To berchman - I too attended a photo workshop in NYC at the Javits Center 20+ years ago and when to a couple of the breakout sessions taught by experienced and recognized photographers. I knew less then than I do now and now I'm at best a neophyte. But my reaction was the same. The instructors were impressed by their abilities and were not capable of speaking to newbies who were in the workshop to learn basics. It's very difficult to conduct a workshop that is responsive to all, but it's no fun being the participant who walks away wondering why he/she spent the money.

I attended a photoshoot in Montana ten years ago and experienced a similar reaction - the instructors tended to work with people who were more proficient with cameras than those of us who weren't.

From what I've read on this blog, the comments made by old salts are much more valid, relative and helpful than sitting in a workout session and getting plowed over.

I've been on a number of workshops since retirement and got some great pictures and training. But I ran into something different 'this week.
Paid my deposit and waited. Received the invoice and noted that I was charged for a single. Hadn't been asked and didn't want a single so when I paid the invoice I just deducted the single charge. Within a day got a reply that my payment was short and he noticed it was equal to the single charge. Wrote back and said I didn't want the single but I would get a check in the mail tomorrow.
Well he hit the roof and ranted he had never had a client like me and since I hadn't paid the full charge by the 90 day deadline, my reservation was cancelled, my credit card deposit refunded and my final check was voided (with a picture of the voided check) Said I should have said something when I got the invoice and implied it was my fault. Well, yes,
It was my misunderstanding, I didn't ask for a single so didn't expect to pay for one. Cost me the air fare and trip insurance but I've never run into someone with such a burr under his saddle. Sort of figured some buddy wanted to go on that workshop so he just dropped me and got his buddy. Probably better off for me, we'd probably spent to much time arguing about shutter speeds and f-stops! Lesson learned, read the invoice very carefully and know what you are buying.(that applies to anything)

Hi, I go on a lot of workshops, all different types. I've gone with around 10 different instructors since 2010. Had some problems/issues with a variety of things at times, most not a deal-breaker although there is now one guy I will not go with again. I've certainly learned a lot about going to workshops, so much so, in fact, that I wrote an article on how to choose a workshop that meets your needs. You can find this article on my web site (I'm afraid to put in a link as that seems to get me "kicked off" the post), just do a search for Connie Cassinetto photography. I've found almost every workshop to be informative and helpful in one way or another. This year I'm going with Josh Cripps, Gary Hart and with Photography Breakthrough to Mammoth Lakes, Grand Canyon, and Italy. I would not want anyone to not go on a workshop because one person gets "shorted" on the deal in some way. Read the article and I think you will learn a lot about workshops and what questions to ask.