comments

Below is a sampling of the thousands of comments I have received since I began photographing Fogo Island landscapes eleven years ago:


“Glen, I must be honest, I had a hard time picking out two of your prints. So many great photos. So instead, I would ask you to choose them for me. That way I will be surprised. I'm interested in seeing what arrives from the artist himself. I have the perfect place to display them. I will take pics of them hanging in our home and send them to you. Thanks again. Give my best to the family.”
Saverio Guerra
(acclaimed Hollywood actor - aka "Bob" on the hit CBS sitcom "BECKER")


“Glen, congratulations on your photographic success. Your pictures are breathtaking. They are truly inspiring. They make me want to be there. I hope Newfoundland Tourism has taken notice of your work. I'm sure they have. If I ever come to the Atlantic Provinces, I will make an effort to visit your beautiful island. Perhaps one of Canada's best kept secrets. You have a very positive attitude about your spinal injury and haven't let this setback slow you down. The projects you are working on (medical facilities in Uganda) sound most worthwhile.
If I may, I would like to share some of our art with you as you have done for us. Please give me your mailing address and I will send some of our recent recordings for you and your family, with the hope that you will enjoy them as much as I have your photos. "Good" luck in all of your endeavours.”
Bruce Good, Larry Good, and Brian Good
(award-winning Canadian country/roots/folk band, "THE GOOD BROTHERS")


"The prints arrived and they are fabulous; you are a very talented photographer!! I will send you photos of the prints after I get them mounted and hung on our walls. Thank you very much! WOW, what else can I say!! Your work is amazing. I look at your photographs every day and they give me a great sense of serenity. Congratulations on your success! I hope Jacqueline's leg makes a full recovery! Thanks again!"
Barry Mathers
(songwriter and lead singer of the CCMA award-winning "THE CRUZEROS")


“I visited your website; your Newfoundland photography is stunning. When you have a moment, perhaps you could tell me a little about your charitable work in Africa. Having spent some time as a volunteer in various West African countries, I would be interested in learning some details about the organizations that you are involved with, and about the nature of your assistance.
I will be at the Woody Point Writers' Festival around Aug 18 - 22 this year, by the way. If you happen to attend the festival, please do come up and say hello. I plan to be there with my wife Miranda and possibly with some of our children, if their summer plans allow them to join us. All the best, and much continued success with your photographic work!”
Lawrence Hill
(acclaimed novelist and journalist)


"Glen, your photography is truly amazing. Your beautiful east coast images inspire me. Congratulations on your success!"
Rita MacNeil
(JUNO/SOCAN/ECMA/CCMA award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter)


“A new landscape photography and philosophy? Your excellent photographs and the informative online discussion about your unique method of straightening fisheye lens captures through synthesis and selected point of view, seems like proposing a new landscape aspect, a new perspective perception, which seems almost natural to the eye, although so comprehensive and full of space. As far as I remember, when old masters of painting created their landscape literacy, there was no possibility of seeing through a lens as wide as this, as they did through their camera obscura. Your photographs are apocalyptic!”
Athens, Greece


"Absolutely beautiful photographs! Your ability to capture and preserve a fleeting scene for others to enjoy at their leisure, rivals the artistic creativity of the great masters. One of my favorites, Ansel Adams, still, to this day, manages to take my breath away. Thank you for your wonderful contribution."
Ocala, Florida


“I recently discovered your website, and it is a thrill to find images created by a master photographer. Your shots demonstrate your high level of technical skill and your gifted eye for composition. My wife, who is Canadian, has been trying to get me to move to your area for years, and your images have certainly piqued my interest. Thank you.”
Tennessee


"First of all, I would like to commend you for your very inspirational Newfoundland images; they're very nice indeed. But most of all, for your vision in helping the poor. God bless you for that. You sure maximize the use of your Sony cameras, and I know, more than the cameras, it's your excellent photographic eye that is the reason for your exceptional images."
Philippines


“Wow… I am so impressed with how you devote your time and money to help others in need. You're a wonderful person. I’m honoured to know someone who has such amazing photographic skills and a big heart. I hope I can learn more from your tips and critiques in some of my works. Thank-you for sharing your incredible photographs.”
Halifax, Nova Scotia


"I wish to compliment you on your brilliant photographic talent. I have never in my years seen such stunning artwork from a mere camera. I have come upon your fine Newfoundland seascapes at various times, on numerous photographic websites, and no matter where I find your work, I am without exception moved by it.
My primary reason for writing is to congratulate you for how enormous of an impact, and important a role you play in putting Fogo Island on the international map. You single-handedly, have done more to promote Fogo Island's tourism trade than all the various public relations announcements, make-work projects, and philanthropists work combined. What until now has been Canada's best kept secret, is evolving into a choice destination. Every capture shows clearly what a unique geography and culture exists in your part of the world, which can only mean seriously boosting the overall local economy in coming years. You are truly to be commended."
Allen R. Walker
Guildford, Surrey, Great Britain


