Here’s what just a few of Ralph’s many PhotoWalkingTour, Photography Boot Camp and other class and tour participants are saying about their experience:
“Imagine being on a crowded side street in Havana and your instructor stops by just to check in with you, to make sure you’re getting the shots you want and most importantly that you’re having fun learning your gear. Ralph never forgets that he’s there to teach. On the bus? A quick lecture. Waiting for a tour to start? A quick photo review. In the elevator? A question or two about the day, what went well for me and what would I like to work on for the next day. Truly, I’d travel to the ends of earth to photograph with Ralph.” - Liz R. (Cuba and Egypt tour participant)
“Thanks for a fun and informative tour! I got my best shots ever of Millennium Park and architecture along the Chicago River. I tend to get lost in the mechanics of taking photos, so I particularly appreciate that you actively check results, give advice on photo opportunities and composition, and organize posting of participant’s photos afterwards so we can see other’s work and read your critiques. The cultural aspect is a bonus–though I grew up in the Chicago area, your tour was a great way to better appreciate the history and atmosphere of the city. Thanks again for sharing your photographic expertise and regional knowledge.” ~ Keith Gorlen (Chicago and San Francisco tour participant)
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“An amazing travel experience. Not only was Cuba beautiful, but Ralph taught me how to capture that beauty in a photograph. His knowledge and understanding of Cuba and the Cuban people was evident and greatly appreciated. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide to lead me in my discovery of Cuba.” ~ Zoe Caplan (Cuba tour participant)
“This is my second class with Ralph. I am amazed at how much I continue to learn from each session.” ~ Richard S.
“I have joined Ralph Velasco for two walking tours: San Francisco and Chicago. Ralph’s walking tours provide much more than an opportunity to take photos. His insight, wit and frequent comments help each individual improve the way he or she sees photo opportunities and the ability to translate the vision to a photograph. The tours are fun, productive and enlightening.” ~ Bob Stine (San Francisco and Chicago tour participant)
“I really enjoyed last night’s class and look forward to using your experiential notes (and the tips in your book) to help me ‘think outside camera’ on our upcoming trip.” ~ Denise Gowell – Orange, CA
“I took Ralph Velasco’s ‘Basic Travel Photography’ class on April 26, 2010. The lecture portion of the class was very helpful and well presented. Following the lecture was a slide show of Ralph’s work allowing us to see the techniques he lectured on. The class ended with a discussion and display of equipment the instructor carries when on photo trips. Overall, I feel the class was interesting, well presented and relevant. I am sure that if I apply the techniques Ralph exposed us to in class, I will become a better photographer.” ~ John Santy – Huntington Beach, CA
“Ralph is very knowledgeable and a true seasoned photographer. He’s great to listen to.” ~ Anonymous
“Ralph was very knowledgeable about his subject and did a great job sharing that info with the class. I’m better off for the experience!” ~ Ann S.
“Very organized, logical sequence of information given and of photo examples of the information. Beautiful photography.” ~ Suzette T.
“Really enjoyed how you made your tips seem so simple and doable. Also your theme of “it’s not the camera” was great. You energized me to go out and take more pictures. Your enthusiasm for photography is contagious!” ~ Trish (San Francisco attendee)
“Thank you for a great walking tour last Sunday. That was my first time over the GG bridge and I have lived in the Bay Area for most of my life. It was great to meet you and absorb all of your Photography knowledge.” ~ Jamie Schlieper“
“After attending, Improve Your Travel Photography with Ralph, I could not wait to shoot. I left the class more prepared, knowledgeable, and excited for my trip to Japan and photography in general.” ~ Jenner Yamane-Woodring
“[Ralph] has a well-organized presentation, loaded with examples and photographs. He speaks well (no ums, ahs, uhs) for the whole time…no breaks. And at the very end, he unpacks his camera travel bag and shares all his tips — then allows as much time as needed for Q & A’s. He is a keeper!” ~ Anonymous student at Saddleback College
“More than my money’s worth. Would definitely come to another class by Ralph. I really appreciate the information that you gave. I’ve spent hundreds, probably thousands of dollars on books and online instruction over the past 2 and a half years, since I got back into photography, but for some reason, your class resonated with something in me and really opened me up. And my confidence was through the roof! Basically, if I don’t walk away with at least (3) things that I’m going to put into practice, I’ve wasted my money and my time, so I’m extremely happy with the instruction that I received from you and am obviously looking forward to spending more time under your tutelage. Even my family and friends have noticed the difference.” ~ Denise Cross (Chicago and San Diego by Train tour participant)
“I really enjoyed your walking tour in Newport, your expert tips, and the nice group of people. I look forward to future lessons from you.” ~ C.L.
“I really appreciate your ‘user friendly’ approach to your classes and info.” ~ Jim F.
“Excellent presentation. I can’t think of any suggestions. It was very good. 
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.
