Technique Every day’s a school day Learning never stops – and if you want to improve your vision, get more fromyour camera or just shoot a new genre, there aremany workshops and experiences to try. Course leader and Fujifilm ambassador, Brian Lloyd Duckett, has some essential advice
IF YOU’RE IN the market for a photography workshop, there’s no lack of choice. They have never been more popular. From street photography to landscapes, fashion to astro, weddings to boudoir – the possibilities are endless. However, in the minefield that is the world of workshops, things are not always quite what they seem. Take my own field: street photography. I see lots of individuals setting themselves up as workshop operators. In one sense, good luck to them – it’s a free market and there’s enough business to go around. However, it’s slightly concerning that not everyone has a credible track record – either as a photographer or an educator. Becoming a workshop provider
appears to be simple enough: you need to know your subject (not always the case), be a strong communicator (not a given) and know how to market your services (many are pretty good with this). It always amuses me when people come on my workshops just to learn how to do workshops, then go off and do it themselves. Recently, one chap – an ambassador for a major camera brand (not Fujifilm, I hasten to add!) – booked on to my workshop, then started advertising his own in exactly the same location. A quick Google search will uncover many providers in whatever genre you care to mention. Some have been around for years and really know their stuff; others have invested their redundancy, pension or savings
when setting up as a trainer, with little to back up their claims and promises. And there’s plenty in-between. Some offer their services very cheaply, which should raise suspicion in itself. So, how do you find the right workshop? Will you be wasting your money – or investing wisely in learning new skills and being inspired by a true professional? Here’s a checklist of ten factors to consider, alongside key questions you should ask to help make an informed decision. Please think carefully before booking any photography workshop. While this is a huge industry and it’s always growing, I certainly get frustrated when I see people giving money to those who really shouldn’t be taking it.
FLYING THE FLAG As the world slowly emerges from the Covid pandemic, it’s time to consider experiences that offer learning, great photo opportunities and a wonderful experience. “I booked a trip to the US with portrait pro Damien Lovegrove as a present to myself on a big birthday,” says PN editor, Will Cheung. “As an enthusiast, non-portrait photographer, I would never plan an overseas journey with two models and lighting, so it made sense to book on an organised trip where there was the chance to learn on location. It was an unforgettable adventure with great company, photo opportunities – and I got a load of decent shots, too.” This image (left) was shot on a Fujifilm GFX 50S with a 120mm f/4 lens, exposure was 1/1200sec at f/4, ISO 200. The model was Claire Rammelkamp and the image was processed using Analog Efex Pro 2 in Nik Collection 4
BRIAN LLOYDDUCKETT Brian Lloyd Duckett is the founder of StreetSnappers and a Fujifilm X-Photographer. He runs street photography workshops across the UK and Europe. streetsnappers.com
Photography News | Issue 90
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