Opinions on workshops?!

[Jeff_Green]

I know the purpose for those attending the workshop is to gain knowledge and to be able to put that knowledge into hands-on practice. That knowledge and time is great and valuable and I appreciate those whose workshops I have attended (Scott, Don, Darryl) as well as those I hope to attend!

But if you are a person who is hosting or going to host a workshop, what is your purpose for doing so? Is it simply to impart knowledge to those who are trying to better themselves in the same profession as you? Is it to do the above as well as just make sure you aren't losing money in this venture? Is it the first as well as to make money? Or is it just to make money as your primary purpose and secondary is to impart knowledge?

Thanks in advance for the input!
Jeff

[AndrewCCM]

My guess... It's a break from the norm... and it's to make some money. After all, it is their business typically. I would think that most people are not hoping to train their competition for the sake of fun. I am quite sure there is a balance in there somewhere. Many of the more sought after speakers got that way from making their name in the business, then doing workshops..gradually moving into higher paying seminars and workshops. Burnout in the wedding industry is common and it seems the natural progression is to market various things (including seminars/workshops) to people that are entering the biz. This is big business these days as there are no shortage of people that want to be the next "full-time photog, Ex-corporate IT worker".

Just my thoughts... But you were not addressing it to me...so take it for what it's worth.

[Jeff_Green]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

This is big business these days as there is no shortage of people that want to be the next "full-time photog, Ex-corporate IT worker".

Just my thoughts... But you were not addressing it to me...so take it for what it's worth.

Crap! I guess I am in the wrong line of work to progress into full time photography! Too many people here move from IT to photography! lol

[brad]

Mine is a combination of the two... I'm trying to "give back" so to speak, repaying the people who helped me improve by offering opportunities for those who want to do things differently to improve as well...... and as Andrew says, it is still a business, so I can't lose money at it. I make a little on it, but not much more than I would have by doing a shoot during that same time.

[bondarnes]

There are several reasons that I give seminars and programs.
First: Many years ago someone took the time away from their successful business to teach a workshop that I attended. I am truly grateful for that and feel that it is now payback time for me. I also still attend at least a couple of programs every month. If I am not continually learning new information I am not standing still, I am going backwards. I just returned from a fabulous week of learning with almost 1,000 other highly motivated photographers at the Texas School of Professional Photography. They came from over 30 states to spend a week in one of the 33 classes taught by some of the best photographers in the world.
Second: Teaching keeps me sharp in my own photography. Each time I prepare for a seminar, I re-learn something that I may have been lax about. Or realize that I am no longer using popular poses or lighting formulas that have been successful for me in the past.
Third: Since this is a business to me, one of my goals in teaching is to raise the level of professionalism of those just entering into this as a business. When you are a hobbiest and sell a print for $3.00 that only cost you $1.00 you feel great, but as a professional that kind of markup will put you in the poorhouse real quick.
Fourth: While I do get paid for my seminars, it is less than I would make if I were doing photography sessions during that time. I believe that if I did it for free, then it would have less value to my students.
Those are a few of my thoughts.

[Jeff_Green]

Brad, thanks for your thoughts! I really do hope to make one of your workshops really soon! I don't think you can ever get enough workshops or seminars. And I really don't think you should limit yourself to one type of workshop that you attend because so much can be taken from one avenue of photography to another to make yourself a unique photographer.

Originally Posted by bondarnes

Third: Since this is a business to me, one of my goals in teaching is to raise the level of professionalism of those just entering into this as a business.

To me, this is so important. In my "real" job I am an electrician. The company I work for has several goals but one of the main ones is to raise the bar in the electrical service industry. Why? The more companies that raise their bar to meet our professionalism and price (high price, not the $3.00 a picture type) the better it is for not only in pushing us to be even better, but the better it is for the electrical industry. Better quality and better results all around.

Photography is the same way, to me. That is why I try to make a variety of workshops. I go from Scott's workshop to Don's then to Darryl's (talk about running the spectrum!). I am better for attending each and every one and I think I am safe in saying that each one of them had the same opinion as Don.

[srwatters]

My original goal was to fill a void that I saw after going to one of Rolando's events. I wanted to attend more than one a year (which is all he comes to Dallas). After hosting some 'learning events' (where I learned as much as the attendees) I decided that with some help, I could help fill that void, gain some name recognition, and of course make a few bucks for my time. I don't make anywhere near a decent hourly rate based on the hours I spend in preparation and execution of my workshops, but they are fun and I meet some great people. Plus who doesn't like hanging out with some attractive models and makeup artists (Ok, the photographers are fun too).

Hope that helps and I'm happy to hear that you've had good experiences with Greg and my events.

[photosbymorgan2]

Some photographers hold workshops to help teach others as well as work towards their Master in Photography degree.

One day I will do the same, to pass along what I know and hopefully get my master in photography degree.

[Arnor]

Hi Don,

Originally Posted by bondarnes

Second: Teaching keeps me sharp in my own photography. Each time I prepare for a seminar, I re-learn something that I may have been lax about. Or realize that I am no longer using popular poses or lighting formulas that have been successful for me in the past.

Agreed. I have taught quite a few computer courses through the years and one of the best ways for me to learn something is to teach it. You dig into it to make sure that your material is good and up to date and you get a better, clearer, view of the subject. You push yourself to make sure that you have good, solid, understanding of the subject. Not only do your students benefit, but you benefit as well. I'm sure the same applies to photography:)

Best regards,

[JoeBannon]

Coming from the music industry, I have to say this one is completely different in the sense of photographers helping each other out. There is by far a lot less competitiveness and it is a tighter community because of that.

[anoldsock]

Originally Posted by Jeff_Green

Crap! Too many people here move from IT to photography!

Yeah...same story here, I quit my job as an IT consultant (SAP - Security & Controls). I don't really plan on making it a full time gig, but rather I just picked it up as a hobby. Since I quit, I've spent 10 weeks traveling across Europe and the US. I will be starting to travel again for another 10 weeks or so starting mid May. After that, who knows? Common sense says I'll be forced into giving up my soul and going back to Corporate America. At least my time off was well spent and it was good while it lasted.

It's funny how so many IT people and engineers take up photography.

[JoeBannon]

I've noticed a lot of IT people. I was a web developer in the 90s, but unlike my fellow employees, I saved me money so I could do music full time.