You do not need to be an expert. Workshops exist for many skill levels, and the right one depends on the specific workshop rather than any universal standard.

The best approach is to ask the organizer or instructor what skill level the workshop is aimed at. Some are designed for beginners who are still learning camera controls, exposure, and shooting outside auto mode; others are labeled intermediate or advanced, but those labels are not standardized.

A good workshop fit is one where you can follow the material but still have room to grow. If you know far less than the intended audience, you may feel overwhelmed; if you already know much more, you may not get much value.

Useful clues include the workshop description, prerequisite skills, and any before/after examples from past attendees. If the “before” images look similar to your current work and the “after” results feel just beyond your present ability, that’s often a good sign.

Also, don’t undersell yourself: photography involves both technical and artistic skills, and people develop those at different rates.