Vision Viet Nam - Photography by Helen Savory


 

 

Thank you for the workshop Helen - heaps to take in but definitely worthwhile and well structured. It has certainly reignited my passion for photography and now I have a desire to get out there in our beautiful landscapes and put all of your tips into practice. I had lost my drive to take photographs because no matter what I did the quality of photographs was lacking, the lighting dull and the colours all wrong and washed out. I had lost my mojo. I'm confident now with the technical knowledge and mastery of the camera that you have passed on, that I will see an improvement in my shots and I look forward to experimenting. I found your teaching technique to be relaxed and informative, your enthusiasm and passion for your profession certainly can't be hidden and it is rather infectious. Thank you for inviting us into your heart and mind - it was a great privilege. 

Joe Wiegerinck, Architect (Student 2011) Joe works for himself. Check out his website: www.ciarch.com.au


'Dear Helen, I just wanted to take the time to say thanks for your valuable time, and for allowing me into your passionate world of photography. I found your unique delivery of the Intensive 1-day 'Be the Master Of your Camera' Workshop really practical and relevant. I especially enjoyed your attention to detail in regards to the technical aspects and also your clever use of memory pegs. Thank you for your inspiration and your insights into the Zen of photography. The Student is now ready!

Dan Darwin, IT Specialist (Student 2011) 

 

'Dear Helen, I just wanted to thank you for all your efforts... I expected to learn a great deal but never anticipated the level of detail, it was amazing! As you are aware, I am an amateur photographer and have only just started started learning the ropes, but I have been following the art of talented photographers from all over the world for a while now. Some of the the photographers who I often liaise with through my blog are very talented, but few of them have the exceptional natural talent that you have. I am humbled by your work and very grateful for the opportunity to be able to learn from you.' Zen of photography. The Student is now ready!

Blyde Neser (Student 2011) 

 

'Helen's classes helped me focus my passion for photography, finally understand the instruction manual of my camera and discover how to capture small moments in order to create great pictures. Her unconventional way of looking at life makes her an inspirational teacher. She gave me the confidence to develop myself professionally, resulting in me becoming a freelance photographer'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicole Voojis, Viet Nam based Photographer (Student 2003-2004) www.voicephotography.com

 

'I took the class MASTER YOUR CAMERA with Helen and I would recommend her as a teacher to anyone who wants to learn more about taking better photos. She not only has all the knowledge there is about lenses, cameras, lighting and angles, she also has great PASSION about what she does for a living! She is a true artist and if you have the opportunity to enjoy one of her classes, you are one of the lucky ones!'

 Jenny Odar (Student 2009)

 

'Helen has an AMAZING photographic talent and I was very happy to be able to receive coaching in photography from her... She and her photography inspire me...and I would not hesitate to recommend her for any photographic projects.'

 Cecilia Yoeh (Student 2009)

 

'Helen's strengths include the encouragement and drive to get her students out shooting, discovering their talents independently, as soon as possible; this is very empowering. I am currently working on developing a book project, recording the life within two temples (in Saigon)- being able to take photographs gives my editorial sense a much wider capacity than I would have if I was just tied to the written word. I am really excited to be working out ways to express what I want to say through this medium'

Melissa Merryweather, Architect (Student 2008)

 

'Helen teaches the fine tricks so that taking photographs becomes a pleasure for a lifetime'

 Ina Van Deventer (my first student 2000) 

 

'Helen's knowledge of her subject is extensive but what sets her apart from other teachers is her passion, which she shares liberally with her students, encouraging and inspiring them to go further with their photography than they thought possible. There is an excellent balance of classroom study and field work, which ensures the workshop remains interesting and there is plenty of opportunity to work through what has been learnt.

My favorite part of the course was always the critiques. Helen is harsh but fair and I have realised, over the years since taking her course, that having good critical faculties as a professional photographer is almost as important as being able to take good photos. Knowing what really passes muster is critical. She installed that ability into me through those well-judged critiques.

