Many photographers visit us, some are friendly, some knowledgeable, some talented and some entertaining. It’s rare to find all of these qualities in one. Thanks for a great evening Phil. – Colin Lawrence, Hay-on-Wye Photography Club
Riveting, multi-layered and inspiring Zoom photography talk from Phil last night. – Vivian Russell, author and columnist
Easy to say, but this morning’s Zoom talk by Phil to the Royal Photographic Society was truly inspiring. Jam-packed with practical advice and wonderful images, an amazing couple of hours. Thank you! – David Lane
Another brilliant evening. The mix of practical advice, inspiration and technical information that Phil provided was thoroughly entertaining and compelling. We are lucky to have enjoyed some very high quality presentations and this was up there with the best of them. – Richard Howarth, Nikon Owners Group
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your talk at Caerphilly Camera Club, yesterday. As a retired professional photographer myself, I tend to be ultra-critical of other photographers work but your simple approach, enthusiasm and friendly nature, coupled with a very well constructed presentation, was a pleasure to witness. Thanks for one of the best evenings that I’ve ever attended. – Geoff Field
Just to say…wow! That was the best talk on photography I have ever seen. Literally. Informational and inspiring. Many many thanks. – John Clare, Cheltenham Camera Club
Rarely have I encountered such knowledge of subject, communication skill and relaxed confidence, all wrapped up with a friendly, yet proportionately modest persona. – Richard Watson-Hoy, Bury Photographic Society
Thoroughly enjoyed another evening with Phil Savoie last week. The third year running we’ve booked him and if you haven’t seen Phil yet you must. This latest talk ‘Strictly Telephoto’ was on the use of long lenses. He has that much sought after ability of actually educating you whilst you think you’re only being entertained. Brilliant. – Dave Brassey, Gwent Photographic Society
Thanks so much for your Principles of Photography Zoom. The most complete photo talk I’ve ever attended. No stone left unturned. Can’t wait to start taking better pictures. Absolutely fantastic, thank you – Paul Owen
Fantastic talk Phil. We had to turn people away. You filled the hall and now hold our new attendance record. Will be rebooking soon, many thanks. – Nicholas Wray, Director, Bristol Botanic Gardens, Bristol University
I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for a fabulous evening. It’s an absolutely fantastic presentation – brilliant images, the content and tips come thick and fast and there’s something in there for everyone regardless of genre or experience. To cap it off, the delivery is brilliant – infectious enthusiasm and humour throughout. I hung around the Zoom call after you’d left with a dozen or more of our members, and the unanimous verdict was that it was one of the best night’s that we’ve had. – Eddie Middleton
Your talk on Friday evening was inspiring, instructional, captivating and applicable to all abilities. It was well received by everyone and all the subsequent talk was about getting out and putting your ideas and directions into practice. Many thanks. – Irvine Ferguson
Phil talked about Macro Photography and it was brilliant. It’s the first time I have ever been to a talk by a professional photographer, and one who was very approachable and open about his techniques and I must admit I walked away totally inspired. – Blair Jones
Thank you so much for such an absorbing and informative evening. Your passion for your craft shines through. Our members have expressed their delight in your images and the knowledge you imparted. I’m sure we will want to see you again. Thanks again – Tricia Kendrick
Port Talbot CC had Phil Savoie back with a Zoom session tonight to finish where he left off just a few weeks ago. This guy is fabulous with a photographic resume that is second to none. There’s something for everyone and Phil’s great, friendly presentation style along with quality images and advice makes for a very special Zoom event. Thank you again Phil, looking forward to you visiting the club one day. – Paul James
I’ve been going to camera clubs for at least 25yrs…. that was the best evening I’ve been to. So much information delivered in a totally easy to understand way. – Mike Harding
Had Phil Savoie to speak. Excellent! From our novice photographers to our experienced- he had us enthralled. For those clubs who haven’t heard him – book him – and for those that have seen him- many thanks for introducing him to me. – Christine Starnes
