Hi Gang,
I’m sure a number of you reading this have a few stories you can tell about photography workshops. Some good, some not so good, some maybe a little embarrassing (Matt Gibson and Bryan Allen, if you’re reading this don’t say a word). A few months back a friend and former workshop participant called me while he was returning from another workshop. He called to tell me that he wanted to take my workshop again and that he appreciated how I did things. He didn’t appreciate the workshop he just attended, primarily because the instructor was not in a good mood. Then I recently took a workshop in which the instructor was incredibly nice, talented and accomplished, but lazy and very wasteful of our time, and there was a bit of a mismatch between how the workshop was pitched and my skill level. Back in October of 2009 I assisted a friend with his workshop and it was clear that all the participants thought it was an amazing experience.
And let’s not put it all on the instructor’s shoulders. Have you done everything in advance of the workshop to make it a great experience? Here are 5 issues that I think are very important in considering your next (first??) workshop (and I’m sure there are more you can share in the comments section):
1) Does the instructor have a good reputation as a teacher? If you haven’t heard it before, hear it now. A very well known and talented photographer does not necessarily translate into a great workshop instructor. Educating, inspiring, and motivating individuals organized into a group is a special talent. A GREAT workshop leader will create multiple opportunities for you to learn, practice and reflect on the process, seeing and drawing out into the open your strengths and weaknesses.
2) Does the instructor spend time shooting for him/herself? Not everyone is bothered as much by this behavior as I am, but it really sends a message about the instructor’s intent and concern for your experience. In a landscape workshop, for example, if I’m shooting for myself then I can’t be giving you any attention, assistance or support. In a portrait workshop, I may need to shoot to illustrate a teaching point. In any event, don’t be afraid to ask the instructors if, as a matter of practice, they will shoot for their own portfolio during the workshop and decide for yourself how you feel about it. You pay a lot for workshops – you deserve a lot in return.
3) Does the instructor’s personal or professional work and vision inspire you? This issue helps you decide if there is something you can learn from the instructor. Its easy to image that the more advanced you are, the fewer people are out there who can actually teach you something new. The instructor’s vision and talented will most likely be reflected and shared throughout the workshop experience. This is far from a deal killer for any particular workshop, but its important to consider on your own workshop journey.
4) Have you considered what you want from a workshop? Here is a laundry list of things you MIGHT want from a workshop: building/improving upon your eye for the subject matter, new field techniques, basic and creative technical skills in post-processing, building your confidence and inspiration with a new subject, networking, exposure to a new subject (ie. the north shore of Lake Superior or Fashion Photography), or maybe you just want a fun vacation. The list could go on and not every workshop and workshop leader is going to provide a one-stop experience for you, but at least you can begin thinking about what you want from your experience and set priorities that fit with a workshop.
5) Are you prepared to receive it? This may be as important a factor as the instructor - and maybe more so. Its critical to do the following things, if possible: get plenty of rest ahead of and during a workshop. The better instructors will push you mentally and physically (within reason I hope) and rest will allow you to absorb the maximum from the experience. Also, have your equipment ready. Is your computer and software ready to handle the raw files your new camera produce’s? Do you know HOW to use your camera or have your owner’s manual close at hand? Do you have the ability to bring backup camera/computer equipment? Have you double checked with the instructor about equipment, computer and software requirements of for the workshop? Things are tight and its tempting to skimp on critical items to save a few bucks. Budget and save for your next workshop so you can be as prepared for the experience as possible.
No doubt we can add to this list. Feel free to do so in the comments section of the post. If you’re looking for a workshop on location portrait photography, then I urge you to consider:
Bryan Allen Photography – a premier educator and amazing photography talent.
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3 Comments
Hi Alec,
Great article! I especially connected with #5… mentally being prepared and open minded for a workshop is so critical. Rest is so important. Arrive as early and depart as late as you can. I can’t explain how many times I’ve rushed to prepare for a workshop only to find myself exhausted before it ever starts. Plan ahead and relax as the workshop approaches. This will definitely help you be open and ready to learn.
Since Alec suggested adding to the list in the comments, a few things I’d think about:
What is the maximum number of participants and the student/instructor ratio? It’s easy for this to get overlooked or not even be advertised. If you’re looking for individual attention, be sure this is as low as possible and hopefully combined with #2 where the instructor is instructing instead of shooting for their own book. In my opinion for field / hands on workshops – anything above 10:1 avoid, under 6:1 is ideal.
