Hamburg feels like a city that finds its own rhythm between water and steel; in the harbor, in the gray light above the Elbe, and in the faces of people who always seem to be on the move but are rarely in a hurry.

Book your workshop in Hamburg now

Hamburg is a city that moves with the tides.

Hamburg is raw and rich at the same time. A city of contrasts and characters. From shimmering water and stately warehouses to graffiti and harbors. Germany's second-largest city after Berlin, and much closer. During this two-day street photography workshop, you'll immerse yourself in the city's rhythm — from the Fischmarkt to Hafencity.

Hamburg is large, but in many places it feels almost like a village. We will be taking photos in locations including the Reeperbahn and the Schanzenviertel, and in the Speicherstadt, which was built from warehouses. The route is currently being planned and will take us to places where the light is good and street life is visible.

Mijn workshop Conceptuele Fotografie op Straat in Hamburg nodigt je uit om verder te kijken dan de haven en het rauwe randje. Je leert momenten aan te voelen nog voordat ze ontstaan en de kleine, bijna onzichtbare interacties in het ritme van de stad te herkennen. Met mij naast je als zoekende gids werk je aan compositie, timing en sfeer. Zo groeit langzaam een persoonlijk beeldverhaal waarin jouw Hamburg zichtbaar wordt.

Dit is je kans om je fotografie te verdiepen en de stad op een nieuwe manier te beleven. De workshop is er voor zowel beginners als gevorderden. Het enige wat je nodig hebt, is een basiskennis van je camera en de nieuwsgierigheid om echt te kijken.

“Michiel organizes fantastic street photography workshops. I took one in London. It was well-organized, with great routes through the city, a nice group, a relaxed atmosphere, and lots of inspiration. My next one with Michiel is Paris. Go for it!! It's almost addictive.”
— Cees Kole, participant in the Street Photography group workshop
Two-day photography workshop Two-day photography workshop Two-day photography workshop Two-day photography workshop Two-day photography workshop
Two-day photography workshop
€ 698,00

Street photography in Hamburg: character in every street

Want to take your street photography to the next level? And want to do so in a city that is hip, raw, energetic, and full of contrasts? Then Hamburg is exactly what you are looking for. Germany's second-largest city offers variety and challenge!

This North German port city is alive. You hear it in the docks, see it in the alleys of St. Pauli, and feel it in the modern lines of Hafencity. Hamburg isn't a city that reveals itself completely right away – you really have to dive in. During this workshop, you'll learn not only to look better but also to react faster and consciously choose what you include in your shots. We'll wander through visually rich neighborhoods, look for tension in the everyday, and gradually build a series of photos that reflect your view of Hamburg. No clichés, just character.

Ik breng mijn enthousiasme voor straatfotografie graag over en neem je mee langs de plekken waar de stad het meest fotogeniek en spannend is. Onderweg krijg je begeleiding, prikkels en gerichte feedback, met één doel: betere foto’s maken en steeds duidelijker jouw eigen stijl ontwikkelen.

Who is this workshop for?

The workshop lasts two days, from ten to three, and is accessible and challenging for every level. Whether you're just starting out or have been photographing for years, we'll meet you exactly where you are. You only need a camera, any kind. A DSLR, mirrorless camera, compact, or even a smartphone, though a 'real' camera is, of course, more pleasant to work with.

We will start by looking. At composition. At reading light and shadow, color, movement, and perspective. And at people. How to photograph someone on the street without disturbing them, with respect and a sense of the moment.

Je leert vooral door te doen. Door mee te kijken, door zelf te proberen en door feedback te krijgen. Tijdens de dagen krijg je opdrachten die je uit je vaste manier van kijken halen en zorgen voor focus. Die opdrachten maken het verschil, omdat ze je dwingen bewuster te fotograferen. Aan het eind merk je dat je anders naar de stad kijkt, en dat zie je terug in je foto’s.

Hamburg? Easy to get around!

For Dutch participants: Hamburg is really easy to reach by train. I travel first class for 65 euro one way. Second class starts from around 50 euro. So that's cheap and sustainable. Prices for hotels vary, but Hamburg isn't necessarily a very expensive city. You can find a good hotel for reasonable prices. Public transport is also well-organized.

Schrijf je snel in, want de plaatsen zijn beperkt. Mis deze kans niet om je fotografie te verbeteren en verfijnen en deze unieke stad te ontdekken. Ik zie je graag in Hamburg!

De planning van deze workshop fotografie in Hamburg

The workshop lasts two days, on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Day one is all about the old town. We walk from Planten un Blomen park towards Karolinenviertel and Schanzenviertel. We get lost in St. Pauli and take photos of the Repperbahn. After a stroll through the Portuguese quarter, we wander through Neustad together, ending up at the Rathaus.

Day two is all about the Speicherviertel and Hafencity. This newly developed district with old warehouses invites you to take a photo at every corner. We start just outside the district, at the Binnenalster, and walk into the district from the north. We visit the quays and promenades and all the beautiful and modern buildings such as the Elbphilharmonie. The day is industrial and delightful by the water.

