question

hi friends, coming to you via iPhone tonight. I want to say sorry for leaving you hanging with the super cool announcement, its still fourthcoming, good things sometimes take a little longer than expected. Also, the new blog is about ready to drop, I imagine about a week and itll be ready. So for my question. Ive had numerous people ask me if I was planning a workshop ever and until now it hasn't really been a thought for me, because to be honest I didn't really think it was my style to pull something like that. I've recently had a conversation with a peer about a way we could put together something different and something I feel I could back and really get into. I want to hear from any of you that would come or at least have interest, feel free to drop some hate too, I promise I won't be hurt. I need honesty from the readers. Also, please note this is not me announcing I am doing a workshop, its me letting you know we have some great ideas and if there is genuine interest their could be something on the cusp as soon as early September. 

Thanks, 

Sean

Comments

[Lucky]

Since you want honesty... seems that everybody and their brother are putting on workshops these days. I've been part of a few different workshops (some paid, some GTG volunteers) and have heard about others, so hopefully I can give you a decent take from the consumer side ;)

There must be an agenda that's followed so the payee gets what they paid for.

Being the most open and honest teacher makes attendees happy (keeping secrets or not giving the whole story is not a good way to teach - don't teach if you can't give it your all).

Be patient... to a certain extent. Depending on the focus, explain the skill level necessary to take your w/s.

Have a plan B (in case of rain, airline bankruptcy, illness).

Have a competent right-hand-person to help free you to teach.

Providing food, beverage & snacks is probably easiest on the group (and venue you're eating at); just count that as part of tuition.

Handouts are genius so you're not waiting for everyone to find their pen, something to write on and s l o w l y spell out email addresses or business names.

Dude, I just reread what you were asking for and realized that you're not asking for suggestions, just if we're interested or not.

I guess my point is that if you organize a rad workshop, then photographers will come.

Good luck :)

[Matthew Saville]

I LOVE to teach. But I dislike giant national seminars. And most (though not all) "hands-on" workshops seem over-priced to me. I know it's a business expense, but I still don't think it's possible for students to gain their money's worth of KNOWLEDGE ($500-$1500?) in such a short amount of time. The teacher HAS to charge that much to make it worth their time, but are the students getting $1000 worth of the teacher's time in just one or two days? Probably not.

For now I want to stay out of the workshop scene and just focus on making more local friends who I can actually hang out with, talk about cameras and images, without involving money. Maybe a few times a month I'll let someone buy me dinner if they REALLY want to pick my brain. Or maybe I'll have a "get-together-shop" with a small cover charge just to help bring some good, serious (local) photographers together. That's all really.

Take care,
=Matt=

[Jamie Delaine]

I'm in Vancouver, BC and if you are thinking NW Washington for the workshop, I may drive down. I'll have to see the cost and the dates!

[Kirby]

To add to what's already been said, I would definitely be interested. Unfortunately, for me personally, it's often the price tag or date of a workshop that prevents me from attending. As a college student, coming up with a spare grand or two (not to mention several days off) is often unrealistic.

As with Matt, I ultimately prefer photographer friends and to talk/learn about photography and the business that way. Where there is no money involved between photographers. However, I do understand that workshops are designed to be much more revealing than most peer-to-peer talk, and that teaching workshops is becoming an extension of business these days. Not to mention an integral part of making a living for many photographers. You may as well go for it man, especially if you've already got a potentially good idea for a workshop. If it's something other photographers can afford, finding attendees should be no prob.

Best of luck. Look forward to new blog and announcement. :)

[Kim Hayes]

Sean,
You have given me so much great advice/tips/inspiration over the years- I think it would be great if you were to spread the love. Can I get a discount? ;) Just kidding. Seriously, I think you should do it. I agree w/ the other posts, the workshops seem to be a little expensive- just make it worth the money! DO IT!

[Bethany]

i'm a huge fan. there are a lot of workshops out there that i haven't made much of an effort to get to, but whatever you'd put on, i'd most likely try to find a way to get there. unfortunately, high cost is always a concern. thanks for always sharing your amazing work!

[Hung Tran]

Sean, i think you should do it because i am your number one fan.

[Cory Parris]

I know you well enough to know that you would be a very good teacher. You just need to get over the whole modesty thing and you'll do great!

[Jasalyn]

Hey Sean, It's nice when people are close enough that it's not a huge trek to have some fun and get to know more local and area photogs and just hang out and build relationships. I understand workshops need to help pay the bills, don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to being charged for attending a workshop where someone is sharing their knowledge and experiences that have cost them time and effort to learn. I'd definitely consider coming to see and hear what you've got to share, it's always great to learn and you can never stop growing. Of course I'll have to do some shopping at my favorite place, Ross!!! Keep us posted!

[annajoy]

yes, i'd be interested in some info! besides, i want to meet you sometime if you are going to shoot my wedding someday, lol!

[Kyle Plattner]

I would be very interested in a workshop, keep us updated. Thanks.

[Paul]

Sean,
I'm ready for your workshop, so if you need to put something together in the next few days, count me in. Seattle is not that far from Chicago, is it;-)
If you're ever in Chicago, you got a place to stay.
Keep us posted.

[teresa]

I really think you could help people out there- that being said, I am lookign for your pp and edit skills which are your trademark!

[sheri]

I would be 100 % interested in attending a workshop you put on.
would love to see your interaction with your clients and sit in on your editing process.

[melissa]

i guess that workshops are overplayed and somewhat overdone - for me there are three people I'd want to meet for one right now - I already hosted zacks onelight, I'm friends with the second so probably don't need to go to hers and then there is you!

My only thing is I don't dig workshops where it's all about learning how to shoot like the photographer, I LOVE your work (well you know that!) but don't want to shoot 'just like you'. I'm more interested in the artistic process and the philosphies that goe with them, and maybe a peak into your processing lol.. oh and I can't fly out until NEXT year so um, you better have more then one ;)

[arlene bax]

Sounds great, but I'll have to save a heap to get to the USA first.

[Sean]

I like small workshops...

I attended Strobist here in Orlando, FL and it was nice to just be a part of 40 or so people and not overwhelmed by a mass.

I think it works better for everyone.

I think it would be cool, but I doubt I would be able to go... we'll see though!

[McKenzie]

I live in Seattle and I am looking for a wedding workshop. Please let me know if you have one. I would love to attend!