Note from Andy & Marc: We couldn’t agree more with our good friend Rick Sammon, there’s a huge difference between a “photo tour” and a “photo workshop”! All of our workshops feature intensive in-the-field instruction, critiques, and workflow/post-processing instruction every day. When you attend one of our workshops, you’ll be immersed in photography from before sunrise until well after sunset – and we do love to do photography at night as well! Now, for a guest post by Rick, world-famous for his many books, apps, daily blogging, and of course, his photo workshops.
First, I want to thank Andy and Marc for having me as a guest blogger here on their site. Marc and Andy are great photographers – and people! I am honored to be here.
Because we lead workshops – and not photo tours – I thought the topic of workshops vs. tours was appropriate. Like Marc and Andy, I lead many workshops around the world, and I am often asked: “what’s the difference between a photography tour and a photography workshop?” Here goes. But before I get going here, photo tours are great… for those who want to go on sightseeing tours. Workshops, like the ones I lead, are designed for photographers who want to grow and expand their creative vision.
Workshops: Designed to get you the very best shots from dawn to dusk. Getting up at 3 AM is no prob.
Photo Tours: Leave at 9 and set your day around meals.
Workshops: If you are driving and see something good, stop and shoot.
Photo Tours: Keep on driving.
Workshops: Usually cars or 4W drive vehicles.
Photo Tours: Bus tours.
Workshops: Hands-on training – daily – by the instructor or instructors.
Photo Tours: You are on your own.
Workshops: Photo reviews almost daily.
Photo Tours: No reviews.
Workshops: Photoshop and Lightroom advice and help.
Photo Tours: Computers are not even required.
Workshops: Group slide show.
Photo Tours: Only show is to show up for dinner.
Workshops: Leave on time for sunrise.
Photo Tours: Who cares if you are late?
Workshops: Briefing on each location as to lenses, settings, etc.
Photo Tours: Very few suggestions by leaders.
Workshops: Instructors ask you how you are doing.
Photo Tours: Leaders are there only as tour guides.
Workshops: If you find something really cool to photograph, the group changes plans so all can get great pictures.
Photo Tours: Get to the next stop.
Workshops: Instructors share their shots on their camera’s LCD monitors so others can see and learn.
Photo Tours: Instructors are often first on the spot.
I hope to see you someday on one of my workshops.
Thank you again, Marc and Andy! Good fun being here.
