Why you should be attending Photography workshops (Part 2)

Make photography fun again 

Photography workshops are fun. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a keen amateur, there will come a point in your photography when it becomes a little, well, not to put it too bluntly; boring. Unless you have the means or ability to travel, a lot, there are only so many sunsets you can photograph, or weddings or trains.

People who aren't involved in photography tend to think that 'photography' is all encompassing. It can be but we as humans tend to find our comfort zone and stay there. Sometimes that's good. Sometimes it hinders our growth.

If you're a photographer you may photograph people, cars, sporting events, landscapes, etc. But the reality is that even as a professional, most of the time you'll only end up covering one aspect of photography; you may end up as a wedding photographer, a commercial photographer or a portrait photographer. Generally you'll end up in one of these areas and get your reputation in this niche and very rarely, if ever step out of it. For me, as a full time professional, I have landed in the commercial photography world. 95% is business to business. I enjoy it. It's a reminder of the good parts of my days in the corporate world. The meticulous planning, the coordinating, creating a scope, and following through. Leaving little to spontaneity, every step is measured, planned, and carefully executed. To some that may sound like too much work just to take a photo. But good marketing images are created, not stumbled upon. However for fun, I do the opposite. Grab my camera and see where it takes me. Lets see what nature throws at me today. Little to no planning, head to locations and shoot what was laid out before me. It's a nice opposite side of the spectrum that gives me balance.

As a hobbyist you may find yourself in a similar situation… All of your photography buddies like a certain type of subject and will generally all be following this path and no alternative opportunities will crop up.

Attending photography workshops really can help you get inspired to do something new again or awaken the passion. To try something you've never tried before. I have had several professional photographers take my workshops. Many are a little hesitant at first, in admitting they are already a full time professional. However they needed to get some of the excitement back in their world of photography. Some were in a slump, shooting the same things over and over again. Others just saw an opportunity to learn something completely different. Either way all returned with a rekindling of their passion and a fresh look at their skill and art.

This is fantastic way of ensuring your passion for photography stays with you. Sometimes people who have previously considered themselves as a specific type of photography find that they actually prefer this new avenue they've discovered.

Not only that, but the people you meet may end up being your new photography partners… Many people have met lifelong photography buddies at photography workshops.

Lastly in this area of fun, you already know when a group of like-minded individuals get together is a good time and many laughs are shared, as well as successes and failures. It's generally a fun time which is refreshing as well as educational.