"Your love of your surroundings is evident in your captures. I too believe you have an excellent eye for capturing it's beauty. Wonderful!"
Johannesburg, South Africa


"Absolutely wonderful portraits in your Africa series. Congratulations on the NG publication - one of many feathers in your cap!"
St. John's, Newfoundland


“Beautiful shots Glen. I especially love your Africa Candid Portraits series. It must have been an awesome experience to visit such a place, but still sad to see so many orphaned kids. It’s good to see there are people like yourself and your family in the world helping people like this. Keep up the great work.”
Newfoundland, Canada


“Glen, I am really amazed and charmed with your shots. Beautiful, stunning... I thank you not only for those great shots you are sharing with us, but for the great and humane job you are doing for Africa.”
Yerevan, Armenia


“Glen, your shots prove that one cannot buy his/her way to be good photographer. You maximize the available gear's potential; the result is always better then someone (myself included ) having the latest and greatest but still making "me too" shots. I sincerely admire your talent and efforts pursuing great photography.”
Vancouver, Canada


“Wow. If I were you I would try to sell or donate your photos to the Newfoundland Tourism agency. They certainly make me want to visit Fogo Island. I have been following your photo forum threads for a while and look forward to them.”
Canada


“The combination of you, that lens and your landscape, certainly produces some really stunning results... great teamwork! I've very much enjoyed all your forum posts with this lens over recent weeks. Thanks for sharing”
United Kingdom


“Glen, your shots are great. I really enjoy them. I was recently (fortunately) able to buy some nice new equipment (Nikon D7000 with 18-105 lens) but I understand that it is not the camera that takes the great photos, it's the person. I hope that I can develop my skills as well as you obviously have. Your photos are inspiring.”


“You shoot better photos from your window than most people get with their noses right in the subject matter. Beautiful!”
Columbia, Maryland


“Glen these are magnificent works! Congratulations on having them widely published, too!”
Brisbane Australia


“I can't talk about technical details, as I have not any experience and knowledge for them. But Glen, as always your photographs are fascinating. I love them all. So impressive. As if I can touch them or I can jump into the photographs, they are so real...”
Turkey


“Glen, you do wonders on that little island. Always look forward to your shots without exception.”
United States


“Glen - Thanks for the inspiration!”
United Kingdom, Somerset


“Glen, you are a good example of how indomitable the human spirit can be. You have turned your physical limitations into a form of service to your photographic brethren. Thank you!”
United States


“Excellent, Glen! You are living in a place to die for... light subjects, and of course your sense for composition. All are wonderfully balanced shots”
Netherlands


“Your photos are absolutely wonderful. I'm really impressed.”
United States


"Just one word: Stunning!"
South Staffordshire, UK


"Two words for you.... HOLY SCHMOLY! Awesome shots here. It shouldn't be overlooked that not only is the lens incredible, but like with any photo, the magic comes from the photographer's creative use of the lens... which you have demonstrated here just beautifully!"
Burnaby, British Columbia


“I am thrilled with your 8mm fisheye lens shots, Glen. Sometimes it's not the lens that matters but the photographer. But in this case, both the lens and the photographer did wonders with these compositions. I like the simplicity of the grasping close-up angles leading the eye into the rest of the scene, while others are great wide captures with incredible light and colours that one finds only on your Fogo Island; admirable! Thanks for sharing.”
Instanbul


“Great shots !!”
Toronto, Ont.


“Thanks to your excellent pictures, I've decided to pay the little extra, & buy a new fisheye lens myself this weekend.”
United Kingdom


“Exxxxxxxxxcellent !!! I really like these.....”
United Kingdom


"WOW" just fantastic!”
Sydney, Australia


“Fantastic! Clear sharp images, really nice!”
Pacific NW, United States


“Glen, the "anchor" photo wins by a large margin.. Glad you are enjoying your new Sony… You are a master.”
LaCrosse, Wi


“The Samyang 8mm fisheye is a great lens, it seems. I had an itch too for this one. But perhaps more importantly, the lens is in the hands of somebody who knows how to make it sing. Truly lovely.”
Toronto, Ont.


“Hi dear Glen. First of all it is so nice to hear from you, as always. These are such beautiful photographs... I have missed your photography. You do wonderful composition. Under the clear blue sky, how beautiful the snow, and colours and things. This is not only because of your camera and lens. I love them all.”
Turkey


“Wonderful shots Glen. More, more and more, please! A very fine lens in the hands of a great photographer. BTW, congrats on your a500.”
Yerevan, Armenia


“Thank-you for sharing with us your beautiful place.”
Klang - Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia


“You have a beautiful location to work with. All of your winter shots from Fogo Island are really making me consider taking a trip up there one winter.”
Mountainview, California


“Your photos are so sharp, clear and colourful I am overcome with envy.”
Timmins, Ont.


