Testimonials
“I had high expectations going into this workshop and I was not disappointed! The scenery is stunning and O'Keeffe's life and art provided much inspiration. I loved the education component (including classroom sessions, help in the field and outside the box exercises) which was something I found missing in photography tours. This was my first workshop with Colleen but it won't be my last.” ~Nancy S., 2023 O’Keeffe Sheographer
“Colleen's workshops are the best way to learn / practice new techniques in a supportive and informative environment...an all around excellent experience!” ~Mary G., 2023 O’Keeffe Sheographer
“Colleen's Sheography Southern Oregon Coast Photo Workshop was excellent! She extensively researches the area for excellent photographing location and does an excellent job at communicating and illustrating the teaching sessions during the workshop. You will definitely learn a lot no matter what your skill level!” ~Melony P., 2023 Southern Oregon Coast Sheographer
“Colleen offers a very informative and fun photo workshop. She gives on-location exercises that teach technical and creative skills and excellent group critiques. Love her spirit and adaptability and well-researched photo material and location sites. I highly recommend her workshop for improving your photography and for enjoying learning in the camaraderie of a small group.” ~Margot C., 2023 Southern Oregon Coast Sheographer
“I loved learning new techniques and absolutely loved the upbeat atmosphere Colleen made. I have great memories of this trip and enjoyed the women I met.” ~Alana E., 2023 Southern Oregon Coast Sheographer
“This was a FABULOUS trip!! I loved seeing the beauty of these breathtaking spots for the first time.” ~Retta B., 2023 Moab Sheographer
“Colleen’s Sheography workshops consistently deliver breathtaking locations, passionate clientele, skilled instruction, and endless chocolate. GSM 2022 was my 3rd Sheography trip and I continue to be impressed and inspired.” ~Kelly M., 2022 Great Smoky Mountains Sheographer
“Colleen has a gift to gently open the windows of ones mental block. She is a champion teacher and uses methodologies that connect terminology with visualization.”
~Kaylyn F., 2022 Great Smoky Mountains Sheographer
“Colleen brings her strong understanding of photography and creativity to a beautiful setting in a well-organized workshop with just the right balance of shooting in wonderful light, learning key concepts in various settings, comraderie, supportive critiques and tons of FUN. (Yes, I know that's a run-on sentence!!) I would highly recommend her as a workshop leader, and have already told several photography friends that they would enjoy the Sheography experience.”
~Jann L., 2022 Southern Oregon Sheographer
"Colleen runs very well-organized workshops, which is extremely important when coordinating the activity of 8-10 individuals. She makes sure we're all comfortable and well cared for by choosing quality accommodations. Her attention to these details gives us the ability to "focus" on our art when we're out in the field. And when it comes to art, she is always adding special touches to our itinerary to encourage us to stretch beyond our comfort zone. I have been attending workshops from a variety of instructors for over 15 years. The range of quality is wide! With Colleen's Sheography Workshops, I've found a perfect fit for my future trips."
~Tina B., 2022 O'Keeffe Sheographer
“Colleen Miniuk’s skillful knowledge of photography seamlessly translates to her wisdom of the human spirit and the quest for creative expression. It was a delight to get to experience her process and get to know her during a Moab Sheography workshop. Don’t walk, run to register for one of her workshops.”
~Lucia C., 2022 Moab Sheographer
“Colleen's passion and enthusiasm inspires you to find and express your creativity in your photography. You feel small in the vast beauty of Canyonlands and the Arches but your images will be grand!”
~Pam D., 2022 Moab Sheographer
“The number one criteria I look for in a photography workshop is the leaders ability to teach. I had experienced a couple of webinars with Colleen where she illustrated visual creativity. She has a beautiful gift to teach and to stretch a person’s ability to think out of their box. I also like that Colleen chooses shooting locations that are non-typical, offering a fresh perspective to create one’s own vision.”
~Kaylyn F., 2022 Death Valley Sheographer
“Colleen’s workshops go beyond the technical and help me to explore the magic of what I’m seeing. Death Valley definitely offers beauty and challenges. Getting to a location is one thing but learning to experience it brings out the best in my photography.”
~Cathy P. , 2022 Death Valley Sheographer
“Colleen helps you become a better photographer by using all of your senses. You won’t just snap commonly known locations; you will document your experience and emotions.”
~Kelly M., 2022 Death Valley Sheographer
“The genuine care Colleen shows during the workshop is evident with everyone from what I can see. She never makes you feel rushed and is understanding of your fumbling around to get the right settings and such. Happy Warping!”
~Angela R., 2021 Great Smoky Mountains Sheographer
“Colleen's Sheography workshops are the best! I love the chance to gather with women whose passions are photography and exploring stunning places. With focus on connecting our visual art to what's inside our heads and hearts, I feel inspired to pursue the photography life skills I've learned everywhere, even when the locations aren't initially as novel as the workshop sites!”
