The Workshop Experience

photos by Marty Martinez, unless otherwise noted

DAYENU! It would have been enough!

If we had only been to Les Baux that day…

If we had only been blessed with the opportunity to photograph Danielle at the Abbey—not to mention the Chateau. Dayenu!

If we had only spent time at Isle Sur La Sorgue and Aix en Provence—not to mention Bonnieux and Roussillon, the Camargue and Terres Blanches.

If we had only been treated to the intimacy of visiting Claudine Sudre and Lucien Clergue in their homes and studios—not to mention Denis Brihat. Dayenu!

If we had only discovered the food and wine of a lifetime at La Regalido, not once but twice—not to mention the heavenly visit to Le Bistrot du Paradou. Dayenu!

Elizabeth is as passionate and brilliant a teacher as she is a photographer and human being.

- Susan Freundlich
   Provence 2006

"When I was first considering a workshop with Elizabeth, the Santa Fe
Workshops told me, "people just keep coming back every year for workshops
with her." I had no idea how much would come from that first workshop and
how much I would want to continue working with her.

Elizabeth is a wonderful artist and master of her craft but she is also a
magic maker. She invites students to go inward as much as they go outward
to make beautiful images. In this process, there is a wonderful opportunity
for self discovery. Serendipity just happens around Elizabeth. After four
of her workshops, I am so thankful for all of my experiences with her. I
feel like I have bloomed as a photographer, artist, and person and have made
many friends along the way." Bronwyn Fargo, Colorado

"Elizabeth is an intuitive teacher. She naturally shares everything she
knows (a great deal) so that the workshop is a success for each and every
student. Yet she is also highly organized--good things happen not by chance
but by excellent planning--the kind of planning that not only allows but
encourages serendipity and unique photo opportunities. She is exciting and
excited about photography in a way that lights the fire of creativity in the
most hesitant student. Taking one of her workshops is an opportunity not to
be missed." Brigitte Carnochan

Elizabeth is a master teacher who teaches more than photography.
The time with her is a journey into the lens of life. Her constant pursuit of
innovation and cutting edge techniques creates a dynamism for
experienced artists of all backgrounds. Her passion for photography and beauty
inspired me long after the class ended.
-Cathy DeForest, Ph.D

Photo by Michelle Tillander

I keep returning to Elizabeth's teaching. She is a rarity--
an artist who is in a class by herself and willing to share
everything she knows with no holding back.
All of this she does with love, warmth,
intelligence and humor.
- Carolyn Bross, Bloomingdale, New Jersey

The "Magic of Provence" was a life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I discovered after the first few days of the workshop that the real "magic"
was Elizabeth herself. Her knowledge of the region, personal relationships
with world-famous photographers, and genuine talent in the area of
photography was what made the entire experience so very special. She
introduced me to new techniques and ideas that have changed my career
direction. I personally believe her secret is that she has an uncanny
ability to find the perfect light and the perfect composition in virtually
every shoot. I will never forget my truly splendid experience in the south
of France with the incredibly gifted artist, Elizabeth Opalenik.
- Joni Noble, Monroe, Louisiana

That Elizabeth is a creative, insightful artist goes without saying if you've seen her work. What won't be apparent is the energy, enthusiasm, and fun that she brings as a teacher. As a person, I liked her immediately. She's someone you wish you lived next door to. As a photographer, as the weeklong course progressed, I occasionally got glimpses of how she sees the world and the light hitting it, and those glimpses have influenced me significantly.
- Bob DeWeese

"I try to attend a workshop with Elizabeth regularly.
Her intelligent and sensitive approach to sharing her art is always uplifting.
I am reenergized by being with her."
- Eric Wiswell, Torrance, California