Workshops/tuition?

[dan123]

Hi all,

As ive become more Known in my local area i have been asked do i do workshops or tution days... a complimet i guess, altho i admit i dont have engough skill to do so, If i do it wont be for a while anyway,

Just wanted to ask What do people think... dont now how to word this without offecnce, but would the 'older' members and 'older' photographers Feel Comfortable taking advice and instruction of a 20 year old? And with recent events the younger Generations arent exactly favorite at the moment,

I thought id ask here as this is a Diverese forum and i now you guys would be able to help me with this,

Cheers
Dan

[thefonz78]

No people have come to learn there not going to care how old you are. It not like you going up to an older photographer down the beach and saying "you don't wanna do that"

[dan123]

Thats True, Just Wondered what others thought, Thanks

[Cathus]

I'd only be concerned that you know what you're doing, if I'd checked your website out and was impressed with your work or had good reports from others you'd given tuition to, then I probably wouldn't be worried about your age.

Some of the photographers I admire most are much younger than me

[dan123]

Thanks Cathus, Makes sense, I new itd be a Daft Question, but one that i felt i needed to ask, Cheers

[wavemachine]

I don't think your age is an issue, your work speaks volumes besides digital cameras are new tech and people expect the younger generation to understand it an embrace it At worst it may be a little awkward to start with but if you are calm, confident and friendly they will quickly learn you know what you are talking about.

Just some other thoughts:-

If you are going to do workshops I would type up some handouts which explain some of the basics of photography, exposure, aperture ISO etc also cover composition rule of thirds etc as that will give people something to make notes on and is a useful reference point.

Once you have a group try and find out in advance what they want to concentrate on and also suggest they bring there camera manual with them in case you aren't familiar with the model.

I would also suggest you try and limit the group size so you get familiar with how to communicate your technical knowledge effectively without confusing people with too much information to take on board.

[Kerry Holt]

Well people can't judge you for your age when they can see how good your work is can they? but if they ask you complicated questions you need to know the answers - don't just blag your pupils!!
You could also try a test run with some of your friends who like photography.

[dan123]

Thanks Dave and Kerry, i see what you mean, Most dont judge my age... jsut the occasional comment here and there, but its something id like to do in the not to distant future, SO thanks for the Advice dave it makes sense,

Id do a test run yes.. but i now very few peolple who are into photography... i keep my self to my self when it comes to that, i now a few that would be willing, So have too see.

[jools-elliott]

Hi Dan

Well, speaking from someone who is also trying to get this up and running, I'll tell you that you need to make sure you know the ins and outs of most things.

Do you have any teaching experience? It's not always as easy as you think. You will inevitably get some smart one who will test your patience! You have to be ready to deal with this.

Just having nice pictures isn't the be all and end all. It is getting known and getting out there.

I've now been doing freelance writing and photography for a year now full time. It is a git as there is so much competition out there. You also have to remember that the market is saturated with people doing workshops as it's seen as a potential way to get easy money (it's not).

The days are long, hard and very tiring!

[dan123]

Thanks Jools, it probably something that i wouldnt do for some time, but would consider it, Yeah a small amount of Teaching Skill, Did a Bit of sngling Coaching a Few years ago, never got my qualification, 400 quid is a lot to a studnet, been some time since i did that, but i had Done a Few lessons with people a Few years ago, So some of the Skills could Be used in this effect too,