Workshops abound these days. Seems like there are so many shooters doing everything from Saturday morning short courses, to multi-week treks off to distant lands. There are lots of places to find great workshops.

I teach many workshops a year, and have been traveling extensively to bring workshops to smaller towns that may not be on the radar of other workshops. I have some experience in what can go wrong at a workshop as well as what makes for a wonderful, fulfilling photographic adventure.

Here is a short list of things you can do to make your workshop experience more fun and educational.

1. Make sure the workshop is for you. 
In other words, if you want to learn how to shoot glamor, taking an architectural lighting workshop may not be the best way to learn what you want to learn. Do the research and make sure the focus of the workshop is right for you. Contact previous workshop attendees and ask them how it went. If you cannot find any attendees on your own, contact the workshop leaders and ask for some references. It's fine to do that. We workshop leaders love to be bragged about, so we will send you some names.

2. Determine the Nature of the Workshop.
Is it a shooting workshop or a sit-at-a-desk workshop? Is it hands-on or theory. Will you be doing a lot of walking around or is it confined to a small area. All are legitimate ways of doing a workshop... but knowing the nature of it will make you more prepared for the day. Maybe you will wear comfortable shoes, or bring some extra snacks. Whatever your specific needs, knowing what to expect for the workshop can help you prepare better.

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