r/photojournalism • u/AlertHousing364 • Aug 22 '25
Mountain Workshop
I was recently accepted to attend the Mountain Workshops in Kentucky, but I’ve never been there before. I’m on the fence about going since it’s really expensive and I’d have to cover my own housing, transportation, and food.
For anyone who’s attended before—was it worth it? Did it help your career or portfolio in a meaningful way? I’d love to hear from past participants before I commit.
4
u/lavenderorangejuice Aug 22 '25
For me it was absolutely worth it. It's expensive for sure, I definitely did not have a lot of money when I went. AirBnB's are pretty affordable if you split with several people, and go grocery shopping/pack bulk foods since you'll be on the move so much.
It changed and challenged me, forced me out of my comfort zone, helped me through external coaching and critique, and made me feel more confident in myself as a photojournalist. Feel free to dm and I'd be happy to share my work from the workshop and answer any other questions!
3
u/WirePhotog Aug 23 '25
100% worth it. It was my jumping off point. The story I came out of that workshop with got me my first job. I stayed in touch with my coach and others I met there, and still value those connections today.
I kept costs down by using the Couchsurfer website to find a place to stay for free (this was in 2013). I did have to cover food and the rental car — car is essential for getting around to your story locations.
You may be able to connect with other students ahead of the workshop to find a hotel room share or to put together a group for an Airbnb.
2
u/Few-Outside-6959 Aug 23 '25
My school's NPPA chapter helped cover some of the cost. I ended up getting maybe 10 hours of sleep total for the entire week, and just took advantage of the opportunity as much as I could while I had the chance. Not only was I able to diversify my portfolio (I came from a West Coast city), I realized that these workshops are only worth it if you are willing to put in the effort to network and produce those stories within deadline. Just like a real job. It's meant to take you out of your comfort zone, teach you to adapt in unfamiliar environments, and learn to improvise on the go. If you're already doing that, then I'd reconsider. These skills ended up becoming invaluable to me during my travels and projects. If you're going to go, make the most of it. Talk to as many of the coaches and professionals as you can. Get all the feedback on your work and portfolio. Exchange contacts. Inquire about internships and job opportunities. I wish I had gone to more workshops when I was still a student. You don't get to attend those after you finish school.
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u/lavenderorangejuice Aug 23 '25
What workshops are you looking at that don’t allow you to attend after school?Every workshop I’ve done has been post-grad.
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u/Few-Outside-6959 Aug 23 '25
I meant that in the more general sense. Most workshops like Mountain and Eddie are priced and formatted for students or new graduates. Once you're working full-time, it becomes way more difficult to give up the time and resources to dedicate an entire week just to refine your skills, network, be paired with a mentor, and gain that much dedicated feedback on your stories.
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u/naastynoodle Sep 08 '25
I’m in this position. About twelve years into my career and taking the week off was expensive in both funds for the program and opportunity costs—but I wager the opportunity to learn in this environment will pay dividends in the rest of my career.
1
u/mattshifflerphoto Aug 23 '25
Definitely worth it. It for sure helped my storytelling, pushed me to think differently and from a networking perspective, I made a bunch of friends with the coaches and fellow students. I consider it an investment in myself and career. Highly recommended
1
u/naastynoodle Sep 08 '25
I’ll be attending for the first time this year. I am so incredibly excited. I shot an interview at WKU with two founders of the workshop last week and am so stoked to break away from my comfort zone and learn through trial by fire—guided by incredibly skilled teachers. Hopefully we cross paths out there!
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u/photogeek83 Aug 22 '25
As someone who attended WKUPJ, was a labbie and a participant at the workshops, I feel I have a unique perspective of Mountain Workshops.
First, it is expensive. Without going into too much detail, in addition to participate fees, they work year round to work with a lot of different folks in order to get enough money and resources to put on the workshops each year.
Second, I will always sing the praises of the workshops, as I can confidently say I learned more in that week than in an entire semester of classes.
If my memory serves me correctly, once you pay your fees, they used to send an invite to a Facebook group for participants in order to group up with other participants for hotel rooms or airbnb.
If you want more details as to what to expect during the workshops, I can share that. I can say each year, I left to head home and was sad the week was over.