London feels like a city that never completely stands still; you can hear it in the clatter of the subway, in the buzz of markets, and in the endless stream of people, each carrying their own story.
London is fantastic!
I’d love to invite you to my street photography “ masterclass ” in London this year! Immerse yourself in two days of (street) photography in the cosmopolitan city of London.
London is overwhelming, vast, and sprawling. For a solo photographer, it can sometimes feel a bit intimidating—hard to take in all at once. So come along with me. I’ll take you on a varied route through the city with specific assignments. Learning, photography, and good times.
I would like to take you on a long walk from Barbican via Southbank to Seven Dials/Soho and then let you walk into Oxford Street feeling motivated. Changes to the route may occur; in street photography, you never know what you will encounter. It is a mix of old London, the banks of the Thames, and the touristy but extremely photogenic city center.
“Had a fantastic workshop with Michiel. He's a very skilled photographer and knows how to share his knowledge in a great and fun way. Definitely worth repeating!”
London is big, loud, and sometimes downright overwhelming. That’s exactly why it’s such a fantastic city to photograph. The city forces you to make choices: what do you leave out, where do you look, who do you follow with your eyes? Between the crowds on Oxford Street and the tranquility of Soho’s side streets lies a world of images that most people simply walk right past. Not you anymore. You’ll learn to look differently and see things others miss—a color, a glance, a composition.
I’ll take you past the Barbican, Southbank, Covent Garden, and the hidden gems in between, like Neal’s Yard and Leadenhall Market. Not as a tourist, but as a photographer who knows exactly what he’s looking for. After two days, you’ll know the city in a way most visitors never do, and you’ll have a memory card full of images to prove it.
LONDON, Friday , November 20, and Saturday, November 21
London keeps giving photos
London never disappoints. The city is never empty, never boring, never done. Whether you’re strolling through the bustling shopping streets of Oxford Street or getting lost in the narrow alleys of Soho, there’s always something to see, someone to photograph, a moment to capture that looks just a little different than you expected. Time to hit the streets.
London is a city that never stands still. During this two-day “ masterclass ,” we’ll explore how, as a photographer, you can avoid being overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle and instead find peace in observation. How do you navigate the chaos of Oxford Street without losing your focus? And what happens when, amid the geometric structures of the Barbican, you shift your perspective, adjust your pace, and let the architecture serve as a backdrop for human scenes? We won’t be hunting for spectacular moments, but rather seeking meaning in the everyday—among people, lines, and light.
We stroll through the streets of various London neighborhoods. We visit hidden gems such as Neal's Yard and Leadenhall Market. We fish for beautiful pictures in Southbank and Soho, where the crowds make it impossible to come home with bad photos. If we have time and the route allows it, we will of course visit Camden.
Through targeted assignments and group reflections, you’ll learn to observe more closely and make more conscious choices. You’ll develop your own way of being on the street: sometimes you’re a shadow, other times a participant. The variety of locations—from modernist squares to chaotic shopping streets—challenges you to redefine your position time and again. This “ masterclass ” is for anyone who wants to deepen their photographic awareness, using the city as both a training ground and a source of inspiration.
November 20 and 21: London
November is the month when London gets ready for Christmas. The stores are lit up, the Christmas markets are set up to create a festive atmosphere, and people put on stylish, thick coats. A cozy atmosphere and Christmas shopping. That rhythm, that sense of purpose on the streets, is very different from summer—and at the same time, just as interesting. The city is bustling in a different way—more focused—and that gives you, as a photographer, a whole different set of images.
The light in November is low and dramatic. When it rains, the streets turn into mirrors. Reflections in the puddles, people with umbrellas, neon lights, and Christmas lights glinting red off the wet cobblestones. Anyone who knows how to work with light will find a city in November’s London that offers everything they could want. And those who don’t know yet? They’ll learn it here.
In 2027, I will also be offering this workshop on November 19 and 20.
July 2 and 3, 2027: London
Early July is perhaps when London is at its best. Nowhere else are the days as long as they are right now: the sun rises early and lingers well past nine. For a street photographer, that means hours of extra shooting time. The city still belongs to the Londoners themselves, as the big wave of vacationers hasn’t quite kicked in yet. Office workers settling down in the park after work, market vendors shouting over the music, the first tourists catching their first glimpse of the Thames. Everyone is outside, and everyone’s face tells a story.
And then there’s the light. In July, you’re treated to two “golden hours” that last longer than in any other season. Early in the morning, you’ll have the South Bank almost to yourself, with low light gliding across the river. By late afternoon, the shadows slowly grow longer, and every street corner turns into a scene. In between, there’s always something to see: street performers, people waiting, a glance, a gesture. London in July doesn’t give you a moment to put your camera away. And that’s exactly the point!
