Many workshops don't live up to their hype. They say one thing but don't deliver everything they promised.

Most workshops overbook, and have a gaggle of photographers clammering to be a part of a model shoot that has been poorly organized - it is the reason I limit mine to 10 photographers - you can't learn while simultaneously being elbowed out of the way by an eager shooter. I know some haven't delivered what was promised and I think that stinks. If people can't provide a professional experience for people, don't bother because workshops are a LOT of work to pull together and it shows when you do it half-assed.

Everyone wants to be a Rockstar. Look for workshops that have credible photographers. Photographers that have more than 10 years under their belt. Working pros, not ones that want to see you products.

Well I gotta say, the thing about workshops is ... there are so many! It's certainly not like there aren't enough workshops out there to choose from (and that is a GOOD problem to have I would say). What other industry shares so freely? Hmmm, not many. Like Gene said, if someone has done this for 10 years and still loves it enough to want to share, their perseverance would be inspiring (examples: Joe Busink, Marcus Bell, Mike Colon) but some new photographers have a lot to offer as well! Be picky and do your research before you sign up for sure but just because somethings aren't perfect, does that mean you wouldn't go? I hope not! Keep learning, keep shooting, keep getter better and better and take advantage of an industry that has an open door policy! =)

The problem with workshops these days is that people go into it with the wrong expectations. Many times that is because the person putting on the workshop is not doing a good job representing the workshop.

The thing about workshops, even the bad ones, even the over priced ones where people say it was not worth the money... you come out of it having met, bonded and growing relationships with the other attendees. Most of the workshops I've been to end up like that. The attendees go out after the workshop and complain now crappy it was, but then all the attendees end up keeping in touch and building great relationships.

Here's the thing, a bad workshop is the perfect place to meet other people with the same interests as you. Like minded people coming together to learn and teach each other. There is no better condition for people to bond than to get together with other people in the sam industry struggling with the same problems and respecting the same leaders.

All that said, the one workshop... well it is much more than a workshop... that I think is worth every penny... actually much more... is [ b ] e c k e r 's party of 5. If you go to one of these and it does not help you... you have no other way to succeed. Becker is an efficiency expert, he may not call himself that but he is. And that is what will make you succeed after his workshop, you will be able to have a workflow that actually works.

+1 Lan. I also appreciate the idea of workshops that offer a focus on one small piece of the "photography world" i.e. Lightroom or Photoshop or Posing, rather than trying to encompass everything. I believe that if you attempt to teach it all, you will have disappointment. One attendee might not have got to shoot enough, while one may have wanted more workflow information. I think this emphasizes the importance of first examining your weak points or your strong interests and motivations for attending a workshop, and then identifying an absolutely respected PRO in that area. So I guess in short, my answer to "what is wrong with workshops?" is - it could be everything if your scope isn't narrow enough.

But +1 on the friendships and ability to learn from others who were drawn to the same workshop as you.

Great point. At this stage of my photography career I too want to focus on specific aspects of the photography business. Plus the friendships are a bonus!!!

I can relate to bonding with other photographers. There is something very satisfying when connecting with other photographers who truly get it. The friendships and lasting relationships can truly help you business grow.