Skip to content

Preparation for the Zurich workshop

Hi, soon we will be going out together, during our street photography workshop in Zurich! Awfully nice of you to join us!

Of course I will guide you during the workshop, but it's good to prepare a little bit.

Zurich, city by the lake

Zurich is a brilliant mix of cultural richness and natural beauty. It offers historical sights such as the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, alongside modern attractions such as the Kunsthaus and the Swiss National Museum. The city is clean, efficient and safe, with a high quality of life. Lake Zurich and the nearby Uetliberg offer breathtaking views and relaxation in nature. With its vibrant culinary scene, luxury shopping and vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone. Zurich is also the gateway to the Alps, making it the perfect base for both urban and adventurous travellers. And that's where we'll be shooting!

Travelling to Zurich

As a Dutch person travelling to Zurich, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Travel documents: Provide a valid passport or identity card.
  2. Currency: Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), so change some money or use payment cards accepted there. The Swiss franc currently stands a fraction higher than the euro.
  3. Plugs: Switzerland has different sockets, so bring an adapter. This is because in Switzerland they use the type J. A flat plug with three pins goes into this socket.
  4. Weather: Check the weather forecast; it can vary, so pack clothes for all conditions.
  5. Healthcare: Get travel insurance as Switzerland is not part of the EU and the EHIC is not valid.
  6. Mobile data: Check your mobile subscription for roaming charges.

Types of street photography

In fact, there are several kinds of street photography. Of course, you will mainly choose the kind that suits you, but in the workshop, for example, you may come across:

  • Photography with a focus on architecture and composition, including human scale
  • Photography in colour or black and white, and how to deal with it
  • Photography with a focus on people, near or far
  • Photography a little closer to fine art, not necessarily with a focus on people

Street photography is often a combination of the above options. During the workshop, I will mainly teach you to look differently. The above types will come naturally from looking differently!

Street photography, short video

In preparation for the workshop, I'd like to ask you to watch the video below. It's an online introduction I recorded with Pjotr from Photography Community (an online photo club). Just 22 minutes, and then you'll already know some basic concepts and have a bit of an idea of what to expect! It’s in Dutch, turn on captions on YouTube - you’ll get the drift.

Of course, you may still have questions after watching the video. Be sure to save them for the day itself; I will be happy to answer them!

Preparing for the day

On the day, above all, you get to let go. Let go of what you have learned, let go of what should be from other photographers, let go of the urge to take the very best photo today. We will lay the foundation for your future photographs.

To hit the streets with as few distractions as possible, I recommend:

  • Bring the camera you can read and write with. The workshop is emphatically not a "how to work my camera" workshop. That's what YouTube is for. I assume you know how ISO, aperture and shutter speed work and how to set aperture priority and shutter speed priority.
  • Put on good walking shoes. During the workshop, photographing will not take us gigantic distances, but we will be walking, so put on shoes you walk easily on. Trainers are also fine.
  • Limit yourself to one focal length. 50mm is wonderfully safe, 28mm is wide and more suitable for close-up. I myself vary between 28mm and 35mm. From 85mm upwards is less suitable for my type of street photography. If you only have a zoom lens, choose one focal length and try not to zoom.
  • Bring full batteries and an empty SD card. You won't be the first to run out of batteries during the workshop. Bummer! Make sure you have a full battery and take an extra one with you if necessary. And empty your SD card before you leave for the workshop. We are going to take lots of pictures!
  • Bring water and/or a small snack. Should you get thirsty or hungry along the way, it is nice to have something with you. We will not sit extensively on the terrace during the workshop. Just before or after the workshop, this is of course an option.
  • Make a list of questions. If there are specific things where you think I can help you further, write them down or make a note in your phone. You can always app or email me after the workshop, but make that list so you can be sure you've asked all your questions during the workshop!
  • You get my book Street Photography Bible, of course. So that you can read everything again at your leisure. Make sure you have a bag it can fit in. The book is 16.5 by 22.5 cm, a little smaller than an A4 sheet. And a good centimetre thick!
    In case you already have the Street Photo Bible, you may also pick another one. You can do so here. If so, please let me know. I'll take it, or send it to you (depending on my stock)!

My phone number is 06-26326316. If you have any questions beforehand, or lose your way or the group during the workshop, app me. During the workshop, be sure to call!

Collect

Hope to see you on the day of the workshop at 10 am at the large clock / meeting point at Zurich railway station.

Lunch

Small service announcement: by agreement with the group, we can grab a cup of coffee or tea in between, but we will have lunch anyway; six hours on the street without lunch is not wise. This lunch is around 1pm and is at your own expense. Location to be determined!

Very happy to see you then. We will make it a great day!