Are Photography Workshops Worth It? Here’s How To Tell

You're considering taking a photography workshop but want to know if it's worth your time and money. Here's how to tell.

Photography Workshops

As a blanket statement it's impossible to say if photography workshops are worth participating in. First, the volume of photography workshops offered around the world is huge. Second, workshop teachers vary in skills and approach.

Finally, workshops are geared at offering specific skills. Therefore, if you have some of those skills or you lack the knowledge required to understand what's being taught then you might not get the same thing from a workshop that someone else will.

Finding The Right Photography Workshop For You

Don't just write off all workshops. Instead, find the right workshop for you. After all, you're the student and it's your money. That said, it's also your job to make sure that the workshop you've signed up for makes sense.

If you have questions most hosts will answer them for you. If they don't then maybe it's not a good workshop for you.

Photography Workshop Subjects

Find out if the workshop subject is right for you. Before you sign up for a photography workshop it makes sense to know that the workshop subject is of interest. For example, don't take an insect macro class if you don't like creepy crawly bugs.

Also, make sure that the workshop level makes sense. After all, some workshops are aimed at beginners, professionals, or people in between.

Therefore, make sure the skill level is right for you. If a workshop doesn't list the experience level then ask the organizers.

Workshop Structure

Another important factor is the workshop structure. For example, are you interested in learning how to photograph birds? If so, you want a workshop that will have some hands-on time in the field. Of course, if you learn best from being lectured to then maybe this isn't so important. Understand how you learn best. Think about your learning style. Then, find a workshop that fits your style.

One-Off vs Multiple Day Workshops

The format and structure are important. However, so is the amount of time. After all, if you're traveling somewhere for an expensive workshop then you likely want to learn a lot. Therefore, you might not like a crash-course type of photography workshop. Rather, you might want a multiple day workshop with a chance to get feedback on your work.

Photography Workshop Instructors

Photography workshops instructors have a wide range of approaches to teaching. That said, before teaching a workshop a photography instructor should at least be qualified to teach. Here is how to check if they are.

1. The instructor is a subject matter expert with experience doing what they're teaching.
2. Your workshop teacher has taught other classes before and past students have left good reviews.
3. The organization hosting the workshop is known for using quality photography teachers.

New Photography Instructors

To be clear, someone being new to teaching might not be disqualifying. That said, if they are inexperienced talk to them before registering to see if you feel they'll be a good teacher. Teaching is a skill. Some people have a natural ability to teach. Others need to work at it. Therefore, don't write off a new teacher just for being new.

Sign up for a photography workshop in Atlanta.

Cost Vs. Value

Another factor to consider is the cost vs. value of the workshop. Where is the workshop being hosted? Do you get to try different gear or is it all BYOG? Too, do you get individualized time and feedback? All of these things matter. Too, they're all factors you should consider. Ultimately though you need to weigh the cost vs. value personally.

Testing Photography Workshops

You're still unsure if a photography workshop will be worth it. That's not unreasonable. If you've talked to the instructor and the host but still aren't sure try taking a less expensive workshop as a test.

For example, I lead monthly nature photography meetups. These allow students to get to know me. Plus, they can ask questions and see if they like my teaching style. Of course, these meetups are not a real class. However, they are free. Therefore, if students are unsure about taking a class or workshop these meetups provide the opportunity to test out my instruction.

What To Watch Out For

If you're considering a photography workshop but see any of these red flags watch out!

First, watch out for workshops billed as classes but described like photography tours. The difference is the amount of instruction you'll get. Tours are light on instruction. Next, look for past students reviews. If there are no reviews that could be a red flag.

Additionally, over the top marketing, especially if it includes AI images are big red flags. After all these are photography workshops. Instead, you want to see realistic photos. Too, you should see some behind-the-scenes pictures.

In Conclusion

If you're signing up for a photography workshop you want to know that you're going to learn what was promised from someone who is good at teaching. Too, think about any other goals you have in mind. Then ask yourself if this workshop will help you achieve those goals. If it is then great. However, if it's not then it's probably not right for you.