Technique
GROUPTACTICS Numbers are limited on workshops and photo experiences to ensure attendees have time to learn and get the pictures they want, without it being like a rugby scrum. If flash is in use, the photographer with the sync trigger is in charge, while with continuous light, more people can shoot at the same time
ONTHE BUSES Photography News has organised plenty of reader events and photo experiences – and will do so again as we get back to normal. These vintage buses (below), organised by TimeLine Events in the heart of London, were a photo opportunity from an event called Photo24. Taken on a tripod-mounted Fujifilm X-T2, with an XF56mm f/1.2 lens using an exposure of 1/3sec at f/2 – and ISO 400 to get some movement blur
1 HOWMUCH ‘ME TIME’ WILLYOU GET? This is a key question. Workshops are so much more effective, and you will learn more, if you are part of a small group. In this context, I mean single figures, no more than six – any number higher than that and you could be taking part in more of a photo walk than a workshop. A good leader will ensure they spend a proportionate amount of time with each participant, with plenty of individual coaching. 2 CAN THE TEACHER TEACH? Well, you would assume so, but it’s not always the case! No matter how good (or famous) they are, if the workshop leader can’t get the messages across in an articulate and inspirational way, things are unlikely to go well. A good workshop leader will be enthusiastic, inspiring, professional in approach, singularly committed to the genre and, of course, a good teacher. 3 DOTHEY SPECIALISE? Whatever you intend to learn, you really should be learning it with a
specialist. A business that offers safari shooting in Kenya may not have the expertise to teach street shooting in Manchester. So, try and find someone who specialises in one field only. Sure, there are training companies who use specialist tutors across a range of genres, but take care to ensure that you’re getting the focused expertise you believe you are paying for. Niche is best! 4 DOYOU LIKE THEIR IMAGES? Look at the workshop leader’s images. Do you aspire to their work? Do you appreciate their style or skill set? Have they written any books? Are they published in established magazines and journals? Do they operate as a brand ambassador for any of the major manufacturers? Do they exhibit their work? Are they truly a full-time ‘professional’ photographer? Look carefully at the images they use to promote their workshops: if they have been using the same few pictures for years, tread cautiously. Good workshop leaders will have a substantial – and current – portfolio to back them up.
Issue 90 | Photography News 25
photographynews.co.uk
Powered by FlippingBook