Get the Most From Your Photography Workshop Scenic Aperture - Frank Comisar
Written and Published by Scenic Aperture Landscape Wildlife Nature Photography Durango, CO USA hello@scenicaperture.com http://scenicaperture.com Copyright Version 1.0 2013 Scenic Aperture - Frank Comisar All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher. 2
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Introduction Attending a photography workshop is one of the best ways to grow as a photographer. Whether you are a first-time novice, advanced amateur, or semi-pro, attending a photography workshop is a great way to learn new skills, develop your creative vision, and to renew your inspiration to make great photographs. If you are reading this, you are probably one who strives for excellence. Maybe you just got some new gear but your pictures look about the same as before. Maybe you are frustrated because your images don t look like those you see in galleries, books, or on-line. One thing is for sure; you are not satisfied with simple snapshots. You have probably invested thousands of dollars in a DSLR and several lenses. You also likely know that gear is an important component in making great photographs, but not THE most important. The person behind the camera, the photographer, is the most important aspect to making great photos. Want to take your photography to the next level? Don t buy another lens. Instead, invest in yourself by attending a photography workshop! 4
5 Workshops vs. Tours Before we go any further, let s define some terms. Photography workshops are not the same as photography tours. One is not better than the other, simply different. It is important that you understand the difference to maximize the return on your investment. Photography Tour A photography tour is a trip to a specific location designed to put photographers in the right place at the right time for an opportunity to make great photographs. The leader of a photo tour is knowledgeable about the location but does not do much teaching. The leader s job is to make sure you get to the right place at the right time. After that, it is up to you. Basically, on a tour the leader serves as a guide. Tours can be great for advanced amateurs and semi-pros looking to build their portfolio. However, tours are not for beginners or those interested in learning the basics.
Photography Workshop A photography workshop is a lot like a tour but includes classroom instruction and in-field application. Most workshops take place at compelling locations, just like tours. However workshops usually include classroom sessions followed by in-field photo shoots designed to apply what you have learned. Classroom sessions may include such topics as photography technique, artistic considerations, post processing, or similar topics. The leader of a workshop serves not only as your guide, but also as your instructor, coach, and mentor. Workshops emphasize learning and include more formalized teaching than tours. Workshops are for photographers of all skill levels interested in continuous learning, developing their creative vision, and building their portfolio. 6
A photography tour is a trip to a specific location designed to put photographers in the right place at the right time for an opportunity to make great photographs. The leader of a photo tour is knowledgeable about the location but does not do much teaching... 7 A photography workshop is a lot like a tour but includes classroom instruction and in-field application. Most workshops take place at compelling locations, just like tours. However workshops usually include classroom sessions followed by in-field photo shoots designed to apply what you have learned...
Choose the Right Workshop Let s assume for a moment you have determined that a workshop, rather than a tour, is right for you. Great, which one? There are hundreds from which to choose. There are a number of things to consider aside from the obvious question of destination and duration. Instructor: First, you should become comfortable with the instructor. It goes without saying that the instructor must be accomplished in the field. However, an impressive portfolio and publishing credits alone do not make a great workshop. In addition to photography credentials, you want an experienced teacher, effective communicator, and dynamic mentor. Of course you can learn a lot about a photographer by studying their images, web site, and blog posts. But you can learn even more about their style and technique by speaking directly with them. Some photographers publish their phone number. If so, call them. If not, send an email requesting a mutually convenient time to speak by phone. During the conversation ask about itinerary details, instructional topics, teaching style, shooting locations, anticipated weather, recommended gear, number of participants, etc. Your questions and concerns can be more effectively addressed by phone and you will begin to get a feel for the instructor s personality and whether they will be a good fit for you. Subject: The photographic subject matter for a workshop can range from general to specific. Most importantly, you should find a workshop that suits your tastes and photography goals. Are you into landscapes, wildlife, or portraiture? How about macro, night photography, or flash? Maybe you enjoy mountains, deserts, or oceans? Seasonal workshops such as spring migration, summer wildflowers, fall color, or winter landscapes are popular. The point is there is no end to available subject matter. Choose something that interests you but don t be afraid to try something new. By broadening your horizons you will grow as a photographer. 8
