The impact of a photography workshop doesn’t end with the last official event. If you continue to engage with the lessons and inspiration you gained during your time there, you can allow them to shape your photographic journey in meaningful and lasting ways.
This is the third article in a series covering how to make the most of a workshop. Here, we’ll explore how to approach your post-workshop photography in a way that amplifies your time in the field. The first two articles cover how to prepare for your workshop and how to make the most of the experience, respectively.
Reflect During the Workshop
Maximizing the benefits of a photography workshop starts while you’re still there. The earlier you start internalizing what you’re learning, the more opportunities for growth and progress you’ll have. For example, you may want to take down some observations during presentations from the leaders or even from group discussions. There is a growing body of evidence showing that we learn better when taking handwritten notes, so use that to your advantage!
At the end of each day, set aside a few quiet moments to reflect on your experiences. Journaling is a wonderful tool for this. Write about the techniques or approaches you tried, what worked, what didn’t, and anything else that stood out to you. If journaling isn’t your style, simply taking some time to think about your day can help solidify your learning.
As part of your daily reflection, consider how what you’ve learned might change your approach to the upcoming photography outings. This kind of mindful reflection allows you to build on each day’s lessons, encouraging further experimentation and growth. It can also help you foster a deeper understanding of your own creative process.
Keep Practicing
Once you leave the workshop, start applying the techniques and approaches you picked up as soon as possible. Whether it’s a session during your travels home or a casual local shoot once you get back, the goal is to keep the momentum going. The best way to do this is to engage with the workshop material while it’s still fresh—perhaps after reviewing some of your notes and reflections.
The first few times you try to incorporate these new lessons or ways of working, they might feel a bit clunky. They can disrupt the normal flow you feel when out with your camera. However, this is crucial for weaving new approaches into your day-to-day shooting, as otherwise, you might fall back into your pre-workshop habits. Approach these outings with the same mindset you had during the workshop—stay open to experimentation, embrace adaptability, and above all, remember to have fun! The more you practice, the more naturally these skills will integrate into your workflow.
Evolving Beyond the Workshop
The results of any experience are obviously unpredictable. Even with your preparation and active participation, your workshop may not have helped you with all of your goals. When your time with the group is finished, consider how it met—or didn’t meet—your objectives. Did it open up new creative possibilities or challenges you’re excited to tackle? Were there goals you had going in that now feel less relevant? And if some of your objectives weren’t fully addressed, do you wish to pursue them further? This could involve additional practice, exploring related techniques, or even attending another workshop. Use this as a moment to understand how you might want to continue your photographic journey, and set yourself a bit of a roadmap.
Over time, reflect on how your photography embodies what you learned during the workshop. Are there areas where you’ve successfully integrated new skills or perspectives? Are there aspects you haven’t incorporated? You likely won’t want to adopt everything the workshop leaders covered. Understanding the elements you want to continue with, and the ones you don’t, allows you the freedom to grow and evolve as a photographer in a way that feels most authentic to you.
Periodically review your body of work, and see how your photography is changing or evolving. Do you notice any shifts in your style or approach? Are these the result of the workshop, or are there other factors playing a part? Is there a clear distinction between your photography before and after the workshop? If you are seeing progression, consider how it reflects your evolving relationship with your photography; perhaps you adopted a different philosophy or approach thanks to the workshop. If you don’t see much of a difference, take some time to think about why that might be. Is there a gap between what you learned and how you’ve applied it? Or are you satisfied with the direction your work has been taking? As you reflect on your journey in this way, be careful not to place any value judgments on it. Gaining a deeper understanding of what you like or don’t like, what you want to explore, and what you’d rather avoid is beneficial for your evolution as a photographer.
Conclusion
While a photography workshop is a one-time event, its impact can echo through your photography in an ongoing way, driving your development. The value of the time and money you spent can be increased or minimized by your attitude afterward. Through reflecting on your experiences, practicing with intention, and revisiting your goals, you can ensure that the lessons you’ve learned continue to shape your creative journey.
