Every artist feels a bit alone and creatively stagnant at some point in their career. That’s just how I felt when I found Artistic Alchemy. It was the best creative retreat I’ve ever participated in, and exactly the renewal I needed. Jonny is an empathetic and supportive leader who sets up a safe environment that feels like a creative playground. The stylist and models were attentive and top notch. I felt free and inspired as Jonny freely offered everything in his studio, including gorgeous backdrops, wardrobe, accessories, and equipment. The best part was the human connection – joining together with extraordinary and gifted people to support each other in the quest for making art.

If you're on the fence about taking a workshop by Jonny Edward I am here to help you off that fence and into Jonny's studio. I took Jonny's Artistic Alchemy Workshop in his Denver, CO studio and was beyond blown away. Jonny is thorough in his instruction and does not hold back anything. He takes his time to make sure each student's questions are answered, and understands the techniques he uses for lighting and creating beautiful artistic and creative portraits just like he does.The way he works with his students and models is captivating and you can tell that not only does Jonny have a passion for his work, he also has a passion for people and you will feel warm, welcomed, and wanted in his studio and workshop no matter who you are. There is also no gatekeeping when it comes to Jonny, ask and he will answer about everything he uses and does in his creative process. What will you learn? How Jonny layers and creates various styles and methods of lighting different portrait looks, a bit of color theory in creating different moods, how he works and directs his subjects, and styling creative sets and subjects, and much more. You'll walk away with a better understanding of how to put everything together to create your own beautiful and artistic portrait creations. I walked away with so much information and a better understanding of creative portraiture and I will definitely be back to do it again and again.

Jonny’s workshop provided the optimal balance of education and opportunity to translate into practice. The workshop covered theory to covetable shooting opportunities to personalized feedback. His teaching style is compatible with the most analytical mind to those that have a more fluid approach. Jonny is a phenomenal mentor; he understands the craft very well and able to explain in simple terms. He is perceptive, providing suggestions and encouragements when we felt stuck. Jonny’s workshop was comprehensive and provided new information not covered in many courses. The creative team involved ensured ample opportunity for gorgeous imagery. We had a wide range of attendees in experience and found the workshop valuable. Afterwards, I had a far better understanding of my strengths, what to work on (with plan), new knowledge and beautiful images. I feel Jonny’s workshop is a well valued investment and I would not hesitate to recommend it to my closest colleagues.

Wanted to thank you for sharing all of your talent, energy and compassion in making this weekend such a great experience.

It was an amazing opportunity for me to be around such talented, special individuals from you through to the other attendees (seems strange to describe them as such when they feel like friends now) and models. The diversity of models, sets, wardrobes, lighting options etc was incredible. You could have made half the effort and it would still have been worth it, but you truly went above and beyond. There was an embarrassment of riches which I know I didn't come close to fully taking advantage of, relative to the other creatives in the room. But there was only support, never pressure, and I'm grateful for that.

The weekend also highlighted what I need to work on to make progress, so that the next time I come to Atelier Alchimia (and I'd love to attend another workshop in the future), I return as a more confident, creative photographer ready to play!

You know that scene in Finding Nemo where the Dad goes looking for his son and ends up stumbling into the furiously fast ocean current along with those awesome surfer turtles? That's what last weekend felt like.

It was an intensely rewarding experience which spurred on someone at the bottom end of the learning curve like me, but was clearly a playground for those at the top end of the learning curve also. Wherever you looked and at whatever level of experience we're talking about, there was vivid creative inspiration on display and within easy reach. The collaborative, supportive and compassionate dynamic that you authored meant that we could all just do 'us', unashamedly and with utmost vulnerability, yet still feel free to create and leave smiling and better for the experience. And in my experience, it's rare that someone so creative can precisely articulate technical concepts in a way that's easily understood, but you absolutely nailed that too.

You have created a workshop experience that truly exceeds any expectations and I congratulate you on that. But your compassion and empathy, and your ability to foster that kind of vibe amongst the others, will be the basis of the outstanding memories. Thank you Jonny, you're awesome and so was the workshop!