Masterclass Conceptual street photography in London
In the enchanting streets of London , street photography truly comes alive. During the workshop, we'll focus on four specific locations, but we'll also tackle any photographic challenge that comes our way:
Barbican: This architectural wonderland offers a futuristic setting. Concrete brutalism, geometric shapes, and shadow play create intriguing compositions.
Southbank: Along the Thames you will find Southbank, a cultural hotspot. The iconic Millennium Bridge, the Tate Modern, street performers, and the lively hustle and bustle create a visual feast.
Soho: The heart of the West End, where creativity and diversity come together. Narrow alleys, neon lights, and historic pubs adorn Soho. Here we meet artists, musicians, and colorful characters.
Oxford Street: London's busiest and most famous shopping street is a true paradise for shopping enthusiasts. And for street photographers! The street is too large to capture in one shot, so let's immerse ourselves in the hustle and bustle and see where the flow of people takes us!
In the workshop, I'll teach you how to spot and capture great shots. I'll show you how to look differently at things you'd normally just walk past!
The schedule for this " masterclass " photo shoot in London
The workshop will take place over two days, on Friday, November 20, and Saturday, November 21, 2026.
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Start in the park at Charterhouse Square (Google maps)
Barbican Metro Station
10:00 a.m.
Meet and greet
Short presentation on street photography
11:00 a.m.
Out onto the streets for the first challenge
12:30 p.m.
Lunch break (at your own expense)
1:15 p.m.
Out onto the streets for the second challenge
3:00 p.m.
End of Day 1 -
Start at James Street (Google maps)
,Covent Garden Metro Station10:00 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 " masterclass ," you can email me up to 8 photos taken during the " masterclass ." I’ll then give you personalized tips and tricks to take your photos to the next level.
We’ll start both days at 10 a.m. and finish around 3 p.m.—so you’ll still have time to explore London on your own! Most of the places we’ll visit are within walking distance, but that does mean you’ll need to bring sturdy shoes! We’ll probably take the subway for a short ride as well, but if you have Apple Pay on your phone, you can just hop on.
Costs for this masterclass
This two-day " masterclass " is now only 648 euro. That includes my book *De Straatfotobijbel * 🇳🇱!
Maximum of 5 people, to ensure personal attention. Price excludes travel and accommodation, which you can arrange yourself according to your own budget.
Halfway through the workshop, we'll stop for lunch (at your own expense). London is full of Pret A Mangers if you want a sandwich, but of course, you're free to choose something else.
What are you waiting for? Treat yourself to this two-day " masterclass " in London! We look forward to seeing you there!
London is big, loud, and sometimes downright overwhelming. That’s exactly why it’s such a fantastic city to photograph. The city forces you to make choices: what do you leave out, where do you look, who do you follow with your eyes? Between the crowds on Oxford Street and the tranquility of Soho’s side streets lies a world of images that most people simply walk right past. Not you anymore. You’ll learn to look differently and see things others miss—a color, a glance, a composition.
I’ll take you past the Barbican, Southbank, Covent Garden, and the hidden gems in between, like Neal’s Yard and Leadenhall Market. Not as a tourist, but as a photographer who knows exactly what he’s looking for. After two days, you’ll know the city in a way most visitors never do, and you’ll have a memory card full of images to prove it.
LONDON, Friday , November 20, and Saturday, November 21
Details of the masterclass
Guided assignments based on assignment cards that you can take home with you.
Focus on techniques on day one, and on, for example, shooting a series on day two.
Of course, I'll share all my experiences with you, and help you learn to see things differently.
You'll receive my book * Straatfotobijbel * so you can keep practicing after the * masterclass *.
Free access to all Photofacts courses for one month with the book.
This masterclass course 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.
London is big, loud, and sometimes downright overwhelming. That’s exactly why it’s such a fantastic city to photograph. The city forces you to make choices: what do you leave out, where do you look, who do you follow with your eyes? Between the crowds on Oxford Street and the tranquility of Soho’s side streets lies a world of images that most people simply walk right past. Not you anymore. You’ll learn to look differently and see things others miss—a color, a glance, a composition.
I’ll take you past the Barbican, Southbank, Covent Garden, and the hidden gems in between, like Neal’s Yard and Leadenhall Market. Not as a tourist, but as a photographer who knows exactly what he’s looking for. After two days, you’ll know the city in a way most visitors never do, and you’ll have a memory card full of images to prove it.
LONDON, Friday , November 20, and Saturday, November 21
This masterclass can be conducted in Dutch or English.
This group workshop will take place 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'.
