It is a combination of the Overgaard Photo Seminar and the Overgaard Advanced Workshop tailored to bring you up to an advanced level on using your camera equipment, setting up a workflow on your computer, editing and presenting images, and shooting different assignments.
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New York in Monochrome Photo Workshop with Thorsten Overgaard
New York May 2025
Thorsten Overgaard:
New York in Monochrome Workshop
(3 days)
Thorsten Overgaard Masterclass New York City
May 8-10, 2025
Camera(s), lenses and a computer with Lightroom installed for editing of photos. For the walkabout day we will select a minimum of equipment and wear comfortable walking shoes.
The second day you will need a computer with Lightroom (or Capture One) installed (30 day trial is available) to set up a workflow, get your screen calibrated and edit the photos we did on the walkabout the first day. The third day will be a combined day where we go shoot portrait, model and then finalize the workshop photos on the computers before we end off.
"A Life With Leica featuring Thorsten von Overgaard" short documentary from Rome, Italy.
You will meet like-minded people who want to improve their photography. 80%-100% will be Leica users, and if you are not, be prepared to become one. And if you are, be prepared to want more.
The seminar is very informal and hands-on. You will be able to ask all the questions you like.
"It has taken me a while to digest what I learned at the seminar. I have to say, you made me change my way of taking pictures. Even weeks later I recall the one or another snippet of information. There was a lot for me to go through."
People, light, cityscapes, street photography, portraits, how to handle people, timing, composition, your goal as a photographer, color control, messages in photographs, your unique talents and skills, how to set up a digital workflow, what to look for when editing, color management, speed of work, white balance, exposure, reflectors, quality of light, finding the right locations and how to share and present your photographs.
New York in the humid rain on 6th Avenue. Thorsten Overgaard. Leica M 240 with Leica 50mm Noctilux-M ASPH f/0.95
End result
You can expect to get a relaxed and simplified view on photography and realize that this is something you can perform well, enjoy and produce much more than you used to.
You will walk out from this seminar taller and more confident.
No matter their skill level and experience, what participants in a Thorsten Overgaard Workshop experience is that they photograph a lot more after the workshop.
"Just a short note to say how much I enjoyed your seminar this past weekend.
You were able to clear up most of my photography questions and give me a great deal of other things to think about in image capture and techniques.
Confidence in color was the real treat of the weekend".
- A. C. J. (USA)
Thorsten Overgaard and writer William Clements hanging out on street corners in New York. In "the magic street" in New York (which happens to be conveniently next to a good coffee place), and the light is just about the time of the day when it will be perfect in a few minutes. Photo by Tim Furlong. Leica Q2.
We go out as a group on a day-long walkabout. It's casual and fun. You have an overall assignment of producing three images to present to the group from this day, but the style is relaxed and we simply take a seven-hour walk with coffee breaks, lunch and lots of talking.
We will be looking for different light conditions and we’ll work with many different situations, light conditions, compositions and people during this day.
Inspiration. Questions and answers, hands-on, networking, equipment, White Balancing, light meters, understanding cameras, ISO, aperture, strangers and people, street photography, architecture, finding the right light, natural photography, available light, aesthetics, focusing, correct exposure, timing, Neutral Density filters ... and lots of coffee.
Even in the Monochrome Workshop, colors are allowed. Leica M10 with Leica 50mm Noctilux-M ASPH f/0.95.
"It was a pleasure to work and play with all of you for the last few days.
A great experience I won't soon forget. Now I have 11 new friends from round the world.
Thank you to Thorsten for being so patient and working through the details of being an excellent Leica photographer … Searching out the light and introducing us to his efficient workflow processing procedure over the last four days.
I will be approaching my photography in a much different light now, compared to my photography life prior to the course. Awesome!"
"My new friend Thorsten von Overgaard, world-renowned photographer from Denmark.
"The last four days have been the experience of a lifetime.
"I'm coming home to San Antonio with a tremendous sense of freedom rather than pressure. I feel like the Universe has given me the green light to further develop my own style, rather than copying trends.
"I am humbled by the inspiration of Thorsten and my 9 classmates. Filled with awe at the magic of photography."
One wouldn't be able to imagine all the equipment a handful of photographers can bring together. Photo by Pieter Franken.
Photo by Jonathan Perlin. Leica M 246 Monochrom with Leica 50mm Summilux-M ASPH f/1.4.
"Thanks to everyone for making this a thoroughly enjoyable workshop
– very atypical from those that I've taken in the past.
Thorsten, the way you've mixed the practical (technical) and the craftsmanship of making a good image with arguably the best tools out there left me with very actionable takeaways.
Thorsten - thank you for being a wonderful gracious host and I hope our paths will cross again. Best to all ... keep looking at your hand for the good light".
"Here I am, back in Argentina. I've been thinking about the workshop we attended
the last several days, and I'm still thinking about it.
