Secrets of the photo workshop business
Posted on 30. Jun, 2009 by Paul Burwell in Business, Everything, Workshops, Tours and Courses
I’m writing this article because frankly, I’m upset. It seems that every time I meet with photographers who have attended a previous photography workshop, at least one of them has a horror story about a previous experience. After hearing the stories, I’m surprised they were able to put the bad experience behind and have the fortitude to try again with another workshop leader. What’s really upsetting about a lot of things I hear about the photography workshop business is that it casts a dark shadow on the entire industry. I know that there are a lot of great folks who put on workshops (and in spirit of full disclosure, I have a workshop company myself) and it is unfortunate that many of our peers only seem to be in it for purely selfish reasons. The stories I’ve collected come from the nature photography business. I suspect they occur in other specialties as well, but my direct experience is with the folks who attend nature photography workshops.
Let’s go over a few of the complaints and flesh them out.
Herman the Hoary Marmot is upset about this too!!!
Very often it seems as if the workshop leader is there to pad his or her portfolio and has little interest in teaching, providing instruction or even the occasional hint. This is probably the single biggest complaint I hear. People do understand that it can be helpful for the workshop leader to have their camera with them and even if they make occasional images. But when people have to struggle with the workshop leader for a prime shooting location or when they get an annoyed look or attitude when they have a question, there is a definite problem. If I were planning to go on a photography workshop, my number one question and concern to the workshop leader would be: “Do you photograph during your workshops?”
I think the following story, told to me by one of my workshop peeps (who we’ll refer to as Mr. X) at my June workshop in Montana illustrates the situation eloquently. Mr X is on a photo workshop in Churchill, Manitoba for Polar Bear photography. One afternoon Mr X and the workshop leader go out by themselves in a vehicle to find critters to photograph. They spot an Arctic Fox out on a lake, get out of the vehicle (remember this is Churchill and Polar Bears can literally be anywhere) and start working their way across the lake to get into position to make some pictures. Apparently the ice isn’t that thick and Mr. X partially breaks through the ice and fortunately saves himself by catching himself with his camera which is soaked (and broken as it turns out). Additionally, Mr. X has managed to get his clothing wet and needs to get back to the warmth of the vehicle. So, what happens? The workshop leader stays out on the ice to photograph the Arctic Fox and leaves Mr. X to make his way back, across the ice and the tundra, to the vehicle. In addition to being wet, freezing and embarrassed, Mr. X is now terrified at the prospect of running into a Polar Bear by himself without his “expert” by his side. What sort of workshop leader, let alone human being, leaves another person in this predicament? Is it so important to get another fifty images of an Arctic Fox or could it possibly be the right thing to do to accompany the paying client, you know the person who is inadvertently paying for you to pad your portfolio, back to the vehicle?
How about a workshop leader who ostracize people who don’t use their brand of camera? Another fellow at my last workshop had attended a workshop with this professional photographer a number of years ago. At the beginning of the workshop they went over the sort of equipment that everyone was using. Out of about twenty participants only about four others were using my workshop person’s brand of camera. Those in the minority were told, in no uncertain terms, that they’d backed the wrong horse and hadn’t made an intelligent purchasing decision. Those folks felt entirely ostracized during the trip and didn’t get a lot out of the workshop. Is this kindergarten or what? Who gives a poop what brand of camera people decide to photograph with? Seriously!!!
And then there’s the story about another workshop leader, who I’ve heard the same story about from three or four sources. This workshop leader has the sort of personality where he can convince folks to spend money on things they might not otherwise do. He’s braggadocios and isn’t afraid to exaggerate his accomplishments or influence in the industry. But, he built up a good following of folks interested in pursuing a career as a professional nature photographer that regularly attended his wildlife photography workshops. Eventually, he convinced a number of them that they should submit their photos for inclusion in a book that his publishing company was putting together. The main caveat being that they had to pay many thousand dollars to participate. In addition to a number of copies of the books, they were promised fame and fortune for their participation and of course the elusive accomplishment of being “published”. The book was eventually produced and the participants received their copies of the books. But the printing quality was brutal and the length wasn’t what had been promised and it turns out the foreword to the book, written by a well known photographer, wasn’t even written by him. But of course the real disappointment came when all of their copies of the books languished in their basements and garages (because folks were embarrassed about the quality) and the promised fame and fortune never happened. Later folks discovered that the only one who made any money from the deal was, wait for it; wait for it; you guessed it, the workshop leader! Shocking! (Sarcasm intended).