“Glen, you have the "eye", no doubt about it! Magnificent images; everything is right on.”
Germany


“Magnificent photographs. It's a beautiful place, but if I were there, I might not see it. Glen, your shots bring out the beauty.”
Nanjing, China


"The colour of the water and the sky is amazing, while the clarity is a speciality of Fogo Island's environment. It's refreshing. I can almost breath in the fresh and cool air and feel more alive just by looking at your photographs of your homeland."
Turkey


"When I first came across your photographs, I was completely blown away..Wow..so beautiful! I am a photographer myself, and can really appreciate your artwork."
Joe Batt's Arm, Newfoundland


"These are all really nice, thank-you for sharing. I hope and pray that you can get out more. People everywhere need to see beautiful work like this. I need to try harder when I see work like this!"
New Orleans, Louisiana


"Absolutely some of the finest images I have ever seen, Glen! Newfoundland has always been a place I have wanted to visit. In fact, so much so, I have had Newfoundland dogs for many years, and my latest Newf is from a breeder who grew up in Newfoundland. She spoke of her home fondly. As I look at your images... I can understand why! Beautiful, indeed!"
New York


“Always a pleasure to see Fogo Island through your trusty cameras. All are stunning...very brilliant in colour, clarity and composition, something unique with Fogo Island landscapes...”
Istanbul, Turkey


“WOW!!! Enough said.”
San Jose, CA


“Great photos. I never tire of your Island scenes, a trip out your way is on my long bucket list, so until then keep your wonderful shots coming, and stay mobile.”
Richmond, British Columbia


“As always, it is an absolute pleasure to view your shots...magnificent.”
South Africa


“the light is so wonderful in your part of the world; that combined with your eye for beauty and composition makes it to these excellent shots.”
Netherlands


“It’s impossible to pick a favourite! They are all so wonderful. Nicely done”
Nova Scotia


“Awesome photos of an awesome place. Twillingate area and Gros Morne are my favorite places on the island. If I was asked to choose one I like best, I'd be baffled.”
Nova Scotia


“These are some amazing shots, Glen. Really beautiful. Please continue to share with us your amazing shots. I am sure there are more.”
Singapore


“Wonderful shots of a picturesque area. Thanks for sharing.”
Huntington Beach, CA


“I always wonder how come where someone else lives seems much more picturesque than where I live. I know location is important but not everything. Great colours and composition.”
Toronto


"They arrived! Beautiful! Thank you very much. I am anxious to get them framed and hung. There are no better visions of Fogo. Each photograph is very special to us."
Wilmington, Delaware


"I love the photograph of my Dad's & Grandfather's fishing stage where he spent many, many days and a good part of his life preparing his fishing gear. This is very dear to me. I left the Island when I was 18. My parents still live in Island Harbour. You have truly made my home town look like the ultimate and most peaceful place to live. I see beauty that was difficult to see through life's hardships. Thank-you for sharing your incredible talent with us."


“Holy Mother of God! I LOVE your pictures! What incredibly beautiful photography. I have never in my life seen such work. Please, if you would, I have to have some prints! I'm telling EVERYONE about your website.”
Cumming, GA


"Your photographs are absolutely wonderful. I mean incredible, in that they take me back to my childhood in Island Harbour, and that wonderful time in my life. There are so many beautiful images, but the one of my Dad's fishing premises is so, so beautiful to me. I am returning to the island this summer and would love to visit your gallery. Again, absolutely fantastic work. The best I have ever seen. Thank-you!"


"These photographs are very dear to me. I left the Island when I was 18. My parents still live in Island Harbour, Fogo Island. You have truly made my home town look like the ultimate and most peaceful place to live. I see beauty that was difficult to see through life's hardships. Thank-you for sharing your talent with us."
Toronto, Canada


"We came across your website while Googling info on NL. We are two Australians coming to visit Canada in May 2010 and are most intrigued by NL. Your photographs are absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing."
South-Eastern Australia


"I stumbled upon your web site... or was it fate? My mother was from Fogo Island... Tilting actually. She was born in Sandy Cove, which is uninhabited now, but is a very short walk from Tilting. I was happily shocked when I saw your pictures of Tilting. On my last visit I was 16... am now 54. Your amazing photographs have caused me to add a return to Fogo to my list."


"These are truly lovely captures. Well done! I can almost hear the birds and smell the sea."
Nova Scotia


"Your photo series of this particular region called Fogo Island is amazing. The elements of the scenery, buildings, the moss, the algae and the amount of detail used for setting up the structures are great. It's a very rich environment for photographers. Thanks for sharing."


"Your Tilting panorama (#2184) is a masterpiece. Your attention to detail really shows."
Huntington, New York


“These photos are amazing, not only are they technically great but also emotionally captivating. In almost every photo of your Africa series the eyes grab you and makes it hard to look away.” FANTASTIC!”


