Comments from Photo Safari Participants
"The experience was extremely helpful as well as enjoyable. In fact, it was one of the very rare occurrences where this non-morning person looked forward to getting up before sunrise because she couldn't wait to see what images we could all capture, thanks to Christian's photographic guidance."
Jenn V., USA, 2010
"First, I really want to thanks you for this week of photography course, I was really a pleasure to share this course with you....It was interesting and you give some very good basis to work with a camera!
The photography course was for me a real revelation. Thanks to you I know how to make a good photo and all the basis for the camera setup… and now I really want to know more!!"
Noemi V., France, 2010
"I wanted to thank you again for the wonderful time and the great experience. Although I had experience in photography before the course but it was the first time for me shooting wildlife and your tips have been of a great help during the course and obviously for the future. I think the course was just what the doctor ordered. I can’t think you could have done it any better . I think the way you formed the course: the game driving plus the hand-on course and the classes is a winning combination. Although I had a previous experience in general photography and technical skills, never had a real experience in wild life photography and this course completed the pictures for me."
Adi G., Israel, 2010
Comments from Photography Class Participants at Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
"Christian - another huge thank you for the workshop on Saturday. It was an excellent learning experience for me.
As a former teacher/trainer, I have always found it helpful to get specific information from participants on what helped or hindered their learning, rather than just a generic "great." Here are a few thoughts:
- well organized, both in presenting information and managing time
- great handouts and visuals which you used but didn't simply "read" from the screen; you used them as a "jumping off" place
- genuinely enthusiastic about the topic, photography (either that or you're a great faker!)
- enthusiastic about sharing, generously, what you know
- open and responsive to questions
- non-dogmatic ("It's my way but not the only way")
- good pacing and mix of learning modes - from providing information to active practicing of skills
- excellent attention to individuals
- unexpected immediate follow-up on "gear" via your email
So, that's a few of the things that I encourage you to keep doing. I know it both comes naturally but also takes thoughtful planning. And planning for an unknown group of individuals with varying levels of photography knowledge and skills is not easy. You seemed to hit it just right. Bravo!"
Liz B., USA, 2010
"Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed the photography class this past Saturday! Christian is a "natural" when it comes to teaching - he really thought everything out - from his slide show to picking out the exhibits to photograph to knowing how to not overwhelm everyone with his obvious camera knowledge! I had a great time and learned so much!! I would recommend this class to anyone, and would even sign up for it again myself! Thank you for the very cool opportunity!"
SLR Class Paticipant, USA, 2/20/2010
Comments from participants of Private Photography Lessons
"I owe you a huge thanks for the way your instruction has moved my photography forward. The SLR class gave me understanding of the basics that I wasn't getting from books. Your private lesson was great because you were able to customize the instruction for my equipment and goals. I understand more than ever about how to get the shots I want. I will highly recommend you to anyone who is interested learning photography."
Syd P., USA, June 2010
"... We had a great time in Africa. The lodge was great and your photography session with us made all the difference in the world. I am very pleased with my pictures...
... One day the driver was sitting next to me and asked if he could shoot some with my SLR. I let him do it and you can really see the difference between his shots and mine. His looked like Saturday kids birthday party snapshots, they were horrible. Mine looked much better. He kept asking me how I did that. I said four words: "Christian Sperka's Photography Lessons". Your ideas on including the ENTIRE animal, focusing on the eyes, adjusting the EV, setting aperture to full open on Av mode, adjusting the ISO when it got dark or I needed a faster shutter speed, and giving space around the animal,were just perfect. What a difference it made. ..."
Gordon S., USA, 2010 (after he returned form a trip to South Africa)
Comments from Ultimate Safari Participants
"The trip exceeded all expectations. Christian's experience and understanding of the area helped maximize the opportunity for all of us. It was all a comfortable balance of adventure, relatation, & scienery that was beyond words."