There is also a workshop leader who collected tip money from his workshop participants, supposedly to give to the guides helping out with the workshop, which magically never made it into their hands but ended up at home with the workshop leader. One of the workshop attendees (this time we’ll call her Ms. X) was attending two workshops back-to-back at the same location and each workshop ended up having a different leader. When Ms. X found out that the money collected as a tip from the first group never made it into the hands of the intended recipients, she was furious. Immediately upon returning home she confronted the workshop leader via email and never received a reply. Eventually about six weeks later, she received a copy of a cancelled check made out to the guides with a small hand-written note stating “I heard you were concerned about this”. That’s all well and good (and apparently the guides did eventually receive the money) but it wasn’t until several weeks _after_ the workshop ended and the confrontational email was sent. Talking with the guides later, Ms. X learned that they hadn’t received tip money before from this workshop leader so apparently the scam had been going on for some time until he finally got caught! Can you imagine the gal of this “leader”? And yes, he still runs photo workshops to this day but strangely not with those guides or their company any longer.
I’ll leave you with one final story told to me by a number of people. It seems that there was a workshop leader who would charge extra if folks wanted to car pool with him to the photography locations! I’m not talking about just a share of the gas money extra, but way beyond that for the “privilege” of being in his presence and soaking up his expertise on the rides to different locations. What I really wonder about is how there was any room for additional riders in the vehicle with the size of this guy’s ego? Come on now, an up-charge for riding with him? Holy arrogance Batman!
All that being said, there are a lot of great nature photography workshop leaders out there; you just need to do your homework and make sure you know what you’re getting. I know that I personally model my workshop business as the antithesis of what you’ve read above. Like many of my peers, I am there foremost and primarily to help my peeps go home with great photos. I’m there for them, and not vice versa.
Do you have a workshop story to share? Please leave the names out of it, but we’d love to hear the stories.
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19 Responses to “Secrets of the photo workshop business”
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30. Jun, 2009
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Alltop
Rich C
01. Jul, 2009
Wow Paul! These stories are amazing. I’ve never been on a workshop yet, but I was actually planning on trying one within the next year here in AZ. We’ll see if I have a better experience!
I’m pretty amazed by what you’ve listed. While I haven’t done a workshop I have led photo tours where I live. Not a workshop. This year I’m leading a photo walk again. Did it last year too. So, volunteer leader, planned a fun route, etc. How many photos did I take last year? None. How many do I plan to take on my next tour? None.
While the walks and tours I’ve done are on a volunteer basis, and it’s not a teaching session, I find myself helping out, teaching, answering questions, etc. So I keep my camera packed away and spend time with the participants. I want everyone to enjoy the experience and I can shoot later.
Hope this isn’t the “norm” in workshops. And thanks for sharing it all with us!
JM
08. Jul, 2009
I’m sure workshops have their place but not for me. Now that everyone has a digital camera, and everyone wants to be a photographer I avoid these like the plague. Seen too much idiocy to go on one. These workshops are springing up like weeds if anyone has browsed through any photography magazine. Like many of the blogs in this “alltop” many are just crap. You do make good points though for those interested in these workshops to watch out for.
J
Paul Burwell
08. Jul, 2009
Workshops can be excellent places to learn new skills and further refine your photography. A good workshop can do for you in a few days what experimenting on your own will do for you in a year or more.
You just need to make sure you’re with a pro who is there for you, and not themselves.