“I visited your website. You capture all these unbelievable moments that I can almost feel. The colours and the clarity are amazing, almost as if I can enter into the picture. I'm so impressed. I haven't any idea about Fogo Island, and of course I haven't known you before, but your photography brings all these nice things to my humble world. I admire so much. And you are a wonderful photographer too; my admiration is great. God bless you.”
Istanbul, Turkey


“I really like your way of extracting the best from a scene, and working to allow all the detail you've captured to breathe; in fact, your work is fresh, vibrant and compelling...lovely to see it here.”
Elland, UK


“The colours in your photographs are so warm and pleasing to the eye. I looked at your website and you have so many fantastic photos, plus I read about all of the work you have done in Africa. Kudos to you and your family.”
Ontario, Canada


“I love the photos you take. You really have an eye for composition that I’m a fan of. Awesome, really sharp and detailed, just superb. Please keep them coming!”
New York City


“Very beautiful images of your fantastic landscape! The color of the water always amazes me. I'm usually not a big fan of selective color but I sure like when you do it! Very, very nice.”
Eisenschmitt, Germany


“I was lucky enough to spend 2 weeks in NL this summer and loved it. I wish I could have brought back photos like you capture. They are absolutely incredible. Still, I had a lot of fun capturing memories. Wonderful province! I love to visit your website regularly.”
Timmins, Ontario


“Splendid images, Glen! I'm convinced you could glue the bottom of an old Coke bottle to the front of your camera and get awesome pictures.”
St. John’s, Newfoundland


“Beautiful images. You could go out with a little Brownie film camera and I would go out of my way to find your photos and look. Simply superb work!”
Toronto, Canada


“WOW, WOW and WOW, these photos are incredible...The depth and richness of colour is fantastic...”
Ireland


“Just wanted to tell you that I have visited your art gallery in Fogo. I am truly amazed by your photos. You have such rich colours and beautiful composition of your shots.”
Prince Edward Island


“These are incredibly sharp and richly textured photos. I'm really impressed.”
Winnipeg, Manitoba


"The advice you gave me is worth a fortune. You produce the best images, and considering your poor health, the results are more than inspired, they are outstanding. Please keep them coming, because I for one will never tire of them."
British Columbia, Canada


"Your photos are always so crisp and colourful. You sure have an eye for composition and exposure."
Ontario, Canada


"After looking at your pictures maybe I'll just sell off all of my equipment and go sulk for a while!!
Or move to Newfoundland!!"
Montreal, Canada


"You are quite the artist. I look at your photos; I know they are photos, but they could just as easily be mistaken for paintings. Gorgeous!! Always a pleasure."
Ontario, Canada


“These are wonderful pictures, at one point thought I was looking at National Geographic.”
Paradise, Newfoundland


“These are incredibly sharp and richly textured photos. I'm really impressed.”
Winnipeg, Manitoba


“All your shots are great. Your b/w’s are stunning. The colors in the color shots are really vibrant.”


“These are all excellent!! Very expressive, nicely processed, a glimpse into life we don’t normally get to see. Very nice indeed!!


“Absolutely stunning! You've done yourself and your area very proud! All of these would look great in a Gallery!!!”
Saskatchewan, Canada


“Your photo essay on the Canadian Geographic website is amazing! As you asked, I experienced through your photos. They are inspiring and for anyone not familiar with this part of Canada, they have no idea of what is in store for a visit. Fogo Island is now on our radar as a destination. Your landscapes are wonderful and I hope your photography will always be a source of inspiration. Great work.”
Orangeville, Ontario


“This is an absolutely stunning collection of photos, Glen!! The colours and clarity of the images is remarkable. Thank-you for sharing the beauty of Fogo Island with us.”
Ontario, Canada


“How lucky we are to have such a beautiful country from coast to coast. These photographs make you want to be there and spend as much time as possible to capture this beauty. Thank-you for displaying these and some day I will be there to capture that too. I love the east coast; there is something about it that I cannot explain. Great photo essay on the Canadian Geographic website!”
Vankleek Hill, Ontario


“Wow, this really makes me want to visit Newfoundland.... beautiful images, excellent job! Keep up the terrific work!”
Nova Scotia, Canada


“These are great shots. I thought you were the Sony DSC-H50 expert, but I see you can make any camera perform. Great detail and tones in these and your earlier work.”
Virginia, USA


“You have some really powerful images. Very impressive.”
San Francisco, CA


“I love your landscapes but apparently you have great chops as a portrait artist too. You are doing something very interesting. I enjoy all of these images. I can feel some kind of love in the cameraman's eye.”
China


“Your people shots beat formal studio photography any day of the week.”
Minneapolis, MN


