Street photography workshop ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam gives nothing away for free. The city is direct, fast and unlike anywhere else in the Netherlands. For street photography that means: hesitate and you miss the moment, dare and you get raw honesty back.
- 10.30 to 14.00
- max. 5 participants
- lunch included
- book included
Rotterdam: Blaak and the Erasmus Bridge, Hotel New York
Rotterdam is a city made for street photography. After the destruction of the Second World War it took on a modern face, where glimpses of the old city give you an interesting, unusual streetscape. The innovative buildings and striking skyline offer a dynamic backdrop you find nowhere else in the country.
Something is always happening in Rotterdam. You find a fine mix of people, cultures and activity. That makes the centre of Rotterdam an excellent place to catch spontaneous, lively street photographs.
The workshops below are for beginners and for people who have held a camera plenty of times before. I am certain I can teach you to look differently.
A really enjoyable workshop with Michiel. He knows how to inspire you to go out and roam the city with your camera. I learned a great deal. Now I head out on my own and apply his tips from the workshop and his book!Ria Luchies, group street photography workshop
Street photography workshop in Rotterdam
We might start the workshop at Blaak, by the big foot next to the food hall, and walk through the shopping streets towards the station, photographing as we go. Blaak is a lively area full of contrasts. This is where the iconic Cube Houses stand, with their striking yellow and their angular shapes. On the street you see tourists with cameras and students on bicycles. The mix of modern and traditional makes this a photogenic place.
The Koopgoot, below the busy shopping streets, is always in motion. You see people with full bags, shopping or hurrying past. The open character of the street lets light pour in, which gives you interesting shadows and reflections. We carry on towards the area around the Lijnbaan, a lively pedestrian zone. Locals and visitors come together here, sitting on benches or strolling past the shops. The modern buildings and busy streets offer countless possibilities for dynamic photographs.
Your day in Rotterdam
10.30 to 14.00 · 3.5 hours
- 10.30
Kick-off
We start with coffee and the technique: framing and capturing movement. There is room for your own questions too.
- 10.45
Getting to work
Into the city, with guided assignments using assignment cards you can take home with you. I take you to the best spots.
- 12.30
Lunch
A sandwich and something to drink, included. After lunch the focus shifts from individual techniques to building a series.
- 14.00
Wrapping up
A short review over coffee or tea. You do your own editing at home; I am happy to give you feedback by email on five photographs.
Workshop details
- Bring a friend along if you like, they can join free of charge (or split the cost!)
- Technique before lunch, building a series after lunch.
- I share all my experience with you, and help you learn to look differently.
- A free month of access to all Photofacts courses with the book.
- I take you to the best spots.
- Level for this street photography workshop: all levels.
- Recommended lens: whichever lens you feel comfortable with, but 28 to 50mm full frame is a good guide.
- Guided assignments using assignment cards you can take home with you.
- Lunch included, we pick up a sandwich and something to drink.
- You get my book Straatfotobijbel so you can keep practising after the workshop.
- This street photography workshop runs from 10.30 to 14.00 (3.5 hours).
- A short review at the end of the workshop, with coffee or tea of course.
- Recommended camera: any camera, ideally with a prime lens
- You do your own editing at home, as you see fit. I am happy to give you feedback by email on five photographs.
This workshop can be given in Dutch or in English.
About Michiel
I am Michiel Heijmans, a professional photographer. I teach street photography workshops in the Netherlands and abroad. I wrote the photography books De Wet van de Straat, The Observer and the course book Straatfotobijbel. In 2025 I appeared on the Dutch television programme Het Perfecte Plaatje op reis. I am also co-host of the popular photography podcast 30 Minuten Sluitertijd.
No date scheduled yet
Would you like a workshop in Rotterdam?
There is no date in the diary for Rotterdam right now. Let me know you are interested and you will hear from me as soon as there is one. You do not have to wait, though: a one-to-one workshop is always possible. It costs € 595 and you may bring somebody along free of charge.
