Many photographers, at some point in their careers, start to wonder: Should I offer workshops or coaching alongside my client work? Should I teach others? Wouldn’t it be nice to share what I’ve learned over the years—and yes, maybe make some easy money along the way?
I’m sure many of you have considered it. You know you have skills that no one else has. You’ve mastered your niche, your craft, and now you’re thinking of—maybe even downsizing—and living a quieter professional life. Sooner or later, we all have moments when we’ve had enough of difficult clients, long hours, constant travel, and nonstop pressure.
It’s easy to see the appeal. Teaching promises extra income, more recognition, and the satisfaction of giving back to the community. But like anything in photography, workshops and coaching come with their own challenges—and they aren’t automatically the right fit for everyone.
Let’s break down the key factors to help you decide if it’s a smart move for your business.
1. Why Consider Teaching?
Extra income
Workshops and coaching can help you diversify your income, especially during slow client seasons. They can create an entirely new revenue stream and help stabilize your earnings throughout the year.
Build your reputation
Teaching positions you as an expert in your niche. It raises your profile, improves your brand, and can even attract higher-end clients who are impressed by the fact that you teach what you do.
Personal fulfillment
There’s something deeply satisfying about helping others improve. Many photographers find that teaching reconnects them with their passion and sharpens their own skills in the process.
2. Workshop or Coaching? What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand the difference between the two — because they demand different skills and bring different rewards.
- Workshops: Typically small group sessions, live or online, focused on a particular skill or topic: lighting, editing, posing, street photography, studio workflow, etc. Workshops require group management skills, clear lesson plans, and a fair amount of preparation.
- Coaching: One-on-one sessions, often business-focused, where you guide another photographer on pricing, branding, marketing, portfolio building, or career growth. Coaching is usually more conversational and tailored to the individual’s needs.
Both can be rewarding—but they are not interchangeable.
3. Are You Ready to Teach?
You have experience, not just technical skill
Clients and students aren’t just paying for what you know, they’re paying for what you’ve learned through doing.
You enjoy explaining things patiently
Teaching isn’t just talking; it’s listening, breaking down concepts, and responding to different learning styles.
You can handle questions and unpredictable moments
Especially in live workshops, you’ll need to manage time, answer unexpected questions, and keep the group engaged.
You’re willing to prepare materials
A good workshop or coaching session isn’t improvised—you’ll need to create examples, outlines, slides, or handouts, and you’ll probably refine these over time.
Being a great photographer doesn’t automatically make you a great teacher—but the teaching skill can absolutely be developed.
4. Challenges to Consider
Time commitment
Workshops take preparation, planning, and sometimes travel. Coaching takes energy and presence, often in unpredictable time slots.
Marketing yourself
You can’t just announce a workshop and expect it to fill. You’ll need to promote it through your website, blog, social media, and mailing list.
Pricing confidently
Many photographers undercharge when they start, thinking it’s “just a test.” This can lead to burnout or resentment. Your time and knowledge have value.
Imposter syndrome
Stepping into a teacher role can trigger self-doubt: “Am I good enough to teach?” This is normal—and often goes away once you get your first positive feedback.
5. Getting Started
- Start small
Offer a one-hour online Q&A, or host a local mini-workshop. See how it feels before committing to a full weekend event. - Test the demand
Before you pour time and money into workshop materials, gauge interest with a simple announcement or waitlist on your website. - Collect testimonials early
Ask your first students or coaching clients for feedback you can share on your website or social media. - Price realistically
Free or underpriced sessions can hurt your reputation and your energy. Charge fairly—people value what they invest in.
Making the Right Choice for You
Not every photographer needs to teach. And not every one can. And that’s okay.
But if you’re curious, if you like helping others, and if you’re ready to put in some prep time, offering workshops or coaching can be a rewarding addition to your business. It can bring income, recognition, and even fulfilment—as long as you’re doing it for the right reasons, and not just because others expect it.
If you want to dive deeper into pricing, marketing, and building your photography business, check out our workbooks, available on the website