I wholeheartedly recommend Helen's workshops to anyone who is looking to get into photography as a hobby or take their hobby to the next level and start earning money from their passion.'

Andrew Wright, Viet Nam based Photographer & Writer (Student 2006), Photography & Creative Writing Services www.summerwrights.com

 

'Since taking the course I have joined a photo club in my home town and participated in my first photo exhibition. My proudest moment was when one of my photos was bought by an interior designer... the confidence boost it gave me has no price tag. 

I don't aspire to be a professional photographer, just a better one...I believe the lessons from the course and the continued participation in my photo club  will ensure that I can reach my personal goal.'

Renee Howard (Student 2008) http://reneehoward.imagekind.com

 

'Taking a photography workshop by Helen Savory changed the way I look at the world forever - light has a different meaning and I am always searching for the perfect composition. Helen showed me the rudimentary ropes of photography and taught me to understand my camera and what I can create with it. The workshop has resulted in a lifelong love of photography - a creative outlet for me to explore.'

Ineke Hodder (Student 2003)

 

'Helen's knowledge is extensive and her passion for photography is inspiring. I would highly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to learn from her to do so. She is up to date with current gear and editing programs, and imparts her knowledge confidently!'

Cuc Nguyen (Student 2007)  

 

'Prior to taking the course (MASTER YOUR CAMERA & THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY) I had a basic understanding of the camera and background knowledge of composition and design. Helen's course bought my interests and understanding together in a motivating and throughly inspiring way. Her passion for photography is contagious and her ability to help students find their own style and interests in photography is tremendous. Helen's experience and knowledge of the camera is wide and she is very keen on encouraging her students to take risks and challenge their own development. As a result I have a good understanding of my camera, am confident with Photoshop and have exhibited and sold photography of my own. I highly recommend taking her photography class to launch your own photographic journey.'

Susan Manthey, Art Teacher (Student 2007)

 

'I found the workshop enjoyable and a great learning experience. Helen is a wonderfully personable teacher and friend, a very frank giver of feedback and constructive critique, and an excellent organiser of field trips into the back waters of Vietnam or elsewhere!'

Christo Hughs  (Student 2007)

 

'Thank you for the valuable lessons I have learned from your photography workshop. You have taught me many things to improve my skills in photography. Gone is the time that I made only 'snapshots'. I also learned a lot from the review session at the end of each lesson. A very positive and constructive way to improve your abilities.'

Marceline van der Ree (Student 2006)

 

'I did Helen's photography workshop and absolutely loved it. It opened up a whole new passion for me. I had studied photography many times before but never really clicked with it until taking Helen's course - she made it really enjoyable, easy to comprehend and the field trips still remain some of my most fun holidays! I would whole-heartedly recommend anyone to do Helen's workshop.

Charlie Rollo-Walker, Designer (Student 2004) 

 

'I wanted to learn how to use the camera properly to have more creative control over the results. the course delivered not just the technical knowledge I was looking for, but also further cultivated my passion for the art. The class size was small enough to make for an intimate environment, but also large enough to have a range of styles and insights from fellow students. Helen took great care to ensure that each student was understanding and using the theory. The field trips (I attended three) were very exciting. I am now doing photography professionally and loving every moment of it. Although I know I have grown significantly since taking then, I can still trace the beginnings of my passion to Helen's course.'

Darren Lebeuf, Hong Hong based Photographer (Student 2008) www.darrenlebeuf.com


'Since I took Helen's course I have been enjoying seeing the world through the lens. It was not only fun to discover the techniques but also to have very joyful and interesting field trips around Vietnam. She is a passionate photographer and left a deep trace whilst in Vietnam. I learned to look at the world differently. Since then I have really worked hard on my way to continue my journey in the photographic world. I am now a freelance photographer.

Fernando Villalobos, Saigon based Photographer (Student 2007) www.fv-photography.nasdra.com