WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

  • “I started Michael Kistler’s mentoring program over 3 years ago. I’ve always been drawn visually and into photography but had never taken it “seriously”. I first met Michael Kistler in a street photography workshop and I really enjoyed the open & fun way Michael was conducting those workshops. Michael’s positive energy, passion and dedication to photography is effective and …addictive! With Michael’s mentoring, [he helped me] completely immerse myself and build my confidence I’m still blown away at today how much my photography has evolved and how Michael trained my eyes in seeing differently. And above all, it’s fun, rewarding and we’ve shared some pretty good laughs.”

    — Cecile D.

  • "Hands down the best money I spent on myself while I lived in Hong Kong! I loved my photography sessions with Michael. His one to one tutoring really elevated my photography and gave me much more confidence behind the camera (and when editing the shots afterwards). His enthusiasm for street photography is infectious and getting into the backstreets of the city felt like I got to know Hong Kong a lot better, saw the city life from different angles and got a chance to take pictures that are definitely not your ’typical’ Asian metropolis shots. As well as learning so many new techniques and great photography tips it was really fun exploring areas and seeing sides of Hong Kong that I might never have noticed had I not been doing the sessions. Can’t recommend highly enough :) "

    — Jen R.

  • "I know this might sound crazy but after my first session with Mike, I was already seeing differently. It was like he had opened up my eyes to see things differently as a photographer. After that session, I was more aware of light/shadow, which really helped improve my photography skills especially in Black/White photography. Finding reflections on the streets of HK to make my street photography more unique. To this day, I still use all the techniques from these sessions. I decided to continue working with Mike through a tailored mentoring program while I was going to school for photography in Minneapolis. With Mike's extensive connections around the world, he was able to help me in so many ways like connecting me with other local photographers in my hometown, setting me up with assisting gigs and connecting me with models/agencies for shoots."

    — Susanna W.

  • "Boom! It’s taken 18 months but boom nevertheless. I’m not the photographer I was that’s for sure. Maybe I’ll never be the photographer I hope to be but the foundations that underpin my photography have been transformed, as have my expectations of the street; light, reflection, composition and attitude. My creative parameters have gone through a seismic shift, making me a more intentional and thoughtful street photographer. Inexplicably, I carry my camera differently. Although still a work in progress, I put this down to Michael at Click852, Hong Kong’s smartest street photography outfit. His creative heart-beats in synergy with the street."

    — Giles I.

  • "It has taken me 6 months to write this about my work with Michael. The main reason for that is that he is so good the work hasn’t stopped yet and I hope it doesn’t. I booked a block of classes with Michael after a 20 year break from photography to get me back into it faster, with some direction and some inspiration. His approach to teaching opens up the world of photography around you (rather than framing it in technicalities), so from lesson one, you will start to see subject matter differently. Whether you feel you want to hang out with a great fun and cool guy in some great locations in Hong Kong to take some fun photos, or get the inside track from a brilliant professional to take your photography to the next level, you’ll almost certainly get something a bit different and lot better than you anticipate. Michael is still my teacher and will remain my teacher.”

    — Dan C.

  • "My family and I have worked with Michael for 2 years and I have no hesitation at a recommending him. He is a gifted, passionate and inspiring teacher and mentor as well as being a successful professional photographer in his own right. One of his most remarkable qualities is his ability to work with people of all ages and at all stages of their photography journey. He inspired some of the family to pick up a camera for almost the first time and helped them to enjoy it, and to become confident. This confidence helped in other parts of their lives too. At the other end of the scale, he has helped me to take my photography to new levels including having a number of images exhibited for the first time."

    — Julian C.

  • "I enjoyed the course with Michael immensely. I learned so much about composition in such a short space of time. His delivery was excellent, made all students feel comfortable with their own ability and gave brilliant examples of what kind of photos could be taken at each location. I most definitely feel more inspired and confident with street photography and I look forward to any further workshops.”

    — Hatty L.

  • "I did the 10 lesson course with Michael and it was a great experience. Very enjoyable, discovered new locations in Hong Kong and my photography improved immensely. Delighted with the new photos I now have. Michael is ideal for a visitor to Hong Kong—a great chance to discover the city, improve your technique and take home some great shots."

    — Andy C.

  • "Shooting with Michael was like hanging out with a good old friend that shares the same passion for photography. He inspires you to see things in different ways and like the excellent pedagogue he is, he made me believe I was the one who found the perfect motives out there. I would warmly recommend hooking up with Michael, whatever your level of photography." 

    — Alexander D.

  • "Really enjoyed Michael’s class today--he was very personable and passionate about photography. As a total beginner I felt slightly nervous before the classes as I was worried that I would slow others down or make a fool of myself asking silly questions. Did not need to worry at all. Felt totally comfortable asking anything and he was really patient – taking every question seriously and giving considered answers. Really appreciate the small group size too, felt like we all got some 1:1 time. I feel more confident and inspired so much that I came home and immediately signed up for another of Michael’s classes!”

    — Ruth M.

  • "Michael has an amazing eye - he is a rare talent and very in touch with his surroundings.”

    — Sara M.