What is the real purpose of choosing a photography workshop? Before we delve into how to choose, let’s talk about the purpose.
Your purpose.
We all have cameras to capture moments. Whether it’s nature, people, action, adventure or landscapes. We didn’t buy our cameras for technical reasons. Instead, we use our cameras because we’re inspired.
Our eyes see a story that’s waiting to be shared. By you.
When we’re so focused on the technical, it distracts from the creative. Technical skills are important to know and use. The pure objective of a workshop though is not to be a technical photographer.
Instead, the objective is to elevate your ability to convey what you saw, what you felt in your work.
Choosing a Photography Workshop
If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about choosing a photography workshop. How cool is that! With our changing times, options for individual and group workshops continue expanding. That’s great news!
However, there’s a flip side. With our current state, many travel and group photography workshops are on hold until 2021. And that’s at the earliest. Until location travels resume, our industry finds ways to thrive.
Today, when you scroll through social media, many ads center on workshops. This morning, at least five different photography workshops popped up on social media. And, these are from well-known & respected photographers.
Revamped approaches continue emerging. More new offerings from online classes surface daily. Traditional workshop events with guest speakers turn in to live video calls.
With all of these options, which is right for you?
Choosing a Photography Workshop & Instructor that Works for You
How to select a workshop that’s right for you? Over the course of my photography, I’ve attended a wide array of workshops. These include global and US travel, regional, club-sponsored and one on one coaching.
Additionally, I teach and coach photographers in workshops, group discussions and individual sessions. For additional detail: Sheen Watkins: Photography Instruction
As a long term contributor to Light Stalking. editor of Aperture and Light and prior writer for Loaded Landscapes, helping others improve their photography is a top priority and privilege.
From the experiences above, the following is designed to help you select and maximize your workshop and instructor experience.
First, What Are You Looking For?
Before we review the options, let’s start with what you’re looking for. The first step in finding the right workshop and instructor? Know and prioritize what you want to learn and create in your work.
Yes, that sounds easy. However, there’s so much to learn. And, many available offerings, resources and types to pick from. As a result, choosing a photography workshop that’ll help you the most with where you are becomes cloudy.
Some photographers are looking for technical help. Others are seeking new experiences and honing their creative eye.
Then, there’s post processing. A crucial piece of our work. From organization, image processing, to digital artistry. Post processing is our personal artistic stamp.
What is your purpose in selecting a workshop? What you want to accomplish and your learning style helps build the questions you and your instructor use as guides customizing the time together.
There may be several concepts you want to learn or just a few in one workshop. Or, your learning style dictates shorter learning bursts.
Questions to Consider in Choosing a Photography Workshop
- What is your preferred learning style? One/one and small groups? Or, do you prefer self-paced courses?
- What can you/will you learn on your own (i.e. through quick searches) versus in a workshop?
- Do you want coaching and feedback on your composition, exposure and settings?
- Do you need dedicated instructor time followed by personal practice?
- Are you comfortable with the basics and want to see how others compose images and process in post?
- Is there an area or topic that you want to do a deeper dive. For example: bird photography, star photography or Lightroom file management and organization (never lose a file again!)
- How will this workshop help me elevate my artistry, my work?
If you’re fairly new to photography, your answer may be “I don’t know yet.” That’s a-ok. A good starting point is to choose the one or two areas that are your biggest hurdles today and go from there. If you know what you want to achieve, share your objectives in advance with your instructor. They’ll appreciate the upfront insight and may include other teachings as a result of your feedback.
Suggestion for travel workshops: Before hiring or registering for a travel workshop, it’s a good practice to converse with the instructor. You’re investing time and money into your learning and overall experience. This informational discussion serves as a good guide as to what the workshop is like.
Choosing a Photography Workshop – Which One(s) are Right for You?
Every day we’re behind the lens, we’re learning. When we’re post processing, we’re trying new techniques. The majority of these happen over time and evolve. When we want and need more help, the options are many! Let’s take a look:
You Tube, Free – Topic Specific
You’re in the throes of post processing. And, all of a sudden you need to do something new to make the image work. You need to find out how to use Photoshop’s pen tool, or how to use a graduated filter mask. Or, you’ve lost your file from Lightroom. With a quick search on You Tube, you’ll find an excellent quick tutorial from Julianne Kost at Adobe. Or, other videos emerge that give a 3 – 5 minute instruction. You watch, you learn and move on!
Individual Learning Blogs – Free
We’re all in various stages of our photography. Whether it’s what gear should I buy next, how to get the most out of my current gear or post processing software.
Many free online blogs offer online blogs filled with tips, gear reviews, tips and techniques. Enter your topic in their search and a series of blogs emerges. Here’s a short list:
Light Stalking, PetaPixel, DIY Photography, Fstoppers, Shutterbug
One/one Zoom Calls or Local Instruction – fee
Fast becoming a favorite with many photographers. Our recent events have launched Zoom and other video-based trainings.
The cool factor? You work with your instructor in identifying what you want to learn and create. From basic coaching to in-depth instruction, you’re not just choosing photography workshops. You and the instructor work closely together (video-wise) to teach skills and techniques that you want to learn.
This option is works for image feedback too. Before submitting your images to competition, get real-time feedback from another photographer on how to elevate your image’s impact.
I offer online, interactive, live instruction for individuals and groups. My sessions are specific to the needs of each photographer or group. For more information: Sheen Watkins: Photography Instruction
Online, Streaming Education – fee
MasterClass: Oh, to learn from the best in the business. Today’s learning from the leaders in their field is within reach. Yes, there’s a monthly fee that opens the door to artists of all genres. Learn ideas, techniques and hear from the mindset of Annie Leibovitz , portrait photographer through her MasterClass. Or, if outdoor and adventure photography is calling you, Jimmy Chin’s MasterClass shares how he captures and develops daring and inspiring action images.
Creative Live: Online Creative Classes by Experts, the #1 data streaming education website offers numerous photography trainings. Creative Live provides training where you work and participate at your own pace.
These easy to access courses receive positive reviews. Creative Live’s photography courses include photography gear, tips and techniques, post processing software and others. For a listing of courses: Creative Live Online Photography Classes
Photography Clubs & Groups – fee & free
Many local camera clubs and their members share knowledge at meetings, through member lead events and sponsored trainings. Some of the best image feedback that I immediately put into practice came from the club’s monthly competitions. If there’s an active club in your community, it’s worth checking out.
Local, Regional and Travel Workshops – fee
Last but not least are destination workshops. Today, local workshops (with social distancing measures in place) are quickly gaining momentum. Explore your local or regional area as a ‘touring’ photographer with an instructor or small workshop.
International travel and long distance travel workshops provide safety in numbers, seeing an area with someone who knows shooting locations and timing. Due to current events, most workshops are rescheduled for 2021 at the earliest. If you’re considering signing up with a travel workshop, check out the latest travel insurance and reimbursement policies to protect your investment.
Note: I will be offering workshops in 2021 in the US. Destinations and timing to be announced at a later date.
What do you want to accomplish in your next photography workshop? 4 Action Items for You
- Identify the 2 – 3 areas you want to learn and/or improve.
- Contact a workshop leader for more insight into their approach. You’re welcome to reach out to me at sheensnaturephotography@gmail.com. Plus most workshop instructors enjoy sharing their workshop offerings with you) or;
- Review course listings and reviews if choosing an online/streaming learning (i.e. Creative Live).
- Participate in a local or online workshop if you’re just getting started.
Let your purpose, your goals for your work be your guide.
Are you looking for more photography tips? Our listing of current tips are included in Photography Tips. Need quick insights? Check out our Fast Tips section too.