Is there a workshop assistant and what is their skill level? Have they worked with this instructor in the past? This one is tricky, but having an assistant likely lowers that advertised student/instructor ratio. Speaking from my own experience from my years as a seasoned workshop assistant – an enthusiastic assistant that knows nothing about photography is likely better than a grouchy assistant that is flushed with photographic knowledge and vision. It’s important for the assistant to work well with the lead instructor. If there is any tension there, everyone is going to notice it and it’ll start souring the experience.
Is my skill level and the workshop appropriate? Most workshops with a low student/instructor ratio and individual field instruction should be able to adapt quickly to a variety of skill sets, but do your best to be sure you’re choosing the correct workshop for your skill level. If you’re attending an advanced class but need to work on foundational concepts, that could slow things down for the entire group. If you have questions, reach out to the instructor before registering and explain what you’re looking to work on and see if the workshop is a good fit. Honestly, many companies are just going to register anyone that has the money regardless of experience. You may have to do your own homework here and make the best decision for you.
Is the company established? Do they obtain proper permits and insurance? This is specifically important in National Parks where commercial use must be authorized. The workshop could be shut down if it’s not properly authorized and insured.
What level of physical fitness is required? A landscape workshop may require you to hike a few miles per day… and many workshops run long hours. Walking 2 miles for sunrise, morning lecture, afternoon lecture, hiking 2 miles for sunset, dinner with the group… you’ll quickly find yourself into 18 hour days with sleep deprivation. Have a good understanding of the “average day”.
Can I afford this? This may sound silly, but it really ties back into Alec’s thoughts about budgeting and saving. I have seen so many students stretch themselves financially to acquire new gear and attend a workshop. This leads to a large amount of stress heading into the workshop. You want to see a return on your investment… and the more you’ve invested, the greater the expectations may be. If you’ve financially taken a big risk on a workshop, that adds stress and it will be much easier for the little things that go wrong to start becoming bigger things that really bother you. Soon, you could find yourself closing off, not participating, and not enjoying yourself. The equipment you have is likely fine. Check with the instructor to see if a purchase is absolutely necessary. As Alec suggested, budget and save for your workshop experiences so the financial stress isn’t a factor. It’s another way to be as completely open and ready to learn as possible.
Hope this helps!
Matt
Really excellent post Alec. You and Matt have pretty much covered the bases from my perspective and really done your readers a service here. I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard this year from folks who have disappointing workshop experiences.
I might simply add the suggestion to call or better yet try to meet (if practical) the workshop instructor ahead of time. Then listen to your instincts. Of course, we can all be sold a bill of goods but most of the time your instincts will save you if you listen. If he/she doesn’t have time for you, then that’s an obvious no-brainer but there will be more subtle clues as well.
Of course nothing is better than a referral from a trusted and like-minded friend or peer who has personally attended the workshop.
THANK YOU so much for the plug for my workshops Alec. I’m extremely grateful and honored that you would do that!
If anyone is interested in my workshops, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at bryan@bryanallenphoto.com or 865.387.1387.
AJ,
Thank you for this post. I wish I would have thought about many of those items before attending photo workshops in the past.
I concur with Matt’s comments on student/teacher ratio and especially about the enthusiasm of the assistant (and the instructor for that matter). For me, an attitude of excitement and focus on the creative possiblities can make your workshop. It certainly did for me.
Understand the schedule and the expectation of time committement on a daily basis. Come prepared and rested. If you are thinking to combine a photo workshop with a “mini vacation”, know how much free time you will have, if any. In my experience, it is better to focus on the photography and if there is free time it is a bonus. Learn everything you can while you are there and immerse yourself in it.
Come prepared with the right equipment and gear. This includes the proper clothing, shoes, etc for the climate. How disappointing to be at a sunrise shoot after an unseasonable snow in the desert and not have warm enough gear to enjoy the view?
I agree with Bryan about referrals from someone who has attended a workshop by this instructor. It certainly worked for me.
All of that said, I am looking to take another workshop this year. Would love to hear recommendations (I am looking at Bryan’s now).
Kimberely