Jason Christopher Fashion Photographer
I don’t personally have a workshop. However, I have researched several of them over the years. The cost of these workshops has always baffled me. Cost aside, what is really baffling is the fact that you pay an outrages amount of money to be one of what? 20? 30? even 50 people attending? I also get a kick out of the “post” workshop images that people post on MM and other social sites. They all look the same. “X” number of people all shot the same model using the same settings as the instructor. In some of the shots you can even see the “group” of photographers hoarded around the model. Some standing on their tip toes angling that shiny new 70-200L between the heads of two other photographers.
Speaking to a few attendees I was quite surprised at the “lack” of information they returned with.
So, what did they learn? What they learned is “if” the light is setup the way the instructor had it in the studio or “if” the daylight just happens to be “exactly” how it was the day they shot…then they know exactly how to set their camera. Oddly enough, many come back from their workshops and “every” image for the next year is shot exactly in the same manner.
Now, upon asking “so did you learn anything about contracts”? Better yet, “did you get any insight on how to get in with an agency”? Wait…what about “did you get a better understanding of when and how to get an agent”? No, no, and an even bigger…no! They learned absolutely nothing about the “business” of photography. I am not going to call out any one workshop…but you know who you are and shame on you.
However, there is one workshop that I found that is in fact a private, one on one, you and the photographer only workshop…not you and twenty other people. This workshop is offered by Jason Christopher (http://www.jasonchristopher.com). Jason is a Fashion Photographer based out of Los Angeles.
Jason’s Private Fashion Photography Workshops include:
- Two day private workshop one on one with me.
- One on one with professional digital re-toucher Catherine Asanov.
- Learn at your own pace. I will tailor your workshop to your needs.
- Each day will include a model and make up artist.
- You will learn lighting techniques that apply to fashion advertising photography and editorial photography.
- You will learn how to direct a model and take control of YOUR shoot.
- One day in studio lighting and one day outdoor location lighting.
- Hands on experience by actually shooting the model and you take home hi res images on a DVD !
- Learn how to get models from agencies, marketing yourself and business tips such as usage for your images.
In addition to what Jason has listed…he also answers any and all questions about the business of photography. If you can’t take Jason’s workshop…stop by his blog and ask away. I have yet to see him not respond to a question (http://jasonchristopher.com/blog/).
If you are interested in taking one of Jason’s workshops you can learn more about them here (http://jasonchristopher.com/blog/fashion-photography-workshops-los-angeles/).
Update (24 Nov 09) – It has been brought to my attention that this article has a very vague and broad reach that was not intended. It was not my intent to knock “everyone” that offers “group” workshops. There are (I’m sure) some very good workshops that use this format and are quite good. A few of which I would certainly not have a problem attending. My comments are directed to a “select” few and not intended to detract or scare anyone away from taking a group workshop. As with anything in life…what you take away from any learning experience is entirely up to you.
