Testimonials

The Palladium printing workshop with Kennedy was fun, yet no nonsense. Attendees are able to benefit from his decades of experience as a photographer fully immersed in his craft and learn from his hands-on practical experience. Palladium or platinum printing is more than an art, it is also part alchemy, which always seems like a bit of magic to us mere mortals. There are so many variables to getting a good print that it generally drives regular people a bit crazy, and they throw up their arms in frustration at the illogic of it all and go back to other photographic media. Kennedy has figured out a lot of this for us, including a few tricks up his sleeve that are quite cool. There is no way that I could have figured out the nuances of palladium printing from a book. Some things you just need to learn from another person, and Kennedy is the go to guy. I was able to make a variety of prints in the brief time I was with him, and able to go off on my own and do it by myself quite confident that I can not only make good prints, but can also troubleshoot when the need arises. It was one of my best experiences as a photographer in years. Not only that, but he has music tapes sent personally from Bob Dylan, how cool is that? Thank you David!
-Larry McNeil
Professor of Photography
Boise State University
www.larrymcneil.com
larrymcneil.blogspot.com
 

I arrived in the winter with a few feet of snow on the ground. Holed up (in the middle of somewhere), I delightfully worked all week in a well-equipped darkroom. David tailored the Palladium workshop around my experience, interest, and what I wanted to get out of it. I did not have to go along with a laid out curriculum like so many workshops, and I could work all night if I wanted to. I found David to be patient and interested in helping to resolve my printing issues and even enlisted help from other folks within his network to help solve my issues. One on one time with an established artist willing to completely share the wisdom of their trade is the type of mentoring our society needs more of, and that is what this type of workshop offers. Some things really can’t be figured out on the internet. I’ve done several workshops in my 20 year career as a photographer and artist and the time I spent at David’s was by far the most productive, and enjoyable.
-Kelly Clampitt
kellysintimateportraits.com

 I had been teaching myself Palladium printing for over a year. Using books, the internet, and a college professor or two I had hit a wall and was veryunhappy with the quality of my prints. I went searching for workshops andlanded on David's website. I was instantly impressed and intrigued with thebeautiful work and also really happy to see that David teachesPalladium/Platinum printing workshops.
I contacted David about the workshop where we talked in depth about my goals and objectives. It was clear that David was intent on making the workshop fit me and not the other way around. We agreed on a schedule and three weeks later I was on my way to New Mexico.
From the time I arrived at David's I was made to feel completely welcome. David had my favorite foods and snacks ready, a detailed agenda tailored to me, and I had full run of the place.
Each day of my week with David was full. David taught, then left it to me to carry that instruction forward all the while providing guidance where needed.
I created negatives, prepared the papers, coated papers and was ready to expose and process; all under David's careful and knowledgeable guidance. Then the moment of truth...into the developer went my first print.
My first print FAR exceeded in beauty and quality any prints I had produced before. The first print actually exceeded my expectations of the workshop(and I was still only in the second of five days)!
The next days were spent fine tuning my understanding of the pricess and producing new images. David was there to give feedback and suggestions where needed but he also left me to work on my own as I built my skills and confidence.
The week ended too soon and as I left I had gained immeasurable knowledge in many, many different areas of photography and print making. Was the time and investment worth it? Yes, every second and every penny.
Highlights: Lobster dinner, custom meals, thought-provoking conversations, encouragement, challenges to be better, attention to detail, great company and a really great time.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
John Kleineberg aka John Milton

 My workshop experience with David Michael Kennedy was unique and well timed in my professional development. An "on the road" experience, David's workshop included photography in dramatic wilderness settings, critiques of various techniques, and great meals around the campfire. Among the highlights of these workshops is the opportunity to learn patience in twilight and mixed weather photography, as well as scouting out sites for photo shoots off the beaten path. I would recommend working and studying with David for any photographer serious about honing their craft. I have been a professional photographer for nearly 20-years.
-Jeremy G. Landau
www.home.earthlink.net/~jeremylandau
 

Just a quick note to say once again my photographic workshop experience in Santa Fe proved to be nothing less than 100% inspirational, challenging and fulfilling. Tremendous class, DMK is a brilliant teacher magnificent experience.
-Maggie Heydth
 

I could work as much or as little as I wanted I gained some great insight in general from David. He was exactly the kind of instructor I was hoping for- he is very genuine.
-Susan Munroe
www.susanmunroephoto.com
 