Thorsten's job was very professional and complete. And the style he suggested fitted exactly with my way of thinking photography: Search for the light, then search for the subject.
The use of Leica lenses wide open (with the help of ND filters) - Oh! - the terrific photographs really explode in my computer. Thank you Thorsten and all of you!
Those four days will be unforgettable to me".
- A. B. (Argentina)
Thorsten von Overgaard by Markus Iofcea, June 2018. Leica M-D 262 with Leica 75mm APO-Summicron-M ASPH f/2.0.
Michael, Hans, Friedl and Oskar at work in the streets of Palermo. We walk around and work as a group.
We will be spending 20-25 hours together doing formal seminar, walking about, working on images, having coffee and lunch. Lots of things to talk about. Photo by Younes Kabbaj from the Hong Kong seminar.
"Simple the best - I learnt a lot from you at the Photo Seminar.
It was great to spend a lot of time with you and your experience.
I am still deeply impressed and these were very memorable days for me.
I highly recommend Thorsten's photo seminar to anyone.
Now it is time for my homework!"
- T.S. (Zurich)
Doing portrait photography on location using available light. Photo by Gerhard Gruber.
Day 2: (10:00 AM- 5:00 PM)
We meet in the morning and start with workflow theory. How do you set up computers, hard drives, backup, color management, systems to archive and search for the images when you need them. There's lot to take in and understand this morning. After lunch we set up each computer and then import the photos we did on the walkabout day, and then we edit photos in Lightroom.
We select the best and do reviews as a group before we call it a day.
"Thanks so much for an inspiring weekend. I learned a lot, and it was a great group of people to spend the weekend with. I hope to see you again soon".
- D.G., New York
Trying on a hat in JJ Hat Center on 5th Avenue. Photo by Thorsten Overgaard.
This is the final day after we have finished learning the theory, done some photography and reviewed some of our photographs. This day we are busy doing portraits, model shoot and refining our techniques – and then we have to hurry back and edit the images, filling any holes we would like to find out more about, and then wrapping before we end off at 5:00PM.
Reflectors, portrait photography, model photography, white balance, light reflections, types of light, light temperature, external light meters, finding a location for portrait photography, final assignment. Getting it all right. Finishing every image and archiving. Publishing and sharing one's work.
"I certainly picked a unique workshop to attend. It was a three-day high level and informative conversation. Kind of like strolling around chatting with your favorite college philosophy professor...
I'm a veteran of at least twenty workshops in the past ten years. The scary thing about workshops is you really don't know what you've gotten yourself into until you are deep into it, and of course by then it's too late to do anything about it...
"Thank you again for the course. It was a great few days when I learnt a huge amount. I like your easy style. I'm now hoping to have enough money for a Leica M11"
"Photography has become dear to my heart again. Hope we have still some time to spend together."
- J., Spain
Networking: The seminars tend to be new networks as we share the same passion in photography, and the participants usually have quite a lot more in common than just photography. Photo by Malou Lasquite.
"Thanks so much for all your instruction this past weekend. I really enjoyed meeting you and spending time understanding more of how you view things. I know there is a lot more to learn and hope we meet again".
- R.Y., Texas
Thorsten Overgaard in New York, photographed by Bob Anderson
Frequently Asked Questions
about Thorsten Overgaard Workshop and Masterclass
Where to stay
Hotel and travel is not included in the workshop fee. Usually participants choose the hotel chain which they prefer, a nice local hotel, or the airbnb.comapartment/room that suits their liking. Some pick a place close to the workshop location, while others choose a very different location so as to experience another area of the city as well. The workshop is pretty draining on energy, so generally I recommend a time-saving location over lofty quality. You'll sleep like a baby and won't have much time or energy to enjoy the luxury of the hotel.
AirBnb is an interesting way to experience a city and is how I travel 60% of the time: Use this link to get $25 off: www.airbnb.com/c/tovergaard
How to get around
I prefer to learn the public transportation system in a new place. But not everywhere is it the way to get around. Other times I use Uber.com which is drivers you require via the Uber Appon your phone. You don't have to speak the language or be able to read the street names to get from A to B, and when you are done, the trip is charged to your credit card or PayPal. No need for discussing prices, cash or card. Any complaints, their customer service returns to you within an hour with apology and your money back.
How to book flights
I use kayak.com to research flights and either buy via the links on that website, or I use my travel agent, Caroline, located in Los Angeles to figure it all out (feel free toemail me to get her name and contact info).
Often I use what I've learned of flight times and prices on kayak.com to go to the airline's own website and book the flight there, or tell my flight booker what I found and see if she can improve upon it.
I book flights based on flight times and prices. I don't go for the cheapest flights but the ones that have shorter flight times, less stops and the ones that allow me have a good sleep and get to the airport at a civilized time of the day. Often those flights are not more than a few dollars more expensive than the long flights with lots of stops. You just have to scroll down the page to notice them and see what is possible. People who don't travel a lot usually look for the cheapest flights, missing better flights for almost no extra cost.
