AVarley Loc: Central Valley, California

Hi all, it's been a while since I've posted, but had a question and immediately thought of this forum for your qualified opinions.

Does anyone have any direct experience with an on-location workshop in which they've participated? Ran? I'm not looking for specific references, just a "was it worth the $1500-$2500+ price tag?"

I suppose I could muddle on in self-teaching mode and buy a new lens instead, or spend some money to get out with a professional and flatten the learning curve. I feel stale-mated and uninspired at present. I know that either a new lens or the workshop would kickstart my engine. If money were no object I'd do both of course and damn the results! ha!

So, what do you think?

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

My experience has been that yes, on location workshops can be quite helpful both in terms of getting some excellent instruction and in providing a nice dose of creative energy.

The value of a workshop does depend on who the instructors are, but if you seek out those run by talented, and reputable photographers, you can often have an experience well worth the high prices.

Living in the Central Valley, you have the advantage of having access to many workshops within reasonable travel distance, hence lower travel costs. There are many workshops offered each year for locations in the Eastern Sierras and Death Valley for example. And you could do workshops throughout the Southwest without the added expense of having to fly to get there.

A bit of advice. Research and select your desired workshop well in advance. Those offered by the better photographers or reputable workshop organizers fill-up early. Most workshops of merit will be limited to between 8 and 10 participants, so you need to reserve your spot well in advance. For example, Guy Tal is doing a workshop in Death Valley in mid February 2015. It has been full for some time now.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

A photo shop owner in the nearby town happens to teach photography at the community college - he tells me they did photo workshops last year - so I would suggest you check with your local community colleges...

Another source might be local photo clubs that go out on photo shoots / trips - - -

DigitalDon Loc: Calgary, Alberta

You could find out if Phase 1 is doing something within your budget. These are 60-80 megapixel cameras you get to use. You would need a sufficient storage device. The problem is once you go you will want to go again.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

I have a different perspective on your question. This past summer while out shooting in a wilderness area I ran into a group doing an on-location workshop, and then met them later at dinner and spent a couple of hours eavesdropping, chatting with participants, and having a long talk with the guy leading it. I learned a lot just being a "fly on the wall," found the people leading it to be competent and dedicated, and all of the participants - some of them from the other end of the country - were enthusiastic and satisfied.

So I would say that from all evidence I saw that on location workshops can definitely be valuable and worthwhile.

Mike

pixelcene Loc: Texan in New Hope, PA

I have attended 4 on location workshops conducted by Canon and have found what has already been said, a lot depends on the instructor. But each workshop put me in a location and situation which I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to visit. From my experience, each was well worth the price of admission and travel expenses.

Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York

Well worth the time and money, like others have said even just to get your creative spark going again, usually there are a couple of class sessions on post processing or a new technique to try out. You get to see what others are shooting and see if it might be gear you would consider in the future.

If you are looking for instruction make sure it's a workshop not a photo tour, I did an Iceland photo tour and the lead photographer would walk right infront of all the paying participants to get his shot, it pissed a lot of people off. On so workshop I have seen lots of teaching offered if you want it, any question i have ever asked was answered. Aldo I have seen instructors stay back with someone who thought they could make the walk to the sunrise point. The instructor stayed and helped her get the best shots from where she had to stop. PM for the names of a few I have taken, I don't want to go all commercial here

AVarley Loc: Central Valley, California

Great advice from all! Thanks much. I'm guessing I'll need to begin research (again) to find a good location workshop ... I'll post again then I do.

Maybe UHH should put one together. Wouldn't that be fun. There are many knowledgeable folks here willing to share their knowledge.

jack schade Loc: La Pine Oregon

I have enjoyed the workshops that I have attended. They have taken me to areas that I would not have been able to visit on my own. The learning experiences are great. However it is a one time experience. Equipment purchases will be of use for many years. If you can only afford one maybe the equipment is the better deal in he long run.
Jack

bretedge Loc: Moab, UT

As one who leads workshops I'm probably a bit biased but in short, yes - I do think there is value in attending an on-location workshop. That said, buyer beware. I've had too many of my own workshop clients relate horror stories about other workshops they've attended wherein the instructor(s) disappear to shoot their own work rather than engaging with each student. If you decide to do a workshop I highly recommend you do some research before you send in your registration. Ask for student referrals and/or read online reviews of the workshops, contact the land management agencies in the area of the workshop to ensure that the instructors are properly permitted and insured, etc. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous folks in this business.

I hope this is helpful. Good luck to you!

AVarley Loc: Central Valley, California

Thanks for the additional information! I really want to shoot somewhere I've never been before, particularly one of our National Parks ... leaning towards Olympic right now, only because Denali it out of the budget.

bretedge: I see you're from the Moab UT area. One of my favorite places on the planet is Arches. It's an annual trip for my family who lives in SLC, I only get there once every few years now. It never disappoints. I may still have a few photos posted in my web site. (dont judge!) hahaha

AVarley Loc: Central Valley, California

Wow! Just cruised the bretedge link to "Summer in the Tetons" workshop and galleries. Fantastic!

I have plans to be there in July next year (I wish it were June, I'd sign up for your workshop right now!)

MW

I suggest you also give some thought to the kind of photography you are interested in. Most seem to be directed toward landscape. You may have to look longer for other disciplines

bretedge Loc: Moab, UT

Well, shoot! We originally had the workshop scheduled for mid-July but decided to move it to late June in the hopes that we'd hit the valley wildflowers at or near peak.

Have a fantastic time in the Tetons, Ann!