Ken

I have known Ralph Smith and worked with him photographing wildlife and landscapes for the past four years at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in San Antonio, New Mexico.  Each experience with Ralph involved a three day workshop in advanced wildlife photography.

I have a high regard for Ralph.  He is bright, articulate, highly organized and an excellent teacher.  His photographic skills place him among the finest photographers I’ve met.  He is very knowledgeable of techniques required for shooting wildlife at close range as well as at distance with long lenses.  He is a consummate professional.

One of the characteristics I admire about Ralph is despite his depth of knowledge and photographic accomplishments, he maintains a warm, friendly, approachable and supportive posture with everyone he meets, whether it’s a beginning photographer or highly skilled professional.  Ralph is a person of high integrity.

Ralph continues to be a student of photography.  Despite the distance between our homes, we stay in touch over discussions of how to improve field shooting and work in the digital darkroom in post processing our work.

I’m delighted to learn that Ralph will be leading photographic workshops.  His teaching experience at the university level has given him an understanding of how adults learn and what constitutes effective instructional strategies.   I have no doubt that all who participate in his workshops will not only come away from a highly enjoyable and satisfying experience, but they will also have learned valuable and effective techniques in photographing wildlife and landscapes.