My first reaction to the letter sent by Chris was right on! I think a lot of those workshops are a joke to be honest – they are a part of the new way people learn, if you have $$$ you can get what you want and there are people who will offer it. It’s the USA system, anyone can be anything, and there’s a course or workshop that peddles to the gullible. I think it’s fine though, I’m sure there are all sorts of workshops out there (and I’m sure David’s is excellent judging from his work), and I’m sure people see benefits. I just wish there was more opportunity for developing world aspiring photographers to participate and learn with the pros. These photographers and workshops come to exotic places and leave little behind – there’s something so mercenary about it. Well, we all hear how competitive professional photography is, so maybe that’s why so many are mercenary about it, the dog eat dog world and all that. No matter how much “good” the pros profess to be doing, no matter how many photos they take for UN or CARE, this mercenary / competitive side exists and I believe it rubs amateurs the wrong way. Hey, maybe we are all jealous!

Don’t get me started on how the pro’s mythologize people in this region!

Thanks for the blog Dave, always a weekly read for me when the power/internet is working.

catch.

I’ve never hesitated to share information (or what little experience I have) with others for free; but at the same time I have conducted workshops where participants were charged. It’s a service just like any other with overheads, expenses, time and experience of the instructor, etc. I am amazed at how many people are clueless about so many things; including basic economics. As Mike said above, if you think the cost of a workshop/seminar is unjustified, don’t attend!

Keep up the good work David, cheers!

After a small handful of years, upon the influx of computers, everything changed. All of the amateurs had the misconception that, because they bought a computer – they became a designer or illustrator. Or, because they bought a camera, they became a “photographer”. It’s comparable to saying that “because you bought a stethoscope, you automatically became a doctor”. Ludicrous.

To make matters worse, many art schools and colleges began to focus on training students on the computer, rather than focusing on teaching them fundamentals. In a sense, they taught and focused on what the computer could do, easily, rather than focusing on design principles and viable solutions. It’s the reason that my business is flooded with cheap, below par, and in most cases, unacceptable artwork and design solutions. The clients support it, because the bean-counters look at the bottom line – and, many end clients don’t know the difference (or don’t care). This mentality and overall concept has totally devastated the pricing structure of my business, and many others. Instead of professionals being compensated for their talents, efforts, years of experience, and the end result of what they produce – they are forced into competing with amateurs who are giving away poor solutions for the price of a bag of groceries. Ludicrous.

Relatedly, I taught for about 10 years, in a noted art college. I didn’t do it for the money, and quite frankly didn’t get paid enough. I did it at the time, to give something back (for all the instruction that I had over the years). I suspect that most professionals that teach do it for the same reasons. And, many go beyond that, by providing FREE online tutorials.

In summary, and this is directed to the person that began this post. Perhaps your intent was to rattle cages. You accomplished that. You certainly rattled mine. My sincere advice to you is this (and I mean it sincerely). If you are an amateur photographer, or it’s a hobby – be grateful for all the free information and tutorials that are available to you from the “pros” (they really don’t have to post anything – or, share it with you). If you think the costs of attending classes or attending a seminar from a pro are unreasonable, “don’t attend”. The choice is yours. If you have any intentions of becoming a professional photographer (or, any true professional in related fields), then you have a lot to learn. If that is your true intention, then please spend your time, efforts, talents, money and more – and then you might have a glimmer of what it takes to be a “pro”. And, maybe you’ll even experience or get to read comments like yours.

I’ve been personally spending the $1000′s (oh, ouch) on lenses. I’ve also started shooting everyday even if I don’t feel like it. I think this is helping at my current skill level.

Having just gone on a Photowalk in Denver I can certainly see the benefit of working with pros and, frankly, other photographers to bounce ideas and see things in a new light.

Depends on where you are, what your financial resources are, etc. I’m planning on small workshops in the new year as I’m getting to know the local pros or advanced amatuers a bit better lately.

The Jay Maisel workshop looks great, but $3000 is steep and with my skills I might be out of my depth to gain the most.

Good questions.

I think the dialogue your discussion raises is important and I’m grateful for it. I’m also a long way from home and unable to moderate this discussion or really even give it the attention it deserves, so perhaps others will weigh in on your questions, or if I remember, I’ll look in on them when I am back home at end of October.

But let me say this, this community is too important to me to let things like this stand in the way of friendships, and whether I agree with you or not, as long as we’re all civil and kind about it, you are welcome here.

As Alex said, it takes a brave man to own up to starting a fracas like this, and that gets points in my book. Thank you.

At various times, probably early without benefit of coffee, I’ve felt the same. But . . .

With the amount of dough I “justify” spending on photo-equipment, as an enthusiastic amateur, most workshops are right in line with everything else. I mean, $100 for a tinted piece of glass?!? But man, it sure makes a difference. Same with the right workshop.

I think there are two types of workshops. Local ones held by local photographers that are fairly affordable ($250 – 400). These are great at an early stage in your development as a photographer, and a good opportunity to meet local shooters as well.

Then there are “the” workshops, usually held by full-time pros in the $1000+ range. I think, usually, these are more appropriate for shooters hitting the wall of creativity and imagination. They’ve got the mechanics down, they’ve got good composition down, now they need the help developing their vision or focusing their interests. (If you could actually do all that in a workshop it would be worth a lot more).

The guy has a right to his opinion, but perhaps could have voiced it differently. I think we’ve all been frustrated with the prices need to pursue our passion, thank goodness its our passion (or what a waste)

Cheers,
Alex

P.S. Chris, thanks for owning up to the email. Takes some bravery to wade into a fracas like this. Good show.