GC
10. Jul, 2009
I have been to 2 workshops over the past 17 years. The first one was with very well known photographers and it affirmed to me that as a photographer I was headed in the right direction. The classroom portion and image critiques were excellent. However out in the field it was a different story; it was very clear I was on my own as the pros were shooting stock for themselves and were annoyed when approached. Another thing that really bothered me was their wildlife etiquette. In the classroom more than once they stressed that a photographers actions should not change the natural behavior of wildlife. Then out in the field this same photographer literally chased after a small group of goats attempting to get shots, definitely unimpressive! The overall experience really turned me off to workshops.
The second one most recently I attended, I went with lower expectations and thus was not as disappointed. I went specifically as it was the most affordable way for me to get access to this location. Again the classroom portion was very good, but again out in the field the pro/instructor was clearly shooting stock both still and some video. He was approachable and answered questions but again I felt I was paying for his opportunity to shoot image for himself.
If (and that is a big if) I go to another workshop I think the deciding blunt question to the instructor will specifically address the issue of the them shooting images for themselves. I have mixed thoughts on the instructor even having a camera out in the field. You can learn from observing someone else shooting, but I would prefer having some time with that person looking over my shoulder while I am shooting giving me tips on how I can make my images better, after all that is why I went to the workshop in the first place.
Just my thoughts based on experience. Paul, Thanks taking the time to blog!
Bob Towery
10. Jul, 2009
Nice article, it helps to make people aware. I wanted to go on an Eastern Sierra workshop, but I wanted my own room. Motels there only cost about $45 a night, so I’d rather pay a bit more and at least have a little time to myself. So the leader took my money (I think it was $750 deposit of about a $1,200 fee) and the additional fee.
He then informed me that the workshop was designed for an even number of people, 2 to a room. Since I had messed up the math, I would have to cover half of his room as well. I tried to explain that there would still be 2 to a room, except for me.
I was unwilling to deal with someone further that was playing these kind of games, and I lost my $750+. You sure I can’t say his name?
Paul Burwell
12. Jul, 2009
Ouch! I hope you told as many as your friends and acquaintances about your experience so they don’t give that person any more business.
Donald Giannatti
12. Jul, 2009
Before I started doing workshops, I attended 4 at quite a hefty price. I had such a bad experience overall, that it almost made me made me want to not do it.
However, it also made me realize what a workshop is for. It is for the students. I think the above comments and article are right on. Very often there is a disconnect between the photographers expectations and the students. They should be the same… help the student become better than they were before the workshop.
Ask others who have taken a workshop before you attend.. Ask these five questions…
1. Did the photographer spend more than, like about 20 minutes telling his/her background? If yes, red flag one.
2. Does the photographer shoot during the workshop… other than a few demonstration shots? If yes, red flag two.
3. Does the workshop person constantly check their watch looking for excuses for ‘breaks’ and quittn’ time. If yes, red flag three (and a half, maybe… ya know)
4. Does the photographer spend time trying to convince you that one camera is better than another, or that you should invest in their lighting system, or that there is ONLY VUN VAY to make photographs? His way. If yes, red flag four.
5. Does the photographer work one on one with the students, encouraging them to push themselves harder… to scratch the edges and make something special? Something magical? If no, red flag five.
And remember this… a great photographer does not necessarily mean that they will be great teachers. When choosing a workshop, you are better off with a great teacher than a truly amazing photographer with the personal skills of a gang leader or a hermit recluse.
Workshops can be very positive experiences for shooters, but choose carefully, and give it your all when you go.
Paul Burwell
12. Jul, 2009
Great comments Don.
Frank T
12. Jul, 2009
Paul -
Nicely written article, and EXACTLY what I wanted to avoid in my first experience with a workshop. I signed up for one, and backed out, losing the deposit I put down, because I’d heard from others who’d taken the workshop that the leader (note I don’t say “teacher”) was more interested in their own work than what the students were doing. I was not willing to spend more money to pay someone else to take photos and not learn anything.
