“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the two day “course” I attended last week. You took me to some wonderful places, gave me some really clear helpful guidance in how to improve my photo’s, gave me an opportunity to see hpow some larger format equipment works and last but not least were great company for the two days – Thanks!”
John Alexander – Individual Photographic Tuition
j”I found the mentor sessions incredibly helpful and Len very insightful. Prior to this my photo-taking had been rather haphazard and I had difficulty critiquing my work. I now concentrate when I go out with my camera, visualise what I want in the photograph and more often execute a striking image. I also feel more centred on what I hope to achieve from my photography and on what appeals to me as a photographic subject. This has rekindled the passion that first made me take up photography and led to the freedom of having more than one project on the boil at a time – keeping the momentum and enthusiasm alive for each one.”
Cynthia Coghill – Mentoring Program
“Just a short note to say thank you for such a wonderful week-end of photography. I feel far more confident in changing settings and exploring more – you were patient and generous with your time and I thank you. At present I am still going through my notes trying to absorb all the information. Many thanks and kindest regards,”
Marilyn Norris – Lens Workshop
“Hi Leonard, I have just looked at your sites and your art is truly stunning. You may or may not remember me, I was one of your trainees in Assessment and Workplace Training at Mission Employment which concluded in 2000. It is time I told you how wonderful the course was and that it changed my direction in life. I am now a trainer/assessor in business, retail, frontline management and waste management – thanks to you; and thoroughly enjoying it. I would like to catch up with you sometime. Best wishes for Easter and well done on your sites and business. Regards,”
Christopher Brown -Certificate IV Assessment & Workplace Training
“I spent two full days recently with Len, learning to use a panoramic camera and a view camera. I had never been to a photographic workshop or had any photographic tuition, and I really wasn’t too sure what to expect.
We started by spending a morning at Len’s place, going through the ins and outs of large format and panoramic photography, and then spent the afternoon in the field taking photographs of waterfalls and bush scenes. The next day, it was overcast and raining. I expected that the morning’s field trip would be replaced by a classroom session. In fact, Len was even more keen than ever to get out in the bush and take photographs. “You’ve got your rain gear haven’t you”, he said, “The light’s perfect and the rain just makes the colours glow”. We proceeded to take a series of interesting shots of moving water with the 4×5″, with Len holding an umbrella over the camera and me at the controls. During this time we had extensive discussions on composition, lens selection, focus, depth of field, exposure, camera movements, film selection and many other subjects. Later, we developed the transparencies – critique with loupe and lightbox completing the day’s tuition.
Len impressed me with his extensive knowledge and mastery of various photographic techniques. He communicated well and was flexible enough to accommodate any request. I would have no hesitation in recommending Len to anybody wanting to take their photography to the next level, and with the added bonus of the Blue Mountains as the setting, you couldn’t really ask for more.”
Richard McLean – Designed your own workshop
“I have recently completed a Diploma of Photography course and some of my nature photography has been recognised by Australian Photography magazine and I even received a third placing in an A.P.S. Nature Division national contest (to my complete surprise). I don’t see competitions in any significant light but I hope it does indicate that I am getting something right. However, I still feel there is so much more to know and with all the workshops etc I have attended, I have found your input the most effective and I still refer to things you taught me. Although I have studied still life, portrait, photo journalism, etc, my passion is still with nature and wildlife photography. Looking forward to catching up”
Colin Gabriel – Landscape Workshop
“Thanks for meeting with me yesterday. It inspired me all over again. Many Thanks”
Colin Gabriel – Len’s Portfolio Critique
Leonard critiqued my work and was able to give me some very useful tips and ideas regarding the artistic quality of my images which has lead me to grow as a photographic artist. He was able to describe and demonstrate the subtleties of matting, framing and presenting the final image. His knowledge of art photography is very well rounded and because of his encouragement and expertise I was able to organise my first exhibition at the Breewood Gallery in March 2008.
Mike Dingley – Len’s Portfolio Critique
“As a ‘beginner’, I found the explanation of theory, followed by practical demonstration as excellent way to learn. The lessons from this course have increased my learning, and my abilities in photography.”
Peter J – Student – Landscape Photography Weekend
“I felt like a real photographer, the course enhanced both my creativity and photography skills.”
