participants attend at least two workshops, and many attend many more than that. This, in itself, is a huge testinonial to the sucess of our workshops program. Below are some of the many testimonials that Natalie and I have received.

Antelope Canyon Workshop Testimonial
by Woody Spedden

Alain and Natalie

I want to congratulate you guys for putting on a wonderful workshop that taught me as much in three days as all the books, articles etc had done in several years. Nothing like being in the presence of greatness and getting the thoughts and hints in real time. Seriously, Alain has taught me so much, and I hope to show you very soon how much I have improved.

I spent all day today culling 8 of the best images and starting the real work of preparing for print. I have one particular shot in the Antelope Canyon that I will be including in my December exhibition at the Gallery here in Fort Collins. I will send it to you for "print review" so you can make sure I have put my best into the final print.

I also want to tell you that, in addition to the wonderful teachings, how much I enjoyed meeting you and learning about you and sharing some of common philosophies about life. You are very special people and I am privileged to have had the opportunity to spend this time together.

Please let us stay in touch. No doubt I will be attending the Photoshop workshop with you in the near future, and God (and finances) willing to take the trip down the Colorado with you as well.

You have make a very real and positive difference in my life.

God bless

Your friend,

Woody

San Juan River Running Workshop Testimonial
by Bernard Languiller

The San Juan Workshop was both interesting and fun. The location was of course amazing, but you and Natalie's teaching, as well as the presence of the other participants, did contribute strongly to making this a unique experience from which I hope to retain a lot. I feel that it is a good fondation that will hopefully help me further improving my photography.

The focus on near/far work was definitely interesting for me, as it is a type of composition that I have probably not used enough until now. I feel that I am now more comfortable with these, which opens new doors. I was also very interested by the emphasis put on open shade, which is a type of lighting condition that I don't encounter very often here in Japan, or that I was at least not enough aware off until now.

It was also very valuable for me to hear from a working landscape pro like you that the techniques and methods I have been using in various areas (4*5 shooting,...) are basically not too far off the mark. This is of course not the most important part of photography, but these underlying skills are nonetheless an important part of shooting.

Overall, the small size of the group was a real asset as we ended up getting a lot more of your time than we normally could have with a larger group I guess. The on location teaching with real life examples that you performed is definitely a lot more efficient than theoretical lecturing as long as the participants have enough understanding of the basic stakes, which was the case this time. I intend to keep using the framing tool that you provided us with as I found it to be helpful and an efficient learning and shooting tool.

I haven't had a lot of time to look at the images yet, but it would appear that a few could be nice. I haven't received the large format slides yet though. The 6x12 roll films will be available tonight, and the 4x5 sheets next week only.

I have set up an appointement with Ebony tonight to give a look at the fallen camera, they seemed pretty optimistic over the phone... :-) I have already spent a few hours removing as much sand as I could from the various gear, and it seems that nothing god damaged too badly.... :-)

Thank you again.

Bernard

Antelope Canyon Workshop Testimonial
by Jim Huber

The first question most friends asked me for the next week or so after I returned from the Antelope Canyon Workshop was some variation of "Did you learn anything?". I could simply say "a lot". To be more complete I could compose a very long-winded answer. But I think showing the "before & after" images below will be much more convincing and much quicker too.

The "before" image was taken just before the workshop, late Friday morning. I like the composition of the "after" image a lot better because the crevice in the rocks in the bottom right corner follows the line of the river and leads out the corner, while the "before" image chopped the river off too harshly.

But of course what first leaps out at me is the difference in color and contrast between the two images. Before I would have worked on the "before" image in Photoshop to try to make it better. Now it's an immediate garbage can frame, if I would even shoot it at all.

The more I think about what I heard and saw during the workshop the more I realize I learned. It was a very intense couple of days, and so it is still sinking in. Definitely well worth the cost and the travel!

Thank you!

Jim Huber

Marketing Seminar Testimonial
by Karen Marion

Hi Natalie and Alain,

Thanks to your marketing seminar, I am now applying to art shows around the country. I finally got the last of the equipment and set up my display to photograph it. I was amazed that I could do it all myself, even setting up the tentI really like the pro panels, and the end result looks great! I'll be doing a bunch of summer shows in the Great Lakes region, and then will probably come back to Arizona during the winter sometime.

