Attending a photography workshop is about more than simply showing up with your camera. It’s up to you to maximize the experience and ensure it’s valuable for you.
In the last article of this series, we explored how to prepare for a workshop. Here, we’ll look at what it’s like to be on one.
As the workshop approaches, you might find yourself navigating a spectrum of emotions—excitement, nervousness, anxiety, or even fear. Your personality will also play a role; for instance, if you’re introverted or shy, you might feel a bit more apprehensive. Any of these feelings are completely valid and natural, of course. Acknowledge these emotions, but don’t allow them to dictate your experience leading up to the workshop. Remember, you’ve prepared for this, and it promises to be an adventure you’ll cherish.
What to Expect: The Day-to-Day
Photography workshops often begin with a welcome event and conclude with a wrap-up or critique session. These moments bookend your time as a group, and provide dedicated opportunities to connect with your fellow participants. On my workshop with Adam Gibbs and Alister Benn, we gathered late on Monday afternoon to hang out and get to know one another. When Friday morning rolled around, our final time together was spent sharing our photos in a critique—but more on that in a moment.
The most consistent aspect of any workshop is, obviously, the daily shooting. You’ll often have multiple sessions each day, focusing on prime photography times like sunrise and sunset. Some days or locations will break that mold, however. For example, during our visit to Eden Grove’s old-growth forest, we spent some 6 hours exploring the area in the middle of the day, skipping morning and evening outings.
As with any outdoor photography, flexibility during a workshop is crucial. Weather conditions often dictate where and when you’ll shoot. Sometimes the location will be decided moments before heading out. Be prepared by knowing what gear you want to use in which sorts of environments and under what conditions so that you can grab it quickly and avoid forgetting key items.
In addition to getting out in the field, workshops frequently include presentations by the leaders. These sessions provide insight into their photographic styles and approaches, with plenty of opportunities for questions and interaction. This is another opportunity to come prepared with specific questions you may have about the leaders’ photographic styles or philosophies. In my case, Adam and Alister each gave an individual presentation during our workshop, shining more light on their approaches to photography in general, as well as certain types of locations or weather. They also touched on their post-processing flows, giving some practical tips. These presentations tied directly to the locations they had planned for us as well, so they gave us plenty of helpful advice before going out with our cameras.
Be an Active Participant
Workshops are not the time to shy away from asking questions or addressing challenges you’ve faced in your photography. Don’t hesitate to bring up topics you’re curious about or ask for guidance on specific techniques or other photographic aspects. If you identified specific areas you want to develop in your preparation, you can bring them up with the leaders in conversations—they’ll appreciate knowing how they can best help you!
Equally important is engaging with your fellow participants. Everyone there shares a passion for photography, giving you plenty to discuss. And as fellow photographers, you’ll have ample opportunity to learn from one another as well. They can provide fresh perspectives and ideas you might not have considered. At the same time, be mindful not to monopolize too much time so that you don’t prevent others from engaging with their own photography.
Lastly, be generous (but not overbearing!) with your own knowledge. Sharing a unique composition or a technical insight doesn’t diminish your experience; it enriches the collective learning environment. And you never know what you could learn from others when you do share.
Get the Most from Critiques
Critique sessions are an important complement to in-field instruction. They provide an opportunity to gain valuable feedback and new perspectives on your own photography. As with the workshop overall, you’ll want to approach these sessions with a clear intention. Instead of showcasing only your best work, consider selecting images that align with the goals or challenges you had identified during your preparation. For example, you might want to have the leaders critique:
- A composition you struggled with and would like to understand how to improve it or approach it differently.
- An attempt you made with a new editing technique introduced during the workshop.
- An image that reflects one of your workshop objectives, helping you understand your progress.
Just remember, these sessions are not about impressing others but about growing as a photographer. Hearing what others see when they view your photos provides you with valuable insights into what you actually communicate through your art. And don’t forget that you can always learn from critiques of the work of others, so stay engaged throughout the whole session!
Take Advantage of Opportunities
While the workshop schedule will be mostly structured, don’t limit your photography to the planned shoots. If you have extra energy during downtime, seize the chance to explore on your own. For instance, on the first evening of my workshop, several of us wandered along the beach outside our lodge. It ended up serving as a scouting trip for me; when we didn’t have activities arranged two nights later, I went back to the handful of spots for sunset. I had a wonderful time, and as an added bonus, the sky erupted in vibrant colors. Back in the lodge, the others remarked on how fortunate I was to already be out there when it happened since they didn’t have the time or inclination to run and grab their gear.
These unplanned moments can be just as rewarding as the organized sessions. They allow for a bit more spontaneity and personal exploration, enhancing your overall experience.
Final Thoughts
Attending a photography workshop is a unique opportunity to grow both technically and creatively. By staying engaged, asking questions, and embracing the experience with an open mind, you’ll not only make the most of your time but also walk away with new skills, perspectives, and memories that could shape your photography for years to come. In the next and final article of the series, we’ll explore how to start incorporating what you learn during the workshop into your everyday photography.