When it gets too complicated, I have my travel agent research it. She knows who provides the best service, the shortest routes and the nicest people.
A Workshop in my own city or far and away?
The workshops tend to be a little like a kindergarten. Professional people (who are usually very busy) get to explore their passion for photography exclusively in a place they always wanted to go to. Often the time outside the workshop participants use to explore restaurants, shops or museums they always wanted to visit, meet up with old friends, etc.
On the other hand it is also very practical to do a workshop in your own city. It's not as distraction-free because the office or spouse might call in the middle of the fun. The advantage is that you will learn to see the possibilities in your own place and never ever again hear yourself say, "there's nothing to photograph in my city".
Photo by Paul Holland.
Workshop or a Masterclass?
In truth, do what fits with the location and date. Here's why:
All my Workshops are tailored for anyone who had a Leica for two weeks or 30 years. We go over the focusing, exposure and other issues that are always a concern. Nobody is left behind and everybody learns something new. My viewpoint is that everybody is a beginner, because the lens is new, or the camera is, or the way to work is, or a ceratin element that we talk about, is a completely new way to see it for that person. If you don't want to learn new things, there's no reason to do a workshop.
All my workshops have lots of time for talking and questions, live demonstrations and how to get things to work better.
There is a large emphasis on workflow and sharing in the workshop. That means getting your digital files under control and setting up a way to work that allows you to concentrate on taking photographs and making great results, without spending much time by the computer. If you hate computers - or even if you love them - you will enjoy the breeze of sanity in your digital life, that Thorsten Overgaard offers.
The participants in the workshop, you will find, are very different, yet very compatible. We all share a passion for photography, and often a passion for Leica. Not surprisingly, we have the same values and viewpoints on many things in life. You will find there is lots to talk about and much experience to share that isn't directly related to photography.
All participants are professionals in their walks of life, who above all, try to simplify things and are now passionate about becoming just as competent in their photography as they are in the rest of their life.
The Masterclass is different in the way that participants are generally expected to know the basics of photography and cameras and have some experience. It was originally developed to accommodate a wish for "the next workshop". To say it as it is, in the Masterclass we do the same basic theory and training as in the Workshop. Nobody is too old or experienced to learn new tricks and just because you have owned a camera a long time doesn’t mean you know all there is to know. The route to simplicity is to truly understand, so we don’t take anything for granted.
In the Masterclass you are not expected to be a master, only that you aim to become one.
Doing a Workshop or Masterclass again
A great deal of those who have participated in an Overgaard Workshop or Overgaard Masterclass come back to do another workshop the same year or some years later. There is no “elevated” program for return students, because each workshop is the same but also a new and different experience. And each workshop is an individual session with Thorsten Overgaard and a new group of compatible, likeminded people.
The workshop if first and foremost indulgence in your passion for photography in such concentrated dozes as you have never experienced before! Return participants often have some certain goals or subjects they want to explore more. Each workshop tends to take the individual participants from where they are now, to a new level.
Schedule of 3-day and 4-day workshop
Some times the Workshop or Masterclass is four days, some times three days.
Most workshops are 3-day workshops now as it has proven to be a very workable format.
3-day workshop schedule:
4-day workshop schedule:
Before workshop study
You get a PDF booket with theory and inspirational notes to study.
17:00 - 20:00
Schedule Day 1
Introduction and theory
(includes a PDF of paper copy)
.
Schedule Day 4
Portrait photography.
Model shoot.
Lunch.
Import and editing.
Sharing photographs.
After workshop references
We share our selected photos to a hard drive that everyone copy to their computer before we leave.
As notes to the workflow part you get the Lightroom Survival Kit (included in the workshop fee).
After workshop references
We share our selected photos to a hard drive that everyone copy to their computer before we leave.
As notes to the workflow part you get the Lightroom Survival Kit (included in the workshop fee).
Which computer to use for photo editing?
Read my article "Advice for photographers: Which computer to use for photo editing" where I test the Lightroom and Capture One software on different Mac models, test hard drives, cables and more. Also, get my Survival Kit for Lightroom or Capture One for in-depth workflow view that will simplify life and secure that your pictures stay forever:
Apply
code "UPDATE113" on checkout to get this complete version 11.3 update.
$298.00
Updates all previous Surival Kit versions since 2009.
Buy the complete new
Lightroom Survival Kit 11.3
The Legendary Tutorial for Photographers
Brand-new JUNE 2022-version.
Now with brand-new 4+ hours of video tutorials.
New sections on compostition and storytelling.
How to edit color photos.
How to edit black & white photos. How to do keywords logical and easy.
The most successful photo editing kit ever
Photographer Thorsten Overgaard first released the Lightroom Survival Kit in 2009 and have honed it with new and fresh updates. This Version 11 is the most radical updated and renewed version ever, four years in the making.
