The 1-day UK street photography workshop
Working with Brian Lloyd Duckett, a highly experienced course leader (and a full-time professional street photographer and photojournalist) in a small group, this is a powerful and immersive learning experience.
You will build an appreciation of the aesthetics of street photography which extends beyond random pictures of street performers, homeless people and people walking past walls.
Our street photography workshops are structured, informative and relaxed. They are sometimes provocative, usually challenging and always highly enjoyable; they will stretch your imagination, develop your skills and boost your confidence. Whilst we cover the essential technicalities (such as camera settings, light and composition), our main focus is on teaching you the critical skills to help you become an accomplished street photographer, conquering your fear of shooting on the streets, understanding what makes a strong image and helping you develop your own style and approach.
This is as much about the art of street photography as it is about the technique and it is this combination which makes our workshops different. This is a structured, tried and tested formula designed to make you a more accomplished, fulfilled and confident street photographer.
Most street photography workshops start at 10.30am and finish around 4.45pm (Liverpool and Blackpool workshops run from 10am to 4.30pm).
Brian will help you in 12 key areas:
Develop a street photographer’s eye and learn how to ‘read the streets’, spotting photo opportunities in everyday street scenes
Develop your observational skills
Understand the aesthetics and the art of street photography
Use projects to bring a sense of purpose and tangible outcomes
Nurture your own photographic style and learn how to conceive and develop projects; find and develop your ‘voice’ as a photographer
Understand the components of a great street image
Conquer your fear of photographing strangers, shooting your environment quietly and unobtrusively - and overcome the awkwardness of getting closer to your subjects
Learn the technical aspects of street photography: equipment, settings, composition, exposure, light and focus
Use layers to add volume and depth to your street photography images
Maximise the potential of your camera when shooting the streets
Learn how manual (zone) focusing can make you more effective as a street photographer
Understand the key legal and ethical aspects of street photography
FAQs
-
This workshop is designed to give you a thorough grounding in street photography so you’ll have the confidence and the skills to produce great images on your own. Because the groups are small (maximum of 6 participants) there’s plenty of one-to-one time so, whether you’re a beginner, an improver or an established street photographer, there’s bags of material for you to take away.
There are no strict requirements for joining the workshop but you will find it helpful if you have a basic grasp of your camera’s functions – aperture, shutter speed and ISO, for example.
And you don’t need masses of gear – just one camera and lens is fine – anything from a Lomo to a Leica! -
It really doesn’t matter! You can become an accomplished street photographer with anything from a £50 Olympus Trip to a £7,000 Leica. People come on workshops with compact cameras, DSLRs, rangefinder cameras, smartphones - and people using film are warmly welcomed.
The ideal camera is something small and unobtrusive (rangefinder cameras are ideal for street photography) with a lens in the range of between 28mm and 50mm, with 35mm being the sweet spot. You won’t need a flash, tripod or a big bag full of accessories - just one camera, one lens and a few spare batteries is all you need. To see the gear I personally use, please click here. -
Workshop follow-up
We will send you an extensive follow-up document with a recommended reading list, links to films and videos and other helpful resources. Critique is an important part of the learning process and you’ll be invited to submit images for constructive critique to help keep your development on-track. As far as we’re concerned, ‘the workshop never ends’ and Brian is always here for support and advice as your street photography journey progresses.
The StreetSnappers Collective
You’ll be invited to join the StreetSnappers Collective, a wonderfully warm and inclusive street photography community. Membership is completely free and is available only to those who have participated in Brian’s workshops. It’s a small, select and welcoming group of people with a shared passion: street photography. Benefits of Collective membership include access to a lively, active and very warm Facebook group where you can post images for critique, ask questions (about gear, techniques or locations, for example) or create debate about street photography. Members can arrange meet-ups in their areas, form critique circles and organise their own events.