“Really powerful images. I especially like the panoramics.”
Oakville, Ontario


“Absolutely stunning images. I strive to one day be able to master the skills necessary to capture such gorgeous images as these wonderful landscapes and panoramas, of such a remote and pristine region of this fine country. Fantastic work!”
Ontario, Canada


“Great work. It's clear you love the place, and why.”
Edmonton, Alberta


“You said you wanted people to not just view your images but live them and that is exactly what happened to me. These are the kind of images that speak a thousand words about what our country means to us. Congratulations on a stunning series!”
Victoria, British Columbia


“You get more colour out of ice than anyone I know. It is rewarding to see shots from a photographer who so much is in tune with his environment. Thanks for the view.”
New York, USA


“I love the one of the frozen waves. That is one of the coolest images I have ever seen. Gorgeous.”
San Francisco Bay, California


“A Sony camera and you; a wonderful combination it is, Glen. Such environment must be protected as it becomes more rare on this globe. As I have said before, a place like that with such special light is a photographer’s dream. I am sure glad that you share such natural beauty with us mortals.”
Netherlands


“This breathtaking beauty ... forever changing and challenging you to photograph this landscape. You certainly have a wonderful vista to capture, with all its moods. I get a warm fuzzy feeling just looking at the beauty that you are able to see every minute. The colouring is amazing. Enjoy the part of heaven that you have found yourselves fortunate enough to find.”
South Africa


“Gorgeous. A fantastic place for a landscape artist. Your renditions make it so inviting despite the knowledge that it must be brutally cold. Thanks for your sterling shots.”
USA


“Great panoramas, it's fun to see the changes in the weather. You really live in a beautiful area. Keep them coming !!”
Hermosa Beach, California


“I just have to give your pictures the obligatory “WOW!” So many of them end up in the wow category, I thought I would just get that out of the way. Your panoramas are truly beautiful, and have an almost surreal quality to them. Thanks for sharing these.”
Virginia, USA


“I'm always greatly impressed with your shots. You and your Sony cameras work very well together, Glen.”
Florida, USA


“Your shots as usual are fantastic. It is the starkness of your landscapes that fascinate me.”
Richmond, British Columbia


“Just magical light, Glen. And great scenes. Even though I live in Newfoundland, I have no idea why you would be getting that soft pastel light at sunset there. We get some great sunsets on the east coast, too, but not the same hues you get. Whatever the reason, just keep shooting these great images!”
St. John’s, Newfoundland


"I wish I had your light conditions here. Your sunsets are marvelous, and I love each one of them... same goes for the scenery you have there!"
Rijswijk, Netherlands


"Lovely shots... nice warm colours!"
Perth, Australia


"What can I say... when you got it, you got it. And you've definitely got it! You have good subject matter here, but I think you could shoot the phone book and make it appealing!"
Ontario, Canada


"So beautiful and serene. These are photos that invite one to just keep looking at them, as do so many of yours"
Columbus, Ohio


“Really splendid images! Glen, all of them are wonderful. Superb work!”
Eisenschmitt, Germany


“What magic-school did you go to? These are absolutely stunning. The scenery, the light. Magnificent.”
Eindhoven, Netherlands


“These photos are awesome. Look like they were taken right from a magazine. I probably will never be able to produce something like these,
but at least I have something to strive towards. Your photos are amazing.”
New York City


“These are truly beautiful! Great composition and the light is fantastic.”
Germany


“Glen these are gorgeous! I love the light. Well done.”
Illinois, USA


“Simply beautiful images. The light is superb.”
Bangkok, Thailand


“Wonderful shots. Perfect light for great textures and colours. The composition is contributing a great deal to these wonderful rich-contrast pictures.”
Rijswijk, Netherlands


“Great Perspective! You have a great way composing your shots. Love the blue skies!”
St. John's, Newfoundland


“Amazingly beautiful shots. Simply breathtaking.”
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


“Marvelous!!! Glen, these shots are wonderful. The light you have there is a photographer's dream. Keep them coming!!”
Holland


“Jaw on the floor! Incredible images - you're really blessed having that level of beauty so close to home!”
United Kingdom


“Amazing!!!Beautiful shots!!!”
Hamilton, Ontario


“Gorgeous photos - sublime lighting, and great detail and color all around."
Boca Raton, Florida


“Outstanding pictures. It would be nice to visit one day that's for sure.”
Aurora, Colorado


“The composition is really outstanding. Kudos.”
New York


“Very nice photography, very colorful photos! Beautiful place to live.”
USA


“These photos really “pop”, and they have great subject matter.”
Tianjin, China


“Since I've spent a lot of time on the Islands of Maine, I am always drawn to your photos. The crisp light and great color makes me feel right at home. Keep them coming.”
Auburn, Maine


“Lovely, lovely shots. My wife and I honeymooned in Nova Scotia. It is beautiful country up there!”
New Hampshire


