I’ve just received the ‘bonus videos’ today.  What a lovely summary of the previous 7 sessions!  I’ve really valued being guided through the ‘7 Building Blocks’ journey.  Hoping you’ll forgive the comparison, but for me, you are the ‘Jamie Oliver of photography’ ..... presenting the ingredients of image creation en-route to visual feasts (hoping the comparison doesn’t offend ... I do enjoy cooking).
 
You’ve successfully taught me the importance of thoughtful image creation, progressing from a ‘vision’ through to an end result which captures the ‘dream’.  I’ve particularly appreciated the enthusiastic detailed explanations and examples you’ve provided along the way, and the contributions of your backup team.
 
My fascination with the photographic image started in high school in 1960 when I bought a 50p plastic camera from the local department store.  Though it only yielded a handful of prints before it broke, I was thrilled with the promise of those grainy blurred images.  I’ve attached a scan of my first ever photo as it came out of that camera.  I loved the contrast of the midday light and shade bathing that workman mowing the grass amongst the poplars in the park, with a little puff of dust coming up behind him.
 
This started a life-long interest in attempting to capture the spirit of the things I loved.  This has involved a progression over the years from developing my own film and prints in a home darkroom, to now using digital gear.  However, with career and family commitments over many decades my photography hadn’t progressed beyond ‘inspired snapping’, though with an ongoing commitment to improved composition.
 
With retirement upon me for some years now I’ve resolved to be more mindful and discriminating with my photography.  The ‘Building Blocks’ have helped me refine the process of image creation into a thoughtful process, providing structure for my previous experiences as an ‘inspired snapper’.

Peter Torokfalvy