Some kind words from past students:

"Mike is a talented photographer and incredibly skilled photo editing and retouching artist. However, in my opinion, his real strength lies in his ability to demonstrate those skills to other professional photographers and inspire them with his passion for photography and editing. His passion for photography is most evident, in my opinion, when he is teaching other photographers in a large group situation.* Mike does a great job teaching in smaller groups in his workshops, but his large group teaching has a certain feel to it that is incredibly special. As a former teacher myself, I can easily recognize this "spark" or innate personality trait in people. Mike has that spark.

When Mike Long shows other professional photographers some of the techniques that are possible, he blows their minds. However, he doesn't do it in a "I can do this only because I'm so fabulous" way. He does it in a "Look what can be done! You can do it too!" way. Then he shows you how to achieve it in small, step by step instructions that anyone can follow- all while engaging his audience with his infectious enthusiasm, great lesson pacing, and simple demonstrations that bring anyone watching right into what he's doing. People leave his large group presentations so excited to try his techniques that they literally can't stop talking about it! I've personally witnessed this on the several occasions that I have seen Mike do large group presentations. The audience literally crowds around him so tight that people are stacked every which way, notepads in hand, while he teaches. He's accessible, too. Photographers feel comfortable enough with him to raise their hands, ask questions, etc. and Mike fields those questions while seamlessly continuing his demonstrations."

"As I mentioned to you at the Inferno I'm such a big fun of your teaching... I am so happy that I had a chance to learn from you on three separate occasions. Twice at your Pin-up workshops and one time at the Inferno retouching seminar. It changed my work completely as the new skills took it to the next level.

Well, how should I say what I feel.... You ROCK!! I love your enthusiastic approach to your work. Your images show how detail oriented you are and how much fun you and your models have while you are shooting the sessions. I've implemented so much what I've learned from you into my work.... Trying not to copy you completely, but develop my own style, which I hope I succeed in eventually... If my husband knew how much money I've spent on all the different Photoshop actions I have, he would divorce me by now....lol... however, it's not the point I want to make. Since I've purchased Pindoras Box, I don't use anything else for my post processing. Both, you and Mama Shan, created such an amazing product!!! I don't think I would be able to live without it now... My boudoir and baby work benefit from it too.... I have to admit that I really had a hard time learning the pen tool, but it is my good friend now... What took me initially about 2 hrs now takes me 10-15 minutes now....

A couple of weeks ago I was asked if the Pin-up images on my website are yours.... I took it as a big complement from such a good and experienced photographer in my area since I'm just starting my photography career.

Well, thank you so much Mike! You're not only a wonderful teacher, but also a very nice man with a great sense of humor. I'm so happy I've met you and learned so much from you...."

"Mike has not only mastered post image processing, but he's aced lighting techniques to flare up the pinup industry and make it his own. It's creative, hot and you can't take your eyes off it.** If you pass on what he has to say, you'll be missing out on the next big thing in this industry."