A photography workshop provides an immersive opportunity to dedicate an extended time to your photography. But before embarking on the journey, you’ll want to prepare yourself so that you make the most of the experience.
In April 2024, I attended a 4-day workshop on Vancouver Island. If you’re looking to hone your photographic skills, gain new perspectives, or connect with like-minded photographers, these can be transformative adventures. In this series, I’ll share some tips and considerations I learned about participating in workshops. Up first is how to select a workshop and how to get ready to show up.
A quick note: This is primarily from the point of view of a landscape photographer, but many of these elements should be transferable to other genres.
Choosing a Workshop
The first step is finding the right workshop for you. Which photographers inspire you? Which ones challenge your thinking? These could be good candidates to lead your experience if they are within your budget. There are also lesser-known photographers who lead workshops in wonderful locations, and if you’re on a smaller budget, these could be worth considering. Be sure to look through their work before booking, though!
As you narrow down on the workshop you’ll join, think about what you hope to learn from the photographer(s) leading it. Do you hope to adopt some of their techniques, philosophies, or unique perspectives? Or is the value of the workshop in having the logistical aspects handled for you? When I chose a workshop with Adam Gibbs and Alister Benn, I was drawn to their distinct styles. Adam’s ability to capture the intricate beauty of old-growth forests resonated with my love for nature photography, while Alister’s philosophical approach to creative expression challenged me to think differently about my work.
Another important consideration is the workshop’s format. Most workshops balance time in the field with presentations and critiques. Perhaps you like that, or perhaps you’d rather spend more time actively photographing. There are also different approaches to leadership in the field. Some photographers give more active one-on-one instruction, while others provide tips for the location and light and then let you do your own thing. Making sure the structure matches your expectations beforehand gives you added confidence when booking. And if you can’t tell the format from the published material, reach out and ask!
Lastly, choose a location that excites you. For me, taking a workshop that combined Vancouver Island’s mix of ancient forests and rugged seascapes was irresistible. The combination promised a wealth of opportunities to photograph the Pacific Northwest’s essence that I love so much. Selecting a destination that sparks your creativity will help you stay motivated and engaged throughout the workshop.
Preparing Your Gear
Packing your gear might seem like the most straightforward part of workshop preparation, but it’s worth taking the time to get it right. Beyond the essentials—camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards, and so on—think about what you’ll need to match your style of shooting to the specific subjects and environments you’ll encounter. In general, try to bring items that can serve several uses; think hard before packing specialized equipment, since you will have to carry it all! I went with the classic landscape photography kit: wide angle, standard, and telephoto zooms, alongside a tripod. I left my macro lens at home, knowing I’d be happy enough with the magnification on my telephoto for this particular trip.
When you’ve chosen your gear, double-check everything. Make sure you grabbed the right accessories. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally brought the wrong battery charger, only finding out when I was unpacking at the lodge. Fortunately, our small group was dominated by Canon shooters, most of whom had the same battery type. A generous participant lent me her spare charger for the duration of the workshop.
You, of course, also want to bring your laptop or whatever you use to review and edit your photos. This is especially true if your workshop experience will include a critique. And be sure to have a backup strategy in place—whether it’s an external hard drive or cloud storage—to ensure your hard work is safe.
As my own workshop date approached, I began to realize that clothing would be a crucial component of my preparedness. The forecast was for rain every day, so I made sure to have waterproof shells that would withstand long periods outdoors. With the cooler spring temperatures, it was also important to have good layers under those shells. I kept my feet happy with hiking boots for the forests and tall rain boots (wellies) for the seascape shoots. Other environments will need different attire, such as comfortable shoes for walking through an urban environment or heavier outerwear for winter weather.
Preparing Your Mind
Photography workshops are an investment, not just in terms of money, but in terms of time as well. To maximize their value, reflect on what you hope to get out of the experience before embarking on it. Are you looking to master a specific technique or skill? Do you want to explore a new genre or style of shooting? Are you feeling stuck in your development as a photographer? Or maybe you are up against a creative block? Taking the time to identify your goals can help you stay focused and intentional during the workshop.
In light of your intentions, consider the instructors’ strengths and how they align with your aspirations. Think about what questions you have for the leader(s) and where they might be well-suited to help you. For instance, Adam Gibbs is known for his excellent shots of Pacific Northwest forests; I looked to him for mentorship in my woodland photography abilities and capturing the feelings of those beautiful trees. On the other hand, I leaned on Alister Benn to broaden my thought process and approach to making photographs of the incredible locations we visited. Understanding what you’re looking to learn will help you engage more meaningfully with the workshop content and leaders.
Another benefit of workshops is the convenience of having experienced guides plan everything. Rather than having to invest the time to scout locations and understand good weather conditions for them yourself, you’re able to rely on knowledgeable guides who have done that hard work for you. For some people, this is the primary value of a workshop. I saw this firsthand, with several fellow participants happier knowing these logistical details were handled, allowing them to focus on and enjoy their photography. This benefit is equally valuable for those of us also looking to grow our skills, though, and is equally helpful whether the workshop is in a truly exotic location or somewhere a bit more accessible.
Finally, adopt an open and adaptable attitude. Workshops often encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, whether it’s experimenting with new techniques, locations, weather conditions, or embracing constructive feedback. Be ready to embrace whatever is presented to you. By approaching the experience with an open mind alongside your clear goals, you’ll set yourself up for a truly rewarding time.