I ended up taking a workshop that was HIGHLY student-centered, where the instructor used the same consumer gear as most of the students, where we learned about photography and lighting and were pushed to do more. It was NOT about the instructor and his work. He took a couple pics as examples and spent the vast majority of the time (99.9999999% of it) working with the students and starting where they were experience-wise and pushing them to be better photographers.
As a teacher myself, it was the absolute best learning experience I have ever been a part of in 20+ years of being in education. So, there are some good workshops out there – as the consumer, we need to pay attention to not only who is leading, but what their commitment to the student is.
Kerry Garrison
15. Aug, 2009
In my workshops it is all about the attendees. In my last portrait lighting workshop I think I ended up with maybe 6-8 images myself as I was showing some particular technique and then the attendees would start shooting while I gave them suggestions, looked at their images, adjusted lights, showed how to work with the subject. Most of the attendees walked out with hundreds of images. I never liked it when I was with a “leader” who hogged the prime positions, didnt offer feedback, or was just plain rude. That’s not the way way to be a real leader.
salim
18. Aug, 2009
o dear!! at least a bit change. been on these websites especially te£by kra$ning. though i didnt pay anything but its crap. holy crap. man. they charge you money to show how to setup nikon cls. man you neeed to be daft ot be paying for those lessons. now these pro have turned into philosophical world of dream chasers or stuff. this article was breath of fresh air.
i suppose moderation might be needed for this ” Scott Kelby!! get a life… and work on your portfolio not on ur stupid books and con workshops! man that guy is gttin to my nerves
Paul Burwell
18. Aug, 2009
I’ve never heard anyone speak any way but highly about Scott Kelby’s workshops and I personally find his books very useful.
john Hryniuk
22. Aug, 2009
Hi there I’ve been a photographer for my whole life and never felt a need to go to a workshop. I guess if I did want to go I would try and do my homework and research the place on the internet and try and get some recommendations. It sucks that there are people out there who are taking advantage of people.
Kerry
23. Aug, 2009
Well sure, there are some people who may be taken advantage of some people but I think the majority of workshop teachers are trying to do good and there are certainly people from every conceivable skill set that are willing to pay someone to walk them through doing even simple things when there are excellent websites and books available. Different people learn different ways.
-Kerry
Eric
26. Feb, 2010
How about the ones relying on deposits to pad the bottom line? One internet photographer that often runs sold out A******** tours seems to profit greatly by the inevitable cancellations. One cancellation was announced and resold before noon. That’s sure some quick and easy way to make a thousand bucks there. Beats selling microstock.
Things like that lead to the involvement of the BBB and provincial consumer agencies. Right now it seems the internet is sorting things out. Good article Paul.
mel
02. Apr, 2010
I took a nature photography course last summer – intensive 5 days. Absolute waste of time and money. The instructer spent the majority of the time telling us about how talented he was, how he always got the shot no one else got etc. We learned all about his digital storage system, his way of handling contracts and that he didn’t advertise because people came to him because he was that good. Yep. There was a wee bit of an ego issue. I had about 10 minutes of his attention during the whole course. And about 5 minutes of that was to tell me how I couldn’t take a picture because I would never get the proper exposure ( a simple picture of a forest – apparently he had never heard of a guy named Adams)
This was a nature course so of course we went out into the field at 9:30 each morning and came back around 3:00. Thats the best light in the middle of the summer, didn’t cha know.
But the best part was when I came back to the parking lot on the second day after not hearing any noise from the others (it had been about 10 minutes since I last saw any one) to discover everyone was gone. There was 2 hours left and I had no idea where every one was. I found out the next morning that he had decided during lunch to do a night shoot that evening. When I asked why I hadn’t been told he acted surprised and insisted that he had told everyone in the parking lot. Apparently his amazing skills did not include being able to count up to 7. I noticed he is no longer an instructor at this particular place. I wonder why. I also wasn’t particularly impressed that he would leave when my vehicle was still obviously there and we were shooting at a waterfalls/rapids. The second course I took made up for everything. That instructor was amazing! I learned more in 6 hours than the whole previous course.