Some of the best images I’ve seen at the club since I started ten years ago and his openness and enthusiasm to pass on his considerable knowledge was commendable. – Adam Hart
Thanks to much to Phil for his Zoom camera club talk last night. A masterclass! Not only world-class images, but great insights too into the physics of photography together with some great practical tips. Loved it! – Ed Phillips
I’d like to express that your talk today (Principals of Photography) was one of the most pertinent, relevant, and insightful I’ve ever experienced, not only about photography but also about the privilege of those who dare to look beyond, and how extraordinary our world can be through their eyes. Your passion and effortless ability to shed light on numerous photography issues are remarkable. At the outset, you mentioned that you came to inspire. And indeed you did! Beautifully! Thanks a million for your willingness to share so much with us. It was a complete photography course! – Juilana Cassab, Oxford Photographic Society
Fab evening. Again learned so much about photography, not just about making photos but the science as well. And even the science bits had my full attention.– Julie Morgan, Chair, Abergavenny Camera Club
A fantastic evening – I took so much away from it. It felt like hardly five minutes passed without at least one little gem that you could take away and apply to your photography. And Phil was so passionate about what he did and put it over so well. – Chris Gardner
What sets Phil apart is the depth of his photographic knowledge and his sincere wish to share it. – Peter Morgan
We really enjoyed the talk you gave us on the Private Life of Bees. Your simply amazing photos were literally jaw-dropping, they were so impressive. We learned a lot we hadn’t known, and altogether it was a thoroughly inspiring evening. Thank you so very much. I am copying this to the chairs of the other Wildlife Trusts local groups. Phil was really excellent, and we recommend him! – Alison Willott, Gwent Wildlife Trust
I have been a member of Camera Clubs for the past 40 years, and Phil Savoie’s talk last night was the best and most informative that I have ever seen, absolutely amazing! – Arthur James
His talk held my attention from both the technical side as well as the photos shown. When this was added to his infectious enthusiasm it was a truly memorable evening. – John Farthing
An absolutely fantastic and inspiring presentation by Phil, he clearly is a master of his craft. Please see if you can get him again sometime and save me a place in advance. – Ken Harper, Nikon Owners Group
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Phil Savoie’s webinar on Wednesday evening. It was full of great images and thought provoking facts about what to consider when taking pictures. I thought the balance between his experiences and useful tips and hints was excellent. A very worthwhile session. – Kevin Spencer, Nikon Owners Group
A truly excellent talk last night – ‘Principles of Photography’. Tons of food for thought and some excellent hints & tips both artistic and practical. A brilliant balance between stunning photography & technical information helpful both to the beginner & more experienced ‘tog. I particularly loved the behind the scenes ‘How I Got The Shot’ slides – I love to see how different photographers approach and overcome the more challenging elements of shooting. Thanks again Phil! – Sarah Marshall
I think this was the best presentation I have seen at a camera club. Phil has an outstanding knowledge of Natural History and the technical knowledge to support it. I think what I appreciated the most was his absolute honesty and willingness to share. It was a pleasure to listen to him, I had a lot of takeaways from the evening especially the importance of understanding and using the sweet spot on your lenses. – Malcolm Kingswell
I can honestly say your talk on Monday has received better reviews than practically any guest speaker for years. Everybody – and that includes me – loved it. It is so unusual to have someone with such an in-depth understanding of their craft, the equipment and the techniques and the vision to create beautiful and thoughtful images but then the ability and personality to deliver the whole package in such an entertaining manner. – David Ashfield
Another great presentation from Phil Savoie. Even though we saw moving pictures, much of the technique was applicable to our hobby, particularly his description of getting the right viewpoint. Nowhere does it say that we must hold our cameras when we make an exposure but we must be in control of it. Phil showed us how, along with many other tips and explanations. Thank you, Phil. – Peter Young, President, Welsh Photographic Federation