Colin Gabriel – Student – Landscape Photography Weekend
“The weekend was thoroughly enjoyable and educational. The course combined the best of camping, bushwalking and practical photography. I learnt to improve my skills in taking photos in many situations not just in the bush. What was a great value to me was some personal tutoring of my own camera that has allowed me to obtain better results. Len was very flexible in the subjects and theory we covered and the equipment (digital and film) we could use.”
David – Student – Landscape Photography Workshop
“I attended a full day photographic workshop with Leonard and asked him to concentrate mainly on my use of the camera and also the process of developing my black and white images. Leonard took me to some excellent locations where he observed the processes I followed, and gave some excellent advice regarding metering, composition and camera movements. The opportunity to process those shots later in the day gave me the instant feedback I needed. The locations that Leonard was able to show me, all within minutes of his studio, meant that the day was spent applying knowledge, not just talking about it. If you are looking for a guide to show you some of the unique locations within the Blue Mountains, I recommend Leonard for both his knowledge of the area, and his photographic knowledge. Leonard has also provided ongoing support and is always willing to provide answers to questions you may have. Many thanks for the workshop, and I look forward to the next opportunity to discover more of the locations in the Blue mountains.”
Craig Griffiths, Student – Individual Tuition
“A most informative practical course on photography in the bush. I came away from the course with a new inspiration to pursue creative photography.”
Mike – Student – Landscape Photography Weekend
Thank you so much for your wonderful support in assisting us in making the recently held ISER Behaviour Conference at Batemans Bay a wonderful success this year. Your presence and contribution was greatly appreciated.
Cheryl Hartsorn
Department of Education
Hi Len
This email is to thank you for the professional care and expertise you demonstrated as facilitator at the recent teacher workshops: Professional Conversations for CGVE/Equity staff.
Everyone who participated in these workshops found the information most relevant and useful for their teaching. Furthermore, the workshops allowed us to have the opportunity to effectively reflect on teaching practice. Unfortunately, this process is often cast aside due to time constraints.
Finally, the teachers and youth workers who participated in the workshops have started the new term with fresh ideas, good networking principles and the knowledge that they are “on track” with their teaching programs. Many thanks Len.
Jann Dylon
Head Teacher
Hi Len
Just a note to say how much I enjoyed your facilitation of the Staff Development yesterday. The initiative games you deliver and the follow up of the experience always leave me with some insight into the work we do. I have spent some time since yesterday, actually at 3am when I woke up going wow, about the way the group, (Team) came up with what was written on the whiteboard and how the whole section operates within those thoughts. I know I push the boundaries and sometimes haven’t appreciated the way the whole team looks at our work so incredibly thorough.
I hope other gained as much as I did and again, it is a credit to you as a facilitator that I gain so much every time I experience your sessions.
Thanks,
Ngulla Murrandah
CGVE Coordinator TAFE Blue Mountains
“As a partner, and observer of these Programs (Sequential Experiential Education Courses for Schools) their success was unquestionable. I observed significant development of the skills of all the staff involved and they themselves speak highly of the Programs. As supervisor and manager of the staff body, Leonard practiced what he preached, he always managed to bring out the best in his staff. They were comfortable enough to address their weaknesses with him, practice self and peer appraisal and come forward with initiatives when they had them. From my perspective Leonard was extremely successful at motivating staff – challenging them and giving them ownership of areas of responsibility, whilst always maintaining control over the quality of outcome.”
Matthew Jack, Managing Director, Adventure Education Pty Ltd
“(The course) was one of the most enjoyable and successful I have experienced. The instruction was first-class in all areas and the pastoral care work has resulted in a well-adjusted, happy and cohesive form. The success of the camp was in no small way due to the professionalism and commitment of yourself and the other Adventure Education instructors. The reports submitted by the students reflect a positive experience and a desire by many to continue the activities to which they were introduced. This is a strong testimony to the effectiveness of the instruction they received.”
Martin Pryor, Form Master, SCECGS Redlands
“…Leonard has acted as my mentor while I have been studying a B.Ed. in Adult Education. He has always shown great patience and has helped me through some difficult and confusing areas. Leonard has been inspirational and encouraging in my development of new teaching strategies and different ways of looking at problems.”
