Photography Workshop vs. Class Vs. TOUR

by Sean Rayford

Photo walks, tours, classes, courses and workshops. These are all ways to learn photography but they are not the same in practice. As a working photojournalist of more than 25 years, here’s how I look at these.

Photography Class vs. Course 

A photo class may be part of a photo course. A photo course is typically a combination of learning tactics and/or classes and organized for programmed learning. A course will be more comprehensive, typically covering a wider subject area. 

A class on studio lighting would be part of a portrait photography course. A class on Peak Action, would be part of a sports photography course.

When learning, order is important. We need to walk before we run just like we need to add and subtract before we tackle algebra.  Both classes and courses are non experiential forms of learning. Theory, explanations and examples. They may be in person or online.

You can typically find free and paid courses/classes online and paid courses/classes in person.

Photo walk

Grab your camera, leave your dwelling and make photos. When done as a group the photo walk becomes a social experience among photographers. A basic exercise in field work with group walks is typically free for participants.=

There’s no structure or targeted learning. It’s more like free form jazz or random hippies jamming on percussion instruments.

A photo walk could be around the block or from Queens to the Brooklyn Bridge. They normally take place in cities and towns. You could take a photo walk on a farm, but very few folks are doing a photo walk to the farm. 

Group photo walks are a good way to meet other photographers and for some they can provide extra motivation. They offer good opportunities to see other people’s relationship with the medium. 

Photo Tour

A photo tour is like a photo walk but organized by a leader and with a route. More of an introduction to a location, from a photographer’s perspective. There may be some limited instruction about photography and/or the location. 

A photo tour is more like guide and less about having an instructor. Participants will be helped to the best locations, hopefully at the best time of the day.

A photo tour could be a walking experience, but some utilize boats and other vehicles. 

If you know how to use your camera and want to stand in front of nice looking scenes, a photo tour is a good option. 

A typical photo tour is $100-$400 

Photography Workshop

A photo workshop combines a learning experience with the location. A workshop can be a group or private experience and puts students face-to-face with professionals. Workshops may address the broad topic of photography and/or may be niche focused experiences. 

Photo workshops are typically half, full and multi-day experiences with limited availability. They  typically combine field work with classroom style instruction. 

Many workshops take place in amazing locations or provide unique experiences. Workshops typically range in price between $500-$1500 a day. 

Workshop goals typically provide students with field opportunities they normally wouldn’t have access to, feedback on their approach and execution, unique experiences and sometimes are designed for portfolio building.

A workshop relies on the creativity and organization of the instructor, often harnessing a location or event to help students learn about photography. Some use detailed itineraries for how and where you spend the day and some teach you about flexibility.

During one of my workshops, students learn about documentary storytelling at an SEC football tailgate. I self published a photo book on the subject and I lead students during an experience using my process while negotiating challenges and logistics of 80,000 college football fans invading a southern city.

I also run workshops about the power of the personal project, several where students experience a city like a working photojournalist, one about photographing festivals one many other unique opportunities.

Most of my workshops are private, but a few feature small groups.

But my workshops aren’t for everyone. That’s why I maintain this Guide to Photography Workshops in the U.S.

About the author: Sean Rayford is a photojournalist with more than 25 years experience, freelancing with Getty Images, The New York Times and the Associated Press. He teaches workshops on the U.S. East Coast