Why did you decide to take private photography lessons from a photographer you didn’t personally know?

My employer offered me a generous budget, which allowed me to dedicate time to one of my greatest passions — photography. I wanted to learn from and travel with a professional photographer whose work inspired me and with whom I felt there could be a good connection. After some research, I came across Esther Quelle, and she immediately stood out.

What were your goals for this learning journey, both technically and creatively?

In my professional life, I had worked for many years as a director, often on set with camera crews. That experience had already sparked my fascination with images and framing. I wanted to photograph people and create beautiful visual stories. However, I realized how technically complex photography can be. To create compelling images, you need to truly understand the technical possibilities of your camera. I wanted Esther to guide me through that process.

Where did you go, and how long was your travel?

After an introductory meeting, we went a few months later, for two weeks to South Africa. Our first destination was “The Mamas”,  a children’s fund that supports the country’s poorest children and used to be the “Nelson Mandela Children Fund.” We visited several of their projects and created intimate, heartfelt portraits of the children living there.
From there, we continued to Kruger National Park, where, under the guidance of experienced rangers, we photographed the incredible wildlife. Some safaris were quite adventurous, even a little risky, but the results were extraordinary.

How did Esther guide you during the trip, and what did your days look like?

Before our journey, Esther gave me a small workbook filled with the essential principles of photography. It served as both a guide and a reference, something I often revisited in the evenings at the hotel as well as we discussed the photos taken that day, and any questions I had.
On location, Esther photographed alongside me, and she constantly shared camera settings. She would tell me, for instance, which aperture, shutterspeed, iso value or lens would best suit the scene I wanted to capture. This approach worked perfectly, it was hands-on, direct, and deeply effective.

Were you satisfied with Esther’s guidance?

Absolutely. Working with Esther was a pleasure,  not only because of her warm personality and clear communication, but also because of her profound professional expertise.

What were the main benefits of having private lessons while traveling?

From the start, I knew I wanted private lessons. My goal was to learn as much as possible in a relatively short period, to truly experience professional photography in practice, out in the field. Traveling with Esther made that possible.

Did you achieve the goals you set beforehand?

I achieved every goal I had set for myself, and more. After our trip, I got my Professional Photographer Diploma. Esther had no full course and education platform at that time, like she has now.

What did you learn during this journey, and how did your photography improve?

Esther taught me to really learn how different camera settings affect the image and how to combine that knowledge with lens choice. It was a journey of discovery, both technically and creatively. In just two weeks, I learned an enormous amount  of skills and gained much more confidence behind the camera. After returning home, I started working as a photographer and have since done numerous photo shoots.

Is Esther a good teacher?

Esther is an excellent teacher. She masters her craft and has a rare ability to explain things clearly and concisely. Her feedback on location was always practical and easy to apply, and it showed immediately in my results.

How was she as a travel companion?

After returning from a shoot, we’d often sit together to review the day’s images while Esther gave her professional feedback. Our connection went beyond teacher and student,  we also enjoyed sharing meals and conversations. She’s wonderful company on and off the field.

How do you look back on the trip?

or wants to explore it more deeply. It was an incredible experience, both educational and unforgettable.

If you had the budget to spend, would you do it again?

Without hesitation. Even with the experience I have now, I’m still eager to learn, and if I had the opportunity, I’d absolutely take another journey with Esther.

Would you recommend Esther as a photography teacher to others?

Without a doubt. As my answers already shows, I recommend Esther wholeheartedly, for her professionalism, her warm personality, and her unique, inspiring teaching style.