351: Wayne Suggs - Getting the Most Out of a Photography Workshop
Jan 8, 2024
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Photographer Wayne Suggs joins host Matt Payne to discuss the value of photography workshops. They share insights on choosing workshops, physical capabilities, and preparing for workshops. They highlight the importance of instructors, hidden benefits like connections and learning, and their own experiences with workshops. A bonus episode on Patreon is also mentioned.
Attending photography workshops provides a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with like-minded people and form lasting friendships.
Workshops focus on the skills and creativity of the photographer, emphasizing learning and growth rather than equipment.
Participating in workshops can lead to unexpected benefits, such as forming meaningful connections and learning from other participants with unique knowledge and perspectives.
Deep dives
The Importance of Workshops
Workshops offer a valuable opportunity to learn and improve as a photographer. They provide hands-on instruction, allowing participants to make mistakes and grow from them. Unlike simply buying new camera gear, workshops focus on the skills and creativity of the photographer, rather than the equipment. Additionally, workshops offer an immersive experience, creating connections and friendships among participants. The learning and experiences gained from workshops can have a lasting impact on the artistic development of a photographer.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a workshop
Before signing up for a workshop, it is important to consider several factors. These include the level of experience the workshop is aimed at, the teaching style of the instructor, the types of photographs the instructor is drawn to, and the physical activities involved in the workshop. Asking these questions can help ensure that the workshop aligns with the participant's goals, preferences, and abilities, enabling them to get the most out of the experience.
Unanticipated Benefits of Workshops
Participating in a workshop can lead to unexpected benefits. One such benefit is the opportunity to form meaningful connections with other participants, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared passion for photography. Learning from other participants, who may have unique knowledge or perspectives, can also enhance the workshop experience. Workshops can provide an immersive and memorable experience that goes beyond just taking photographs, allowing participants to learn and grow in ways that may not have been initially anticipated.
The Value of Learning and Education
Investing in workshops and education is essential for photographers seeking to improve their skills. While having the latest camera gear may seem appealing, it is the knowledge and experience gained through learning that truly elevates one's photography. Workshops offer the chance to learn from experienced instructors, make mistakes, and receive valuable feedback. Education and experiences, rather than gear, are the key to developing as a photographer.
Creating a Light-hearted Learning Environment
While workshops are an opportunity for serious learning, it is also important to foster a light-hearted and enjoyable environment. Instructors can create a balance between fun and education, allowing participants to have a great time while learning valuable skills. This includes creating opportunities for banter, encouraging curiosity, and highlighting the enjoyment of the photography process. By creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, workshops become memorable experiences for participants.
In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne is joined by photographer Wayne Suggs to discuss the value and benefits of photography workshops. Drawing from their own experiences as both instructors and attendees, they share valuable insights and tips on how to make the most out of photography workshop experiences. If you're interested in photography workshops or want to learn how to enhance your workshop experience, this episode is a must-listen.
Overall, the episode underscores that attending workshops offers a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with like-minded individuals, form lasting friendships, and learn from each other's experiences and expertise in photography and nature.
In this week's bonus episode on Patreon, Wayne and I discuss the realities of working full-time as workshop instructors.