In 1993 I attended a one on one workshop with renowned photographer David Michael Kennedy. The workshop was an intense learning experience with a large amount of information to be absorbed and hands on approach to produce platinum-palladium prints. Discipline and wit were the ingredients for the best educational experience I have had in my career. The workshop became a turning point in my career, my exposure to David’s commitment and passion for the medium, his unparallel professionalism gave me the tools and vision to pursue my work with renewed enthusiasm. His teachings to this day are the foundation for the continued practice of platinum-palladium printing in Australia and his influence can be seen in the work of some of the country’s best photographic artists.
-Maurice Ortega
Director Queensland Centre for Photography, Australia
www.qcp.org.au


What is workshop with David about?
David workshop is about philosophy of photography, about the little simple, but so important things. He can "only" help you to see and learn more, of course if you are ready for it. I would like to have so much passion after 40 years of photography. Yes, this workshop is about forty years of his passion and life experiences!
- Tomek Niewiadomski from Poland
www.tomekniewiadomski.com
 

My time with David Michael Kennedy was one of the best learning experiences of my life. David is, first of all, a real master of his craft. The week with him was intense, funny, frustrating (David will gladly let you learn from your own mistakes) and all carefully crafted to have you leave with everything you need to find your own way in the challenging field of platinum-palladium printing. David is a generous teacher, giving freely of his immense experience, but is always open to listen to the "What would happen if..." questions and try things a different way just to see what would happen. He's remained a resource over many years and has always been quick to respond to any questions that have come up over time. OK, now for Tom Feher: I've been a fine art photographer for about twenty years, and a platinum-palladium printer for about ten of those. Unfortunately, I developed a very severe reaction to something (nobody really knows what) in the darkroom and have had to go completely digital. I still love the way platinum-palladium looks, and my digital work reflects that.
-Tom Feher
www.tomfeherphotography.com
 

The best workshop I have ever attended.
-Edmond Golbeck
 

DMK invested an incredible amount of emotional energy in his interactions with me. Thoughtful, perceptive, and very supportive; yet able to challenge me to see more clearly than I ever have before. A real step toward a new plateau. Actually being around a pro like DMK shooting in his own element is one of the most stimulating highs I have experienced.
-Alan Stoker
 

DMK takes his teaching seriously, has patience and shares his knowledge generously. David gave a new perspective on landscape photography. His enthusiasm was infectious and his patience seemed endless. Is tomorrow too soon to do it again?
-Flossie Davie
 

DMK was extremely accessible at all times-very approachable and helpful and open to others' ideas and methods.
-Bill Massey Eastman Kodak
www.bmassey.com


I just returned to New York after spending one of the most rewarding and inspirational weeks in my life. While Santa Fe itself is very magical, I believe the it was the magic of David's untiring energy, and his gift of whole heartily giving himself beyond the call of duty that made the week so valuable. DMK was absolutely the best. This workshop will be with me for a lifetime and will probably change my whole career.
-Christina Lord
 

I just wanted to say thanks. DMK has changed the way I see and do portraits. In just one week I learned from you what I wanted to know for 15 years. It’s like a little light was turned on for me aesthetically- I'll never do portraits the same again. My negatives are now looking great for the first time. Damn the rules—full speed ahead!!! You are quite an inspiration and I hope to take another class or session next year.
-Marcus Glenn Dotson
 

I took my first workshop in palladium printing with David in 2008 at his upstate NY studio. He was so awesome, just so dedicated and generous with his knowledge and a real good teacher. I worked very late hours and basically designed my own workshop with David’s encouragement to do so. I really learned how to make beautiful palladium prints’ from him and was able to go back to my studio and work successfully. He was also always available by phone or email for any questions I had. Since then I came twice to El Rito, this magic town, working in David’s magic studio and DR. His dark room and studio are roomy, very well equipped with everything you will need. Last time I came to work there as an artist in residence and just got so much done. David is there when you need him but you have total freedom and you can work as late as you need to. He is approachable at any time for questions and problem solving. The mornings are gorgeous, (the chickens lay eggs and David brings them in and cooks them for you a la carte.) David is a special, sensitive talented artist and human being. You will just gain so much by working with him, and being around his artwork and in his space is great. His place is wonderful and David is a true inspiration.
And El Rito is another story. Go see it…. And stop by David’s.
-Loli Kantor
www.lolikantor.com

 
You were and are an awesome teacher. I believe I've sent a testimonial once before. Maybe it was eaten in cyberspace.
YOU WERE AND - IT TRUST - STILL ARE AMAZING. I talk about you all the time.
So, mirror mirror on the wall, who's the best platinum teacher of all....
Well, I've done three workshops and each of them taught me many valuable skills. David's was excellent. He was candid and extremely helpful, and it sure is thanks to him that I continue printing. But my other two teachers were equally important to me and each gave me insights that I would not want to live without.
All the best David,
If you need it in a more formal way, I will do it again.

