This is a bit of different style video. Mike ‘Keats’ Jaskolka (@justkeatingphoto) on the workshop was talking about potential video ideas and suggested… what would people at home be most interested in & what was it that he would have liked to see before joining us in Patagonia? We collectively decided upon… Are Photography Workshops Worth It?
In this video I break down my thoughts on this growing trend in our industry. I’m interested to know your thoughts and if you think a workshop is a valuable experience… please comment below and let’s start the discussion there.
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Photography Workshops are becoming more and more popular and honestly could be the future of my business. I'm interested to get your thoughts on workshops and why they're beneficial. Most of our group like the social aspect of an often not so social activity. They also like the gear chat and adventure aspect of searching out compositions. As well as the post processing and constant learning of new techniques.
One day I'd love to come along to ur workshops. U get to learn from our favorite youtuber's and I bet it's so much fun 😂 you guys are funny and down to earth. 😁
Wait, you got to the bottom of the hike and didn’t go for waffles and ice cream!
Great video. Would love to try one of these workshops one day and doing a small one locally soon and really looking forward to it……
Great video and gets me pumped up to do one. I have been doing photography workshops since 2004 and have seen a variety of types while growing into a strong segment in the photography industry . I try to do at least one a year, either a week or one to two days depending on financies and schedules. I have seen this industry evolve and under the "workshop" tag which there seems to be really true workshops with instructors really working with the clients and then the other is a more photography tour where people running the group give a few suggestions but focused the locations. I do like the comment you made below about people learning post processing and new techniques at your workshops. I think this is a great industry and the prefect time to be in it. And thanks for the YouTube channel.
I have to admit that this kind of trip is absolutely scarry for me – I always travel on my own (with my fiancée), I never tried any sort of group trip's. Knowing that someone else planned my day and group want to go quicker while I want to stay (or other way around) it's so hard to imagine for me. And on top of that there is cost. So I pay all of this money and I have nothing to say about what, when and where am I doing.
I can imagine that networking is great if you have your own social media business, I can imagine it's a great learning opportunity, I can imagine that Hi5's with Greg, BvS and TH are making it even more worth it, but I don't feel ready to go for anything like that. I enjoyed participants pictures on Instagram last year is there a #tag this time? Seeing participants images was something that makes me to start thinking about workshops.
It would be a dream for me to attend Tom or BVS and your workshops. I watch the videos and I feel sick I can’t be a part of them. But the cost is so great and I have very little holiday time I can’t waste without the wife. Great production as ever.
Working with other photographers in a learning environment is critical. This can be done by workshops or photography clubs. In my club, we have street photographers, those who love HDR, focus stacking, long exposure photography, Astro photography, land scape photography and many other interests. We have most members pushing the line between artists and photographers with their post processing skills. We learn by sharing interests and skills. One important activity is going on photo shoots for one or multiple day adventures. These can be local or international. This assures you “just do it” at all hours vs. thinking about doing it while watching YouTube. So why then attend workshops vs. plan club excursions? The main benefit, at some cost, is to go beyond your own group and expand your perspectives on photography and equipment. Maybe a good balance between club excursions (which are always well planned) and workshops (which are also well planned) is to plan workshops about every 5th trip. New incites are most valuable.
My view is that it might help to be part of a group, when going to places where there is a possible security concern, or you are not sufficiently familiar with the area in question (so you delegate the whole organisation to a 3rd party). Also it might be funner to be in a group as often photography is sort of a solitary hobby. You also might help learn some things from others. Eventually you can also make new friends.
Where I am less attracted by those workshops is (i) you are not master of your own agenda, (ii) cost can be a problem for some, (iii) locations might not align well with your sort of photography style/interest. Note that one can always consider coming back on his/her own once that first experience is in the bag, (iv) everyone shooting almost the same stuff.
Personally I like travelling alone and take risks, meet local people and ask for places they know. If I fail I can only blame myself for it. Eventually the idea is to discover new spots, try not to replicate what others have done sometimes many times (not that there is anything wrong with that from a learning perspective). For me, photography is personal, like art, so workshops aren't my cup of tea.
Are they worth it? No they are not, if you are teaching people how to use their camera and process their images then yes they are, if you are taking photographers to a known place to take pictures which has been done before with other groups then no, I think people should find their own locations and developed their own style and not somebody else's style. These outings sorry workshops, cost a lot of money and to me they just look like a day out with likeminded people who enjoy photography, and that should not cost a penny!
