“…if Cheryl has an opening in her next workshop, here’s a word of advice—grab it!”
“Isn’t it great when you engage in an event and it wildly exceeds your expectations? It doesn’t happen often, but the recent Denver Audubon Raptor Photo Workshop did exactly that. Through the years I’ve been on numerous photo shoots and have taken a variety of workshops with some darn good photographers, but Cheryl’s workshop was special. In a phrase, Cheryl Opperman is a consummate professional. Having said that; what I really valued about the experience was realizing just how much Cheryl cares. She cares that her participants learn, that they understand and that they take home the images they want. It took me about 5 minutes listening to Cheryl to realize how much energy she puts into her workshops. But experience doesn’t end there because in addition to being a “pro’s pro,” Cheryl is warm, easy-going and fun. I’ve been taking pictures for 10 years and can honestly say I learned more doing the Audubon workshop with Cheryl than any other I have taken. So take it from someone who’s been there, if Cheryl has an opening in her next workshop, here’s a word of advice—grab it!”
L.S. Butch Mazzuca
Denver Audubon Raptor Photo Workshop, Talons & Tripods, & Bosque Del Apache Participant
“I have taken several trips with Cheryl to locations including Nebraska, Antarctica and Tanzania, Africa. I learn something new every time I am with her and she inspires me to see differently. Her 2023 Africa trip was the most productive Safari I have ever taken.”
Isaac Ho
Crane Trust Photo Tour, Antarctica, & Tanzania, Africa Participant
“Greg and I highly recommend the Sandhill Crane Photo Tour. Cheryl Opperman’s attention to detail on all aspects of the tour are over and above expectations. She is professional, positive, organized, informative, and a stellar photographer to boot. The Nebraska Crane Trust blinds are excellent – designed and set up to capture the cranes at their very best. Every detail was top-notch. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. The food is plentiful and tasty. Half the participants were repeat clients – that says a lot to the quality of the photo tour. We enjoyed it so much that we plan to return next year. Cheryl Opperman and the Crane Trust – simply the best!”
Greg & Diane R
Crane Trust Photo Tour Participants
“I won the lottery when I signed up for Cheryl’s workshop... My only regret – not taking this workshop sooner!”
“Obviously, it’s natural to be skeptical about signing up for a workshop on the internet. I’ve signed up for workshops before and it can be a little scary committing to the time and money. The Crane Trust was something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I won the lottery when I signed up for Cheryl’s workshop. Cheryl really knew what she was talking about. She knew my pain to get all the settings right in the camera and knew how to fix it. It was educational, reflective and fun. On the last day in the blind our group spent the morning photographing 2 adult eagles and 4 juvenile eagles honing their acrobatic skills. Being so close to nature in the blind was a true bucket list experience. Cheryl you’re amazing! My only regret – not taking this workshop sooner!”
Tamara Ripley
Crane Trust Photo Experience Participant
“I was fortunate enough to meet Cheryl during this fall’s photo shoot “Talons and Tripods” to benefit Nature’s Educators. Not only was Cheryl thoughtful and attentive with attendees, she was able to clearly communicate some simple tricks that increased my “keep” rate, particularly of my birds in flight. What a difference a couple of days made! I learned a ton, increased my confidence of shooting birds in the wild and couldn’t be more pleased with my investment in my photography and the care of these wonderful birds! I will be back next year!”
Cristina V
Talons & Tripods & Crane Trust Tour Participant
“I learned more about photography in 4 days with Cheryl than I have during classes that ran several weeks.”
“I participated in the sandhill crane photo workshop with Cheryl Opperman at the Crane Trust in Nebraska during March. I learned more about photography in 4 days with Cheryl than I have during classes that ran several weeks. After working with her at the Crane Trust, I signed up for her small group experience photographing Greater Prairie Chickens in Kansas. Cheryl is not only kind, compassionate, and an amazing teacher, she is also an ethical photographer who takes great care to protect the wildlife. If you’re looking for a way to experience nature, travel, and hone your photography skills, be sure to take a look at her photography workshops.”
