Testimonials

"The one-on-one workshop was not only a valuable learning experience, but it was exciting to watch the evening unfold and to see the progression of what turned out to be a beautiful image. As an amateur photographer with a huge passion for knowledge, Nels and Anna provided step-by-step consultation with me on their vision, set-up, lighting, exposure, equipment and problem solving. I was truly amazed at the whole process and my adrenaline pumped the whole evening. Nels and Anna are not only unimaginably talented, but provide a great sense of warmth and humor that made the experience one I will never forget!"

Jodi

Thank you for heartfelt inspiration and boost in enthusiasm for the art.

JoAnn

Thank you for an incredible learning experience. You are both wonderful presenters and you compliment each other well. I did want to tell you how invaluable I think the critique portion of the workshop is. I know that some might not want their work up for all to see, but I believe that seeing your own work through another persons eyes and hearing their words about it is the only way to truly continue to learn, because it can be very difficult to be completely objective when it comes to your own work.

Kudos to you both for a very fine job.

Teresa

"Just a quick note to thank you both for a great weekend.

I really enjoyed learning from both of you and I feel like I've broken away from the photographic doldrums. When I leave for work in the morning I find myself wanting to explore the wet flowers and grasses in the field...nice, I'll probably get fired for being late.

I think my "take away" is knowing that I don't have to worry about the grand landscape because there are many compositions available in every grand scene. That alone will save all the stress of wanting to do something but not knowing where to start.

Hope to see you both again."

Gerry

"Nels and Anna - I just want to thank you for the weekend. I learned so much (not the least of which was that I could do it!), you don't know how much I appreciate the extra time you took at the beginning of Saturday morning's shooting, though it may have seemed incidental to you, it was just exactly what I needed to have the confidence to try. In a conversation with my sister on Saturday night, I likened it to getting lost (when after you've gotten lost, everything keeps looking familiar)...everything I would try, in a difficult situation, would look familiar so I would get frustrated. Starting off on the right foot, was just the ticket to success.

Thank you, again. I'm sorry to inform you that you will likely see me again!"

Lynn

"I had a great time at the workshop and definitely learned a lot. It was great to have so many hours to ourselves in the gardens and I can't believe how fast the time went. And it was so interesting and inspiring to see what other people had come up with in the same situation. It was good to spend so much time working completely manually (focusing and exposure). I really enjoyed the weekend."

Caryn

"Our workshop in San Miguel, Mexico, during Holy Week was one of my photo and travel highlights of the decade. The team of Nels and Anna Akerlund provided a perfectly orchestrated photo adventure with the very helpful abilities of speaking the local language, plus knowing where to go and when. We look forward to another workshop with them as they are talented, prepared and fun to be with."

Brian

"I just wanted to say thanks again for setting up and running a wonderful workshop. I'm getting a lot of compliments already and I'm quite happy with the photos I got. I blogged about the weekend and linked over to your site - thought you'd appreciate the link...

I look forward to joining you on more workshops in the future :)"

Heidi

"If you only take one photo workshop you must take the San Miguel de Allende workshop with Nels Akerlund Photography. You will not be disappointed.

Traveling to San Miguel was one of those trips of a lifetime. Nels Akerlund Photography (Nels & Anna) planned every detail to perfection. The welcome packet that we received upon registration answered most questions regarding camera equipment needs, maps, itinerary, brief history of the area, packing suggestions and more. If that didn't answer my questions, Nels & Anna were always available to answer additional questions. I felt very prepared for the trip.

San Miguel is a magical, charming town. It's old-world architecture mixed with the colorful Mexican culture offers photo opportunities at every turn of your head. It is a photographer's dream town...Whether we were going to be photographing a grand processional in the downtown square, or an evening candlelight service and processional, NAP guided us on how to position ourselves to get the best photos...It was clear that NAP wanted their students to learn and succeed, but at the same time enjoy the unique and fun culture that is San Miguel.

The accommodations were perfect. Casa Luna is like stepping into a villa of days gone by. It offers old-world style with modern day comfort. The homemade Mexican breakfasts were scrumptious and still linger on my taste buds.

Nels and Anna are the perfect team to host a photo workshop. They are true professionals who aren't afraid to share their knowledge. Students’ growth and success is their number one priority. Besides that, they are an adorable couple whose zest for life is contagious. The Akerlund SMdA workshop is a trip not to be missed."

Donna