A recent email from a reader got me thinking about what I’ve learned from teaching photography workshops for seven years now. Susan is planning to offer contemplative photography workshops herself and asked for advice – on what’s worked and what hasn’t. Hmmm, I thought, I could probably write a book about that.
Each workshop is a point of learning in an ever-evolving process.
Her question was broad and I thought about it over the course of a week. Here are a few things that came up for me.
1. Do what YOU do best. There is no cookie-cutter formula.
You don’t have to do what others are doing. Follow your instincts, what you’re most interested in at the time. I started with visual design and moved on to the 50mm project, abstract photography, contemplative photography, and visual journaling. My goal is to create safe, supportive online communities on Flickr, where each person’s uniqueness is nurtured. I don’t use video.
2. Know your deepest intentions for the courses you offer.
I want my courses to be fun, yet also deep. I’m looking for real transformation to occur. I want participants who are ready and willing to do the work, people who want not only to learn but to grow, as photographers and people. No matter what your intentions, they will come through to your participants.
3. Create a structure, but leave it open to possibilities.
With online groups, I may change or add to the structured emails according to how the group is responding or what I feel they need. I notice what’s striking a chord and what’s not and add content of interest that I find during the course of the workshop.
4. Leave space for contemplation.
This applies to both online and in-person groups, but especially for the in-person ones. People participate in a workshop to learn, but need time to let what they’re learning seep in. They need space to contemplate and practice. Give them that time and space.
5. Every group and person is different.
What worked for one group (or person) might not work for another, or will land in a different way. It’s so important to understand this. While one group may fall flat, don’t be discouraged. The next one may be totally different. This makes running the workshops even more exciting. You never know what will happen. Meet people where they are.
6. Trust your own experience and authority.
This has been one that’s taken me some time to incorporate. I have many mentors, people I admire, and I quote them a lot. I’ve had to learn over the years that I have experiences of my own to offer and it’s important to share those. When Jeffrey Davis of Tracking Wonder was helping me with my book, he said this over and over again.
7. The courses are not about you.
This is a big one. While you need to trust your own authority (as in #6), the workshops are not for you or about you; they are for those who participate. It doesn’t matter what they think of you or whether they like you. It only matters that they learn, thrive, and grow according to the intentions you set.
8. Adapt, evolve, and grow.
Just begin. Learn and adapt and grow and evolve from each workshop. You’ll learn from each and every one and each and every participant. Reflect on what works and what doesn’t and where you may fall short. Re-work and try again.
If you’ve offered a workshop, what would you add to this list? If you’ve taken one, which resonates most with you?
What resonates most with me is your suggestion to give the participants time to reflect. Particularly when your workshops deal with contemplation, time is at its essence. I would also throw in that some of us spend our vacations at photography workshops. While they are always interesting and informative, if they are too intense you don’t get the rest you need to absorb it all.
Most of all Kim, your sincerity,knowledge and personal interest in the topics come through loud and clear and are much appreciated
Thanks, Carol. This is one I’ve slowly learned. Your point about it being a vacation is a good one. I do know it’s always fun to have you in a workshop.
A good list of important elements concerning workshops, Kim. I like it when you said: “Meet people where they are” and “leave space for contemplation.” I also agree with Carol when she says that workshops shouldn’t be too intense -there has to be breathing space and time to play!
Thanks Sandra. I appreciate your comment, especially since you’ve taken all of my workshops, I believe. You know as well as I do how everyone comes into a workshop at a different place and for different reasons. You are very good at meeting people where they are.
There must be a good reason I took time to read this. The good reason Is Kim’s wonderful classes with fantastic opportunities for growing as a photographer and as a person! The list is comprehensive, all are valuable. If I had to select one, I tend to agree with Sandra. No 5., every group and person is different. “Meet people where they are at.” This is an important lesson I learned early on as a social worker. By accepting people as they are, without judgment, this provides space and opportunity for them to grow and become whatever. I appreciate no. 3, helping create the structure, but leaving room for possibilities. “I got to be me,” but I want to push those limits, be brave and explore. I am able to do these in Kim’s classes! Kim provides a good balance in providing just the right amount of support, and I appreciate the nudges to become more. Thank you for asking Kim!
I’m so glad that you feel that you have room to explore in my classes, Sharana. You are a true explorer. Thanks for commenting.