“Nice work. Looks like a nice peaceful place. I'd love to visit there some day.”
Lincoln, Nebraska


“Outstanding. What unique colours to someone who lives where I live. Beautiful , awakening colours. You are becoming famous in Spain.”
Andalucía, Spain


“Just Beautiful. To see shots like this makes us privileged”.
Richmond, British Columbia


“Great images!! I'd love to have a front yard like that! I miss the East Coast!”
Montreal, Canada


“Fascinating and unique! I love that they reflect our global diversity! Kudos!”
Montana


“I am starting to become very envious. Gorgeous and even more gorgeous. Beautiful images Glen.”
San Francisco, California


“Glen, magnificent sunset images.”
Johannesburg, South Africa


“They don't get much better than that. Wonderful!!!!!!”
Elyria, Ohio


“Magnificent colors and clarity. Well done. Must be nice to hear those waves right next to the house. Who needs National Geographic when you have so much photographic talent.”
Ontario, Canada


“I live in St.John's, and have never seen such beautiful sunsets here. Wow, I need to visit Fogo Island! Great shots.”
St. John's, Newfoundland





COMMENTS FOR MY "AFRICA CANDID PORTRAITS" SERIES:


"It´s a very strong, sad and impressive full of emotions photo - expressions in their faces talk about the life they have."
Slovakia


"Besides the composition that is so well done, the young boys show a distress and misery in their eyes that is hard to imagine. I think they've been threatened more by life at their young age than someone ever could be from the richer countries in their entire lifetime.
This is the main reason I think we should stay humble and always try to help whenever possible.
If I could, I would give this picture 100 points, but I think it's worth so much more than points or other rewards. WELL DONE!"
Luxembourg


"WOW. Can't put into words the emotional impact of this photograph."


"Deeply touching photo. Done well! Your gallery shows so much emotion. This one will stay imprinted in my mind!"


“Beautiful shot Glen. It must have been an awesome experience to visit such a place but still sad to see so many orphan kids. Its good to see there are people like yourself and your family in the world helping people like this. Keep up the great work.”


“You captured the life, the joys and sorrows very well. I appreciate the work you are doing there.”
Texas, USA


“Glen, this is an EXCELLENT composition and very well processed. Kudos to you for both your obvious photographic talent, but also for your humanitarian efforts as well. We need more of both!”
Tacoma, Washington


“Wonderful work! Their faces are so expressive - and you have captured a very natural pose.”
Vancouver, BC


"I personally am so glad that I had the opportunity to see this photo here! What an eye opener. The look in their eyes just grabs you. It's hard to explain with words, but with the photo, there is really no need to. I simply can't stop looking at it and as a mother, the instinct to protect these two little boys just envelopes me. You wonder what will ever come of them. I commend you for displaying this, it's something we should all see and be made aware of. Congratulations on having this published with Nat Geo!"


“This is a very gripping shot of an emotionally charged scene. Everything about your photo-journalistic style looks terrific. Your lighting, composition and focus are right on the mark. Congratulations for getting this published in a future edition of National Geographic Magazine.”
Indiana, USA


“Wow, this is a gripping shot. I had to force myself to take my eyes away from it. Made my heart skip a beat... Touching.”
North Carolina


“Indeed an image that leaves an "impression", and it's an impressive image. I am glad I saw it. Seeing this makes me aware of the imbalance that exists in the world and it puts things in to scope and ratio in my own life.”
Linz-Vienna, Austria


“This is a great capture, a very moving image with lots of emotion that speaks many, many words. Your exposure and composition is perfect. Congrats on getting it included in N.G.”
Carlsbad, California


“This is an amazing photo. It's really perfect in every way. Congratulations on NG! Wow. But I can see why they would want it. It all goes without saying -- the expressions say it all. And the rest reinforces their message -- torn clothes, etc..... Their intimacy is powerful too. Also, the simplicity and muted colors of the background really makes this photo stand out.”


“Intense photo. Nice job.”
Saratoga Springs, New York


“Your title fits perfectly; so sad. Congrats on your National Geographic spot.”
Ohio, USA


“Fine work, soul searing.”
Newtown, Connecticut


“Well done on a gripping photo, and congratulations on landing a publication in such a prestigious magazine.”
Hamden, CT


“Congratulations Glen. This is a great shot. As far as the two young boys, it is sad that these conditions exist, but photographing it does bring awareness.”
Schiller Park, Illinois


“The technical details are only eclipsed by the subjects themselves. I'll be looking for it in NG, and thanks so much for sharing it with us.”
Georgia, USA


“Congratulations on getting this published.”
Calgary, Alberta


“Congratulations. What a magnificent credit and a great photo.”
Winnipeg, Manitoba




Below is a sampling of the comments that were addressed to me on the Samyang 8mm Fisheye Lens thread that I launched on Feb 25th, 2011 on DPReview.com’s Sony DSLR Forum:


“You are certainly putting that lens to good use! I really like your images.”


