Mentoring Feedback
Mentor letter #1
Dear Hugh,
Where do I begin? I usually have no trouble finding words to express my feelings,
But somehow this time it's a bit harder.
WHAT A MENTOR! I have attended so many seminars and looked at so many
tapes and have all the books out there, but the four days you were here at my studio have
changed me forever! The first year and a half as a full time photographer has left me quite beat up with lots of concern for being able to hold out in the long run as a photo-
grapher. You have come along and given me the guidance to really count all the dots:
How to meter properly, low key lighting in and out of the studio, window light, proper
use of lenses, dynamic composition, cropping in the camera and colours that compliment
a scene, not to mention filters. Then you helped me mask negatives.
I am positive I will find it easier because of you and your ability to share your
knowledge and because you care to give so much of yourself to help others find the
joy of photography. You have made it so much easier to take the worry out of my
work. I sleep a lot easier now.
My staff and all the models who were exposed to your style of work felt like
they were the stars of their own movie. I can't wait to start using the transviews. We
switched to the lab you recommended. We have the projector already and we'll be
sending you copies of the work to see.
Hugh, you are a rare gift to the world of photography. Thank you for sharing
with us. We would like to have you check your calendar for mid April or early May
to see if you have any dates for a return trip. Look forward to seeing you again.
Best Wishes Always!
Mamie Hoffer
Elizabeth City NC
Mentor letter #2
Dear Hugh,
I would like to thank you for your superior instruction this past week. I am so
appreciative for your presence and your knowledge.
I was very impressed by the way you presented your instruction. Never once
did I feel as though I had to stop you and ask a question. I felt as though I was able to
go over one thing until I understood it and you didn't rush on to the next objective on our
schedule.
We were able to cover far more than I had anticipated. You picked up on my weak spots and seemed to explain those things in a way that wasn't over my head. In every
situation from the studio (high, mid and low key) to the outdoor and location sessions.
I was able to tell you have a passion for teaching and far more patience than I have ever seen in an instructor.
You welcomed note taking and gave many examples from your own studio. I feel
it is an effort to better educate and help promote your fellow photographers instead of
being secretive and keeping everything you have learned to yourself for fear of being
copied. You welcomed your ideas and solutions to many problems more than once during your stay. I can't tell you enough about what I learned during your visit- only
that I would encourage anyone to take one of your classes. It is truly a learning
experience!
I have never taken a class where I felt as though I can put into practice what I
learned and without a doubt I feel confident that I am using the right methods. Not
only did I learn so many things from you, but ways and ideas that I already had were
reinforced to give me even more confidence. Thank you so much for sharing your
knowledge.
Your friend,
Tammy Biggs
Charlotte, NC
