In a previous blog I touted the importance of attending a photographic workshop if you really want to learn a lot and get to the next level; you should also come home with some great images. Today we are going to talk about how to select a photographic workshop that is best for YOU. Next week we will talk about how to get the most from attending a photographic workshop.

          Most photographers wanting to go on a photographic workshop start by researching the different workshops on offer (and there are many of them). May I suggest that you rather start by doing a self assessment of your current skills, your weaknesses, and your needs. If you are an expert already, you may be more interested in the location of the workshop than in the instructor simply because you are not really in serious need of an instructor; you are in need of getting to the right place at the right time to get the best shots. This may sound strange to you, but I see a lot of people on our workshops that basically use us as photographic tour guides and that is okay if your skill level is really that good.

          Based on your assessment of your photographic skills you have a choice to make. Do you want to take your skill to the next level, or do you want to tackle a weakness? Do you want to learn something totally new? For example, I am a landscape photographer, do I want to grow in that area or do I want to learn more about and try my hand at bird photography? Once you have picked the kind of photography you want to improve, pick a workshop that focuses specifically on that kind of photography.

          Now it may also be helpful to do an assessment of your physical abilities. Can you hike long distances? Can you tackle strenuous hikes? Do you mind getting wet? Perhaps you do not want to hike or even walk far. Either way, rest assured that there are workshops for every need and taste, but you have to know what you are looking for before you start looking. The last thing that may be helpful to do before starting your search is to determine your budget.

          Now start searching for the workshop as specified above. Narrow them down by eliminating those that do not fit within your budget. Many people examine the itineraries and locations of the workshops next. May I suggest you wait before doing that. Next, consider going to the instructor's website; not their workshop brochure, but their photographic website. Look at his or her images. Are they appealing to you? Are they of high standard? Are they unique? Does it look like he or she can teach you a thing or two? Next it is very helpful to find out if the instructor has a blog; if so, read them ... Is he or she clear? Can you easily grasp what is being said? The instructor's ability to teach is as important as his or her skill as a photographer. There are some great photographers who are loners and who cannot teach to save their lives. Read the viewer's comments at the bottom of the blog and see if the photographer answers these posts. Is he or she personable and approachable? Read between the lines when you read the blog entries:

1. Is the photographer keeping locations secret?

2. Is the photographer sharing and teaching you his or her "secrets"?

3. Is the blog offering something of value to you?

          If the photographer does any of these things he or she is probably going to be the same way during the workshop. I have seen many workshops and have heard about many more where the instructor does not engage with anyone; he or she is just shooting for themselves rather than teaching you what they know.

          It is also very helpful to know the ratio between instructors and students. There should not be a bigger ration than one instructor for every eight to ten participants. The more participants per instructor the less help you will get. Read the workshop's terms and conditions (or handbook and policies) to insure that you are comfortable with them and that they are reasonable and fair. Look at what the workshop offers. Does it just include shooting in the field or does it only offer classroom work, or both field work and classroom work? Does it include post processing? Does it include critiquing your images? Once again, choose a workshop that meets your needs.

          Lastly, see if the itinerary and location interests you. Many photographers make the mistake of buying into the itinerary and location when you are actually buying into the services of the instructor. Picking the right instructor is more important than the itinerary or location. Matching the workshop to your needs are more important than the itinerary or location. Now if you can match a great instructor with a wonderful itinerary with your own needs you have it made.

          P.S. Ask the instructor what percentage of his or her customer are repeat customers as this tells you how happy they are with his or her workshops.

          Go on a workshop ...