Why Most Photography Workshops in Hong Kong Fail Beginners (And How We Fixed It)
Did you buy your camera 6 months ago and it's still sitting in the box? Or have you started to use it but not sure how to get out of auto mode and use it to its full potential? You want to learn more but worried that the workshops you see online are for more "advanced" beginners and don't apply to you? I am going to share with you why most Hong Kong photography workshops fail beginners and what we do differently at Wander with Nicole, so you can see what actually works.
[Student Photography Workshop Image by Hannah]
The 3 Ways Traditional Workshops Fail You
They assume you already know the basics.
They start talking to you with technical jargon, leaving you behind in the first 10 minutes of the class. The anxiety of having to raise your hand and ask while everyone looks at you like "what, they don't even know that?" Or even worse, you're too shy to ask so you nod along but end up leaving the workshop even more confused.
They have fixed dates or high cost private sessions.
As a mum of two I get it. You're trying to juggle it all and this is your fun extra course, so signing up gets pushed back month after month. A year passes by and that expensive camera is still in the box.
Classroom learning vs. Real-world experiences
Most classes focus on the theory without the practical application in the streets. Once you do get to taking photos, the feedback isn't immediate and often very brief when you have 8+ students in a classroom.
Here's What We Do Differently in our workshops:
We start with YOUR camera or phone and most importantly YOUR skill level
There is no comparison - we start exactly where you are and with what you know already, and build from there. We work with your specific device to learn the buttons and best practices that will instantly enhance your photography.
We have flexible scheduling that works for YOUR life
With small groups you get more intimacy and personalization. You can choose the date, time and even location that suits you best. Want to go to Central and experience it in a new way? Or how about heading to Sham Shui Po where you might not visit too often? We go where you're excited to learn.
With the streets as your classroom and me as your real-time teacher, your learning enhances
Learn framing while actually framing shots you love. The corrections and inspiration as you shoot are immediate. Get real-time feedback on how to capture the scene you see in front of you with your camera. At the end of your session you will not just walk away with the theory but with photos you are genuinely proud of.
So What Will You Actually Take Home With You From a Photography Workshop?
Knowledge you can keep in your back pocket forever
This is really the point of the workshop - you will walk away knowing how to frame shots you love. To get those photos that you brag about to your friends or you print to put on your walls. I have students message me months later with photos using techniques they learnt in our 3-hour session and it's the best. Or they come back for more - the first session got their appetite wet and now they are ready to dive deeper into the lingo and learn more camera features to help them work faster to get the shots they love.
& Just remember, support doesn't end at sunset
I encourage you to send me WhatsApp photos after you get them off your camera and onto your computer and have had a chance to play around with them. I give feedback, ideas and themes to focus on so you continue to grow and learn as a new photographer.
But Here's Why Location Matters when joining a photography workshop:
[Student Photography Workshop Image by Hannah]
Hong Kong is the perfect street photography workshop backdrop
The hustle and bustle, something new around every corner aspect really enhances your experience. You get to take in the unique environment while learning how lighting works and what they mean by photography subjects. I use my expert knowledge of the local areas to really find the best spots to work on different skills.
Ready to Finally Use That Camera With Confidence?
Book your custom Hong Kong photography workshop today!
Until next time,
Nicole xx