How To Choose A Photography Workshop

Things to Look Out for Before Booking a Photography Workshop

Photography workshops are everywhere these days. It seems like every YouTuber has one, and as work dries up for many professional photographers, more and more are turning to workshops as a way to generate income. And, while they can be a great experience for anyone looking to focus purely on photography, gain new skills, and immerse themselves in a unique setting with a trusted teacher, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before signing up.

1. A Big YouTube Following Doesn’t Guarantee a Great Teacher

It's easy to assume that if a photographer has a massive online following, they must be a great teacher. But having hundreds of thousands of subscribers doesn’t necessarily make someone a good educator. You may get entertaining videos, but that doesn't always translate to real, valuable teaching when you're in a workshop setting.

2. A Famous Photographer Doesn’t Always Mean They’re a Good Instructor

Similarly, just because a photographer has a solid client list or a stellar portfolio doesn’t mean they know how to teach. In fact, sometimes it’s a money grab, and they might not even be interested in sharing their techniques or "secret sauce" with you. Some may simply be good at photography but aren’t necessarily good at explaining their process to others.

3. Choose the Photographer Over the Location

While it’s tempting to choose a workshop based on the exotic location, if learning is your main goal, you should prioritize the instructor over the location. A beautiful setting might make for fantastic Instagram shots, but if you’re there just for the backdrop and not the education, you’re missing the point. Look for an instructor who has a teaching style that suits your learning needs and photography goals.

4. Photography Tour vs. Photography Workshop: Know the Difference

Not all workshops are created equal. A photography tour often takes large groups to picturesque locations, where the instructor will help you "capture" pre-planned shots. Think of it as a guided tour where everyone gets the same shot, with little room for personal development or creative input. If you’re looking for a more customized learning experience, this isn’t the right fit.

On the other hand, photography workshops are typically more focused on skill-building and one-on-one instruction. Smaller group sizes (5 or fewer participants) often allow for more personalized attention, where you can explore specific techniques and get valuable feedback on your work.

5. Choose Smaller Workshops Over Cheap Ones

Smaller groups mean more hands-on time with the instructor, which is crucial for your development. Larger workshops often feel more like a mass event, where you may not get the individual attention you need to grow. It might be tempting to book the cheaper option, but investing in a smaller group or one-on-one workshop will likely provide a much higher return on your learning experience.

6. Consider Custom or 1:1 Workshops (If You Have the Budget)

If you have the budget, consider a 1:1 workshop or a custom-tailored experience. Many instructors offer one-on-one sessions but may not advertise them, so don’t be afraid to ask. These personalized workshops can be far more valuable because they focus specifically on your needs and goals. I teach a lot of 1:1 workshops in Hanoi, and while they are pricier, the value is immense. You get a completely tailored experience that’s designed to benefit your individual growth in photography.

7. Check References, Not Just Reviews

It's easy to rely on glowing reviews on a workshop’s website, but those are handpicked by the organizer. Instead, look for reviews in more neutral spaces—Google reviews, photography forums, or social media threads. Better yet, reach out to someone who's already participated in a past workshop. Ask them about their experience and get their honest feedback. Personal references are often more trustworthy than any curated review.

8. Review Their Portfolio

While a great portfolio doesn’t necessarily guarantee that someone is a great teacher, you should at least respect their work. A teacher who’s skilled and passionate about their craft will likely have a portfolio that speaks to their ability to capture and create compelling images. Look at their style, subject matter, and level of technical expertise, and see if it aligns with what you’re hoping to learn.

9. Understand the Workshop Itinerary

Before booking, make sure you know exactly what you’ll be learning. If you love street photography but the workshop focuses on portraits, then it’s probably not the right fit. It might seem obvious, but I’ve seen people sign up for workshops that didn’t align with their interests or photography goals. Also, if the workshop description is vague—like "storytelling photography"—ask follow-up questions. What exactly does that mean? Does the instructor have a track record of teaching storytelling? Look at their portfolio to see how they incorporate storytelling into their own work.

10. Your Mindset Matters: It's About Growth, Not Just Pretty Photos

A common mistake people make when going into a photography workshop is thinking it’s all about coming back with Instagram-worthy photos. Sure, you’ll likely leave with some stunning shots, but the goal should be learning how to create those images on your own in the future. If you're hoping to simply walk away with someone else’s shots, that’s not sustainable growth. The best workshops will challenge you to grow as a photographer, helping you develop skills that you can continue to improve after the workshop ends.

11. Ask About Post-Workshop Support

Another tip: check if the instructor offers any post-workshop support or follow-up. Some instructors might offer critiques on your photos after the workshop, provide access to an alumni group for continued learning, or offer advice down the road. This can be a huge benefit, as your learning doesn’t have to stop once the workshop ends.

12. Know Your Learning Style

Finally, think about your personal learning style. Do you thrive in group settings, or are you someone who benefits more from one-on-one interactions? If you're not sure, it’s worth exploring workshops that offer a variety of formats (such as group learning plus individual sessions). The more the teaching style matches your learning preferences, the more you’ll get out of the experience.

13.) Level of Photography: Know Where You Stand

Is the workshop truly open to all levels, or is it aimed at more advanced photographers? If you’re still learning the basics, like exposure settings, and the workshop focuses on advanced topics like storytelling, you might struggle to keep up. Always ask follow-up questions to clarify the level of the workshop. Many workshops claim to be "open to all levels" just to appeal to a broader audience, but that doesn't mean they tailor the experience for each skill level.

When I teach, I get a mix of amateurs and professionals, but because my workshops are smaller, I can adjust my teaching style to meet everyone’s needs. That level of personalization is key for both beginners and advanced learners. Unfortunately, not every workshop is designed with that flexibility in mind, and many large workshops might not offer the tailored guidance that allows you to grow at your own pace.

Conclusion

Photography workshops can be an incredible opportunity to improve your skills, expand your network, and gain new experiences—but only if you choose wisely. Prioritize the instructor, ensure the workshop aligns with your goals, and keep your focus on long-term growth. After all, it's not just about the location or the photos you take—it’s about developing skills that will make you a better photographer long after the workshop is over.

Happy shooting!

Browse my photography workshop offerings here.