Erik L., USA, 2009 - at Phinda Private Game Reserve - Vlei Lodge - Exclusive Use
"Christian hosted a large family group that I was a part of the summer of ’09. I can honestly say that the experience was the trip of a lifetime. It was truly life changing. Having the opportunity to be led by someone like Christian who is so passionate and knowledgeable about the landscape and animals added greatly. The keepsake coffee table book that Christian created with the actual images of our vacation is a treasure that I share with every houseguest and will cherish for the rest of my life. As the memories may fade in time, the photos taken by Christian will be a constant reminder of how lucky we were to experience nature in it’s purest state."
Cortney L., USA, 2009 - at Phinda Private Game Reserve - Vlei Lodge - Exclusive Use
"We had the pleasure to experience a one-week Safari at Phinda with Christian. Perfect organization, a completley relaxed athmosphere, the attention to detail and guiding our four children (ages 6 to 12) to understand the beauty and dangers of the african wilderness turned this week into a very unique experience."
Ann Kristin and Tobias S., Switzerland, 2007 - at Phinda Private Game Reserve - Zuka Lodge - Exclusive Use
"We would like to thank you for the fantastic week we spent in the Phinda Game Reserve in the Zuka Lodge! You guided us with incomparable diligence, knowledge, care and passion! Even as experienced nature travelers we have never ever experienced such a magnificent guide and host. You opened new dimensions in the comprehension and experience of wilderness. Thanks to you this was a once in a lifetime experience!
You are the best!"
Peter A. / Urs O., Switzerland, 2007 - at Phinda Private Game Reserve - Zuka Lodge - Exclusive Use
"My husband and I went on safari with Christian for our 30th anniversary and it was an unforgettable trip! Christian is an avid member of a leopard conservation group and we were very lucky to be with him when a leopard was snared and tagged for research. I will never forget the wild visceral growl of that leopard and Christian captured every photographic moment."
Susi C., USA, 2007 - at Phinda Private Game Reserve - Vlei Lodge
"In July 2009 I had the pleasure of joining Christian on a vist to Pinda Private Game Reserve in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, staying at Vlei Lodge.This was the first time I had ever been in Africa and I enjoyed it very much. South Africa, Pinda and the Big Five, all the people I met there, and Christian as host - I can truly recommend this combination :-) Sobonana!"
Markus S., Germany, 2009 - at Phinda Private Game Reserve - Vlei Lodge
Comments from Christian Sperka Presentation Audiences
"Thank you for a really great presentation. I think I can speak for all in attendance and say that it was one of the best I have ever seen. Every aspect of it was very professional yet very personal also and both of those elements make for something special" - Phil Burt, President, Marshall County Photography Club - 12/2011
"Christian's program at our photography club was the most engaging photography presentation I have had the pleasure of hearing and seeing. His magnificent image quality was matched by his wonderful stories of the image not to mention humor and excellent delivery. He left me and our other members wanting to stay and listen all night. A wonderful learning experience. I look forward to hearing Christian again" - David Hayes, President, Northwest Tennessee Photography Club - 02/2012
"Christian's presentation to the Paducah Photographers Club was educational and extremely entertaining! Christian shared his knowledge of photographing animals in the wild as well as in captivity. In addition to helpful "tips & tricks", we all feel as though we gained a new photography friend" - Boni Littleton, President, Paducah Photography Club - 02/2012
"WOW ! What a find. Mr. Sperka presented an informative and interesting program. His pictures and humorous stories made for a seamless presentation. BRAVO !" - A Paducah Photography Club Member - 02/2012
"Thank you, Christian. You did a Fantastic job! I have four pages of notes from your talk. I enjoyed seeing your work. You are very gifted." - Randy Harris, President, Nashville Photography Club - 05/2010
“Thank you very much for your excellent presentation on African animals. The group of educators who were present thoroughly enjoyed it. Your presentation was funny, educational, and beautiful. It made all of us want to be there. Your expertise on the subject is unquestionable. It was one of the best presentations we have had for our chapter this year.” - Jan Brown, president of Beta chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International - 10/2011