~Bea S., 2021 Great Smoky Mountains Sheographer
“After attending workshops for the past 15 or more years with various photographers, I've had both good and bad experiences with leaders. I was very impressed with your workshop, your instruction, and appreciated you checking in with us. I am an experienced photographer, but I am always learning, growing and open to new thoughts. Thank you for a lovely workshop.”
~Roberta K., 2021 Great Smoky Mountains Sheographer
“Colleen’s teaching style exceeded my expectations. She perfectly balances the technical, creative and emotional aspects of photography. Her critiques are gentle but very informative. She is a warm, kind, funny person who generously shares her knowledge with others.”
~Kelly M., 2021 Great Smoky Mountains Sheographer
“What I like about these workshops is the positivity that all participants have and Colleen's supportive educational approach to photography. This is my fourth Sheography Workshop and each time I think "this one is the best" but then I go on another one and that one becomes the best. Looking forward to my next workshop!”
~Cathy P., 2021 Southern Oregon Coast Sheographer
“After reading a few articles Colleen had written, I decided I shared her philosophy on why we make natural landscape images. I had a hunch I could learn something from her that I hadn't from other workshops. Colleen's style of teaching resonated with me as I had hoped and I can't wait to sign up for the next adventure!”
~Tina B., 2021 Southern Oregon Coast Sheographer
“Colleen is a terrific speaker and has a joy about her that is contagious. I knew that a workshop with her as the leader would be fun and educational… I was correct!”
~Lynn W., 2021 Southern Oregon Coast Sheographer
"The photographic opportunities were awesome and the instruction re: creativity was great. (Never had this in any other workshops I've attended)...yet the ability to delve into the technical was great too. The accommodations were by far, the best I've ever had on any workshop. The food was awesome and I'd definitely do another one! One other thing ....I liked how you didn't shoot much during this. Sometimes when I go to workshops the instructor is out there shooting for themselves so much it is difficult to get help from them."
~Christine C., 2020 Winter in Acadia Sheographer
"Death Valley was a delight to explore with Colleen. She is totally there for you throughout the workshop! I received far more than I expected; wonderful photographic opportunities, personal attention, technical assistance, and a sense of camaraderie and fun!"
~Audrey P., 2020 Death Valley Sheographer
"Women only and Colleen as an inspiration-there's nothing better! We had a great time, were stretched, challenged and fulfilled. Death Valley provided the backdrop with its variety of scenery to top it all off."
~Sue P., 2020 Death Valley Sheographer
"I love Colleen’s workshops because you learn so much as you have so much fun. She never makes you feel stupid - all questions are welcomed and answered. It’s a very creative way to learn."
~Libba W., 2020 Watson Lake Sheographer
"The instruction was fantastic! In comparison to other workshops I have taken, Colleen's approach to the creative process was unique in that she encouraged us to see via metaphors."
~Judy H., 2020 Watson Lake Sheographer
"The workshop was well-organized & efficient so we could spend the important time taking photos. The small group size made it easier to photograph & ask questions without everyone being in each other's way. And, I learned several new, helpful techniques."
~Christine N., 2020 Watson Lake Sheographer
"My past experience with all women workshops & Colleen is the primary reason I continue to go after so many years. Colleen is always trying to give us new experiences and challenges. I love that about her, not the same boring thing!"
~Elaine S., 2019 Southern Oregon Coast Sheographer
"I really appreciated Colleen's interest in and support of my personal photographic goals. Her photographic knowledge and ability to communicate that to her students is outstanding, but what made the workshop stand out for me was her unending enthusiasm, her obvious joy in seeing her students blossom, and her encouragement to experience a well-rounded creative life."
~Jeanie S., 2019 Moab Sheographer
"Take the beauty of 2 Utah National Parks. Add one very enthusiastic and knowledgeable photographer instructor, ten strangers, some challenges and even a geology lesson. Simmer and share for five days. Results in stronger photograph composition, personal confidence and new friends. You gotta try it! IT ROCKS!"
~Pat S., 2019 Moab Sheographer
"The recent Moab trip was my second workshop with Colleen and I can't wait to attend more. The learning experience is so positive and I leave with "nuggets" every time. Colleen finds new and fun ways to help us tap into our creative side which can help us take our photos to the next level."
~Cathy P., 2019 Moab Sheographer
"This was my first Sheography workshop and found the female companionship and friendliness of the group very comfortable and helpful."
~Ella S., 2019 Moab Sheographer
"There's no better place to find support for your creative photographic expression than with Sheography!"
~Anonymous, 2019 Moab Sheographer
"Can't remember ever having so much fun at a workshop. Colleen was great and provided plenty of one on one time. Always there to answer all questions. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I can't wait for the next opportunity to apply what I learned. Colleen knows how to really make learning fun. Yes, yes, yes!"
