“Summarizing this class in a few sentences is a challenge. I absolutely learned a lot about technique and photographing different types of motion. But there is so much more I gained from taking this class. Summer guides an immersive journey into what makes a photo feel alive and how to embrace that in your own photography. Part technical, part philosophical, part experimental and always full of heart, this class helped me to not only improve as a photographer, but also to truly grow as an artist. Summer has an incredible gift for meeting each student at their own level. She encourages, inspires and gently challenges the individual artist in everyone. I have no doubt that the lessons I learned in this class will become a foundational part of my photography journey.”
-Kristi Volkmer
“This was a truly inspirational class that pushed me outside of my comfort zone of taking and sharing photos that appealed more to me and my vision rather than what's considered the "norm". I loved learning new techniques and experimenting to see how I could capture motion and/or blur in my photos.”
-Kerri Zastrow
“A camera gear class - why and how to choose camera bodies and lenses, recommendations on specific gear, favorite and most used gear and for what purpose. You could even include camera bags, transporting, traveling, mirrorless vs dslr, film cameras etc. I think this is woven into each class to some degree and maybe this would be a boring class based each person's specific photography goals and all the various different cameras. However, I'm always curious what gear the great photographers use, what they love and how they use it most. I also found it hard to find someone that used back button focus - there aren't many videos about it or there are variations that are way too complicated than I wanted to get. I think that Summer could create an AI agent of herself and that would be attractive to people - input all her photographic ideas and "rules" into the system and a person could ask it a question and get an answer as if it were Summer. While I don't know how I feel about that ethically because it seems weird and unnatural - I would LOVE to be Summer's best friend and talk about photography all day long, get feedback on specific images etc.”
-Julia Mueller
“The Magic of Motion exceeded my expectations, and I had high hopes based on The Magic of Light which I’ve taken twice. Summer’s lessons are thorough, detailed, packed with information, and her images alone are reasons enough to be a student. She breaks down the many techniques in a clear, organized manner, and infuses her tips and tricks generously throughout the course. This is perfect for the photographer who is looking to create and play, to learn or sharpen skills, to be free and boundless, and to indulge in 4 weeks of fun in an encouraging, safe space. Most of all, Summer gave me permission and inspiration to make photos just for me. I’m excited for all future Magic of Motion students - to experience this month-long journey for the first time is truly magical.”
-Lisa Hu Chen
“This class is freeing! Sure, it is fun to learn these new techniques and new way of looking at things, but more than that, it is incredible to be given the authorization to throw the rule book out the window and just play. I desperately needed that reminder right now and didn't even know it. Thank you!”
-Jess Nelson-Quimby