There are a lot of photo workshops out there.
A lot. And I’ve certainly been to my fair share… first, as a participant and more recently as a coach, speaker, volunteer, or faculty member. Workshops are a fantastic way to learn new skills, push yourself, find inspiration, find community, network, and seek constructive criticism on your work.
With that said, there are pros and cons to every workshop. Some are all about placing the greats on pedestals, others are more about building up the participants. Some are places to make new work, others are about turning your existing work into a book. Some are solely about learning new skills like lighting, or alternative processes, others are about practicing skills you already have with a skilled instructor. And each has a place, depending on your wants/needs.
Workshops are a bit like bubbles, where you’re insulated and protected in a lot of ways. You’re allowed and even encouraged to fail, try new things, and grow, without fear of losing your job, failing your class, or bombing the assignment. Students who’ve always impressed me the most are the ones who have persevered.
Another thing I love about workshops is that it draws such a cool cross-section of people: from college students and early-career professionals looking to keep growing and making connections to folks a little further along in their career looking to reignite that passion, get out of a rut or remind themselves why they got into it in the first place to hobbyists who want to learn a few new tricks and how to get better. The skill levels may vary greatly, but so do the life experiences and that’s important to draw on. We can all learn from each other.
Last week was my first time at the Mountain Workshops, hosted by Western Kentucky University (this is also my excuse for missing last week’s newsletter: I was super busy in rural Kentucky with spotty internet). This particular workshop is all about photojournalism and pushing the participants to become better storytellers. They literally drew a story out of a hat, went into a small town, and immersed themselves in other people’s lives. And they told some amazing stories.
I’m currently riding that post-workshop high right now because it was amazing to see how much my students challenged themselves and grew as a result of it. They learned to think about storytelling differently, make connections, and consider the folks they’re photographing collaborators in the process rather than subjects.
But I’m also riding that high because this workshop was all about the participants. Every coach was there for them. And it was really refreshing to see.
So here are a few thoughts if you’re going to a photo workshop:
Do your homework — learn what you can about the workshop and the people leading it before you go. I say this because not every workshop is for everyone. Reach out to past workshop students and instructors to see if they think that particular workshop would be a good fit for you. If a workshop involves portfolio reviews, know who you’re sitting down with and what their strengths are (and plan the work you’re showing accordingly).
Google, research, or ask if there are scholarships available if needed.
When you’re there, take notes. You’ll have a lot of information thrown at you in a short amount of time. Write it down so you remember it later.
Take risks. This is your chance to push yourself out of your comfort zone. If you’re just there to do the same ol’ stuff, expect the same ol’ results. I can’t say this enough, but failure is the best teacher. (This reminds me of the time my best friend Josh Ritchie had all 10 of his students at the Eddie Adams Workshop use a 50mm lens that weekend — and nothing else. They may have hated him for it at first. Hearing from them years later, I know that some of them learned a lo9t forced to see differently, work harder, and not use their wide-angle lenses as a crutch.
Use all your resources. That means asking questions and not being afraid to admit when you need help. That’s what instructors are there for. If you’re frustrated or stuck, chances are someone there has been in a similar situation. And sometimes it simply helps to talk it through.
Leave your ego at home. Seriously, just check it at the door.
Your workshop peers are going to be part of your tribe/photo family going forward. They are just as important, if not more so, than the people speaking and presenting work, reviewing your portfolio, and leading the teams. Don’t discount them. Don’t look at them as competition. Get to know them. And exchange info and stay in touch with them afterward.
You don’t always have to go far to find good workshops. See what your local community art centers have to offer. (For my birthday and Xmas I usually ask for experiences rather than stuff, and in the past couple of years I’ve been gifted a two-day large-format photography workshop and a *photo-adjacent* bookbinding workshop. Both were less than 30 minutes from my home. Both were amazing, and I learned some new skills.)
Like with most things in life you get out of it what you put into it.
Don’t be an asshole. It’s a small profession and your reputation will likely precede you so make sure it’s a good one.
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And last, but certainly not least:
Be smart. Stay safe. The power dynamic at some workshops is real. So is the lack of sleep. So is the consumption of alcohol. So is the pressure to impress. All of these things can lead to making poor decisions. But, combined it can be exponentially bad. Please buddy up, watch out for each other, know your limits, and trust your gut. Call out bad behavior. Report bad shit if it happens (or find a faculty member you trust who can anonymously report it for you).
The Mountain workshop this year was a fantastic experience. It was the little fire I needed to jump-start myself.
you continue to excite, delight and amaze me with your insightful & heartfelt musings on life, relationships & photography.
thanks M