What Happened to My Blog?

The last time I sat down to write a blog was January and I have struggled to write anything since.

So; Hello everyone, I hope you're doing well, and thank you for opening and reading this post.

This is just an informal catch-up to let you know that it's not you, it's me.

2 months ago was when I wrote my last blog post, yeah, not great for what is supposed to be a monthly thing.The problem is quite simple, I didn't feel like I had anything of value to say and the more time that passed, the more pressure I felt to write my next thing and the feeling of "does anyone actually read this" played a big part.

I am far too self-critical and did not want to write a post just for the sake of it and I certainly didn't want to try and sell something in the post after not giving anything of value to the reader.

The easiest thing was to do nothing and take a break.But then the same idea came back to me one that has been repeated over and over again on every variation of social media; "Do it for you and enjoy it, if people enjoy it also then thats just a bonus"

I considered using AI to generate interesting topics of discussion, but this felt borderline fraudulent. In a nutshell, I'm in limbo of confidence and nothing to say.

What has been happening since January?

Well, my photo work has kinda slowed down but I recently I have taken on a black and white approach to my landscape work. It is a nice break from the normal “Golden Hour” photos I see on a daily basis. Also it is opening me up more to shoot during the day as it can allow itself to high contrast images.

I have manage to do some private work for clients which is what I would love to steer into more as I get to sit down with the clients and talk through a creative process, knowing that the out-come is going to blow them away.

have taken on powerlifting again as a sport. I have to say I am enjoying the strength training and the community that is in it. It is hard training and wrecks me from time to time but it is good to have training going on the benefits will be long term also.

That’s really the most that has been happening since January. Apart from my 9-5 which is going well.

What's Next?

Ok here me out this is what I’m thinking:

I’d Ilike this be a place where I freely share whatever I want and whenever I want. It might be images and stories from behind the scenes, it might be personal stuff, it might be sharing the work of others that have inspired me, it might be details of projects that I am doing, basically anything that I think you might find interesting.

This blog will be far less structured, however with that breakdown of structure comes freedom and breathing space. This will allow the blog to find its purpose. I’m hoping this will release some of the pressure I put on myself and I hope this way interests you more but I want this to be a fresh start to the other chapters I have written.

Here are some of the images that I have shot this year

Slan Seán

Are Photography Workshops Worth the Money?

As a landscape photographer, I’ve often wondered if photography workshops are worth the investment. With prices ranging from €1,000 to €6,850, they’re no small commitment. Although I haven’t attended one myself, I’ve spent a lot of time weighing the potential benefits against the cost, and I want to share my honest thoughts on the value they might (or might not) bring.

What’s Included in a Photography Workshop?

When you break down what’s included in the cost of most workshops, you do get quite a bit.

Here’s a typical list of what’s provided:

• Accommodation in single rooms (for international workshops).

• Breakfast, a welcome dinner, and a goodbye dinner.

• Local transportation to shooting locations, usually in a minibus that’s perfect for photographers and their gear.

• Professional tuition, offering guidance in both fieldwork and post-processing techniques.

• Opportunities to shoot at 2-3 locations per day, including sunrise and sunset sessions when conditions allow.

• Evening image reviews and Lightroom tutorials to improve your work.

• Post-workshop feedback, where the group can share and critique images.

It’s clear workshops are designed to be immersive, taking care of all the logistics so you can focus on photography.

What Isn’t Included?

Of course, there are extra costs to consider:

• Flights to and from the workshop destination.

• Connecting transportation (if needed).

• Most lunches, dinners, and drinks.

• Travel insurance and personal expenses.

These additional expenses can add up, so even though the workshop fee includes a lot, it’s important to consider the total cost before committing.

The Potential Value of Workshops

While I’ve never attended a workshop, I can understand why they appeal to so many photographers. Here are some of the reasons why others find them valuable:

1. Learning from Experts

Workshops give you the opportunity to learn directly from seasoned professionals who can help you refine your technique. For someone looking to fast-track their learning, this can be a huge advantage.

2. Access to Unique Locations

Many workshops take participants to incredible locations, often at the perfect time of day for photography. Having someone else plan the itinerary and navigate logistics can take a lot of stress out of the process.

3. Community and Socializing

For me, the most appealing aspect of workshops is the opportunity to connect with other photographers. Spending time with like-minded people who share your passion for the craft can be inspiring. The camaraderie and shared experiences are often just as memorable as the photography itself.

Why I Haven’t Attended a Workshop

Despite the potential benefits, I haven’t felt the need to attend a workshop. Part of this is because I enjoy the challenge of figuring things out on my own. There’s something deeply satisfying about researching locations, planning trips, and experimenting with techniques at my own pace.

I also question whether the value of a workshop justifies the cost for me personally. While I appreciate the structure and guidance they offer, I feel I’ve learned a lot from free or lower-cost resources like books, videos, and trial and error in the field.

Investing in Outdoor Skills Instead

One area I’m more considering is to invest in building my outdoor skills. Learning to navigate, and explore safely has the possible to open up so many opportunities for my photography. Here’s why I find this approach so rewarding:

1. Confidence in the Outdoors

Gaining skills like navigation and route planning would give me more self-reliant and be more adventurous. I can explore remote areas at my own pace without needing someone to guide me.

2. A Deeper Connection with Nature

Spending time outdoors on my own terms has given me a better understanding of the landscapes I photograph. I can take the time to observe the light, weather, and details of a location without being tied to a group’s schedule.

3. Creative Freedom

I have full control over the itinerary. If I want to revisit a location or if I choose to spend extra time waiting for the perfect light, I can do so without worrying about anyone else’s plans.

4. Cost Efficiency

While workshops can be expensive, investing in skills like navigation and survival gear is often a one-time cost that keeps paying off over time.

Workshops vs. Independent Exploration: My Perspective

I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer here—it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re someone who thrives in a structured learning environment or loves the idea of connecting with other photographers, workshops might be a great fit for you.

On the other hand, if you enjoy the freedom of discovering places on your own and prefer a more self-guided approach, investing in your outdoor skills and planning your own adventures could be more rewarding.

For me, the social aspect of workshops is the most tempting, but I still find myself leaning toward independent exploration. There’s a special kind of fulfillment that comes from charting your own path and discovering locations through your own efforts.

My Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, photography workshops are an investment—not just financially, but in your growth as a photographer. Whether they’re worth it depends on your goals and priorities.

For now,I think I will be sticking to my self-guided adventures and investing into more into investing in my outdoor skills instead, but I can see the appeal of workshops, especially for those who value learning in a community setting.

Seán