Cost: Of course the cost of a workshop is a prime consideration. Make sure you understand what is included and what is extra. Before you sign up, verify whether the price includes things such as lodging (single or shared occupancy), meals, ground transportation, gratuities, and entrance fees. Understand what is included in the price of a workshop before signing up to avoid surprises after the fact. Also, verify cancellation and refund policies. Difficulty: How physically strenuous will the workshop be? Do you have mobility or health restrictions that would prevent full participation? Will photo shoots be within a few feet of parking areas or will a hike be required? If so, how far and over what type of terrain? Are you able to carry your gear in such situations? Make sure the physical difficulty of the workshop is appropriate for your capabilities. Size: What is the maximum number of participants? Better yet, what is the ratio of instructors to students? Small groups, such as eight or fewer students per instructor, suggest you will have considerably more access than with a higher ratio. Smaller groups typically offer more flexibility with curriculum and schedule too. Curriculum: Make sure the curriculum is appropriate for your skill level. Find out what topics will be covered during the classroom sessions. All workshops include learning opportunities. Make sure the workshop you choose suits your photography goals and objectives. Weather: Before you sign up, verify the weather conditions you are likely to encounter and how to dress in order to be comfortable and safe. Come to the workshop prepared. You ve spent too much money to be miserable during the photo shoots. Obtain the instructor s recommendations for outerwear, gloves, footwear, hats, etc. Gear: Required gear versus recommended gear. It is probably safe to say the only required gear is one DSLR, one lens, and a tripod. However, additional items might make your workshop experience more meaningful. Find out what the 9
instructor recommends for a particular workshop. Forexample, how much telephoto reach will you likely need for a wildlife workshop? Will you need a laptop and certain software to take advantage of post-processing lessons? You do not necessarily have to buy a bunch of new gear if you don t have the recommended equipment. Instead, there are several outfits that rent cameras and lenses for reasonable weekly rates. This is also a great way to try before you buy. 10
11 During the Workshop Ok now that you have done your research and chosen the perfect workshop, how do you make sure you leave the workshop a better photographer than when you arrived? First, get out of your comfort zone. During the workshop make a conscious effort to try new techniques such as experimenting with exposure, focus, focal length, composition, etc. Don t waste time learning the basics of your gear during the workshop. You should do that before you arrive so you can spend your time on more important things. With that said, be sure to bring your camera manual in case you need it for reference. Download it to your computer or smart phone for ready access. Don t wander off and shoot by yourself during the workshop. You can shoot alone anytime. You just spent thousands of dollars to attend so take advantage of your time with the professional. Stick with the group and stay close to the pro. You will learn much more by interacting with the group than on your own. Get to know the pro and ask lots of questions. Usually the instructor will be shooting right along with the group. Spend some time just watching the instructor. Watch their workflow, how they setup shots, and their camera settings. Ask why they do what they do. Do they shoot standing up or from a low point of view? Look through their viewfinder to see how they frame a shot. Ask the instructor to look through yours and make suggestions. You can learn a lot just by watching someone who has done it a thousand times. Get to know the other participants. In addition to the camaraderie that develops while spending time with like-minded individuals, you can learn a lot from the other participants. Everyone comes to a workshop with a different background and point of view. One of the best things about a workshop is that for a few days, you eat, drink, and sleep photography with folks, who at first are strangers, but quickly become friends. The learning takes place not only in the field and during classroom sessions. It also takes place during breaks, mealtime, and drive time. A workshop is total immersion into the craft of photography. It can be exhilarating if you take advantage of the group dynamic.
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13 After the Workshop Whew, the workshop is over! you ve been up before dawn and out until after dark. You ve been learning new things every step of the way and you stayed up late processing countless images. You skipped meals, hiked for miles, got rained upon, got sunburned and/or frost bite, and your feet are probably still wet. So now what? First things first, take a break! Workshops can be exhausting. Most importantly however, take what you have learned and continue to practice your craft. Turn those new skills into old habits. Don t get lazy - keep using that tripod and keep shooting RAW. The proof is in your images and the reaction you get from friends and family. Finally, find a way to keep in touch with your instructor and fellow workshop participants. Share your work and provide feedback to each other. Social media makes it easy. Most workshop instructors are happy to maintain a relationship and continue to answer questions and provide feedback on your work. Take advantage of that relationship. And then start thinking about your next workshop...
About the Author Frank Comisar is the founder of Scenic Aperture and an award winning professional landscape, wildlife, and nature photographer. Frank has been photographing our natural world for over 20 years. Based in Durango, Colorado, Frank travels throughout North America making beautiful images for his gallery and leading workshops during which he shares his passion and knowledge of the natural world and digital photography. Influenced by a previous career in Architecture, Frank is a creative and inspiring teacher of photography. As an artist and creative professional, Frank educates by working side-by-side with his students in the field and in the digital dark room. Frank learned early in his architecture career that... the creative process is not a destination but a journey. It is a journey that includes research, planning, timing, technical skills, creative judgment, and a bit of good luck. Frank s success as a photographer is founded on these principles. Photo Copyright Connie White-all rights reserved 14