Phil is not just a professional with a ‘who’s who’ client list, he’s still way ahead of the game. With incredible photographs plus an enthusiastic and generous presentation style, he won hearts and minds like few can do. – David Straker Prog Sec, Abergavenny CC
Phil is passionate about photography, his ‘lecture’ was fascinating, his images were outstanding and the knowledge he willingly and generously passed on was unbelievable. Phil is an extremely enthusiastic and entertaining speaker and I for one hope that it won’t be too long before he can visit us again. – Christine Ryske, Prog Sec, Tyndale Photography Club
Many thanks to the award-winning BBC Cinematographer Phil Savoie for a wonderful presentation last night. The feedback from the members was fantastic! – Theresa Davies, Sec Gwent Photo Society
I just wanted to follow up last night’s presentation for us. Put simply everyone enjoyed your presentation immensely. Not only are your photos superb, but the way in which you set the context and chat about your experiences make for an unmissable evening. We are blessed with some good speakers, but to my mind you are unequivocally the best presenter on the circuit; and I know several of my friends agree with me. Thank you very much and I hope that I will be able to book you for the third year running. – Trevor Waller, Cardiff Camera Club
I just wanted to drop you a line to say what a fantastic talk you gave last night to Cirencester Camera Club. It has to be the best Zoom talk I’ve ever attended. You are a great communicator, and your enthusiastic approach is exactly what I feel with photography, but I’m really only just at the beginning of this incredibly exciting journey! There were so many nuggets of wisdom and information, so many useful tips and pointers, thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge. It is quite refreshing because I do find quite a few speakers present the ‘Muscle flexing talks’…I loved your phrase! Thank you so much again, you are an inspiration! – Jill Bewley
Absolutely brilliant talk tonight at Bath Photography Society, thanks so much! Particularly enjoyed the bee photographs, amazing and inspirational. – Sarah Freeman
You were truly captivating. As a ex RAF Photographic Engineering Officer I covered photography and reconnaissance at a scientific level and it was great to hear someone else speak with passion not just about taking pictures but connecting some of the science to that craft. Having got away from the science, I’m now more passionate about learning to take pictures ie I’m now on the other side of the camera. You are the sort of person I could happily spend much more time listening to. Thank you for a fantastic evening, I hope we hear from you again in the not too distant future. – Brian Sadler
A superb evening with stupendous images and thought provoking commentary! Many thanks. – Chris Turner
Phil thank you very much for this great evening. Beautiful photos, enthusiastic speaker and great tips. Thanks. – Doug King, Bath Photographic Society
Gwent Photographic Society have just been superbly entertained and educated by Phil Savoie with his Marvellous Macro presentation. What an absolutely fantastic evening. Phil was in top form for our zoom viewers and his absolutely stunning Macro images opened up a whole new natural world that we are unable to see with our naked eyes. His amazing range of equipment with adaptations and Heath Robinson accessories showed the lengths he is prepared to go to get that one knockout image. And with his deep photographic and natural history knowledge we all had not only a night to remember but also a real education. I certainly will be using a couple of his tips and tricks. No wonder David Attenborough has used him. – Dave Brassey
Just a quick thank you for the terrific presentation tonight. Some great technical stuff, some very sound advice on taking photographs and most importantly your fabulous photography on a wide range of subjects for us all to enjoy. All wrapped up with some great humour! – David Lewis, Rhondda Camera Club
Phil is a walking Planet Earth. He not only takes beautiful photographs of plants and animals around the world, he is also a very knowledgeable naturalist, explaining intriguing behaviours and even all the Latin names! – Chris Hayward
When Phil Savoie gives a talk you don’t just get a bunch of great photos. You get fascinating, amazing and hilarious stories. You get a deep understanding of his natural subjects. And you learn, endlessly, about photographing nature in all its glory. – Alyn Jones