Yours,
Tony
V.Tony Hauser
www.vtonyhauser.com

Having previously taken 3 photo workshops in th USA this was to be my first one on one workshop experience. If that wasn't enough, I was flying in from Hong Kong to live in the home of a perfect stranger for seven straight days and nights. How bad could it possibly be?
Well, nothing prepared me for bbq'd lobster dinners, eggs bendict on tap and enough tequila, should you feel inclined, to render all darkroom failures a distant, hazy headache. However, such was the expert instruction and guidance that all the tequila consumed was purely celebratory. David, beyond being the perfect host, made learning the process a relative breeze.
I entered into the darkroom with no expectations of creating a decent print, just the intention if learning as much as I could. Whereas in fact I left with a huge portfolio of prints, half of which sold immediately upon my arrival back home.
This workshop is only as good as what you want to get out of it. David creates a totally flexible program which adapts to exactly what each student needs to learn. For example I only needed an hour or two of direction before I was able to print out my first negatives. Thus precious time was saved and devoted to work in the darkroom as opposed to covering information I already had a strong knowledge of.
Thus, after 7 days, I put on five pounds, and came away with a strong enough working knowledge to create beautiful prints that I can confidently offer to sell.
What more could one ask for than that?fine art papers by hand-coating it with platinum and/or palladium was with David Michael Kennedy near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
I got to live with David and his family and I got to live and breathe the art of platinum printing for over a week. What I learned was not just how to make a perfect print, but how to look at a platinum print and how to appreciate the aesthetics of that rare type of printed image.
David is a wonderful artists who has strong opinions an the art, and he has a fantastic eye for photographic detail, and most of all he very generously shared his knowledge of platinum printing with me. And if at any moment he could not find the answer to some strange or mysterious printing event (and believe me, they do happen from time to time even for the most experienced printer), he had a whole net work of equally talented platinum printers from across the USA who would be able to offer solutions or suggestion.

Nigel Gregory
www.Nigelgregory.com


I hope this finds you and henry (that sweet fuzzy creature) warm and well fed in your most wonderful home in el rito. I think of you both often. thanks david, for an amazing week.
I got more out of working with you than I have out of any photographic experience. I so appreciate all the effort you put into me. felt like you applied the same high standards to my work that you apply to your own - what a gift!
plus great company and great food. 
Teri Havens  
Teri webwork

Imagine getting cooking lessons directly from Emeril Lagasse or decorating advice from Martha Stewart. That's the value from a workshop with a Photography Master like David Kennedy. He improved almost every part of my photography. The learning started well before I got on the plane and continued all the way until he dropped me off at Albuquerque's Sunport. We worked from 7am until 11pm, and he challenged me for every minute during the days. I really like the way David facilitated my work. He assisted shooting by helping with film holders and holding lights. When I got behind in my film developing, he processed a 4 real metal tank (can you say heavy...) for me. He provided written critiques (that I put in a notebook). I also received critiques and advice from two artists/models. Frankly, there were several areas of my photography that were broken--He/they fixed them. The most important, is that they helped me think about how I pursued my photography and how to make it better. I left with an upgraded confidence and skill set for my photography.
We worked in the artist community of El Rito New Mexico. There we were able to focus on approaches that just weren't possible in a group or classroom situation. The creative atmosphere is wonderful. He has thousands of wonderful negatives and prints which are used as learning material. He will flip open a contact sheet to show a method on working a situation. I love photo equipment, but his has been optimized for making great pictures. He showed me how to upgrade cameras and lens to get that "extra little advantage." Working in this darkroom is a breeze. After seeing his operation, I've already made several significant changes in my darkroom.
Overall, it was a good education. Warm, creative and safe environment--I couldn't have asked for more!
Lloyd Greene --Jan 11, 2011
website

 Being in your class was such a blessing.   I learned a ton about working with people and the camera.  I am still living in that experience and feeling grateful for it.  I left New Mexico inspired by your commitment to not just your own work, but your students and your relationship to folks in El Rito. you are freak'n awesome.  
Xiomara Castro 
website