The point or nonsense of a photography workshop

Tuesday 10 June 2025, 22:44 by Nando Harmsen | 3,061 views | 1 comment

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

You are bombarded with photography workshops. Yes, I run workshops too. Is taking part in a workshop actually useful, or is its value about more than learning? I have my thoughts on this.

My approach to running a workshop is learning. I do not want to promise participants perfect conditions and beautiful photographs during the workshop, but I do want to promise better photographs. I want to give participants knowledge they can put into practice when they go out on their own and the conditions are right.

Many workshops focus on a particular theme. Photographing cuckoo flowers, heather photography, autumn, mushrooms, poppies, dragonflies, the red deer rut, you name it. The list of subjects is almost endless.

Photographing ground squirrels together. Is it a way to find the location, or do you actually learn something during a workshop like this?
Some specialised photography subjects can indeed help you get started. You get to see techniques, and it helps you avoid pitfalls. You make use of the workshop leader's knowledge.

Other workshops do not offer much added value in terms of technique. Photographing flowers or mushrooms often comes down to much the same thing: the technique is similar. So where is the added value?

I have noticed that 'finding' locations and 'hidden' spots is a reason for many people to take part in a workshop. But perhaps the enjoyment of going out together is reason enough to take part in this kind of workshop.

Photographing at a location can be called a workshop if you actually learn something from it. Otherwise, it is more of a photo expedition.
Many workshops do not really deserve the name workshop. No doubt they are enjoyable, and sometimes even worthwhile. But they are more like photography outings led by a guide. The guide points things out to you, after which you can get to work yourself.

That is fine, of course. It is a nice way to enjoy your hobby together. That is worth a lot too. Just do not call it a workshop. Call it a photo outing or photo expedition instead. I think the latter is a very fitting name.

My workshops and masterclasses focus on learning. It has to be more than taking participants to a beautiful location. This was during my long-exposure masterclass on the Opal Coast.
Do you take part in workshops? What is your reason for taking part, and do you actually learn from them? Perhaps you disagree with me, which is of course possible. Share your opinion in a comment below this article. I am curious about your experiences and opinion.

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