After Phil’s top-notch talk last year we were wondering what else there was to learn. Well, his ‘Trip to the Tropics’ kept us all riveted to our seats all evening again. Highly recommended to all! – David Straker, Prog Sec, Abergavenny CC
Yesterday, we enjoyed the return of the incomparable Phil Savoie with his ‘Up Your Photography’ talk, which was hugely enjoyed by a full house. His message, make photography fun, was delivered with humour, knowledge & professionalism. We’ve already booked him again! We urge you to get him along to your club or society. We guarantee you won’t stop laughing or thinking. – Gwynfa Camera Club
A big thank you from myself and all present at our club meeting on Monday evening. Your photographs are quite stunning, and your presentation a joy, your engagement with our members during post talk questions was quite enchanting. Normally most of our members head for the door following our speaker, not so on Monday, at least 75% stayed behind to engage with you, brilliant! Phil thanks again. – Andrew Vidler, Chair, Melksham
Phil provided a very entertaining Zoom evening last night. We’ve had a number of professional photographers speak to us, with varying degrees of success, but Phil’s approach was so engaging combined with a total willingness to share his knowledge made a profound difference. All of our members were so spellbound that they had very little time to write questions to him, during his talk. However, once the verbal ones started, he answered them all with amazing knowledge, sensible guidance (matched to the questioner’s ability) with much wit. Who knew that cling-film and wooden clothes pegs were so critical to photography? We’ll be booking you again soon. – Bob Holman, Marlborough Photography Group
Thanks for a superb evening with Bristol Naturalists- gorgeous nature photos, great trivia & contagious enthusiasm. – Alex Morss, Prog Sec, Bristol Naturalists
On behalf of Cheltenham Camera Club I’d like to thank you for a brilliant presentation last night. I’m a presentation coach in my non-photography life, and I tell clients that the aim is to ‘inform, engage and inspire’. You did all three in great fashion. Great images, obviously, but I loved the way you used them as learning points and weaved in your own war stories. The section on the physics of optics was eye opening. On top of that we all loved your enthusiasm! Stay well and safe and I’m sure we’d be delighted to have you back. – John Clare
I just wanted to thank you personally for such a brilliant presentation yesterday evening. It was one of the very best, if not the best, we have had as a club over the past 5 years I have been a member. A measure of how useful your remarks were is the fact I took down 33 points to reflect on – I normally take none, and rarely pass 3! At a time when like so many others my photography has stalled in the Covid mire you gave me some ideas to inspire me and to work on. So many thanks indeed. – David Thomas
What a truly fabulous evening Phil! Thank you so much for sharing your work and techniques with us – some of your tips were inspirational! Your images were exceptional – no wonder David Attenborough wanted yours! It was fascinating to hear about your film work as well and some of the tricks employed in that genre. Everyone enjoyed the evening enormously and one of our members has commented that your enthusiasm is infectious, a sentiment I also share! – Pamela Jones, President, Bath Photographic Society
What a special evening! Last night we were treated to a magical presentation at Barry Camera Club by Phil Savoie. In his introduction, he called himself “an advanced beginner” (who happened to have 40 years experience as a professional photographer), a delightful phrase which captures his curiosity and desire to keep on learning and experimenting with his photography, often following projects and interests over many years in his pursuit of capturing a particular moment in time. The range of his photography was wide – again part of his desire to keep on learning, as new disciplines demanded new and different approaches. This and his love of getting ‘down in the dirt’ to get those commanding eye level animal and insect shots, was underpinned by technical knowledge and attention to detail. All of this was communicated to us with delight and enthusiasm. If you get the chance to see Phil talking, don’t hesitate to go. You will be in for a treat! Thank you Phil! – Roy Carr, Chairman, Barry Camera Club
Over the last fourteen years I have attended many lectures, can I just say yours was by far the easiest to follow and your knowledge and presentation made it a most enjoyable evening. I am sure all our members think the same. Thanks so much. – Graham Davison
