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 glistening water and stately warehouses to graffiti and harbors. Germany's second city, after Berlin, and much closer. During this two-day street photography workshop, you will immerse yourself in the rhythm of the city—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.

My workshop Conceptual Street Photography in Hamburg invites you to look beyond the harbor and the rough edges. You will learn to sense moments before they happen and to recognize the small, almost invisible interactions in the rhythm of the city. With me at your side as your searching guide, you will work on composition, timing, and atmosphere. Slowly, a personal visual story will emerge in which your Hamburg becomes visible.

This is your chance to deepen your photography skills and experience the city in a new way. The workshop is for both beginners and advanced photographers. All you need is a basic knowledge of your camera and the curiosity to really look.

Michielorganizes fantastic street photography workshops. I attended one in London. It was well organized, with beautiful routes through the city, a fun group, a relaxed atmosphere, and lots of inspiration. My next workshop with Michiel will be in Paris. Do 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 northern German port city is alive. You can hear it in the docks, see it in the alleys of St. Pauli, and feel it in the modern lines of Hafencity. Hamburg is not a city that reveals itself immediately —you really have to dive in. During this workshop, you will not only learn to look more closely, but also to react more quickly and consciously choose what you do and don't capture in your images. We'll wander through visually rich neighborhoods, search for excitement in everyday life, and build a series of photos that reflect your view of Hamburg, step by step. No clichés, just character.

I love sharing my enthusiasm for street photography and taking you to the most photogenic and exciting spots in the city. Along the way, you will receive guidance, inspiration, and targeted feedback, all with one goal in mind: to take better photos and develop your own style.

Who is this workshop for?

The workshop lasts two days, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is accessible and challenging for all levels. Whether you are just starting out or have been photographing for years, you will be addressed exactly where you are now. All you need is a camera, any camera. An SLR, system camera, compact camera, or even a smartphone, although a real camera is of course more convenient.

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.

You learn mainly by doing. By observing, by trying things out yourself, and by receiving feedback. During the course, you will be given assignments that challenge your usual way of looking at things and help you to focus. These assignments make all the difference, because they force you to photograph more consciously. By the end, you will notice that you look at the city differently, and this will be reflected in your photos.

Hamburg? Easy to get around!

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

Sign up quickly, because places are limited. Don't miss this opportunity to improve and refine your photography skills and discover this unique city. I look forward to seeing you in Hamburg!

The schedule for this photography workshop 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 the park at Planten un Blomen / Rosengarten(Google maps)

    10:00    a.m.
    Meet and greet
    Short presentation on street photography

    11:00 a.m.
    Hit the streets with the first challenge

    12:30 p.m.
    Lunch break (at your own expense)

    1:15 p.m.
    Hit the streets with the second challenge

    3:00 p.m.
    End of day 1

  • Start at Jungfernstieg Promenade / opposite the Alsterhaus department store (Google maps)

    10:00 a.m.
    Brief summary of day 1
    Question and answer session

    11:00 a.m.
    Out on the streets with the firstassignment

    12:30 p.m.
    Lunch break (at your own expense)

    1:15 p.m.
    Out on the streets with the second assignment

    3:00 p.m.
    Workshop concludes with drinks

Photo review: After the workshop, you may email me up to 8 photos taken during the workshop. I will then give you personal 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!

Costs for this workshop

This two-day workshop costs only €698. That includes my book De Straatfotobijbel (The Street Photography Bible) 🇳🇱!

Groups consist of 2 to a maximum of 5 people, to ensure personal attention. If you would like a certificate of participation, I will be happy to send it to you after the workshop!

Price excludes travel and accommodation, which you can arrange yourself according to your own budget. Halfway through the workshop, we will stop for lunch (at your own expense). There are plenty of places to eat in Hamburg, so you'll be fine!

What are you waiting for? Treat yourself to this two-day workshop in Hamburg! We look forward to seeing 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.

  • I will, of course, share all my experiences with you and help you learn to see things differently.

  • You will receive my book Street Photography Bible so you can continue practicing after the workshop.

  • 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).

  • For groups of up to 5 people to ensure personal attention.

  • Level for this street photography workshop: All levels.

  • Recommended camera: All cameras, preferably with a fixed focal length lens

  • Recommended lens: Basically, any lens you feel comfortable with, but the 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 on 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 take place with a minimum of 2 participants

About Michiel

I am Michiel Heijmans, a professional photographer. I give workshops on street photography in the Netherlands and abroad. I wrote the photography books De Wet van de Straat (The Law of the Street), The Observer, and the textbook De Straatfotobijbel (The Street Photography Bible). In 2025, I appeared on the TV show Het Perfecte Plaatje op reis (The Perfect Picture on a Journey). I am also co-host of the popular photography podcast 30 Minuten Sluitertijd (30 Minutes Shutter Speed).

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.