Workshop Testimonials
What people are saying about the Workshops
“I want to thank you for a wonderful trip to Japan. You developed a terrific itinerary that included traditional lodging and food, fantastic opportunities to take pictures of snow monkeys, Japanese Red-crowned cranes, Sea Eagles and much more. I would also like to commend you on what I consider your natural ability to teach. I learned so much on this trip.”
Steven Schwartzberg, USA
“My time at your snow monkey workshop in Jigokudani was so much fun! Thank you for all you taught me – exposure, composition, color management, Lightroom processing, workflow and more. The teacher we know from the podcasts is even better in person!”
Colin Stewart, Japan
“The Martin Bailey Hokkaido experience is a cornucopia of great photography locations, people, learning and fellowship. It was as much a cultural experience as it was a photographic one. Martin’s command of the language and familiarity with the locations ensured a hassle free trip. It was an amazing experience to be surrounded by encouraging colleagues in a non competitive environment with unrestricted access to such a competent and approachable teacher.”
Graham Morgan, Australia
“I highly recommend Martin Bailey’s Hokkaido tour, in particular because Martin is not only a responsible, knowledgeable, forthcoming and nice guy, but also a superb photographer himself, who knows all the right places.
Martin’s organization was meticulous and his Japanese language skills were key, from getting us from Tokyo to Hokkaido (and back) as well as to the different photo shoots and hotels (via bus), everything went smoothly and without a hitch. The hotels were very nice and the food plentiful and good to excellent.
Martin answers questions regarding choice and use of equipment, photography in general, and provides advice on the challenges of photographing the different locations etc.
At the moment I can’t think of anything else – besides the 2010 tour and the challenge of selecting my favorites from 2009. 
”
Joerg Rockenberger, USA
“Spending 5 days in the company of other photographers, doing nothing but taking pictures made me a much better photographer. I can see a real difference in my pictures before and after the trip. This was an experience I wouldn’t be without.”
Even Solberg, Norway
“There are lots of amazing and faraway places one may want to visit on our small blue marble. Places we have to experience at least once in a lifetime. I have a long list of those, and thought this trip would have been another one to cross off the list. I was wrong. I will now be obligated to travel there again, as I know I have just glimpsed the wonders of this incredible island. The amazing energy of spending a whole week with a group of photography ‘nuts’ really has to be experienced to be understood, and Martin Bailey really has a wonderful workshop organised that allows just that, in an unforgettable setting; Hokkaido.”
Serge Cloutier, Canada
“I had a fantastic week. I arrived not really knowing how to expose properly in the snow and I left a manual shooter. I loved the cranes and the people were great. I made a lot of friends, and learned a lot of new stuff that I have to buy! I left with lots of new skills and I’m really pleased that I followed through on the impulse to join the trip.”
Aaron C. Smith, USA
“Martin’s style is really easy to get used to. We all know that from the Podcasts, but in person he’s the same. The owl shoot was great, and we survived ‘The Bridge’ [in Tsurui Village]. It was great to get to know the guys and see a part of Japan that really the vast majority of people will never see.”
Andrew Hatfield, USA
“From the moment we all met at Haneda Airport, the trip was ‘flawless”. The organization and execution of the entire trip was meticulous and well thought out, the hotel accommodation plush, and the local cuisine exquisite.
Martin’s eloquent skill in the Japanese language, and having excellent mastery of the local environment meant he was able to deliver the very best of Hokkaido for both wildlife and landscape photo opportunities.
I had always struggled with the intricacy of exposure and I never shot in full manual mode, Martin’s insight on these topics is ingenious, suffice to say, after the trip, I now only ever shoot in full manual mode. Martin’s tutoring meant I came away from the Hokkaido tour with many 1st class photos of Japanese Red-Crowned Cranes, Eagles, Ezo Deer and a sound understanding of photography.
This tour truly delivers a Hokkaido Winter Wonderland Workshop.”
Ade, Japan.
