Irelands west coast: Inspiration for the Arts

Ron,

Nice course, nice class today! It’s such a pleasure seeing your work…. and learning more about the “vision” you put into creating individual photographs. You’re as much a master of coaxing from software what you want the final print to be, as Ansel was in his physical darkroom work. And your images are every bit as striking as his. Maybe even more so. As I said, I learned a lot. And I think you for that. – Nick

— N. Miles

Our trip was a wonderful experience. Your planning which gave a savory taste of so much of what Ireland offers will be a memory I will always cherish. Thank you for the special stops that you did just because of my requests. I’ve already learned to play “Twinkle, Twinkle” on the tin whistle. Thank you for the high crosses and the dolmen. They were my favorites though there were many more…the areas of the potato famine were very moving.

— R. Smith

Hi Jacque, We wanted to say how much we enjoyed the tour with Ron. He was so organized and knew just where to go  despite the weather and all the other issues he was dealing with during the worldwide health crisis. And the organizational credit also goes to you!  We send you a huge thank you. We knew that you and Ron were working together trying to insure that we had plane reservations for home and hotels during our stay, etc. The woman behind the ‘curtain’…. we knew that you were doing your best to make everything happen. So a huge thank you to you as well.

Hope you stay healthy and we all keep our sound minds during this ‘strange’ time… as the Irish keep saying!

— J & S Morrell

Fantastic, simply fantastic. Having a knowledgeable tour guide that knew the best places to photograph and eat along with a driver that seamlessly navigated the irish roads are the primary reasons for taking this type of tour. Ron, however, went beyond this; he was able to include a lot of Irish history, culture and spirituality along with his unique presentations on the art of photography. Would like to do another tour with Ron.

— J Hopewell

It was great to travel with Ron, whose work I’ve long admired, and who knows the area, its people, and is so flexible with the itinerary. Aside from being inspired by his photographs, discussions, and the beautiful and interesting places he led us to, it was a wonderful to meet his local friends and even to be welcomed by some to their homes.

— S Skoloff

In my humble opinion this was a well run trip that delivered just what it promised.  The pacing worked perfectly for me.  I liked stopping at lots of different locales.  We seldom stayed anywhere that was too short or too long for me.  Can’t think of anything that would have improved the trip for me. I give the trip and Ron Rosenstock a 10 out of 10.

— E. Clark

The tour leader, Ron Rosenstock, set the tone immediately with his calm, confident, caring cordial and altogether welcoming engagement with each participant. I loved the freedom to explore what I wanted to photograph insead of being told how to shoot. That said, when I asked for some feedback it was candid and helpful and made a lot of difference to how I approached what I shot thereafter….. and the thereafter shots were a great deal better!!!

— M. McKiel

Ron was a gracious host and wonderful tour leader.  He made sure every one of us was comfortable and that we had the best opportunities for photographing.  His itinerary was diverse, interesting, and fun.  I loved his stories!  Jacque was amazing about the details.  The food was delicious.  The tour days were exciting and interesting.

— K.Gagne

The highlght of my trip was the end of the day.  Staying in the house and being waited on, discussions at night and info sharing.  Of COURSE the Irish countryside was great, but every Irish tour would  have this.  Ron is one of the nicest people I have ever met.  I feel privileged to have taken this photo tour with him as the leader.  He has so much information to share and practical advice, plus good stories and humor.   I am lucky to have made his aquaintance.  

— M.Coughlan

Ron was a gracious host and wonderful tour leader.  He made sure every one of us was comfortable and that we had the best opportunities for photographing.  His itinerary was diverse, interesting and fun.  I loved his stories!  Jacque was amazing about the details.  The food was delicious.  The tour days were exciting and interesting.

— K.Gagne

Ron was very helpful in all areas of the trip. I enjoyed his ‘tutorials’ each evening, especially the one where he took us through the editing process by showing us his before and after shots. He was also helpful when we were out shooting if we had any questions. He didn’t speak above our heads but shared information in a clear way – the mark of a good teacher! He wa enthusiastic and fun to be with, which set the tone for a great trip.

— J. Procell

This trip exceeded expectations by far! This was the result of your continuing concerns and interest in presenting to us so many aspects and views of Ireland.

— J. Bromley

Ron was a perfect trip leader. He dealt with all personalities of the group in a tactful manner. He made decisions based on what was best for all. He’s got a special talent.

— J. & B. Cummings

Ron, you provided ample opportunities to capture the essence of the landscape. However, I cherish most your times of sharing on creating your images, and the suggestions and comments you gave me regarding my own photographs. I am often recalling something you said or an image comes to mind as I contemplate some scene. I expect to see long-term results from my time with you.

— D. Lusk

Thank you for a fabulous trip! It was a blast and I actually learned some things too. I have made some progress on my Photoshop Elements skills, and am now able to selectively dodge and burn. Whoo-hoo! My next goal is to figure out how to work with layers.

— D. Broxterman

Ron, thank you especially for helping me see the beauty of clouds, of reflections of reeds in water, of silvery halos illuminating foxgloves in the forest, and of sunshine-patterned abbey windows on wet gravestones. Thanks to you, I leave with a new appreciation for the wonder and beauty of the world.

— J. Mitchell

Loved the boundless enthusiasm for all things Irish! His good humor and knowledge of the people, history, folklore, cuisine, and landscape of Mayo made the trip great. Loved going to pub sessions, too! He was very patient with all of us and I enjoyed the way he would point out his favorite spots to photograph.

— G. Alexander

Ron is my idea of the quintessential photo tour guide. He was happy to share his professional experience, knowledge and tricks of the trade with us. His love of Ireland, its people, history, architecture, and landscape came to life for us through Ron’s sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, always interesting stories.

— S. Cocanour

Excellent presentation. I can’t think of any suggestions. Really enjoyed the variety of photos shown, plus the presentation and instructor’s knowledge. Very informative and fun to hear info and learning the material. I’m motivated to take better photos!

— Julie M.

Ron really was dedicated, and worked diligently to accomplish showing us the Ireland that he loves. Ron also has a wonderful personality for a tour leader: open, and humerous!

— J Bromley

We enjoyed all the history and stories of the areas we were visiting. ron is very knowledgeable, it was GREAT!!

— B & M Stewart

Ron’s attention to detail had a direct impact on the participants’ experience. He was always available to answer technical questions when asked.

— L Poirier

Your talk on photography and the spirituality of photography was a great revelation for me as I have always felt this way about it myself. Your talk was the affirmation I had been searching for. It was great beyond words to be participating with a group of Artists who were as passionate as I about photography and image making.

— M. McLaughlin

It is a photographers paradise-so much to shoot and in the most incredible light. But what makes Ron’s trip special is RON. Ron takes care of his people. Even the most timid, first time traveler is included, drawn out, mentored and educated. I truly look forward to exploring elsewhere under such positive circumstances.

— B. Bartel