Photography Workshops are so worth it. I wish I could still afford to go on them, unfortunately now that I am on a very low income I can't afford to do so, or even upgrade my eleven year old camera. These workshops really lift your spirits and your photography. It is an absolute joy to be in the company of others who are as passionate about photography and beautiful wild locations as you are and to be immersed in the experience all day every day. Also, as a woman travelling alone (and a bit of a wimp about being alone in the wilds, or potentially dangerous places) it means getting to locations that I would otherwise not be able to go to. As your locations have been researched in advance no time is wasted in location scouting either. So all in all I would say that yes, the right photography workshops are wonderful and rewarding experiences that you will value for the rest of your life.
would love to do a Workshop with you and Brendan, only all your workshops are on the other side of the world. I live in New Zealand, very long way to travel, please come and do a workshop closer to home.
Bit few vlogs away question but also Patagonia Wow is throw the a7r3 high mp and a6400 size in the mix being a canon guy love results ef adaptors on Sony
Are they worth it? They are pretty expensive, but if you have some disposable income, then I would say most definitely.
Having just returned from a Patagonia trip led by Greg, Brendan and Tom, I have the following observations:
1.) Pick a trip run by people that are both knowledgeable and personable. You want to come back having learned something and having also had a good time in the process.
2.) It's nice to have an itinerary planned out by someone that has a photographer's needs in mind.
3.) It's fun to be on a trip with like-minded individuals. We've all been on trips to beautiful places with non-photographers and wished that we had the time to take the photos that we really wanted to take.
4.) Don't overlook what you can learn from your fellow participants.
Btw, it looks like the second group got some pretty good color.
Great Video Greg
The two considerations for me are always going to be price (they are usually a huge financial commitment) and the group dynamic. With a group of strangers coming together, a good group dynamic is not always guaranteed. I know it's a bit of a stereotype, too, but it seems that landscape photographers are always looking to get away from people to find their own space, so that would add to the challenge of a good group dynamic. One-on-one workshops will always work best for me. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it comes down to individual choice/needs.
I haven't been on one yet, but I think they are totally worth it. It is a great way to gather people with the same passion to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and to explore our world together (and have fun all at the same time). I am really looking forward to the Bali trip in early September! It is going to be so awesome!
If you're leading it, it's always worth it. And my photo made the thumbnail!
This is a great topic Greg, glad you brought it up. That all depends on how much money you have to blow. The camaraderie would be great, but not necessary and jockeying for position to get the best shot is not worth it. I would hire one tour guide that lives in the area to take me to places and avoid the crowds of photographers. Lastly, Thomas Heaton is not a Master photographer, but he thinks he is, so that's OK.
Worth it? You did not address the costs, airfare, your fees. Tips? What percent%
Is the footage of the stream at 0:18 reversed or is it just an odd camera angle that makes it look like the stream is flowing uphill?
I don't have the money to go on one.
I think they should be promoted as photography tours, not as workshops. Perhaps, if I did come, you could teach me lots. Or next to nothing. But you can arrange the itinerary, the basic meals, the accommodation. For me, that would be the value that would attract me to the tour. That, and the exchange of ideas with other photographers.
If I went on a Kim Grant workshop, I would rely on her to show me Scottish landscapes and wildlife, not how to use my gear or how to photograph it.
Photography workshops are worth it for the instructors. They together make a revenue of about 100K in 4 weeks (assumption with 20 participants). Obviously there are some costs to be covered and of course the participants will learn something. And I get it – it is convenient to be driven to some epic landmarks at the right time. But you can learn everything on your own. Buy a nice lens and travel to a nice destination and practice. You will learn your lessons over time. I cannot believe that this investment of 5K plus expenses is a "booster" for your photo career that will pay off for yourself in a near future. But no offense here. The instructors and locations are great. I believe when you have the extra money it is quite fun and educative. So a little bit critical from my side but like I said no offense intended.
The word is camaraderie.
You were never going to say they're a waste of time and money.
Great video and subject matter! Wow Greg you have an amazing energy level. Shooting, walking and talking after playing chauffeur and shooting b-roll for the other YouTubers. Your video definitely tempted me to pull the trigger to go on a workshop. All you have to do is book a ticket and bring your stuff. The education, camaraderie and adventure look fantastic. Keep up the great work and keep your tuque dry!
Network Engineer by day, Gigolo by night has helped me finance travel and these workshops…
I would join workshop after workshop if it wasn't a financial matter… My question would be: what were your recommendations for those wanting to start leading their own workshops? How can someone get to the point when none of the participants' questions will result in head scratching? If you think this topic is interesting enough, could you please make a video about it?
Man, your behind the scenes footage really made me understand how these things work. I thought that it was an exercise for rich people who have nothing better to do, especially considering that about 20% of them seem to be better photographers than ones leading the workshop (apart from Master photographer Heaton). Tomorrow I'll go and buy that lottery ticket.
