Mentoring Reviews

Reviews by photographers mentored by Luke Whitaker

 

"Just a quick note to say thank you Luke for the time you spent reviewing my prints, which went well beyond the allotted two hours, and for the interest you showed in my work. Your encouraging comments were very gratifying, and the way you challenged me was entirely what I clearly need! Thanks also for the catalogues, which I shall study closely, along with thinking about the points you asked me to work on." Dr. Adriano Henney, February 2022

 

" I can't begin to tell you how valuable I found the two days. My time with Luke was the next step to take my photography from mere interest to something more professional. Luke has a way of challenging you, making you think deeper about what you are doing, how you see things and your direction. I always feel utterly exhausted after a day with him but also amazed at how much I've learnt. Luke is quietly firm, challenging and determined that you get all you need during the day. A big thank you Luke." Martin Stones, March 2019

 

"Thank you very much for getting my prints made and beautifully framed. They look stunning and I am really pleased so a big thank you. "It was a terrific workshop, not least for the breadth and depth of insight into the business end of presenting and selling photographs. It has given me lots to think about and a very clear direction of what I need to work on in order to make it in the world of photography. A big thank you to Luke for his enthusiasm." Nick Oakley, March 2019

 

"I have enormous gratitude to express to Luke. It's been incredible and the amount you have covered in two days is astounding. I have been on a lot of workshops and this is in a different league. I think you are very inspiring - I love the humour and your direct, no-nonsense approach with a smile. I loved the bits about self-confidence and personal brand building. All this stuff never occurred to me so thank you, it's been an enormous help." Christine Adams, October 2018

 

"This programme exceeded my expectations. Thank you Luke for giving me the nitty gritty advice on selling my work. You have been very generous sharing your expertise, and clearly want me to succeed in producing my best work and securing sales. Many thanks." Francesca Diebschlag, October 2018

 

"Luke, I just wanted to say a personal thank you for the incredible mentoring you have provided me. I knew it would be great and it still exceeded my expectations. The programme was well structured and filled with knowledge and dark magic! Your affectionate personality played such an important part and I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend to my photography colleagues." Yi Sun, October 2018

 

"The Exhibiting and Selling programme was one of the most valuable I have invested in. With a few short months to go before my first solo exhibition on the Isle of Harris, Luke Whitaker openly shared so much of his experience in this field which was both fascinating and a steep learning curve. His experience is invaluable and the detail that the workshop went into, down to the decisions on frame mouldings and printing papers, was exactly what was needed for me. Luke is very encouraging in his manner and the workshop will show you exactly how possible it is to both exhibit your work and sell it. This all combined with a very helpful and interesting print critique session meant that in a couple of days I gained a wealth of knowledge in a short space of time. The decisions I made as a result of the workshop led to a very successful exhibition of my seascapes, which was a very proud moment in my career, as well as a turning point in confidence." Margaret Soraya, October 2018

 

"This is by far the best photography workshop that I have attended. It was unique in that I was taken from the point of taking the photograph to exhibiting and selling it. Luke was full of suggestions and ideas. He did not sugar-coat his words and I really appreciated it. Woolly feedback never helps with growth. His marketing ideas were fantastic. A course thoroughly enjoyed, appreciated and recommended." Alind Srivastava, October 2018

 

"Thank you for an excellent couple of days. It's been just the leg-up I've been looking for and I couldn't have asked for anything more. I truly appreciated the wealth of experience you shared with me that would not be given so freely by others and the kind, delicate and respectful print critique too. My imagination and confidence has certainly been sparked. The course covered many areas which were very enlightening. It was a great opportunity and one I would highly recommend! My thanks to Luke and his team." Matt Goddard, October 2018

 

"Luke thank you for a very insightful couple of days. The time was well thought out and instructive. It was a great pleasure to meet you and thank you for outlining the next steps, all noted and to be done! Many congratulations on the success of your gallery and all the work you are doing there. I wish you continuing success, with many thanks." Christine Adams, October 2018

 

"....you will find Luke's courses enjoyable and thoughtful, from beginning to end. I have just taken the 1-2-1 Print Critique, followed by the two-day 1-2-1 Exhibiting & Selling Workshop, and highly recommend both. There is great value in having the combination of your photography and yourself being critiqued by a professional with experience, who actually has to sell to the public and collectors through his own gallery.  It is invaluable to have the opportunity and time to ask of that experience. The course presentation is very interactive and well-paced, including case studies, and I particularly appreciated the exercises requiring deeper reflection on your own photography, production, and yourself within it. There is the feeling that the following weeks and months will allow you to absorb and act on those new ideas that you have just learnt. A chance too to walk with Luke around the foreshores and inlets of Bosham allows a break to take in the location's best light, tides, seasons, and views.  For those at a time needing great insight into their photography, you are well advised to consider one of Luke's courses and his help towards your vision." Angus Haywood, August 2018

 

"I was very fortunate to attend a 1-2-1 workshop with Luke Whitaker in his Bosham Gallery. What an eye opener into how to prepare your artwork for gallery representation. His enthusiasm, passion and wealth of knowledge is exceptional.  I was at a crossroads with my photographic journey, but with a lot of critique and direction, I now know which steps to take and which path to follow if I am to succeed.  Luke is so passionate to share his wealth of knowledge with you it is a delight to hear him speak.  Bosham is a beautiful place to spend a couple of days with great food and locals.  I was fortunate enough to be invited to a drinks reception at the Gallery showcasing historic photographs of Bosham and to hear an inspirational address from Luke himself." Lorraine Finney, August 2018