Professional workflow experience made simple, logical and easy to use.
Master editor makes it simple to understand
The Survival Kit is unique and one-of-a-kind being made for photographers for photographers. When someone understands their subject, they can explain it so it is easy to understand. The hallmark of Thorsten Overgaard is to make expert knowledge shown and told in a way so anyone can apply it.
Hands-on advice that works
With a 450 pages workbook and 4+ hours of video, every element of digital photography is touched on, in handy chapters and pre-flight checklists. Editing of color vs black and white photos, keywording, cropping of images, fine-tuning of tones, color balance and color control, export of originals, printing, archiving and backup, and much more.
Comes with the Overgaard Leica Presets (Value $48)
The Lightroom Survival Kit comes with Thorsten Overgaard's special-made Lightroom Presets for all digital cameras and for Leica digital cameras.
Understand all from camera to the final print
Chapters in this version goes over the background for High Dynamic Range (HDR), digital raw files and how to set up a professional photography workflow, from calibrating the screen to editing in Lightroom, and to making a final print. And more ...
10+ years experience in one package
No need to spend years figuring out the smartest way to do things when you can tap into the best way of doing things right here. The workflow of Thorsten Overgaard as been refined through years of field work with more than a thousand workshop attendees.
This method of workflow now used by thousands
The Survival Kit has been taught to thousands in workshops and in this Survival Kit. What does it do? It make you enjoy taking and making photos, and it increases your production considerabely. Most important of all, it'll give you back ownership of your files (which you will understand why is so important, once you have bought the Survival Kit and started applying its methods).
"Thorsten's methodology is perhaps not what hardware-, software- and cloud-companies want us to do, but as a former IT engineer I can only acknowledge his views about preserving our digital heritage. This workflow explained is for me the best I have ever seen".
★★★★★
Video tutorials, image files, presets, checklists, definitions, tutorials of Lightroom, that boils down years of experience to a workflow you can implement in less than one day.
Start working in minutes.
NEW VERSION 22.3
490 pages easy-to-understand
workflow logics, checklists, Styles
and 3+ hours of videos.
Packed with help and tools for all questions on digital photography workflow.
Black and White Photography
Editing Color Photographs
Special Effects
Organizing files
Organizing Old Archives
Keywords
How to do safe backup
Hardware setup
Screens and Calibration
Printing Workflow
Capture One on iPad
Capture One Live
Publishing
+ Export Formats
+ Free Overgaard Styles
+ Preflight Checklists
The one and only method
The Survivel Kit is the only of it's kind, made by photographers for photographers.
The Brand New June 2022
"Capture One Survival Kit 22"
By Thorsten Overgaard
The complete workflow of Thorsten Overgaard,
made easy with pre-flight checklists and step-by-step instructions on how to set up and use a professional
photo editing software like Capture One Pro.
Laid out in a way that is easy to understand
and everyone can apply. Works for Capture One Pro 22
and all previous versions.
New revised version
This is the most revised version ever of the
best-selling Surival Kit by Thorsten Overgaard. This new
version includes many new chapters, on Capture One on iPad and how to add keywords better, as well as more
than 3+ hours of videos tutorials with
Thorsten Overgaard.
Simple and to-the-point tools on how to use select tools, how to do backup and how to manage and organize pictures archives so they don't get lost and doesn't have to be reorganized again and again.
Expanded and simplified
Also: Specialized first-help chapters on how to
sync your entire photo archive with the smartphone,
how to escape Apple Photos, how to empty photos out
of an iPhone, how to get out of Lightroom CC, what to do with iPad editing ... and more on how to not survive the digital age and perhaps even outsmart it.
Now comes with
Overgaard Leica Styles for FREE
Special black & white conversion, better skintones
and a CMOS sensor color correction.
(Value $48.00. FREE with this kit).
Thorsten Overgaard
Capture One Survival Kit 22.3 For computer, iPad, smartphone and Kindle.
Buy Now
Instant download.
Price $798.00
100% satisfaction or money back.
Released June, 2022.
UPDATE
VERSION 22.3 UPDATE Compatible with all previous versions.
Simply use code: "UPDATE22"
"It has been truly enlightening and a great joy for me to share those seminar days with you all! Many beautiful memories remain in the portrait and especially the street photography department ... and not last those personal talks we had about different styles of photography and Leica."
- M.F., Austria
"Picture Perfect" video about Danish feature writer and photographer Thorsten Overgaard for Channel Four. The video was done on The Faeroe Islands in 2008 during a week of photographing climate changes, when vice president Al Gore visited the islands. Thorsten Overgaard uses Leica Digilux 2 and Leica R9 to photograph.
Reviews of the Thorsten von Overgaard Masterclass Workshops:
What people who have done a workshop with Thorsten Overgaard say
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop:
"The Overgaard Photography Workshop is an investment that pays immediate dividends.
