anybody taken a John Free photo workshop?

I have not. I have viewed some of his work and youtube videos. He seems very opinionated and self-entitled.
 
I am overly critical at times and need to work on this. At least he is contributing his opinions and ideas.
 
He has his points (I briefly considered art school at $40k/per and judged it absurd), and I'm always up for an appreciation of a grouchy old guy.

I didn't go to a high-dollar private art school, but my photography professors all showed their work (usually a selection on the first day of class and invites to gallery shows if any professor was showing during the semester) Some of it was my style, some of it wasn't, but they definitely weren't shy about sharing their work.
 
Hjortsberg said:
Was thinking of it. Like to hear from anyone who has.

thanks in advance
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I just watched his first video a long time ago, "Beware of Photography Schools" I quickly realize he is guilty of what he criticizes - he can't seem to stay on point, this said... I am just about the same as he is.

The best way to learn is to go out with other photographers, what I found lacking from John Free was his lack of images, his own work.

It really depends how much is the workshop and why you think you need it...

There are so many people offering workshops out there, some are better than others - what I like to see for myself, the deciding factor for any workshop before I spend my money is... what are the person't images like and the reviews.

His images do not impress me and the reviews haven't changed since I first google him a year ago, weird nameless praises...
 
Jobin said:
I am overly critical at times and need to work on this. At least he is contributing his opinions and ideas.
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You may be critical, but you may also be right.
He sounds like he is still bitter about his own crappy education 40 years later, with the exception of a single nun. His broad swipe against other photography schools really is totally beside the point. It doesn't give me much confidence in his ability to teach anything worthwhile.
I don't care if a teacher shows his or her own work or not. Some great photographers are lousy teachers and visa versa. If a teacher is only teaching students to emulate their style I would categorically say they are not great teachers. How many great photographers do you know that actually went through a photography program? I know a few, but there are as many that didn't. The purpose of getting an (expensive) education is to build a broad foundation that you can find ways of applying to whatever you do. I would hope that students can determine for themselves if what they are learning is worthwhile for them.
 
I've watched a few of his videos. His grumpiness is kind of hypnotic. He hates on rangefinders now and then -- doesn't trust their focusing mechanism. I've searched around for independent opinions on him and couldn't find any.

He seems like the real deal in the videos, though -- passionate for sure. On the other hand, I probably wouldn't go to one of his workshops. He seems a bit inflexible.

Then again, I probably wouldn't go to anybody's workshop, or at least any of the "internet personality" workshops that seem to pop up all over these days. It all feels like a weird cult of personality rip-off to me.

OK, that was all over the place. Sorry.
 
Hjorstberg,

Any decision on the workshop? I have corresponded with John Free about his approach. I would certainly take a workshop with him.

What attracted me about him is his obvious passion for street photography. Even more so, however, after viewing several of his videos and exchanging emails, I like his perspective on SP. Specifically, he seems to have a great deal of respect and regard for people and their dignity as human beings. My impression is that philosophy is integral to his curriculum. That approach appeals to me.

If you do take a workshop with him, please post your experience.

John
 
I recently met john personally while shooting in LA. I walked with him one on one and came to realize very quickly that he is one of the most passionate photographers i have met in 26 years of being a pro shooter. I can say that his style of HOW he shoots street is actually very interesting as he dances with his subjects. Regardless of what work or how much of his work he puts out there this guy has some very good stuff going on and some mind opening questions to throw your way. just my 10 cents
 
I was thinking about taking one of his courses, but when I checked into his background, I couldn't find anything. It says in his biography his work has been featured in major publications and he is a 30 year veteran so I was assuming he was well known and published somewhere. I couldn't find anything on him. I know for me if I can't verify someone's background or work, or if the photographs don't speak to me then I steer clear. Seems like a nice guy, though and his philosophy is quite endearing and interesting to hear, but again it's the work that has to speak for itself.
 
Margu,

I got the same impression, although in his defense there are also a lot of great artists that were completely off the rails. Van Gogh was certifiable, though I don't think he did workshops. If he had, one would be advised to bring ear protectors.
 
Haven't seen the videos, but from reading his blog and viewing his galleries he doesn't seem at all unhinged. Some very good work, and a simple but thought out set of guidelines for street photography.

Not sure I'd spend $1200 for a workshop with anyone, but if I were considering it he would be in the running.
 
Im sure he has a lot of good information to share. But, from watching his videos, he would annoy the crap out of me..
 
I've only watched a couple of his videos so can't comment on him particularly and certainly not his workshops. However, I quite liked his basic humanist philosophy and his work is out there, if you search for it.
 
I've watched a few of his YouTube videos. I don't necessarily agree with him, but he does have interesting opinions, passionately expressed. I'm amused that he seems so keen to express those opinions that he forgets to take photos. I'm not sure I've gained any practical advice from those videos, but they are (hypnotically, as mathomas noted) entertaining.
 
I don't know about you guys but John is definitely one of my favorite street/documentary photographers out there. He is serious about what he does and through his work you can tell the influence from HCB as he stated himself. Check this link for some of his photos: http://blackandwhitestreet.com/user/508 They are very delicately planned out and way better than some of the so-called masterpieces (usually lucky shots taken with a wide angle lens, you go figure who Im talking about...). Everytime I see his photographs I get assured that photography is an art form and does require skill. I got the same feeling when I look at, say, HCB and Martine Franck's pictures.

On the other hand, I do agree the workshop thing is kind of a rip-off. I wouldn't go to any of them personally. Its all about practice and discover your own style.
 
I don't leave nearby and don't have such money.
Very thankfull for his video and blog. He is the Teacher.

Where are crapshoters like Eric Kim, who are making money on another giftless.
John is for different category. You have to be mature enough as photographer to be able to get and care for what he is saying.
Plus you have to be mature enough to realize what at his age he might be not so warm and fuzzy.
 
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