 

"I worked with Luke for a couple of months in the lead up to my first solo exhibition in Scotland. From start to finish the experience and knowledge that Luke openly shared with me and the solid advice he gave along the way was invaluable. I can honestly say that this was the best investment in my work and development this year. Luke guided me along the way from print choice to framing assistance all the way through to branding, wording and presentation as a whole. His knowledge is second to none but he also has a lovely manner in his communication. I want to thank you for everything and highly recommend anyone facing the same process, gets in touch with Luke!" Margaret Saroya, July 2018

 

"Informative, insightful and inspiring - this programme provided essential guidance on topics including: artist identity, the importance of finding a clear theme for your work, identifying which photographs have potential to sell, how to talk to galleries (when seeking representation), the do's and don'ts of framing, and much more. Luke Whitaker (owner of the Bosham Gallery) is an expert in his field and shows a genuine readiness to offer practical advice and encouragement to help you find the right path. My thanks to Luke." Ken Trevor, April 2018

 

"This was the best workshop I've ever been on. As the title says, it's not just about taking the photographs, the programme was much more focussed on the commercial aspects of the business, although there was space built in for print critiques which was very helpful. In addition, Luke took time to discuss my aspirations and business plan, which was incredibly useful and gave me a clear direction, and my next steps. It was great being on a comprehensive programme. Many thanks for your time Luke, and for your honesty, openness, professionalism and integrity." Graham Devenish ARPS, March 2018

 

"Amazing experience! Thank you Luke Whitaker for two great days where we explored all aspects from the creative to the commercial element and everything in-between. You have been so generous sharing your vast knowledge and experience with me in such a beautiful environment. I am inspired to take my work to the next level. I've learned a huge amount and had a lot of fun. Thank you for making it such a great experience." Anne Henry, March 2018

 

"It was a terrific experience, not least for the breadth and depth of insight into the business end of presenting and selling photographs. It has given me lots to think about and a very clear direction of what I need to work on in order to get all my ducks in a row, and hopefully make it in the world of photography! A big thank you to Luke for his enthusiasm." Nick Oakley, March 2018

 

"I have learned so much over the last few months, and this is largely thanks to Luke's knowledge and enthusiasm, and his belief in me as a photographer - not just about the photographs themselves, but also about the whole sales process of selecting images for sale, editing for print, framing and editioning. I have also benefited enormously from Luke's review of my portfolio and his insight into 'what sells'. I'm excited to see what is around the next corner, and where my emerging photographic career might take me next. Thank you Luke!" Gill Prince, March 2018

 

"During print critiques Luke has the eye of a hawk at spotting distractions that should have been removed and at suggesting other improvements such as tighter crops and areas that should be lightened or darkened. Sessions with Luke are an extremely enjoyable process and I would highly recommend them. Be prepared to take the critique. You are not there to be flattered. He does know what he's talking about though. You don't get to represent Charlie Waite unless you do, to say nothing of the fact he's a strong photographer in his own right!" Dr Edward A Hyde ARPS, March 2018

 

"Ground-breaking! This programme was very comprehensive and came at precisely the right time for me. It's the best value workshop you will get! Thought provoking, strategic, practical and enormously enjoyable. Luke's mentoring delivered way beyond my expectations." Roseanne Baume, March 2018

 

"Luke, thank you for a wonderful couple of days. You have been so generous sharing your knowledge and experience with me. I've learned a huge amount and had a lot of fun. Thank you for making it such a great experience." Anne Henry, March 2018

 

"Reviewing photographs along with the various framing and paper choices with Luke is time very well spent. His knowledge and experience provides an important and objective perspective. The Bosham Gallery is in a beautiful location and provides the perfect atmosphere to take it all in." Peter Geraerts, February 2018

 

"This was a truly excellent programme! It was highly informative, inspiring and challenging, giving me much food for thought and many concrete pointers for action. Luke's constructive critique, advice and encouragement was extremely helpful. It was very intensive and a great deal of material was covered, but it was never too much to cope with as it was very well structured, yet flexible enough to accommodate circumstances "on the ground". Bosham was a beautiful location and the Bosham Gallery is wonderful. I am looking forward to putting into practice what I learned and I'm sure it will help advance my photography. Highly recommended." Catherine Illsley, December 2017

 

"Thank you Luke for delivering exactly what it said on the tin! It's not often you can say that about a workshop and I am very grateful. You were a lovely host and delivered the (potentially heartbreaking!) print critique in a kind but realistic way. It was also lovely to be back in beautiful Bosham." Julia Moffett, November 2017

 

"Just returned from this excellent workshop run by Luke Whitaker. Two intensive days of detailed explanation of the requirements behind the business of preparing images for exhibiting and selling in a Gallery environment. This was, without doubt, one of the best, most informative workshops I have attended in many years...packed with detailed information (and some uncomfortable truths!) about the business of selling images, and what is required of the photographer to make progress in the crowded image industry. Luke's detailed programme leaves nothing to chance and explores all the facets of what it takes to penetrate a saturated market...not just the theories, but illustrated with real examples of successful images and photographic artists...and yes, photographers are artists! Luke critiqued my prints and delivered constructive criticism with consideration and charm. I can recommend this workshop without reservation...if you get the chance, do it!" Ian Moore, November 2017