Karen's Artwork Display

I find myself telling other artists many of the things I learned at that workshop. It's amazing how much you managed to pack into one weekend!!! Great job!!!

Thanks!!!

Karen Marion
karen-marion.com

2006 Fine Art Summit Testimonial
by Ralph Nordstrom

I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the 2006 Summit. In a word, WOW! It was so good to see you and Natalie again and get to spend some time with you. I really appreciate our conversation on soft proofing.

Joseph Holmes and Uwe Steinmueller were terrific. Although, I think Joe is already causing me a lot of grief. His emphasis on making sure the edges of the image are cropped perfectly you know. Boy, that makes it a whole lot harder! I feel I can manage two, maybe three edges pretty well. But getting all four edges, not easy.

I must tell you about my drive home on Tuesday. I didn’t get away from the hotel until about 4:40, destination Bryce Canyon NP. I hoped to make it there by sunrise but it took too long for me to get going (or I should have gotten up a half hour earlier). But it didn’t matter – it was completely clouded over when I got to Sunset Point.

There were a few other photographers there. I set up and took a few flat pictures. The photographers started giving up and leaving one by one until there was just one other guy and me. We talked. I told him about the summit and shooting Antelope Canyon. While we were talking the sun came out for about 20 minutes. So I got some good morning light.

As I was leaving it started snowing. I got to drive away in blowing snow. It was fantastic. I made another stop in Zion NP, took a few snaps but nothing that will amount to anything. But it was good just being back there.

So I added 150 miles to my 550 mile trek home. It was a long but exciting day and definitely worth it.

Thanks again for a great summit. The two big things that will help my photography are color management and composition.

Kind regards,

Ralph Nordstrom
Nordstrom Landscapes

One on One Consulting Testimonial
by Marc Semanoff

I first met Alain Briot last summer at his Navajoland photography workshop in Page Arizona. After the weekend workshop, Alain suggested we do some one on one consulting together. He said I would learn a lot and continue my journey to become a better photographer.

I was skeptical. I really did not know what I would learn, after all we just spent three days together in a workshop. But I decided to follow up on Alain's suggestion. I sent Alain a group of my digital photographs, so we could discuss what can be done to improve my work, rather than someone else's.

Well we had our first consulting for an hour. Alain was in Arizona. I was at my computer in St. Louis. We selected one photograph from the bunch and we worked on it, working from two different computers. It took us the full one hour to really get the photo ready for printing.

Hunt's Mesa by Marc Semanoff

Alain taught me the proper workflow step by step. It seemed like the one hour session was over in a flash. I learned so much. I told Alain that I did not know how much I do not know about making outstanding photographs. We had a second session several weeks later. During the second session we started where we left off during the first session. Alain introduced me to more suggestions about how to improve my photographs. Then we had a third, a fourth, and finally a sixth one hour session.

I do not like to spend money. But I wanted to accelerate my learning so that I become a much better photographer. After working with Alain over the phone, from a remote distance, using my photographs, I learned so much.

It is now two months since Alain and I last worked together to critique my photographs. I have found my photography work is greatly improved as a result of the information that Alain shared with me during our one on one consulting sessions.

I am beginning to gain some recognition. Last month in a national North American Indian photography contest, one of my photographs took a third place. I am beginning to sell my work.

The results from our one on one consulting, done remotely over a six month period was really very rewarding to me. And it was fun.

Marc Semanoff

I want to thank you both for a rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable experience. You both have helped me so much in "focusing" my photography in the proper direction. Your seminar taught me to see the effects of the six different types of light and how to use them. What a revelation! And much more. I now have a better understanding of color and the relationship of the color wheel to photography. I have learned to "slow down," to look, to see, to feel. So important in landscape photography. I know it takes a lot of hard work now to move beyond being simply a "pretty postcard picture-taker," to being an "artist" and thinking artistically. I am now re-reading your articles, especially, Being and Artist, with new insight. Thanks again for all your help. It was a very successful seminar.

My wife and I have long been admirers and friends and collectors of the artist/painter Stephen Quiller and appreciate the emotion in his work and his interpretation o