“Glen--what beautiful work! You use that lens well.”


“Again your images are a treat. Love what that fish eye is doing. Good work.”


“Hat tip to Glen for showing off this lens! Of course, I went out and bought one. I'm really enjoying using it, and the wide angle reach of this thing is simply amazing.”


“Glen, your shots with the Samyang have certainly convinced me to buy one for my A700. I'd been thinking for some time of buying an UWA lens and it looks like the Samyang is going to be a great purchase for the curvature effect and straightened images it could produce.”


“I thank you for pointing out the proper way to handle horizons--which is to put them in the middle of the frame so they do not curve. The trick (which I see from your fantastic photos) is to get real close to something interesting and then let the lens include the environment in the rest of the frame--very effective."


“Glen, this lens is so worth the money, and shooting full manual is actually fun”


“I have a long way to go to get some shots even close to those shown by Glen!”


“I've been pretty quiet around here until Glen got me all excited about this lens.”


“Just wanted to say my own thanks to you Glen, as it was your post that nudged me into buying this lens, which I'm very happy with.”


“Hats off to you Glen. Your shots certainly make me think about this lens also.”


“Hats off (and much respect) to Glen, BTW, as it was he who inspired me to buy this lens in the first place”


“Exxxxxxxxxcellent !!!, I really like these.....might get me one”


"WOW" just fantastic, will need to get myself one, thanks for the images.”


“Thanks to your excellent pictures, I've decided to pay the little extra, & buy a new one myself this weekend.”


“great shots !!”


“At £200 (new) from a UK based eBay seller, this lens is very tempting. I love my Sigma 10-20mm, but that extra 2mm is difficult to resist... too difficult, in fact, as I've just bought it!”


“clear sharp images, really nice!”


“Glen, The "anchor" photo wins by a large margin..Glad you are enjoying your new Sony..
You are a PP master.”


“Mine is ordered!”


“Just ordered mine too, I already have a Tamron 10-24 but had always also wanted a fisheye for those times where the distorted look is welcome.”


“Glen, whoever thought badly about Korean quality might be converted after seeing your nice pictures.”


“Thank you very much for the beautiful images and the opinions on the lens. You are really tempting me, I saw the Samyang on Ebay for less than 250 Euro.”


“Glen must be on a sales commission from Samyang. If he's not, they should surely hire him. Judging by the number of "now purchased" & "intending to purchase" comments in this thread, Glen is becoming a rich man!”


“wow....good lens and shots.”


“Glen, this entire conversation has been extremely informative. Thank you!”


“I'm sold. I ordered one too.”


“Thank you for the overview on how to adjust the focus ring. Most helpful.”


“I can't wait to start playing with this lens. Glen, thanks so much for starting this thread. I would never have considered this lens without having come across it. By the way, your web site has some stunning images. I hope everyone takes a look!”


“You and that lens are doing a magnificent job! Of course, knowing you I wouldn't expect anything else."


“Oops, I almost forgot to mention that your photos are great. Everyone in this thread is concentrating on the lens, but the class really comes from the photographer.”


“I suspect that due to this massive surge in Samyang sales, we may now find ourselves with a world-wide glass shortage. Who is to blame? Well, since Glen started this thread & kept tempting us with all those nice photos, he certainly seems like the most obvious culprit!”


“These pictures are great. The way Glen was able to control or roll-back the fisheye effect when desired, added to the width, seems like this is a great alternative. This type of thread is exactly why I wade through these forums most days, it has been enjoyable, helpful, and inspiring.”


“Glen, it's posts like yours that make a great forum! Not only did you point out a great lens at a great price, but you posted photos that show you have a great eye. Really, the thanks are all yours!”


“Wonderful images, Glen. I'm a big fan of SWA photography - especially landscapes - and these are just great. Your images have inspired me to take my Sigma out for a walk more. I always have it with me, but don't use it as much as I should. Thanks for the nudge and the great images.”


“Superb series Glen, thanks for sharing. That lens really produces some crisp images.”
Ohio


“Wonderful images. You have shots some wonderful examples of how a fish eye lens can really capture a landscape. Love the colours and sharpness.”
Berowra, NSW, Australia


“Great images well worth seeing. I wouldn't have thought you could use a fish-eye lens for landscapes, I sometimes think my Sigma 10-20 too wide, then you come along with an 8mm lens to prove me wrong!”
Northern Ireland


“Getting all you have out of a lens like this is, is a tour de force...I bet you were crawling around the floor for these. Jolly good seeing your work again...I hope your back is well: these would testify that it is!”
Stonehouse, Glos


“These are fantastic. All are spectacular. It's a long way from the skateboard pics I usually see from fisheye lenses.”
Toronto, Canada


“I really like the wideness you can capture with your fisheye. I'm yet to add a fisheye to my kit bag, but the more shots I see here the more I want one!
Congleton UK


