Just in between tradeshows but still time to think about something……

People photographing 1-2 year teaching “masterclass photography”

People asking me how to start teaching workshops because their business is failing and they think teaching is the answer.

Attendees of my workshops that literally copy parts of my site and offering the same workshop they attended for 10.00 less.

Questions to get gear for free with less than 100 followers online. And being offended if we don’t give stuff for free. (we are the dutch tethertools distributor)

Workshops that are 99% a model being shot by 20 attendees with nothing more that some guidance.

Workshops costing 1000.00+ for 2 days with groups of 30-40 people. And sometimes don’t even cover lunch.

As you know I somewhat specialized in teaching. Not because my other thing failed. But because I was asked and loved it so much I decided to do it once every 2-3 months. But this grew so fast I’m now teaching more than I shoot. And in all honesty I just love to teach. It’s my main passion. But it took me years to get to the level I felt comfortable.

Being an ambassador for a brand is a huge deal.
You are the face, the inspiration and the motivation for people (your followers) to get that brand. This is not something to take lightly. It’s also a lot of work. The company trusts you with their brand, so your responsibility is to know that brand, their philosophy, vision and make sure you help instead of hurt that brand. Most of all you need steady and active group of followers and people that trust your opinion before a company even thinks about you as their ambassador.

When I speak for a brand it’s a product I love to use. A product that I actually use and in all honesty a product I probably also would promote without that label. For me the label ambassador is more an after the fact label. I was promoting the heck out of Wacom for example years before I became one of their ambassadors.

Over the years there’s one thing that always stayed the same. I teach workshops and not demos or guided photoshoots. This means.

1. Small groups
When people also shoot themselves its my preference to teach in groups of max 8 (studio) to 12 (location) this way there is a lot of interaction and a real 1:1 feeling.

1b. Know your stuff
As a teacher and ambassador I have to make sure that attendees to demos and workshops can ask me their questions and I have an answer. Of course you can’t know everything but remember that people pay for your knowledge so at least make sure you can answer 90% of their answer. And there is no shame I telling them “I don’t know” but than follow up.

2. Fair pricing
I’m charging not enough for the quality I deliver. But….. As mentioned before I teach because it’s my passion and I would rather teach twice a week (like I do) and make the workshops affordable for everyone. That teach once a month for a group that can afford me and pay a lot of money.

3. Free and social
I’m a strong believer in social media.
Sharing knowledge is what an instructor does and loves. My social media stream is 95% me (Annewiek does the commercial stuff I the creative). I try to like and answer every single post and remark.

We upload a huge amount of video material on YouTube (www.youtube.com/frankdoorhof) and that quality I think rivals some/most commercial products.

Does that hurt the sale of our commercial videos and workshops… Yes and no .
It creates a lot of Goodwill with both manufacturers and builds a solid following online help spread not only our name but also the brand I represent. Which makes the network grow.

This also means give back.
Take our Patreon for example.
Even the patreons pledging $1-5 a month get benefits like a closed group where you can ask questions, upload images etc.

My idea has always been that I want people to be able to participate in everything I do regardless of their income so I try to adjust pricing and availability to that idea. Q

This also means that my work is almost 24/7.
Tradeshow day :
Up at 7:00 for mails and social media
9:00 am at the floor for interviews, network and video
10:00-17:00 demos, signing, networking, etc.
17:00-19:00 clean up and diner
19:00-01:00am retouching images, editing the vlog and answering mails and social media.

Pauze/repeat .

Trust me….. If your business fails now……
Don’t ask me how to teach and become succesfull. I’ve been an entrepreneur since I can remember and I’ve never spend more time and energy into my career than what I do now. Add to this that a lot of your success is depending on the people around you which you also have to make sure it’s worth their while and you know why my answer always is and will be.

Want to teach and be an ambassador?
Just do it with passion. Know that you can answer almost any questions, know your products in and out. don’t ever go for the money but do remember you have to eat and pay the bills and save for later. And if you’re lucky you will be noticed.

Teaching has to be in your blood. Just like photography and any art form. Do it for the money and I can already tell you that you will fail.

Want to know more
Check www.photography-workshops.eu
www.youtube.com/frankdoorhof

Want to support us (it really helps) www.patreon.com/frankdoorhof

So the reason for this post?
If you really want to start teaching and become successful remember they nothing absolutely nothing comes for free. Getting a normal job will pay often better (hours vs pay) and give you more rest and security.

Becoming successful in my opinion not something that follows a certain path. But it’s a mindset. And most of all wanting to put in years and years of work before you (if you’re lucky) even get noticed. I’ve worked my #ss of on tradeshows and clubs/forums before some asked me what I charged 🙂

To close this post.
Want to become an ambassador or teacher?

Always look in the mirror and be 100% honest. What can I add to the brand. And what can I really teach someone.

If any of those answers are not 100% full on “a lot” continue working on your skills and social media stream. And hopefully one day you don’t have to ask the people or brands… But they ask you.

Feel free to add or ask questions.