Phil’s professionalism shone through a well-structured presentation with plenty of good technical snippets alongside beautiful images. Made me want to be a better photographer! – Carole Longstaff
Phil’s presentation was outstanding. It was so informative and inspiring. It was so refreshing to have someone who is not only a professional photographer but also someone with a vast amount of optical technical expertise and yet who is also plainly aware that photography is not all about being “pin sharp” and conforming to the “standard” rules of composition, etc. A well put together evening and one that throughout I never lost interest. – Geoff Bell
I would like to thank you very much for a wonderful evening last night. It was a most enjoyable and informative. Your delivery was engaging and amusing and I felt we really got to know you and what makes you tick as a photographer. Your knowledge of Natural History was impressive and fascinating and you certainly had some beautiful images. I know from comments I overheard, that people really enjoyed the evening and appreciated your style of photography and the many tips and hints you offered. Thank you once again. – Anna Dagger, Backwell Camera Club
Wow what an evening! If that doesn’t beat all the lectures I’ve seen I do not know what will! Your Up Your Photography Zoom talk had everything you could possibly want to improve your photography and I know that it will certainly do so for me. – Dave Longley, Deal Camera Club
Have to say last evening’s zoom presentation by Phil Savoie was, in my opinion, the most enthralling speaker we have ever had. Definitely will be seeing him again. – Steve Cann, Penwith Photographic Group
Yesterday evening Gwynfa enjoyed a real treat – the visit of Phil Savoie a wildlife expert and filmmaker who has worked at the very top of the industry with the likes of Sir David Attenborough. It was quite a departure for us as in the first half Phil showed us Hotel Heliconia an extraordinary 45 minute film he made for BBC Wildlife. Then in the second half he told us about how it was made and took questions. It was a joy. Phil is quite a raconteur telling us some great stories in his broad New York accent. Some revealed the secrets of the film industry and often had us crying with laughter. Phil does numerous other talks (both still and video based) and they are listed on the WPF Presenters page as he lives in Monmouth these days. I heartily recommend him as a guest speaker. I promise you will not be disappointed. – Leigh Woolford, Secretary, Gwynfa CC
Not enough words to express how good tonight was. Best camera club night I’ve attended. An excellent speaker. – Alan Judd
That was a truly wonderful presentation, many thanks indeed. Entertaining and instructive are not often combined, but you nailed it! Much appreciation from Hay Camera Club. – Peter Seaman, Chairman
Phil gave a superb talk last season on ‘The Principles of Photography’. It was so good we invited him back to kick off our new season with his presentation ‘Strictly Telephoto’ and his standards haven’t dropped. Superb advice, wonderful hints and tips, engaging and infectious presenting style, boundless energy and all backed up with some utterly stunning photographs. Thank you Phil! – Andrew Murley
Phil, thanks again you were brill. I already recommended you to others and have put you at the top of my speakers list after Martin Parr and Bill Bryson !!! – Wyn Sedgwick, Ryton CC
Wowed by my old colleague from the BBC Natural History Unit Phil Savoie and his incredible knowledge, enthusiasm & insanely awesome photography. – Charlotte Martin
Just a quick note to thank you for giving us a wonderfully informative and entertaining evening. It was an ideal start for our new season and feedback has already proven your value on the club circuit. We were all impressed, not just by your knowledge of your subjects but by the vast range of experience and techniques that you ‘threw’ at us. We would be more than happy to have you back at sometime and the sooner the better. We think you were the bee’s knees. Take care and very best wishes for your future endeavours. – Kim Mobbs, Forest of Dean Camera Club
Cwmbran Photo Society were entertained by Phil Savoie last night. Simply put, it was one of the best evenings that I have had in 30 years being a member of CPS. With a good mix of education, stories from his professional film making career, including part of Planet Earth no less, and some stunning photography, it was a night to remember. Utterly brilliant. – Dave Bennett, Cwmbran Photo Society, Welsh Photographic Federation Judge
