Lessons from the Group: What I Learn from Participants on Every Workshop
When people sign up for one of my workshops, they usually come expecting to learn from me—how to simplify their camera settings, adapt when the light changes, or capture fast-paced action like the white horses of Camargue. And yes, teaching those things is a big part of why I’m there.
But what’s less obvious is this:
I learn from the group on every single trip.
Even though I’ve been photographing professionally for decades, I’m still fairly new to the workshop side of the business. So I approach each trip with an open mind. I ask questions about what people have liked (or not liked) on other workshops. I want to know what made them sign up for mine. And I’m always paying attention—not just to the photography, but to the entire experience.
For me, it’s about more than coming home with great images. It’s about creating an environment where people can relax, learn, and grow. Improvement and consistency matter to me, and the only way to deliver that is by listening and adapting. Every group teaches me something new.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from participants is to slow down and look at things differently.
When I’m on assignment, I tend to pre-edit before I even shoot—eliminating distractions, making fast decisions, and keeping efficiency in mind because I know I’ll have thousands of images to cull later. I’m used to working for wire services and newspapers, where you often shoot with strict deadlines and tight frames.
But in a workshop setting, I watch people explore compositions, try new angles, and photograph everything that moves—and sometimes everything that doesn’t! They remind me of what it was like to shoot just for the joy of discovery. That’s helped me reconnect with why I started doing this in the first place.
Another thing I’ve learned is that people come to these trips for different reasons. Some want portfolio-level images. Others come for the friendships, the adventure, or the chance to try something new. Some people want hands-on instruction every step of the way, while others prefer more independence.
That’s why I try to meet people where they are. I keep the technical side approachable but also push people to grow. At the same time, I focus on the overall experience—because for most participants, the trip isn’t just about photography. It’s about making memories they’ll carry long after the images are edited and shared.
One of my favorite parts is when people share their images during the trip—not just at the end. This helps them adjust in real time, but it also gives me something valuable. It lets me see the location through fresh eyes. Someone might zoom in on a tiny detail I would’ve missed. Another person might make a bold creative choice I wouldn’t have thought of. Those moments keep me learning, too.
Many participants are in a different stage of life than I am—some are recently retired, others are reconnecting with photography after years away. They remind me to let go of perfection and enjoy the process. Sometimes I catch myself editing in my head before I’ve even picked up the camera, thinking about the post-processing workload. But watching others shoot freely reminds me to loosen up.
It’s not always about the hero shot. Sometimes it’s about being present, exploring, and photographing for no other reason than it feels good in the moment.
If you’ve traveled with me before, thank you for trusting me with your time and creative energy. And if you’re considering joining a future trip, know that I’ll bring my full effort to help you grow as a photographer—but you’ll probably help me grow right alongside you.
Because the best workshops are about learning together.
For more information on my photography workshops, feel free to reach out to me directly at jeff@swingmanphoto.com or visit my workshop page to explore upcoming adventures and dont forget to check out my affiliate page for you gear needs.