A photography workshop provides a unique opportunity to dedicate an extended time to your photography. But before you embark on the journey, you’ll want to prepare yourself so you can get the most out of the experience.
In April 2024, I attended a 4-day workshop on Vancouver Island. If you want 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 ideas I’ve learned about attending workshops. The first is how to select a workshop and prepare to attend.
A quick note: This is primarily from a landscape photographer’s perspective, but many of these elements should be transferable to other genres.
Choosing a Workshop
The first step is to find the right workshop for you. Which photographers inspire you? Which ones challenge your thinking? If these are within your budget then these may be good candidates to lead your experience. There are also lesser-known photographers who lead workshops in amazing locations, and if you’re on a budget, these may be worth considering. However, be sure to check out their work before booking!
As you decide on the workshop you will attend, think about what you hope to learn from the photographer leading it. Do you hope to adopt some of their techniques, philosophies, or unique approaches? Or is the importance of the workshop for you to handle the logistical aspects? When I chose a workshop adam gibbs And alistair benI was attracted to their distinctive styles. Adam’s ability to capture the intricate beauty of old-growth forests echoes my love of nature photography, while Alistair’s philosophical approach to creative expression challenged me to think differently about my work.
Another important consideration is the format of the workshop. Most workshops balance time in the field with presentations and critiques. Maybe you like it, or maybe you would like to spend more time actively taking photos. There are also different approaches to leadership in the field. Some photographers provide more active one-on-one instruction, while others make suggestions for location and lighting and then let you do your thing. Making sure the structure matches your expectations gives you extra confidence when booking. And if you can’t tell the format from published content, get in touch and ask!
Finally, choose a location that excites you. For me, participating in a workshop that blends the ancient forests and rugged seascapes of Vancouver Island was unique. This combination promised plenty of opportunities to photograph the essence of the Pacific Northwest that I love so much. Choosing a destination that sparks your creativity will help you stay inspired and engaged throughout the workshop.
preparing your gear
Packing your stuff may seem like the most straightforward part of workshop preparation, but it’s worth taking the time to get it right. Beyond the essentials-Camera, Lens, Battery, Memory CardEtc.—Think about what you’ll need to match your shooting style to the specific subjects and environments you’ll encounter. In general, try to bring items that can serve multiple uses; Think carefully before packing special equipment, because you’ll need to take it all with you! I went with the classic landscape photography kit: wide angle, standard and telephoto zoom, with a tripod. I left my macro lens at home, knowing I’d be quite happy with the magnification on my telephoto for this particular trip.
Once you’ve selected your gear, double-check everything. Make sure you purchase the correct accessories. I found this out the hard way when I accidentally brought the wrong battery charger, and I found out when I was unpacking at the lodge. Fortunately, our small group was dominated by Canon shooters, most of whom had the same type of battery. A generous participant lent me his spare charger for the duration of the workshop.
Of course, you’ll 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 criticism. And have a backup strategy to make sure your hard work is safe – whether it’s an external hard drive or cloud storage.
As my workshop date approached, I began to realize that clothing would be an important component of my preparations. The forecast was for rain every day, so I made sure I had waterproof shells that would be capable of being outside for long periods of time. 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 long rain boots (wellies) for shooting ocean scenes. Other environments will require different attire, such as comfortable shoes for walking in urban environments or heavier outerwear for winter weather.
prepare your mind
Photography workshops are an investment, not just in terms of money, but also in terms of time. To maximize their value, consider what you hope to get out of the experience before you begin 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 growth as a photographer? Or maybe you’re facing a creative block? Taking time to identify your goals can help you stay focused and intentional during the workshop.
In light of your intentions, consider the trainers’ strengths and how they match up with your aspirations. Think about what questions you have for leaders and where they might be best suited to assist you. For example, Adam Gibbs is known for his excellent shots of Pacific Northwest forests; I looked to him for guidance in my woodland photography abilities and capturing the emotion of those beautiful trees. On the other hand, I relied on Alistair Benn to broaden my thought process and perspective to create photographs of the incredible places we visited. Understanding what you want to learn will help you engage more meaningfully with the workshop content and leaders.
Another advantage of workshops is the convenience of having everything planned by experienced guides. Instead of spending time locating locations and figuring out good weather conditions for them on your own, you are able to rely on knowledgeable guides who have done the hard work for you. For some people, this is the primary value of a workshop. I witnessed this firsthand, with many fellow participants happy to know that these logistical details were handled, allowing them to focus on and enjoy their photography. However, this benefit is equally valuable for those of us who want to enhance our skills, and is equally helpful whether the workshop is in a truly exotic location or somewhere 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 creative feedback. Be ready to embrace whatever is presented to you. By approaching the experience with an open mind along with your clear goals, you will set yourself up for a truly rewarding time.
conclusion
Attending a photography workshop can be a formative moment in your creative journey. By thoughtfully selecting a workshop, preparing your gear, and clarifying your intentions and goals, you’ll be ready to fully immerse yourself in the experience. In the next article in this series, I’ll share more about my time on Vancouver Island, exploring how the workshop came about and what you should expect if you decide to attend it yourself .