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Testimonials

 

 

"There is no one path to enlightenment, no discrete series of steps to be taken to fame and fortune, critical and commercial acclaim. Of the many roads to success, there is but one constant; failure. There are those who purport to be guides, sherpas to the top of the mountain, who enable you to sidestep, circumvent, these failures; they will show you the way – a weekend at the beach, a cursory glance at some photographs, shoulders brushing against industry giants, all for the low, low price of the very upper limit of what your wallet can bear. 

 

Nearest Truth Workshops promises nothing. In fact, it can sometimes feel as though Brad and his team to their damnest to dissuade you from pursuing photobook publishing at all, relentless as they are in removing any sort of romanticized notions you may have of that pursuit. There is no money, there is no fame; you will find no golden ticket. Nearest Truth offers no such elevator to success. Instead, over the duration of the program, Nearest Truth offers you a guided plan which, if you are steadfast enough to follow, empowers you to take the stairs, to walk the long road.

 

The secret is that there is no secret. Nearest Truth Workshops hammers that idea home, and once it has taken root, you are able to look up and around you, and find fellow pilgrims on the path. You are encouraged by their stories, your own perspective on life and work begins to evolve, and you emerge from the year long program prepared for the walk. I cannot recommend this program highly enough. It is no overstatement to say that it changed my life. 

 

See you on the path."

-Jesse Jackson IV

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I am the physical participants for the Nearest Truth yearlong photobook program 2023-2024 and it has benefits me to grow a lot in this professional community. What I learned including knowledge of photobook making and process, photobook industry insiders, mentorships from practise lens-based artists and publishers, honest feedback and suggestions from key individuals active in contemporary photography and photobook world, and much more. The workshop thorough the year has an intense and productive rhythm including monthly online day long artist talks and publisher sharing, monthly mentorship, nearest truth podcast, three physical workshops in Ulm Germany, Istanbul Turkey and Athens Greece. It is a combination of tuition workshop, residency, master program and build a strong community for lens-based artist to share together.

Not only the organizer Brad Feuerhelm are extremely patient, knowledgable and well connected, but the invited mentors and artists are very supportive which motivate me to grow and think in a diverse way. Whether you are looking to learn more about the mechanics of the photobook industry and see how your work might fit, or perhaps just interested in developing knowledge of photography, I wouldn't recommend it more.

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Qiu Yangzi

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Doing Nearest Truth's year-long photobook program expanded my horizons for what the medium could be. It enriched my understanding of what goes into making a book, both technically and conceptually. Through thoughtful and constructive conversations, the one-on-one mentoring sessions also helped me develop my work to its full potential. Much love and gratitude!

 

Xiaofu Wang

 

 

The Nearest Truth Year-Long Photobook Program is not just a master class in contemporary photobook creation; it’s also a thoughtfully curated community of talented photographers eager to push the boundaries of the medium. While many workshops exist, Brad has created something truly unique—offering intimate lectures from leading artists in the field, hands-on mentorship, and a deeply engaged cohort of peers. I highly encourage any photographer looking to expand their creative practice to participate.

 

Jason Hendardy

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You won’t find a more committed mentor than Brad. His inexhaustible interest for photography of all genres allows him to meet you where your own interests are and guide you through the process of creating a book that is true to your personal vision.

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Gui Marcondes

 

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Participating in the Nearest Truth—Year-Long Photobook Program was a crucial step in advancing my work and an invaluable experience. I came to the program with a body of work I thought was mostly finished and was able to pull so much more from it. Regularly speaking with Brad and other mentors clarified what was working, what needed to be cut, and what areas to give more attention to. As a result, I could see my work in a different context, which altered its direction. In addition, the program's exposure to a number of working artists, publishers, and other resources provided a clear understanding of the entire book-making and publishing process. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to commit seriously to their work.

 

Michael Dillow

 

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I have participated in three Nearest Truth workshops. Each one was a precious  opportunity to learn from well known people in the field whose areas of expertise related specifically to my concerns. Brad was instrumental in connecting the instructors to the participants and creating an inclusive and relaxed atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoyed the presentations, exercises and discussions, and came away with valuable ideas and friendships.


Ken Taranto

 

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I've had the good fortune to attend four Nearest Truth Workshops since 2019, as well as the Year-long Photobook Program. I've learned so much from the workshops which have been instrumental in my development as an emerging artist. Brad brings a really special energy to the workshops and the instructors are always top notch. I've always felt the Nearest Truth ethos is based on a good balance between sharp critiques and supportive suggestions and directions - that's not easy to do and much appreciated. Highly recommended, and I'm always looking forward to my next workshop.

 

Derek Brown

©2024 by Nearest Truth Workshops

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