This is a great subject! For me, a big part of workshop value is the leaders having the knowledge of the local area. To be able to access areas and shoot in places that tourists don't know about is a huge plus. I'm always mistrustful of workshops where the leaders haven't been many times before (or are resident). Why would you pay that premium just to be taken to the regular tourist spots?
I imagine just having the transportation and lodging taken care of takes a big load off for many people.
I have been in workshops and field trips that were fantastic and others that weren’t so great. The best have tended to be smaller groups of 6 or less but I did do one with more than that that was great. The best I took was one in Yellowstone with a person that lived in the area and knew it like the back of his hand. The worst was a large group with big name nationally known leader that was a total waste of time. Too many people and only one person. Did one with a smaller group and the leader was good and took time with all of us. I learned lots till he got sick. By the end of the second day he couldn’t get out of the car he was so sick. So while I was happy with what I learned in the first day and a half but the rest left me feeling cheated. For me also are leaders with a large pack of their own equipment that are taking their own images while the group is left waiting for them to finish their work at our expense.
Nice one Greg. You guys take great shots and very interesting videos. Keep up the great work 👍
I would be interested in seeing some of the 1 on 1 interaction between the hosts (e.g. Tom) and participants. This includes in the field as well as photo critiques and Lightroom processing.
I was asking myself this question just now when I saw that the bvs workshop to Patagonia sold out in 15 minutes. Patagonia seems an intimidating place to go on your own, so you may think you need a guide, but in fact you don’t. It’s easy. The iconic locations are easy to get to. So why pay for a workshop? Think it’s because a great leader will change your photography and give you an idea of how to get to the next level. I have been on 2 workshops with someone I consider “great” and though they were expensive, I now always hear a voice in my head that that experience awoke. So for me I guess it’s worth it for the “art” (sorry to be pretentious) if not necessarily for the travel guide aspect.
I think Brendan's workshops are great value for your money, some companies are much more expensive ( like Tom's trip to Nepal, that is way to expensive compering it to a regular trip to E.B.C , I can go to Antarctica for that money ) The best thing about these trips is that you spend a lot of time at one location, so you can wait for the best conditions to take your photographs. With regular tour companies, this is not the case. The main problem I'm having is that I have fixed holidays and that most trip, are not within the 4 weeks in summer or 2 weeks during Christmas. I can not get 2 weeks off in April to go to Patagonia)
My 5 year plan includes going on one of these workshops with you and Brendan! School keeps me from doing or affording much right now! This year will be my first time to Africa but it is for a medical mission so not much in the way of photography.
I have never been on a photo workshop but I have often considered going on one several times. The one thing that has held me back is that I have no idea how flexible the schedule is. One of the things that the client is paying for is that all the planning and logistics are taken care of by the organizers. What happens, however if you are in a remote location and somebody wants to do some Milky Way photography (as an example) that was not planned? Is an attempt made to accommodate that request (assuming clear, very dark skies) or are the locations and times pre-planned to the point that getting up at 2am one morning just isn't feasible? (I am thinking of say the Milky Way arching over one of the mountains.)
I agree entirely with all the comments expressed, especially those from your participants which must be the most relevant, considering your own and your colleagues' position as paid tour leaders and instructors. I have been on a number of photo workshops, including to Croatia and Tanzania. I gained an enormous amount from all the tours that I have been on although I have only one point to make. The tour leaders and instructors and their full on participation is absolutely key! As you rightly say, these tours are expensive for average people, who also must pay their air fares and living expenses when not included in the trip. They will inevitably be expensive as the client has to contribute to all of the tour leader's and instructors' expenses and their 'make a living' margins. Some tours, I believe, have lessened in value where the amount of instruction and participation has been minimal and when the 'staff' might give an impression of being paid to travel on their own photographic experiences rather than the job that they are actually on. Now, I must stress that from the videos that I have seen, and I have followed Greg, Tom and Brendan from the beginning of all three's YouTube journeys, they have never appeared to give anything but their best. Moreover, their workshop prices are both competitive and sensible. Essentially, my message is: please consider trying one of these adventures as they are incredible – expensive yes, but the kind of experience that you will only ever be able to do a few times, unless you are very wealthy. So make sure you choose wisely and gain the maximum benefit rather than just funding someone else's photographic lifestyle rather than helping you on yours. Please take these comments as being a positive endorsement of the type of adventure that you have watched via Tom, Brendan and Gregg and perhaps a small indictment of some of their competing photo tour organisers. Best ……
I like the idea. I struggle with the value. Basics applied – have to know how to do things with the camera in manual mode. Skills – composition and composition . Experience – networking especially . Awareness – where to go , and how to go there safely and informed on the potential.
First time a have to be local ; so many locations 200 miles from home to do the core work and then a special trip to a special
Destination?
Workshops on those core skills before adding the extra travel would be key