Judith Raft, Graduate B.Ed. (adult education) UTS
“Len’s skills as an Adult Educator are exemplary. He maintains a very high standard of work, and has shown this in his design of training courses and the delivery of training itself. Leonard is an extremely innovative and dynamic trainer.”
Sue Fielding, Training and Development Officer, InnerSkill
“Leonard is an excellent trainer and creates a supportive environment… This course has opened a lot more doors for me for employment… I have developed my confidence… Thanks Leonard.”
Mohammed Rabii, Student Certificate IV Training and Assessment
(Leonard is) “enthusiastic, happy, friendly, willing, dedicated, knowledgeable and genuine. He has good vocal control, is aware of timing, has a good style of presentation and lots of practical experience.
Keith Hurst – Student Certificate IV Training & Assessment
“Len was the unanimous choice of the interview panel and over the next year he played an integral part in a DEET funded pilot project which developed an enterprise-based approach to training long term unemployed people. Len’s contribution highlighted his skills as an adult educator, a Program planner and a course coordinator. His ability to work co-operatively with senior managers from DEET and the CES, with the staff and management at Inner Skill and with the client group was outstanding… Again, his ability to work co-operatively with all staff and clients and to adapt to the changing nature of Inner Skill’s provision and funding has ensured that the organisation remains one of the foremost vocational and educational training organisations for disadvantaged people in NSW…. As a current member of Inner Skill’s Management Committee and Board of Directors, I have come to trust implicitly Len’s commitment to his work, his dedication to his own development as a trainer, and his honesty in all his dealings with those he works with… His extensive background in adult education across a wide range of sites and across a wide range of curricula, and his extensive experience in working with many varied client groups and individuals places him in an unique position as an adult educator.”
Peter Holden, Senior Education Officer
Western Sydney Institute of TAFE NSW
“I would like to thank you for all the effort you have put in to ensure the Bachelor of Teaching ran smoothly. Your area of responsibility has always had a high profile, and has been essential the overall success of the project. We appreciate how well you fitted in with the rest of ‘the team’, and how you related to everyone on the ABO and School staff.”
Peter Brown, Kuwait Naval Force Project
“Dear Mr Leonard, I would like to express my deep appreciation to the efforts exerted by you during the last two years to pass your experience and knowledge on to us. Undoubtedly, I have learned a lot since enrolling in the school because it opened different areas of knowledge which helped me understand many issues which related to me as a person and to my field of study… I would like also to express my respect to you as a person for your good manner and excellent conduct in class. You have always abided by civilized manners when dealing with students and spoke with careful politeness.”
Hassan Ali Ahkanani, Kuwait Ministry of Defense, Air Defense
“(Leonard) was one of the best instructor (sic) which I meet in my life. During the course you treated us like adult learners and you give us trust. You was (sic) very professional in teaching and managing the classroom. I personally learned from you many useful skills and how to be a professional teacher (sic.).”
Jalal Jaafar, Major, Kuwait Air Force
“One of the aspects that I appreciated was the thoroughness with which Leonard prepared the course, with a logical structure and varied training styles. The trainer demonstrated a keen awareness of adult learning principles and showed respect and appreciation for the depth of knowledge and experience of the participants. This maintained interest in all the participants and we have been able to form a very lively learning group.”
Rein van de Ruit, Social Worker
“(Leonard’s) artistic talent combined with his teaching expertise… is a formidable combination. I have no doubt that we will hear from Leonard in the years ahead. I have great pleasure in commending this young man to anyone seeking a talent in these fields.”
George Schwarz, Head Photography Department, City Art InsituteNSW Institute of the Arts
“I found Leonard to be a dedicated and innovative trainer, whose novel and refreshing approach has renewed my aspirations for the future, in a positive and lasting way.”
Barbara Percy
“The past sixteen weeks have been a magical mystical tour; challenging my beliefs, introducing new and exciting concepts, valuing my experience, continual encouragement, pushing my boundaries and at all times feeling safe to experiment and experience the new. He (Leonard) even has the ability to make the dull, dry and boring interesting and exciting. Mr Metcalf is an extremely talented educator of vast experience – I have not yet met his equal in some thirty years.”
Christopher Brown – Community Development Worker