“Wow! You do a really nice job of working with the distortion of the fisheye!”
Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NFLD


“These are great. Now I'm inspired to use my fisheye more for landscapes!”
Seekonk, MA


“For sure these are beautiful examples. Yep, I understand your passion for this optic. Beautiful and thanks for sharing.”
United States


“The fisheye is so much fun. Your photos are an inspiration Glen!”
United States


“I agree the lens is great for landscape, as you have so elegantly demonstrated. I particularly like your images with a close object in sharp focus and the rest of the background also in sharp focus.”
United States


“I have it all to learn yet with this lens - Glen has been an inspiration!”
Somerset , United Kingdom


“I am grateful to you Glen, for highlighting this lens.”
Southampton , United Kingdom


“A big vote of thanks to Glen for his gallery, and for launching this thread!”
Italy


“You are certainly putting that lens to good use! I really like your images.”


“Glen--what beautiful work! You use that lens well.”


“Again your images are a treat. Love what that fish eye is doing. Good work.”


“Hat tip to Glen for showing off this lens! Of course, I went out and bought one. I'm really enjoying using it, and the wide angle reach of this thing is simply amazing.”


“Glen, your shots with the Samyang have certainly convinced me to buy one for my A700. I'd been thinking for some time of buying an UWA lens and it looks like the Samyang is going to be a great purchase for the curvature effect and straightened images it could produce.”


“I thank you for pointing out the proper way to handle horizons--which is to put them in the middle of the frame so they do not curve. The trick (which I see from your fantastic photos) is to get real close to something interesting and then let the lens include the environment in the rest of the frame--very effective."


“Glen, this lens is so worth the money, and shooting full manual is actually fun”


“I have a long way to go to get some shots even close to those shown by Glen!”


“I've been pretty quiet around here until Glen got me all excited about this lens.”


“Just wanted to say my own thanks to you Glen, as it was your post that nudged me into buying this lens, which I'm very happy with.”


“Hats off to you Glen. Your shots certainly make me think about this lens also.”


“Hats off (and much respect) to Glen, BTW, as it was he who inspired me to buy this lens in the first place”


“Exxxxxxxxxcellent !!!, I really like these.....might get me one”


"WOW" just fantastic, will need to get myself one, thanks for the images.”


“Thanks to your excellent pictures, I've decided to pay the little extra, & buy a new one myself this weekend.”


“great shots !!”


“At £200 (new) from a UK based eBay seller, this lens is very tempting. I love my Sigma 10-20mm, but that extra 2mm is difficult to resist... too difficult, in fact, as I've just bought it!”


“clear sharp images, really nice!”


“Glen, The "anchor" photo wins by a large margin..Glad you are enjoying your new Sony..
You are a PP master.”


“Mine is ordered!”


“Just ordered mine too, I already have a Tamron 10-24 but had always also wanted a fisheye for those times where the distorted look is welcome.”


“Glen, whoever thought badly about Korean quality might be converted after seeing your nice pictures.”


“Thank you very much for the beautiful images and the opinions on the lens. You are really tempting me, I saw the Samyang on Ebay for less than 250 Euro.”


“Glen must be on a sales commission from Samyang. If he's not, they should surely hire him. Judging by the number of "now purchased" & "intending to purchase" comments in this thread, Glen is becoming a rich man!”


“wow....good lens and shots.”


“Glen, this entire conversation has been extremely informative. Thank you!”


“I'm sold. I ordered one too.”


“Thank you for the overview on how to adjust the focus ring. Most helpful.”


“I can't wait to start playing with this lens. Glen, thanks so much for starting this thread. I would never have considered this lens without having come across it. By the way, your web site has some stunning images. I hope everyone takes a look!”


“You and that lens are doing a magnificent job! Of course, knowing you I wouldn't expect anything else."


“Oops, I almost forgot to mention that your photos are great. Everyone in this thread is concentrating on the lens, but the class really comes from the photographer.”


“I suspect that due to this massive surge in Samyang sales, we may now find ourselves with a world-wide glass shortage. Who is to blame? Well, since Glen started this thread & kept tempting us with all those nice photos, he certainly seems like the most obvious culprit!”


“These pictures are great. The way Glen was able to control or roll-back the fisheye effect when desired, added to the width, seems like this is a great alternative. This type of thread is exactly why I wade through these forums most days, it has been enjoyable, helpful, and inspiring.”


“Glen, it's posts like yours that make a great forum! Not only did you point out a great lens at a great price, but you posted photos that show you have a great eye. Really, the thanks are all yours!”


“Wonderful images, Glen. I'm a big fan of SWA photography - especially landscapes - and these are just great. Your images have inspired me to take my Sigma out for a walk more. I always have it with me, but don't use it as much as I should. Thanks for the nudge and the great images.”