In-person photo workshops
My previous blog on photography instruction focused specifically on the online experience. Today’s blog will be all about photography workshops held in person at beautiful destinations.
Imagine you are in breathtaking, goosebump-making, mouth-dropping places! You’re with a professional photographer you have chosen to learn from and have them there to help you with any questions. You planned and saved and now arrived at an in-person workshop, how fantastic is that?
Let’s back up a little and start with what are destination photography workshops.
Destination photography workshops can be broken down into two types, group workshops, and one-to-one. The group workshops typically range in size from six participants and one or two instructors, all the way to one hundred participants with up to twenty instructors. These workshops can range from three days to three weeks depending on the destination and the subject.
What they include varies from just the instructor, the instructor plus your hotel, or to full service all-inclusive (instructors, accommodations, transportation during the workshop, and food). Skies the limit depending on your budget.
Then there is the one-to-one type of workshops. These are just you and the professional instructor for the allotment of time that you purchased. They range from half to full days, and usually, you can buy more than one session. Included in your cost are your instructor’s time and knowledge.
Before I even sign up I carefully read over the itinerary, and what is and isn’t included, making sure it’s within my budget and on dates I can travel. Exploring the itinerary is key to having an enjoyable successful workshop experience. Things to consider, is the hotel included, the meals, am I driving or flying, if I fly do I need to rent a car? Planning and knowing all this upfront will prevent most disappointments.
Another key bit of information included in most itineraries is the level of difficulty. The amount of walking, hiking, climbing, and the type of terrain. If you still have questions I strongly suggest emailing the photographer offering the workshop.
When in a group, there are things you should consider. You must be on time, there are very early hours and late hours depending on the time of year and it’s a nonstop day. Sometimes there are physical challenges in getting to locations and don’t forget you go out rain or shine.
Especially don’t forget a brilliant sunrise or sunset can’t be guaranteed. If you can keep all that in mind you may just enjoy the workshop you planned. Sweet success!
Now that I’ve covered the planning and budgeting I’ll give you a rundown of what happens during a typical workshop day.
When in the field the pro will suggest compositions, whether for the prized “iconic” shots, small or grand scenes, or macro. The photographers leading the workshops I’ve attended have also given me breathing room to make my own composition and explore freely.
Group workshops usually start with a meet-and-greet dinner. This is where you’ll meet your fellow participants, the professional photographer leading the group, and the basic strategy for the next day. Depending on the time of year you may also go out and shoot sunset after dinner.
The mornings start early, which can be as early as three a.m., and everyone meets in the designated parking lot discussed the day before. This is usually the main hotel where the photographer suggested you book your room, and many times you will carpool.
These early starts ensure you have ample time to arrive at your first shoot location, set up, and compose your shot. Sometimes conditions that day for a specific spot are not ideal so you may skip that spot and move on to another for your first shot of the morning.
After the first stop, there may be several more in the morning before you break for breakfast. I suggest having a snack handy as it’s not a guarantee they will have snacks. Sometimes you’ll just go back to your hotel to shower, download images and prepare for the afternoon.
Midday many times is your next meet-up for an image discussion on your morning shoot and preparation for the upcoming evening shoot. Most times you’ll be given another short break to put your laptop back in your room grab lunch and gear up for the evening shoot.
Time for the afternoon and sunset shoot. During the afternoon and evening shoot you’ll travel to a few spots to capture some shots then set up at your final sunset location for that evening. Keep in mind it will usually be dark once leaving and depending on where you are you may need a headlamp to get back to the car.
After the sunset shoots you’re usually on your own for late dinner. If you’ve made some friends in the group you may all go have a bite together. Most times you head back to your hotel room to relax and prepare for the very early morning you know is only a few hours away. Did I mention they are long days?
I’ve made a few friends along the way and consider myself lucky. There are great experiences and all successes with all the workshops I’ve taken.
The pro photographer instructors I’ve met exude patience, have comprehensive knowledge of their craft, and the locations, and genuinely love sharing their vision.
In closing, a few additional tips that may help make your destination workshop experience be more enjoyable. Besides the itinerary, watch the weather forecast for the time you are there.
Having the right layers of clothing and protective gear is key. Rain gear is not just for you but also your camera, and I suggest packing it in your pack not leaving it in the car. I learned the hard way and got drenched.
Will you need bug repellent? If shooting near waterfalls, streams, or the seaside you may need waterproof gear for your hiking boots/shoes.
Remember to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated and bring a hat, sunscreen, and gloves if it’s cold. If boating and you get seasick bring whatever works for you to keep that at bay.
There are photography workshops that fit all constraints of budgets, learning levels, physicality, and time. Maybe you just need to focus on sharpening a specific skill set and have a tight budget then one-on-ones are perfect for that. Maybe you’ve dreamed of three weeks traveling to the ends of the earth to Antarctica! Research, and explore all the opportunities that await your next photography adventure.
Below are a few links to the photographers I’ve recently taken destination workshops with.
Thank you for your time, now go out explore responsibly and try new things!