In four short days there was a marked swagger in my step. This may sound irrelevant to photography, but in my opinion it’s one of the unspoken tangibles that make professional photographers like Thorsten so damn good – their confidence is able to make them disappear in a sense, and put their subjects at ease.
The funny thing about this is that it wasn't something discussed during the workshop, it was something that I learned from observing Thorsten work. The way he moved without hesitation, the manner in which he sized up his subject, and got the shot and moved on. Quick, clean, and confident! For me, that was the most valuable part of the workshop – spending four days at the elbow of a professional photographer!
What an experience!
I came away excited, eager, and confident that I could produce the kind of photographs I've always envied!
Thank you to my friend Thorsten! Some time in the future, somewhere in the world, our paths will cross again!"
- J. J. (New York)
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshops in Rome and Paris:
"Thank you for the Rome workshop.
The last days I spent with you in Rome I have done once before. So why do it again? Same type of workshop and with the same photographer.
Simply because I was so inspired by the first workshop two years ago, that I felt I would (and could) squeeze even more out of you a second time.
Of course some repetition was present on theory but two photo shootings are newer the same, and you always get new information there either wasn't presented the first time, or that you did not grasp at that time.
My overall goal taking part in the Rome Workshop was to focus much on the light, which I can transfer to future photo and television news stories that I produce.
And I got it!
The hands-on practice and advice from you benefits both experienced pro's like my self, as well as amateurs who wants to step up a level. So with my tired feet walking around hot Rome, I now will go back to work and let the experiences and inspiration go into my photography works.
You are newer too old, too experienced or (especially) too good to learn. Thank you for good company and learning experiences."
Review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop in Berlin:
"The Berlin Workshop is still resonating with me. It was truly a great experience, and was really nice to meet you and your family!"
- T. S. (Canada)
"I wanted to take a moment and thank you again for all of the inspiration you give to so many of us. Earlier this evening I participated in an art show. Now, I have to admit that there are few things more satisfying as an artist than knowing that someone is not only willing to pay for your photographs but display them in their home or office. Thank you for all you do."
- L. T. (USA)
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshp:
"I diligently edit and process my images after every shoot as taught in your workshop and am always up to date with my images.
I have had your New Inspiration Course for a couple of days and have viewed all videos. I recently submitted a few images to a gallery in Portland for an exhibit.
I will continue to refine and work on the things you have talked about."
- J. L. (Canada)
"It was a wonderful time, so many wonderful lasting friendships developed in this workshops!"
- R. W. (Austria)
"Since we have met in the Overgaard Workshop Amsterdam I have been going wild making photos. Your approach really enabled me to make a steep change in making and processing photos. Many thanks for this!"
- E. A. (Netherlands)
"I’m more confidence in doing portraits after the workshop."
- B. N. (UK)
"The Berlin Workshop is still resonating with me. It was truly a great experience, and was really nice to meet you and your family!"
- T. S. (Canada)
Thorsten Overgaard Workshop Review:
"Thorsten, I appreciate the genuine way in which you continue to communicate with your students and admire your success in creating a community of enthusiasts around you.
"I was such a beginner when I did your workshop that it has taken me quite a while to incorporate what you taught us into my photographic life.
"I remember you are not a fan of spending hours on a photo, and nor am I – indeed one of the benefits of the workshop was to show how one could spend more time out and about with the camera".
- M. B. (France)
"Thank you again for sharing the basics of your craft with us in Milano! It was a pleasure to meet you and I hope to find another opportunity to join one of your future classes in a different city soon!"
- Y. M. (Switzerland)
"Thanks a lot for a great workshop in Stockholm - it was f…… fun and inspiring."
- G. M. (Denmark)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Paris:
"Thank you for the great days and your hospitality. Besides meeting you and the others and having a good time, the workshop inspired me a lot and I learnt lots of new things.
I took more photos than I usually take and was more courageous as well in shooting people. That was great! I'm really happy with the results and what I did".
- B. K. (Sweden)
"It was a good time in Paris, it really inspired me a lot. And good to get to know you."
- B. N. (France)
"Thanks for an inspiring workshop and nice company in a lovely city. It was really great getting together with you and be in the Leica-bubble for a few days. I liked the relaxed atmosphere and learning from you"
- B. K. (Sweden)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Hong Kong:
"It was a great pleasure spending the past three days with you guys. It was a lot of fun walking around Hong Kong with our Leica.
Thank you Thorsten for sharing your professional experience with us, it really changed my point of view on keeping data files. With the advancement of technologies, we must keep a set of data which can take the test of times. That's a very important message amongst others that I learned in the past three days.
In the meantime, always carry your camera and be ready for the next shot!"
- B. L. (Hong Kong)
"First of all my gratitude goes to Thorsten who wants to share his knowledge about (Leica) photography, answering to all our recurring questions.
His methodology is perhaps not what hardware-, software-, cloud-, ...companies want us to do but as a former IT engineer I can only acknowledge his views about preserving our digital "heritage".
