PRO CASE STUDY
Expert photographic educator Colin Jarvis discusses his strategy for planning and undertaking a successful workshop
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS?
I have been running photo workshops for three years now. I have spent all my working life in education and I still teach in the more ‘traditional’ classroom, although I now prefer to be out and about on location. The same principles apply though – careful planning, catering for individual needs and reviewing on a regular basis.
WHAT ARE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES YOU FOUND WHEN STARTING OUT?
I was lucky because when I first started I was still teaching, so had a regular income. My first workshops tended to be single days, at the weekend, but as I reduced my teaching commitment I was able to offer extended residential workshops. I think doing things gradually, building up a client base and not stretching yourself too far are important.
HOW DO YOU PUT TOGETHER A LOGICAL CURRICULUM FOR YOUR STUDENTS?
The booking process on my website is the first opportunity to assess the level of my students. They are asked a series of questions such as: What equipment will you be bringing? How would you describe your level of experience? What skills do you specifically want to develop? I use their responses to then gauge their level, and I always start the workshop by checking their camera settings and running through the exposure triangle.
WHAT KIND OF ATMOSPHERE DO YOU TRY TO CREATE ON YOUR WORKSHOPS?
We have a laugh on the workshops, especially when the clients say how much they are enjoying the ‘holiday’ and I have to tell them it’s a workshop. They soon realise this after the third 4am start in a row! We all have a shared interest and I find the experience a collaborative learning environment. It’s always great to see the images the clients get and it still amazes me how different the shots can be when we are only a few feet from each other!