Stephanie Sanders
Crane Trust & Prairie Chicken Workshop Participant
“The Denver Audubon Raptor Photo Workshop with Cheryl was the BEST workshop ever – not only does Cheryl know photography, she knows how to teach photography. For example, I’ve spent years trying to understand ambient light and flash, with no success. Cheryl had in conveyed in one go. She’s patient and behind our cameras a lot – often using any photos she does take as a teaching tool – all to make sure we’re ‘getting it.’ And she makes it all fun – such a wonderful personality and lots of laughter helps everyone relax yet get the point. Wish I would have found her when I started out. This workshop was well worth the money and I can’t wait for the next workshop opportunity with her!!!”
Ramona Boone
Denver Audubon Raptor Photo Workshop Participant
“I had an enlightening experience at the Crane Trust Photo Workshop. Five challenging days seemed to zip by. I was able to reconnect with my camera. With Cheryl and her team’s help, I was able to set up my camera as well as get used to focusing and shooting wildlife.
I had struggled to get the shots that I had wanted, but with this workshop I refocused my energy to get the shots I had only previously dreamed of. Having the right equipment is only the beginning. Learning to use the equipment is the next huge step. It is nice to be a student of photography and feel like I have taken a Giant Leap Forward.”
T. Friedman
Crane Trust Photo Workshop Participant
“Cheryl is a wonderful professional photographer, great teacher, passionate nature lover, and an even better person.“
“WOW, what an experience! We had a front row seat to an incredible spectacle of nature. Cheryl is a wonderful professional photographer, great teacher, passionate nature lover, and an even better person. She went above and beyond to make sure each participant learned as much about photography as we could, get the images we hoped for, and had fun doing it. …I strongly suggest taking one of Cheryl’s workshops – you won’t be disappointed.”
Brent Wright
Crane Trust Photo Workshop, Prairie Chicken Workshop, and Mexico’s Magical Monarchs Participant
“I recently attended a workshop run by Cheryl Opperman of Opperman Photographics, Inc and in conjunction with Denver Audubon. The 4 day workshop presented wonderful opportunities to photograph a variety of raptors. The birds, all captives that cannot be released back into the wild due to imprinting or injury, were presented in very natural settings. Cheryl is also a fine teacher and there were daily classroom sessions where not only fundamental concepts were reviewed, but also thoughtful explanations of ‘this is how or why I do it this way’ were presented. Incidentally, Cheryl is iOS/Canon and I am WinTel/Nikon and there was not an instance where we had difficulty communicating across platforms. Finally, the workshop had only 6 participants which meant that you were not hampered by lines or people walking in front of your lens.
In my experience, most well run workshops will present moderate to good photo opportunities; however, classroom instruction is pretty much hit or miss – mostly the latter. Cheryl has mastered both the photo-op and teaching aspects – which when combined with the small class size makes for an excellent experience. The answer to ‘Would I go back?’ and ‘Would I recommend Cheryl and Opperman Photographics, Inc to a friend?’ is a decided ‘yes’ on both counts.”
George Secor
Denver Audubon Raptor Photo Workshop Participant
“I have been a member of the Spokane Camera Club for 26 years. We have a professional photographer come twice a month to judge and critique our prints and digital images. So, over the years, I have listened to hundreds of judges. Cheryl Opperman judged for our club this past year and what a treat! She was by far the most experienced and qualified judge we have ever had.
Cheryl gave thoughtful comments about each image; however, her insight on how to improve the image, (which is how our members learn) was incredible! She has an eye for detail, but best of all, she is a good teacher and can communicate her knowledge in such a way that it is easily understandable.
Our club members have not stopped talking about her. Best of all, Cheryl has a delightful personality and is very fun to be around.”
Donna Larson
Spokane Camera Club Member
“Cheryl has a wonderful ability to get to the heart of what makes a good photo…”
“Cheryl was both a speaker and a judge at the Flatirons Photo Club in Boulder. Her photo talk not only contained lots of practical information, but also engaged the audience to ask questions. We learned a lot. Cheryl has a wonderful ability to get to the heart of what makes a good photo, while offering some very practical ways to help aspiring image-makers”
John Kieffer
Flatirons Photo Club President
“Cheryl Opperman is amazing and can teach you many techniques of photography in a short period of time.”
