Purchased a great Olympus OM-D from Paxton's
Joe was fantastic
The theory at the start was exactly the right level for most of us.
The practical at the end was fantastic followed by the question and answer at the end.
Could not be happier.
Now realise how important the course was to use my camera any where near well enough.
After I reach the stage Joe was aiming to lift us to then I need to continue my education through his courses and lessons!
Alexandra H
I came across Joe from attending a Paxton workshop and was so impressed with how he ran the workshop. From there I was interested to learn more about my new camera in more detail. A true novice with a passion in photography I wanted to build my confidence usingshutter speed, aperture and iso as I was still struggling to put these concepts into practice. Joe over extended himself to improve my skills. I am so grateful for his knowledge. I look forward to attending another workshop in the near future.
Kim M
Fantastic workshop in Sydney Martin Place
The workshop with Joe was fantastic, I learnt more in the time we spent in the workshop than in all the time I have been leaning over several years. Fully recommend a workshop with Joe. I hope soon to do more!!!
Wendy G
After attending the Paxtons course with Joe, I signed up for his Street and Architecture City Walkabout workshop. I am a complete novice, (only had my camera about a month), and though I wasn't sure what I would get out of today's course, I have to say with Joe's help I now know the type of photos I want to take, and whilst I still have a lot to learn, I'm no longer afraid of experimenting. Thank you Joe for an AMAZING day, and I will definitely be taking more workshops with you.
Susan H
Hi Joe & Craig... wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU for a fab photo shoot at the props workshop in Marrickville. What an honour to have access to all your combined knowledge and expertise. Your free-flowing teaching skills and comprehensive knowledge of seemingly all shapes and sizes of cameras is amazing and makes everyone feel like they can achieve better photography. I've loved exploring the black-and-white and profile modes. It's so great to now have fun with my camera instead of feeling intimidated by my own incompetence... thanks to you! Cheers, Sue
Photo taken by Susan H
Norm G
I was not sure what the course would do for me. I was really looking for the opportunity of using my new SLR camera with the benefit of supervision and advice. Turned out the benefits of the afternoon greatly exceeded my expectations. Although it is unlikely that I will ever get heavily involved with lighting of my subjects I will always be more aware of the effects of lighting -- both good and bad -- and I will think more before I press the shutter.
Photo taken by Norm G
Marionne M
Joe and Craig .. just to let you both know how much I enjoyed the portrait and lighting class on Saturday
The models were great .. very obliging and very happy to pose as directed - all afternoon
You and Craig have wonderful knowledge of cameras and lighting which you passed on to your students with great enthusiasm - I learnt a great deal and look forward to you both organizing another class soon
Photo taken by Marionne
Wayne F
Another day another great workshop. Thanks to Joe, Craig, Anja & Rudy for such a fun day and I always learn what another button or menu function actually does. If I knew what Joe has forgotten about photography I would be a better photographer !
Photo taken by Wayne F
Norm G
A big thank you to Joe for the assistance he gave me last weekend. I had a deadline to complete a picture book but struck a technical problem with photos on my computer which I could not solve. I emailed Joe who phoned me immediately and patiently talked me through the problem and helped me to solve it. At least half an hour on a Saturday morning. I am most appreciative.
Sue H
Hi Joe,
I just wanted to say a huge THANKYOU for a really fabulous morning of fun and learning. The street scapes and black and white modes made me see the city through new eyes. I'm even more keen to keep improving my photographic skills. Your knowledge and enthusiasm for your craft is contagious, your teaching skills so easy to grasp, and I'm now a little less intimidated by technology thanks to you.
Roxanne D
I have done a few courses with Joe both by myself and with my daughter. On a technical front Joe seems to know everything about every camera and can teach in a clear way that gives you the information you need without crazy overload. I love learning what my camera can do and each time I am with Joe I find out more things ( if only I could remember them all). Joe's strength however is how he interacts with each participant - everyone has a really fun time, everyone feels like they matter and everyone feels like they are important to Joe - couple that with taking some pretty cool pics and it's a very happy few hours. Highly recommend.
Sharon F
I attended my first class with Joe at Vivid last year and enjoyed it so much I went back for his first and last Vivid class this year.
The small class size is ideal as everyone receives personal attention. Joe has helped me view the world differently through my lense and has inspired me to try more unusual shots, which believe me is way outside my comfort zone. His classes are always fun and relaxed and he is always willing to pass on his knowledge and wisdom. Best part is I get to see parts of Sydney I've never seen before and I've lived here all my life!
Thank you also for being my personal Sherpa and carrying my tripod last night!
You haven't seen the last of me Joe, sorry! I will be back for more as there is so much fun to be had when shooting with people who enjoy photography and I learn so much from your classes.
I can thoroughly recommend a class with Smarterdigital :-)
Johanne T
Having initially attended the Paxton's workshop presented by Joe I was absolutely blown away by his enthusiasm, his eagerness to share knowledge and to inspire others to pursue and achieve their photographic dreams. So it was not surprise to me that Joe's VIVID course not only met but exceeded all expectations. Joe clearly worked to ensure that he could pack as much into the session as possible, he paid individual attention to each and every member of the group...and I am sure we all came away with shots which exceeded our expectations. Thank you Joe....so much!
Eleanor H
Hi Joe
I attended your workshop last Saturday, 11 June which I enjoyed very much and it inspired me to aim to get more out of my photos and to complete a Coffee Table book.
Rachel F
I went to a Vivid session with Joe and had a great and informative time. I had also been to Joe's course for Paxtons quite a while ago and learned a lot from that. At Vivid I was very impressed by Joe's choice of photographic sites and how much we were able to shoot in about 3 hours. Joe is a great source of technical information and ideas about how to take a shot. His enthusiasm is infectious.
Geoff G
A big thanks for all the workshops I've attended over the years and I'm proud to say I'll be attending more because there is still so much to learn. From the first walk around at Martin Place to the Vivid on 29/5/16 it has been great fun.
Julie D
With the purchase of a new camera from Paxtons for my upcoming tip to Africa, I really wanted to learn how to use it effectively before I leave. I have attended Joe's basic DSLR course, the city architecture course, and finally the Vivid course which was an absolute highlight. I am now much more confident in using the manual and other settings such as aperture and shutter speed, and got some great tips on composition and artistic aspects of photography. Joe's small courses provided great personal attention and I loved every minute of them - he has a great sense of humour and I intend to go to some more courses in the future, just for the fun of it (and more tips of course).
Robert J
For many years I have used a point and press camera to record holidays from which I have then managed to select 12 photos from each year to turn into a calendar. Great way to remember the good times. Thought it was time I upgraded so now have a Canon 750D (18-135mm) and am looking forward to trying out some of what I learnt yesterday. As a mature age (58) Mining Consultant I have been out of work for the last 6 months and no signs of that changing anytime soon (at least for 12 months) so now have a hobby!. Thank you Joe!
Graham S
I had another great photo shoot on ViViD with Joe as our mentor. The crowd were clicking their cameras but Joe showed us that by using a different perspective and using your manual or other settings of your camera you produced that unique and individual photo. Many people passing by wanted to know how we achieved our results. If you would like to know your camera better I can highly recommend Joe and SmarterDigital for a knowledgeable,relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Ian M
I attended Joe's Vivid shoot on Sunday night, what a fantastic event. As usual Joe had it all worked out so we got to the best places for shots, even avoiding the crowds most of the time. I have been concentrating on landscapes lately so the Vivid night really took me out of my comfort zone. Luckily Joe was on hand with great advice and tips, which meant I came away with some really nice shots and some new techniques.
Thanks again Joe