  • Start in het park bij Planten un Blomen / Rosengarten (Google maps)

    10.00 uu    r
    Ontmoeting en voorstellen
    Korte presentatie over straatfotografie

    11.00 uur
    De straten op met de eerste uitdaging

    12.30 uur
    Lunchpauze (eigen kosten)

    13.15 uur
    De straten op met de tweede uitdaging

    15.00 uur
    Afsluiting dag 1

  • Start bij de Jungfernstieg Promenade / tegenover het Alsterhaus warenhuis (Google maps)

    10:00 AM
    Brief summary of day 1
    Time for questions

    11:00 AM
    Hit the streets with the first assignment

    12:30 PM
    Lunch break (at your own expense)

    1:15 PM
    Hit the streets with the second assignment

    3:00 PM
    Workshop wrap-up with a drink

Photo Review: After the workshop, you can email me up to 8 photos taken during the workshop. I'll then personally give you tips and tricks to take your photos to an even higher level.

We start both days at 10 a.m. and finish around 3 p.m. – leaving you plenty of time to explore Hamburg! Most of the places we visit are within walking distance, but that means you'll need to bring sturdy shoes!

Cost for this workshop

This two-day workshop is just 698 euro. And it includes my book, The Straatfotobijbel 🇳🇱!

Groups are small, just 2 to 5 people, so everyone gets personal attention. If you'd like a certificate for joining, I'll happily send it to you after the workshop!

The price doesn't cover travel or accommodation; you'll arrange those yourself based on your budget. We'll take a break for lunch halfway through the workshop (that's on you). Hamburg has plenty of places to grab a bite, so no worries there!

What are you waiting for? Treat yourself to this two-day workshop in Hamburg! Hope to see you there!

Two-day photography workshop Two-day photography workshop Two-day photography workshop Two-day photography workshop Two-day photography workshop
Two-day photography workshop
€ 698,00

Workshop details

  • Guided assignments based on assignment cards that you can take home with you.

  • Focus on techniques before lunch, on creating a series after lunch.

  • Lunch included, we'll get a sandwich and something to drink.

  • Of course, I'll share all my experiences with you, and help you learn to see things differently.

  • You will receive my book Straatfotobijbel (in Dutch) so you can continue practicing after the workshop. Easily translated with the camera option in Google Translate!

  • Free access to all Photofacts courses for one month with the book.

  • This street photography workshop lasts two days from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (2 x 5 hours).

  • I'll take you to the best places!

  • Short evaluation at the end of the workshop (including coffee or tea, of course).

  • We keep groups to a maximum of 5 people to make sure everyone gets personal attention.

  • Level for this street photography workshop: All levels.

  • Recommended camera: Any camera, preferably with a prime lens.

  • Recommended lens: Generally, use any lens you're comfortable with, but a good guideline is 28 to 50mm full-frame.

  • You can do the editing yourself at home, as you see fit. I am happy to give you feedback 8 photos by email.

Five people with cameras pose in front of a food truck in a city square, surrounded by bicycles and historic buildings in the background.
Two people are enjoying breakfast in a café, with waffles and milkshakes, at a table with cameras and cups of coffee.
Three people are standing together outside on a terrace overlooking the water, in a city, under a cloudy sky. They are laughing and posing for the camera.

This workshop can be given in Dutch or English – the group workshop will go ahead with a minimum of 2 participants.

About Michiel

I'm Michiel Heijmans, a professional photographer. I give street photography workshops both here and abroad. I wrote the photography books 'De Wet van de Straat', 'The Observer', and the textbook 'de Straatfotobijbel'. In 2025, I appeared on 'Het Perfecte Plaatje op reis'. Plus, I co-host the popular photography podcast '30 Minuten Sluitertijd'.

Modern office building with large windows and balcony, located on a river with a quay and rocks, under a blue sky with clouds, in a harbor or on the waterfront.
A woman with two boys walks down a cobblestone street under a blue sky with clouds. They are wearing sunglasses and light jackets, and seem to be having fun.
A man in a gray suit stands next to a large rock with a stack of books on a bench. There are two other large rocks on the sidewalk and a tree with green leaves.
Woman wearing a large white hat and striking white sunglasses stands on a bridge in a city center with historic and modern buildings in the background.
Woman with blonde hair and red glasses wearing black clothing, walking down the stairs while talking on her cell phone. Several people are walking on the stairs, including a woman wearing a blue coat, children wearing white caps, and a man wearing a floral print shirt.
Child looks out over a canal with yellow water in an urban setting with red brick buildings and a tall scaffolding in the background.
Three young men walk past a wall with the text 'CAPITALISM ERADICATED' while carrying bags, on a sunny day with trees and parked cars in the background.
People at a car collection square with small race cars and people in Mario Kart costumes.
An elderly woman walks down a busy street in the city on a sunny day. She is wearing a beige coat, a hat, and is carrying a small bag and a shopping bag.
Man standing on a wall along a canal, taking a photo. Other people walking on the footpath next to a row of green trees in an urban setting.
A group of people are sitting outside on a terrace in a city, with colorful buildings and clouds in the background.
A young woman with a large black bag is leaning on a bench and looking at her phone, next to a motorcycle, on a city street with a white car and people walking by.
A young boy wearing a pink hat with a unicorn on it and a beige puffy vest with a leopard print eats ice cream on a street with stone tiles, surrounded by adults.
A café with two people sitting inside, visible through the window reflection. A woman looks at her phone while a man helps her with her drink. On the table are drinks, a plate of food, and sheet music.
A river flowing through an urban area, with buildings with balconies on the left and lush green trees on the right.