Carlos Motta
Crane Trust & Antarctica Workshop Participant
“I participated in a photo workshop/charity fundraiser led by Cheryl Opperman of Opperman Photographics, Inc photographing raptors provided by the non-profit organization Nature’s Educators. The workshop consisted of a full day of photographing the raptors in different light and conditions including portrait and in flight set-ups. The workshop was well organized and Cheryl’s expert instruction, tips, and critiques were spot on. Cheryl easily switched from group instruction to individual instruction including a wide range of photographer experience. The weather conditions deteriorated throughout the day, but Cheryl worked with Nature’s Educators to adjust the workshop in order to provide a valuable experience. I would highly recommend Cheryl’s workshops to other photographers of varying experience.”
Peter Holm
Nature’s Educators Workshop Participant
“I participated in a webinar that Cheryl hosted, where she provided advice to photographers who were planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. She did a terrific job of outlining what to expect there, what equipment to bring (and why), her favorite places to photograph, and much more. I took three pages of notes, and learned more from that webinar than all of my previous research. She even answered some follow-up questions I asked weeks later. Cheryl is an experienced pro who knows her stuff, and she’s happy to share that knowledge with others.”
Ken Dunwoody
NANPA Member
“Cheryl is by far the best instructor I have experienced.“
“I have participated in numerous photo workshops worldwide and academic settings. Cheryl is by far the best instructor I have experienced. She is clear and concise both in the formal presentations and in the feedback provided. Rather than use a canned presentation, Cheryl took the time to tailor the presentation to photographing cranes. This tailoring was thoughtful and helped everyone capture better photographs. Cheryl’s willingness to share her expertise is a gift.”
Sharon Fisher
Crane Trust Workshop, RMNP Workshop, and Digital Imaging Workshop Participant
“Cheryl’s ‘On a Wing’ photograph impressed me so much when I first saw it in a calendar that I imagined it hanging over my home office desk for years before I made it happen in reality. It looks as good as my imagination told me it would!“
Loree Cook-Daniels
“Cheryl was fantastic. I would go with her on another field trip in a heartbeat. She was easy to understand, had incredible technical skills, and she provided great insight and advice.”
Susan K.
NANPA Regional Event Participant
“Cheryl’s teaching ability is excellent. We both learned a lot. She is very open and wants to share her knowledge.”
Bob Schlatter
NANPA Regional Event Participant
“I recently attended a local evening workshop by Cheryl and can’t wait to sign up for her next one! I’m a semi-beginner photographer on a budget and was attracted to this workshop because of Cheryl’s beautiful website photos and the reasonable fee for four hours with Cheryl. I thought it was most helpful to have classroom time before going outside to photograph the birds. The classroom time prepared me to take better photos that evening! Not only does Cheryl have expansive knowledge in her field but she has the gift of “teaching.” Cheryl connected well with the participants and went to great lengths to answer any and all questions. After our time in the field, Cheryl showed editing options which was a bonus for the evening. At the conclusion of class she extended the offer to answer further question if we would simply email her. I took her up on the offer and had a detailed response from her in less that 24 hours. Thank you Cheryl for a very productive evening“
Peggy Schafer
Colorado Urban Wildlife Photo Club Member
“Ms. Opperman’s gorgeous cover photos filled the bill perfectly in every way.“
“As editor of the American Humane Association, I had to find compelling photos for our quarterly magazine meant to motivate donors to support us, as well as serve as a perk for their previous support. Ms. Opperman’s gorgeous cover photos filled the bill perfectly in every way. Donors loved the unique and rich photos she provided for us.
Ms. Opperman, herself was also a professional. Unusual requests met only with willingness, and her passion for her subject matter and her expertise in photography helped us improve our choices and how we presented photos as well.
After leaving AHA, I continued to stay in touch with Ms. Opperman and use her skills whenever possible. You will always be pleased by her talent and her ability to support or enhance your publications, walls, presentations, website or business.”
Jane Ehrhardt
Former Editor – American Humane Association
“Ms. Opperman’s photography speaks for itself. She is undoubtedly a very accomplished photographer, but she can also add “capable instructor” to her list of talents. Having enjoyed a teaching career spanning thirty-three years, I can recognize the ability, and empathy, it requires to be an above-average instructor. At a recent workshop I attended, Ms. Opperman demonstrated her ability to deliver a well-planned presentation in a logical manner. And, more importantly, she was able to put herself on a plane that allowed her to interact effectively with her learners in the workshop.“
Ron Boerner
2009 Nebraska Workshop Participant