“Ralph, I took your travel photography class at Irvine Fine Arts last year and just got back from a month in Tanzania. It was a volunteer trip, plus a safari and a photography dream. Many of your suggestions popped into mind and were so useful while I was there: using another person to pose in front of the subject you really want, shooting diagonally, photographing signs/food/street scenes. Thanks so much.” ~ Carla G.
“I contacted Ralph Velasco after reading an article about him in the Daily Pilot, a Costa Mesa local paper. I signed [up] and went with him and three other people to Temecula to do some photo shoots of the balloon launch. Ralph was helpful, very organized and even facilitated a pickup for me for the long ride to Temecula. I learned a lot and plan to do other trips with him. He also has a good sense of humour, an added plus.” ~ Christine C.
“I attended two of Ralph’s Photo Walking Tours. They were intimate and well organized. Ralph gave us plenty of time to take photographs and he was quite patient with each of the participants. These tours also included a subsequent photo review session (each of us were required to bring our top 10 images). This review session gave us the opportunity to learn from each other in a fun and comfortable atmosphere. I highly recommend his Photo Tours and plan to attend more in the future. Thank you Ralph!” ~ Shaddi K. (Anza-Borrego and San Diego by Train tour participant)
“Both Ken and I found [working with you] very helpful and we are looking forward to putting the information to use in Alaska.” ~ S.O’H. (Chicago tour participant)
“I am just beginning to learn about the other aspects of my camera beyond the standard “point and shoot”. Working with Ralph one on one was invaluable. He took the time to answer my questions about basic camera usage as well as tips and suggestions on settings, lenses, etc. We then went down to the beach and shot some sunset pictures. It was extremely helpful to have Ralph look at what I was doing and then ask how I could make it better. I would recommend spending the 2 hours one on one….it was well worth it!!” ~ Mary S. (Temecula Balloon Fest tour participant)
“I appreciate the time spent explaining all the various aspects of my camera. You are a good teacher and patient too ” ~ B.B.
“PhotoWalkingTours exceeded all my expectations. Learning how to use my new D-SLR camera with Ralph was the best thing ever, I’m really happy about my pictures results, I really enjoyed the way Ralph gives his teaching, kindly and professional. I really reached a new level taking photos. Framing, focusing and lighting are the essential things about taking great pictures and Ralph taught me about it and resolved all my questions. Thanks a lot, great tour.” ~ Daniel A. – México
“I am so thrilled I was told about the photo walking tour with Ralph. He was eager to answer all of my questions and encouraged creativity while teaching me to how to get the most out of my camera. I am now even more enthusiastic about pursuing my passion for photography.” ~ Jessica (Lake Arrowhead, CA)
“Very informative and fun….Ralph has an approachable and humorous style…” ~ M.L.
“I had a great time, and I learned a lot about my camera. Thanks!” ~ Donna A.
“Thank you again for a great day out!” ~ Angela D.
“I really learned a lot. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” ~ Jessica W.
“The photowalking tour was very great since it gives me the opportunity to learn how to use the camera at the very basic level where I’m comfortable [and] continue learning myself with the new features of the DSLR Camera. It gives me something to be inspired to look for photo opportunity and be ready to take good photos.” ~ ktruong
“This was a wonderful experience, Ralph is very knowledgeable. He helped with some general information about the camera that was extremely helpful. He has a terrific ability to point out simple techniques that made my photos much more enjoyable and enriching. This is a beautiful area of Orange County and the morning was a perfect time to capture and photograph this area. The tour was well thought out and gave an amateur like me several interesting locations to photograph. Highly recommend it. Enjoy!!” ~ Ross P. (Corona del Mar tour participant)
“For an amateur who only knows how to point and click, I got so much insight on just how to frame and take the best picture possible. I am a better photographer from taking the tour and Ralph is a great teacher with a good eye. Usually would feel intimidated by being around a professional, but I truly had a great time on the tour!! Being a Visitor Concierge, I would recommend for tourists as well as residents wanting to get a different point of view of their hometown.” ~ E. Stapley
“Not only did I have fun during this walking tour, I learned a great deal from Ralph. His experience was evident, his patience appreciated and his friendly, easygoing nature was a perfect fit for an aspiring, but sometimes totally intimidated photographer like myself. This tour will get you looking at Newport Beach in a way you never have and I’ve got some amazing shots to prove it.” ~ Niyaz P.
“I live in Orange County and am familiar with many of the photowalking tour sights, but seeing it through an the instructors eyes was a whole new experience. Rather than taking a picture on the run in the heat of the day, Ralph showed me the difference the light made, the importance of looking up, around, behind and under the objects that I feel worthy of a shot. I appreciated the expertise, being able to slow down and enjoy the beautiful beach location and am looking forward to capturing future travel shots with a new perspective.” ~ Margaret K.
“This is a great tour. Ralph Velasco will tailor it to fit your needs. He delivers a great amount of information in the time allotted. He gives you pointers along the route and allows time for you to use them. I got some really great shots and I learned a lot.” ~ Name withheld
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