Workshops with top photographers?

<p>I noticed that most of the "top photographers" have photography workshops including Jessica Claire, The image is found, jasmine star, emin, etc...<br>

Has anyone attended one of these workshops? Is it really worth it in the long run for improving? Do you think it improved your business or photography? What sorts of things did you learn? Do you recommend attending?<br>

God Bless,<br>

Kay</p>

<p>I always recommend seminars, evening programs and in-studio seminars. Also, PPA has afiliate schools all over the country and beyond. When you attend a 2-hour presentation you pick up some great tips. When you spend 1 to 3 days with a photographer, you really learn. The information is so much better and so much better absorbed in these situation that all the forum advice and books you can ever read....-Aimee</p>

<p>I feel that the mistake many make with these seminars is to attempt to learn to much in one sitting. The best part, for me, is to just be in a nice atmosphere around like-minded people and be inspired to push myself just a bit more.</p>

<p>I went to one recently and my goal was to come away with 3 nuggets (ideas) to put to work in the real world; if I learn more or do more then it's a bonus. </p>

<p>The key, imo, is to put three ideas into action right away. Don't wait. </p>

<p>Yes, they are worth it if you make them worth it.</p>

<p>William is right. If you don't implement right away, chances are you never will. You really have to force yourself because if you've been away from your studio/business for a few days, the day-to-day backlog will take over and you'll probably never get to it. Also, the longer you wait, the more you forget and you can't possibly write everything down...-Aimee</p>

<p>I went to one and honestly I learned more from fellow photographers outside the class than inside the class. I was super dissapointed. During the shoot sessions, some of the "students" had better results than the teacher. I'm serious.. and I'm not sayin who it was... ;-)</p>

<p>Before I went and shelled out big bucks on a multiple-day workshop, I'd join Kelby Training and watch/practice using all of the training videos found there. It's less than $200 for unlimited access, and you'll learn so much at your own pace. However, I've been to evening seminars by Mitche Graffe and David Ziser, and found them very entertaining and helpful. I LOVE Ziser's style and personality.</p>

<p>I think that more emphasis could be placed on education/training. You'll often find the information and networking with peers can sometimes be as beneficial as the workshop and many of the workshops will offer a mini-tradeshow as well. You can also purchase training DVDs of several top photographers that are designed to allow you to look over their shoulder and actually watch them cover a wedding. Photovision is a great resource for this: <a href="http://www.photovisionvideo.com/store/CTGY/DVD/">http://www.photovisionvideo.com/store/CTGY/DVD/</a></p>

<p>I really really really want to, but at this time the travel and cost is just not do-able for me (I have another baby on the way! yay!)<br>

I'd love to attend the Dane Sanders Fast Track seminar. I've heard it will change the way you view your business. I felt that way about the book, so I can imagine the seminar is wonderful.<br>

And I would just LOVE to sit and listen to Jasmine Star talk about how she does what she does. That would be well worth $700-$1000.</p>

<p>It will of course depend on what you want to learn. Choose a seminar that's really targeted on what you want to know and see if you can perhaps find some reviews or post a question here.<br>

If you're looking for the best/quickest return on your investment, then attend a program about marketing, not about improving your technique. In most any business, the best at their craft is typically not the one making the most money....-Aimee</p>