~Sharon A., 2019 Watson Lake Sheographer
"Colleen was recommended to me by another photographer. I was drawn to the women-only format and a location close to our seasonal home. Her technical knowledge was very helpful and the location perfect to practice what we had learned. From start to finish, the workshop was well run, with all the details taken care of. I would highly recommend."
~Lois J., 2019 Watson Lake Sheographer
"I chose this workshop first because being in Arizona and not Iowa in January is a great idea, second because friend going and because Colleen's description of event and her immediate responses to our questions was a great sign. Oh, and the idea of all women on such a retreat was totally intriguing. It was clear that Colleen has groupies - everyone else knew her from several workshops and it was obvious why they kept going: very fun, good location, good advice and good chocolate. The location was new to me and lovely and I love lots of my photos!"
~Nancy H., 2019 Watson Lake Sheographer
"If you are a woman interested in photography, fascinating places to visit, a great outdoor experience, quality technical instruction and support and making new friends, this is the place for you!"
~Mary G., 2019 Watson Lake Sheographer
"Each time I go, I learn at least two things that STICK with me in future photography. Each time I'm understanding the camera technology better and don't have to stress as much so my camera can work better for me. Pretty good combo!"
~Angela R., 2019 Watson Lake Sheographer
"The Oregon Coast Sheography workshop was wonderful! The beautiful Oregon Coast provided a spectacular setting for the workshop. Colleen provided just the right mix of creative learning, hands-on experience and fun. It was great to meet, and share the week's adventure with a small group of all female photographers. We all learned from each other and had a great time. Can't wait for the next workshop with Colleen!"
~Erynn C., 2018 Oregon Coast Sheographer
"The Sheography Oregon trip was fabulous. I learned a lot about my photography but more importantly I was inspired by the other women on the trip. Oh, and it was fun!!"
~Sharon P., 2018 Oregon Coast Sheographer
"I had an interest in photographing the Oregon Coast and this was offered, so I jumped at the opportunity to continue to learn and hone my skills. I had a couple aha moments during this workshop, plus it was a lot of fun!"
~Tina L., 2018 Oregon Coast Sheographer
"Attending my first “Sheography” workshop was so much fun and I would highly recommend one of her all-women workshops! Beautiful locations with a great instructor not to mention the new friends that you will meet. Plan on taking more!"
~Cathy P., 2018 Oregon Coast Sheographer
"The Sheography workshop exceeded my expectations. Colleen is a fun, free spirited and a gifted teacher. She helps you not only take better photos but helps you write a story with each composition. She really helped us to connect with nature in a personal and unique approach. Highly recommend attending one of her workshops."
~Ginny K., 2018 Death Valley Sheographer
"Sheography fills a unique niche for women who are interested in enhancing their photography skills and "eye" in a supportive environment -- while at the same time having a little adventure (ok, a lot of adventure) in some of the world's most beautiful places. Colleen's leadership, mentoring, knowledge and personality make these trips a wonderful learning experience! "
~Mary G., 2018 Death Valley Sheographer
"From start to finish Colleen's workshops are fun, informative, creative, well planned yet flexible depending on the group and conditions of location. I always learn new and invigorating ideas, concepts and skills."
~Kathy B., 2018 Death Valley Sheographer
"Colleen is excellent at balancing classroom and photo taking opportunities and she is totally focused on the participants & helping them improve their photography skills."
~Polly B., 2018 Death Valley Sheographer
"I chose to attend Colleen's Sheography workshop mostly because of the location, the supportive environment of an all women's workshop I thought might be a bonus. What I didn't realize was how much I would be inspired by both the instructor and the other attendees!"
~Donna D., 2018 Death Valley Sheographer
"Colleen fosters a wonderful community for the participants in her workshops. Then from there we all grow creatively and technically. WHAT A FABULOUS LOCATION and Colleen knew exactly where to go and when."
~Emma B., 2018 Death Valley Sheographer
"The best way to experience the Canyon and the River -- in a single raft of women photographers who are learning and experiencing new challenges - physical, mental and photographic - together. We came from all walks of life, all levels of experience and all age groups -- AWESOME!"
~Mary G., 2017 Grand Canyon Rafting Sheographer
"What's great about this rafting retreat is everyone is a photographer. You don't have to worry about being pressured by others to hurry up already with getting your photos. Everything is taken care of for you, what more can you ask for!"
~Angela R., 2017 Grand Canyon Rafting Sheographer
"Epic experience. Colleen and the Hatch guides (Lars and Zach) helped make the experience one to remember. My photography skills improved tremendously due to Colleen's guided approach to capturing the beauty. I highly recommend a rafting retreat."
~Naomi F., 2017 Grand Canyon Rafting Sheographer