When you participate in a photography workshop, as I am doing this week in Portugal, you can see where you are about others. In addition, workshops help you know if you have mastered a skill and subject.

Fuji X-E2, 18-55mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/2.8, 1/110

I am on the subway in Lisbon with one of the other instructors James Dockery. We were taking the class to a location to have some time shooting at night on the street.

Fuji X-E2, 18-55mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/4, 1/240

Here Jeff Raymond, the leader of the workshop, talks to the students about some of the technical settings on cameras.

A suitable workshop will give you some instruction time on new concepts and then some time to execute them and practice using them.

Fuji X-E2, 18-55mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/4, 1/300

James Dockery talks to the students about his experience as an ESPN editor. Your instructors need to be people at the top of their field who can teach you something you don’t know and leaders in the industry.

Find a challenging workshop that will stretch you.

Fuji X-E2, 18-55mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/2.8, 1/30

Find a workshop to give you access to something you want to photograph. Access to a subject you are interested in will help you get excited and stay engaged.

You are also more likely to take photos that you want to share with your friends. In addition, you will be excited to show people what you learned to do.

Fuji X-E2, 18-55mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/2.8, 1/40

You should have fun seeing your instructors show you how to make the most of a situation, as James Dockery did with a lady at the train station in Lisbon. How do you talk to people and engage with them to get a good photograph?

Fuji X-E2, 18-55mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/9, 1/30

What I like the most about this mission’s storytelling workshop is the support we get from one another. Some workshops can belittle you, so pick one where the instructors and others in the class will be encouragers.

We are working on workshops for the rest of the year to give you an opportunity like the one here in Lisbon. So stay tuned as I show you options to sign up to learn and grow this next year.