Unfortunately the times of the shoe boxes with our 10x15cm photographs are gone (with or without the negatives). Some markings on the envelope and that was it. Some had photo albums for the major events. The advantage of the old system is that anyone could view your pictures without any specialised hardware. I have some 19th century negative glass plates and you can still see what's on it alas in negative.
Recently I found back some negatives my grandfather took in the first WW with his Kodak Vestpocket camera ... In a world full of digital wonders like smart phones we never take so much pictures as nowadays as a society. Most of these pictures are lost or will be lost shortly because of a new smart phone, hard disk crash, incompetence of the user. The chance your hard drive crashes is higher than of your home burns down.
The workflow explained is for me the best I have ever seen. The portrait session; we missed the model but Bengt did a great job. He has FB profile photos for the next 10 years...
Explaining how to observe the light... It was a pleasure to meet you all in this fantastic workshop in Amsterdam, hope we will keep in touch somehow."
- E. B. (Netherlands)
"Than you for an inspiring course in Stockholm, and thanks to your expansive personality and great camera knowledge, lightly conveyed.
The Lightroom Survival Kit will help me remember the intricacies of geting the raw file into a great picture."
- E. B. (Sweden)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Vienna, Austria:
"I would like to say thank you for the workshop. It was a great experience of realizing my potential, capturing important hints and of course meeting you personally.
It was a pleasure for me to join you and the Leica fellows these summer days in Vienna."
- A. P. (Russia)
"I just wanted to write and say it was a very inspiring three days with you all - I learned a lot from everyone. It was a pleasure to meet you all and hope to see many more of your photos in the future.
Thank you for this Thorsten. It was a great use of three days and you really taught me a lot and inspired me very much, not only in photography but music and life. I look forward to when our paths cross again. All the best man."
- E. Z. (Bosnia)
Review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop in Rome, Italy:
"I enjoyed myself very much in the Rome Workshop. I learned a lot, and only now the full experience is sinking in.
Thank you. I am trying make the New York Monochrome Masterclass as well".
- E. L. (Jerusalem, Israel)
"This is just to let you know that I had a great time these last three days in Amsterdam. We had a good group and I liked the relaxed way in which you approach photagraphy. I picked up a number of valuable ideas and technical tricks. Thanks a lot!"
- M. L. (Netherlands)
"I take the opportunity to thank everybody for having the pleasure of sharing fantastic moments with you all."
- A. S. (Netherlands)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Sydney, Australia:
"Thank you again for the great time in Sydney. It was (and I say this quite seriously) a life changing experience. I'm a lot more confident to take and show my photos now. You should be proud that you have obviously brought knowledge and confidence to so many people. I will see you again some time in the future for a refresher."
- J. G. (Australia)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Malmo, Sweden:
"I was participant on your photo workshops in Malmo in 2011 and 2012. My abilities increased beyond imagination after that. Will you be offering a workshop only about portrait photography?"
- C. B. (Malmo, Sweden)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Berlin, Germany:
"Meeting you was one of the most memorable things in my life!"
- I. L. (USA)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand:
"I'm one of the luckiest guys in the world who have chance to attend the Thorsten Overgaard workshop in Bangkok."
- N. S. (Thailand)
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop:
"I also wanted to express my gratitude again for the great workshop experience. As you know, I have been rediscovering my love of photography, and I feel that – beyond everything I learned about light, technique and software – I really took a giant step forward in "seeing" again, and in embracing the sheer fun of making photos.
I think your design of the workshop os right on the mark. The full day of ambling around, looking for the beautiful light, and taking (hopefully) great photos. I know it worked for me (since I was up at 3 AM trying to take pictures of the downtown skyline).
I feel energized about my photography, and am planning on getting much more involved with it over the coming months. I've been taking photos of fun things in the countryside on my way to work (I drive through about thirty miles of fields, dairies, falling-down buildings, old and rusting farm equipment and so on). I'm also learning more about both Lightroom and Media Pro.
So, thanks again for a great experience. I hope to take another of your workshops again."
- B. S. (San Francisco)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in Seoul, Korea:
"Dear Thorsten, I wish to thank you for wonderful days of photography. From the first day of theory to the last day of choosing our best, it was a wonderful experience that inspired me to take more pictures and share them with others.
I learned a great deal from your comments and also your showing how to improve the final picture through minor adjustments in Lightroom. Many of my friends have a heavy hand with Lightroom but you showed us how to adjust the camera so that minimal post processing was necessary to have a good final product.
I will always remember those four days as being very special. When you come to Seoul again, I plan to be there!
Again, thank you for a wonderful photo experience."
- G. F. (Korea)
Overgaard Workshop in Berlin.
Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop Review Video
"I'll add my thanks to everyone for making this a thoroughly enjoyable workshop – very atypical from those that I've taken in the past.
Thorsten, the way you've mixed the practical (technical) and the craftsmanship of making a good image with arguably the best tools out there left me with very actionable take-aways.
