The opportunities are endless. It feels like at every corner there is an offer to book a photography workshop or purchase an online course. It can all get very overwhelming, if you are not quite sure what to look for. Therefore, before making the investment, it is worth to take the time and think about what will bring you further in your business at this point in time.
Here are a few tips to help make the process easier:
- Pinpoint what you need to improve to take you to the next level in your business.Are you trying to develop your technical skills as a photographer or work on revamping certain aspects of your business? Get specific about your needs and be honest with yourself about your level of knowledge in order to seek out the most suitable solution.
- Consider the various learning formats available.In a nutshell, you can participate in an in-person workshop or purchase an online course. In what kind of setting do you learn best?
I. In-person Workshop
You can take advantage of a 1-on-1 mentoring session or be part of a group.
If you want to dive deep into your specific business or need special attention for learning certain technical skills, a 1-on-1 mentoring session is probably the better option for you. If you are looking to learn more general concepts and are eager to connect with fellow photographers, a group-setting makes more sense.
Here are some points to consider:
– Size of the group
– Location of the workshop (local or international) – what kind of environment? – Is the focus only on lectures or also on portfolio-building?
– Is it a multi-day workshop? What kind of accommodation, meals, transportation etc.. will be available?
II. Online Course
Online courses are great for learning at your own pace. In most cases, you have lifetime access to the course material and can revisit it whenever you need to refresh your memory. You won’t have a hands-on experience with the instructor, but they often have a private Facebook Group for connecting with other students and posing questions. Also keep in mind that online courses are often more afordable.
3. Select a suitable instructor
Before putting your money down, do your due diligence to ensure that you are choosing the right instructor. There are a lot of photographers offering workshops and mentoring sessions, but that does not mean that they are all on top of their game and well-equipped to teach. Read reviews and whenever possible, try to get in touch with previous participants to ask their honest opinion. This should go without saying, but also look at the instructor’s portfolio and style of photography to see if it is aligned with the direction that you want to go.
BONUS: Networking events
It is becoming common place for photographers to organize meetups, conferences and retreats. It is great for networking with fellow photographers, having fun and learning from one another.
