Benefits of Photography Workshops
Photo by Thomas Schweighofer on Unsplash
It seems as though photography workshops are becoming more and more popular these days, and with good reason.
Not only do many workshops take you to incredible places around the globe, but you also get to learn more about photography in a small group setting from experts that truly want to help you become a better photographer.
I’ve been on a few workshops myself, and it’s always been a great learning experience, and the connections made with other photographers have lasted long after the workshop’s conclusion.
Below, I’ve listed a few more benefits of photography workshops as a means of encouraging you to take the leap.
Benefits of Photography Workshops #1: Reinvigorate Your Passion
photo by Remains via iStock
I don’t need a list of reasons to attend a photography workshop… I need one. Passion is at the heart of what every phenomenal photographer does and when I inevitably need a pick-me-up in terms of creativity, I head to a photography workshop.
The reason why there are a hundred videos out there about reigniting your passion for photography is that it’s really hard to love something that sometimes does nothing but take.
If photography were a relationship it’s 9 times out of 10 a relationship you should leave!
Photography burnout is too real sometimes. And if you continue to take every shot that comes your way, not changing anything about your reality and not changing anything about your schedule then that burnout is only going to get worse.
There have been points in my career where I was so burned out and I couldn’t even afford an in-depth photography workshop, so instead I opted for a photography class at the local community college that I attended on scholarship. We’ve all been there.
The answer to, “Why take a photography class,” is a simple one. You will receive an exciting change of pace and a mentor to walk you through it all.
Explore how to keep your passion for photography alive in the video above by TheSnapChick.
Benefits of Photography Workshops #2: Shoot in Exploratory Locations
Photo by Aniket Deole on Unsplash
It has been scientifically proven that those who explore new locations together stay together longer in their relationship. People who stray from regular routines also benefit physically, and mentally via surges of dopamine.
Scientifically speaking, exploring new locations makes sense. The need for exploration also makes common sense, especially when facing burn out like I talked about above.
One of the most useful photography workshops I encountered during one of many burn out periods in my career was Creative Photo Academy. I was living in California at the time and was desperately trying to find a photo academy that had both smaller classes and larger travel workshops that were not entirely out of my price range.
I’ve gone on multiple international trips with the guys over at Creative Photo Academy since this time and every time I see places I’ve never seen before (even if I’ve been to that particular city).
One trip I’ve got my eye on is their Cultural Safari which is happening next year.
Photo by Javi Lorbada on Unsplash
The team is going to be visiting Tanzania for a 10-day safari, including a day trip to Lake Eyasi where they will photograph the vanishing Hadzabe people and the Serengeti.
To find out more info about this trip, visit their website.
Even if you can’t afford a luxurious trip abroad, you can capture new, exciting locations by taking a photography class or by doing a cheap, $30 photo walk.
Whether you go near or far, spend a few bucks or a bunch, there are plenty of opportunities to join like-minded folks on a photography exploration!
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Benefits of Photography Workshops #3: Receive Beneficial Critiques
As you can see in the video above, unless you want to put your work up for harsh criticism on VICE and then probably not get chosen, it’s pretty freaking hard to receive beneficial critiques.
Many photography workshops will come with a mentor, or set of mentors, to walk you through specific shots they want you to get. While these mentors are there as tour guides, they’re also there as teachers and as such should be more than willing to look over the shots you’re taking and tell you where you can expand upon your knowledge.
It’s also nice receiving encouragement from people who have visited a location a thousand times before and who are telling you they’ve never seen a shot quite like the one you just made!
Benefits of Photography Workshops #4: Meet People in the Photography Field
Photo by David Marcu on Unsplash
Networking events are awful and boring and don’t really exist for photographers. You can go to a wedding expo if you’re a wedding photographer but you’re going to be pitching yourself to clients, not other photographers. How do you meet people in this industry, especially since it’s so competitive?
Well, one way to do so is through a photography workshop. You’re most likely going to be meeting people who are at a similar stage in their photography career as you, which means you’re going to have people to give you criticism, help you with streamlining boring administrative tasks and maybe even connect you to a client.
Thinking in a less business-savvy way, workshops also allow you to meet friends who are interested in something you love, photography.
As I noted earlier, those bonds you make with people you meet on photography workshops often last well beyond. I have many friends in the photography community that I’ve met at workshops over the years, and those relationships are just as valuable to me as the photography skills I’ve gained.
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