Team Tyler Wirken

FW11a
February 3-7, 2013
Team leader: Tyler Wirken
Mentors: Erwin Darmali + Kirsten Lewis
Assistant: Janine McClintock

FW11b 
February 10-14, 2013
Team leader: Tyler Wirken
Mentors:  Ben Chrisman + Erin Chrisman
Assistant: Elizabeth Lloyd

KATE MCELWEE (FW10 in 2012)
Tyler is honest – painfully honest at times – and he doesn’t hold back. But what he says is always fair, and accurate, and it is accompanied with big hugs when needed and huge belly laughs. I truly felt like he wanted to be more than a mentor – he wanted us to open up and let him be our friend, too. I feel that Tyler is suited to students who are willing to open themselves up fully to the experience; If you get defensive about your work, or if you are prone to argue, not so much (although really if that is the case then FW is probably not for you). He has a wicked sense of humor and our critique evenings were filled with laughter, and sometimes crude jokes. Again, if that’s not for you, or you offend easily, maybe look for a different team.

CAROLINE ROBERT (FW10 in 2012)
Tyler is extremely helpful in so many ways. His critiques are powerful and honest but he does it in such a way that helps ease the pain of admitting they’re total crap. His approach on culling and story telling was one of my favorite aspects of his teaching. He is extremely emotionally supportive and for me that was very important because of all the emotional breakthroughs I had. He not only spent hours and hours with us at night going through the images he took time during the day to talk to me one on one. Tyler has found the perfect balance of teaching with his head, heart, and eyes.

JENNY DEMARCO (FW10 in 2012)
Tyler is boisterous and outgoing. He’s funny and caring. But he’s tough. He will push you harder than you have ever been pushed. He’s an incredible instructor out in the field and will force you to get those shots you need to get. He won’t let you hold yourself back. I am sometimes a bit shy and timid and this holds me back. He forced me to break through this. In addition, he’s incredible and explaining why your work sucks. And if you are already good, he is great at finding weaknesses that can be approved upon. Prepare for lots of laughs but seriousness and hardcore education along the way.

DAVID JOSUE  (FW10 in 2012)
If you can take honest and direct critic about your work, and are brave enough to handle the true about your work, I’m sure you will become the best photographer you can be under Tyler’s wing, he cares so much and works so hard that you will learn, even agains your will.

MIKE MUNDELL (FW9 in 2012)
Foundation is a process of teaching you to see and find story telling images like a journalist. Part of this process is identifying the story and gaining trust so that the story can be told over several days. Through critiques and in field teaching Tyler and his team really helped me understand this process. Tyler is a gentle giant that knows his SHIT! Just ask him! He really knows how to teach and identify each students unique ability to learn. He can be a real hard ass and the nicest person you have ever met! This workshop is expensive, so I signed up early for what I considered to be the best teacher involved with this workshop.