Thank you for being a wonderful gracious host and hope our paths will cross again."
- D. C. (USA)
"If you want to feel more confident with photographing and editing your photos from DNGs to finished pictures and have fun while doing it, I can warmly recommend attending Thorsten’s workshop. Not only did he help me shoot with more confidence, but he also taught me his editing workflow. He has a pleasant way of instructing and he inspires his students to develop a style of their own."
- P. V. (Monaco)
"Thanks for pushing your students to use those extreme apertures more frequently. Fun stuff.
I hope you are well wherever you are."
- B. P. (France)
"It was a great pleasure spending the past three days with you guys. It was a lot of fun walking around Hong Kong with our Leica cameras.
Let us share this passion and try to get together with each other and share our creations over coffee, lunch or dinner.
Thank you Thorsten for sharing your professional experience with us, it really changed my point of view on keeping data files. With the advancement of technologies, we must keep a set of data which can take the test of times. That’s a very important message amongst others that I learned in the past three days.
In the meantime, always carry your camera and be ready for the next shot! Let’s try to get together again!"
- B. L. (Hong Kong)
"I would like to say thank you for the workshop we recently had. It was a great experience of realising my potential, capturing important hints and of course meeting you personally. It was a pleasure for me to join you and the few Leica fellows these summer days in Vienna."
- A. N. (Austria)
"Thanks again for a fantastic workshop in Montreal. it was a highlight of my summer."
- A. S. (USA)
"Just a short note to say how much I enjoyed your seminar this past weekend in Havana. You were able to clear up most of my photography questions and give me a great deal of other things to think about in image capture and techniques.
I am still quite rusty on the Lightroom use and manipulation, but I suspect that will be secondary to capturing good images going forward. Confidence in color was the real treat of the weekend."
- C. J. (USA)
"It was a pleasure to work and play with all of you for the last few days.
A great experience I won't soon forget. Now I have 11 new friends from round the world.
Thank you to Thorsten for being so patient and working through the details of being an excellent Leica photographer … Searching out the light and introducing us to his efficient workflow processing procedure over the last four days.
I will be approaching my photography in a much different light now, compared to my photography life prior to the course. Awesome!"
- A. R. (USA)
"Thank you for these great days. It has been super fun and educational. I enjoyed our conversations, and now when I've looked through your best pics, I feel humble and starting to realise that I have a lot to learn.
Thank you Thorsten for all support and I wish you both the best of luck with future endeavours.
Fun to meet so many other Leica users. I would love to keep in touch."
- L. M. (Sweden)
"Many thanks for a terrific workshop! Cannot tell you how much I enjoyed learning from you and with colleagues (and new friends) from around the world. I feel that my skills improved, and everyone learned in a very relaxed manner."
- J. P. (USA)
"What a magical three days!!! I greatly appreciated being with such a terrific, interesting and compatible group, and learning not only from Thorsten, but from each other."
- M. M. (Germany)
"I've had some time to reflect on the workshop and wanted to send you a note to say a big thank you for everything that you taught me over the four days!
It was fun, relaxed, informative and a really positive environment. Your collective enthusiasm is infectious and you've changed the way I look at the world.
The three key things I took away from the workshop are:
1) love your gear,
2) keep it simple, and
3) just do it!
I now understand why people who attend one workshop are likely to do another one. I think attending a second workshop would be like listening to your favourite song with really good headphones - you get so much more out of it! I will definitely be back!
I can't recommend your workshop highly enough - if anyone is even considering it they should definitely do it (although, be prepared to want more Leica gear)!"
- J. H. (Australia)
"Enjoying my photography more than ever since the workshop. Love the monochrome Leica."
- R. F. (UK)
"Thanks again for the GREAT workshop experience.
It is going to take me awhile to return to (almost) normal after the last several days. I have photo and software details swirling around in my brain, and am trying to assimilate it all. I hope the three of you had a good trip this morning and that you have a wonderful time in Florida as well."
- B. S. (USA)
"I've had some time to reflect on the workshop and wanted to send you a note to say a big thank you for everything that you taught me over the four days!
It was fun, relaxed, informative and a really positive environment. Your collective enthusiasm is infectious and you've changed the way I look at the world.
The three key things I took away from the workshop are:
1) love your gear,
2) keep it simple, and
3) just do it!
I now understand why people who attend one workshop are likely to do another one. I think attending a second workshop would be like listening to your favourite song with really good headphones - you get so much more out of it! I will definitely be back!
I can't recommend your workshop highly enough - if anyone is even considering it they should definitely do it (although, be prepared to want more Leica gear)!"
- J. H. (Australia)
"I’ve been several days thinking about the workshop we attended, and I’m still thinking about it!
Thorsten's job was very professional and complete. And the style he suggested fitted exactly with my way of thinking photography: search for the light, then search for the subject. The use of Leica lenses wide open (with the help of ND filters) - terrific!
My photographs really explode in my computer. Thank you Thorsten, those four days wil be unforgetable to me."
- A. B. (Argentina)
"Three pleasant days have changed forever, years of strong image production.
Congratualtion to Thorsten who could immediately create a team spirit maintain everybody's 3 days 110 % focus on improving ."
- M. J. (USA)
"I had a great time also. Since I only bought my first Leica about 3 months ago, I know I have a lot to learn, and I really feel I have a superb jump start with all of you help. Thanks Thorsten and everyone else. Please let's stay in touch."
- S. G. (USA)
"Thorsten, thanks for another great experience. I look forward to one in Toronto or Montreal!"
- J. H. (London)
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop:
"Thanks again for the GREAT workshop experience!
It is going to take me a while to return to (almost) normal after the last several days. I have photo and software details swirling around in my brain, and I am trying to assimilate it all."
- B. S. (USA)
"I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for a really fantastic workshop and the time spent together. This weekend will always be very well remembered!"
- S. M. (Germany)
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop in Hong Kong:
"Thanks again for an amazing experience. Definitely keen to do another workshop with you both in the near future to hone my skills. Thanks again for everything."
- G. C. (Hong Kong)
Review of the Thorsten Overgaard Workshop in London:
"I was in a flat spot with my picture making, I was reading your blog which I follow with great interest. Your blog said 'wear your camera and get out and do something'.
Well, after a bit of thought, I went out and put on an exhibition of 80 pictures in our local library exhibition room. This turned out to be very successful with photographic societies and others visiting the exhibition.
Thank you for having inspired me!"
- R. D. (UK)
"Now, ten days after of our workshop I am feeling even much more grateful to your three days of relaxed lessons. I have been shooting every day and I can notice your legacy more present in my photos.
I have been changing all my image workflow and now it is simpler, faster and with much better final results. Many thanks and congratulation! Your teaching system keep people improving, it doesn't finish when at workshop ends."
- M. J. (France)
"Thank you Thorsten. I'll try and get at least one image everyday. "
- D. P. (USA)
Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop Review:
"Towards the end of the year, I purchased a Leica camera and Leica 35mm lens; I did not know how much this little black box was about to shape all of the next year for me.
I attended a workshop in London with Danish photographer Thorsten Overgaard. It was, not only, an incredibly informative few days but also tons of fun and I met some wonderful people. The encouragement I got from Thorsten and everyone else gave me an incredible boost to get started. In fact I loved the workshop so much I immediately enrolled for the next one, which turned out to be even better.
I found Thorsten's straightforward approach to both using the camera and towards editing extremely refreshing, but it was the way he taught me how to look for light that, honestly, changed the way I view the world.
I see differently now and because of that I also think differently. I've started to compose and record music in a way that is much clearer and for the first time in my career true to how I want to hear it."
- B. G. (Music Composer & Producer London)
User review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop in Sydney, Australia:
"First of all I would like to thank you for some very educational and inspirational days in Sydney. I feel that I've grown a lot as a photographer, not only through what you taught us, but also by just observing how you move and interact with subjects on the street. And your "All you need is love" approach to photography is the best advise I've ever received as a photographer.
I'm still aiming for my "less is more" approach to photography. If something doesn't add to the story you’re trying to tell then try to crop it out (preferably in camera) or wait for the right moment when there are no distractions. I just had another look at your website and one of my favorite photos is of the Sikh reading a book shot with the 80mm Summilux-R. There must be hundreds of people in that photo but they all add to the story and therefore not a single one should be cropped. Very inspiring indeed!
Hope to see you again in the future, in Australia or somewhere else around the world. All the best."
Thorsten von Overgaard is a Danish-American multiple award-winning photographer, known for his writings about photography and Leica cameras. He travels to more than 25 countries a year, photographing and teaching workshops to photographers. Some photos are available as signed editions via galleries or online. For specific photography needs, contact Thorsten Overgaard via email.
You can follow Thorsten Overgaard at his television channel magicoflight.tv.
Review of the Thorsten von Overgaard Workshop in Luxoria Magazine:
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I am in constant orbit teaching
Leica and photography workshops.
Most people prefer to explore a
new place when doing my workshop.
30% of my students are women.
35% of my students dotwo or more workshops.
95% are Leica users.
Age range is from 15 to 87 years
with the majority in the 30-55 range.
Skill level ranges from two weeks
to a lifetime of experience.
97% use a digital camera.
100% of my workshop graduates photograph more after a workshop.
The New York 2016 Blizzard. I went out 03 AM in the morning as it had started snowing. Here it is by Madison Square Park. 
Thorsten Overgaard explaining about small cameras at the seminar in Leica Gallery Tokyo in January 2011. Photo by Pieter Franken.
Leica SL2 with Leica 50mm APO-Summicron-M ASPH f2.0. © Thorsten Overgaard. 
