Street photography workshop in Hamburg

This Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August 2026 I am hosting a two-day street photography workshop in Hamburg, Germany.

15% discount if you book before 31 December! From 695, now only 591 euros!

Hamburg is raw and rich at the same time. A city of contrasts and characters. From glistening water and stately warehouses to graffiti and harbours. Germany's second city after Berlin, and much closer for most Dutch, Belgian and UK people. During this two-day street photography workshop, you will immerse yourself in the rhythm of the city - from the Fischmarkt to Hafencity.

Hamburg is big, but feels almost village-like in many places. We photograph in the Reeperbahn and the Schanzenviertel, and in the warehouses built out of Speicherstadt. The route is currently being put together and is fully consistent with where the light is good and where street life is showing.

My street photography workshop in Hamburg challenges you to look beyond the harbour and the raw edge. You will learn to see moments before they appear, and recognise subtle interactions in the rhythm of the city. With me as your ever-seeking guide and motivator, you will work on your sense of composition, timing and atmosphere - and discover how to tell the story of your Hamburg in your photos.

Take this opportunity to improve and refine your skills and experience Hamburg in a whole new way. My workshops are for beginners and advanced photographers. Basic knowledge of your camera is required.

"Michiel runs fantastic street photography workshops. Followed it in London. Was well organised, great routes through the city, nice group, relaxed atmosphere and lots of inspiration. My next one with Michiel is Paris. Do it!!! It's almost addictive."
– Cees Kole, participant group street photography workshop

Street photography in Hamburg: character in every street

Fancy taking your photography to the next level? And do you want to do so in a city that is hip, raw, energetic and full of contrasts? Then Hamburg is just what you are looking for.

This northern German port city is alive. You can hear it in the quays, see it in the alleys of St Pauli and feel it in the modern lines of Hafencity. Hamburg is not a city that shows itself fully right away - you really have to dive in. During this workshop, you will not only learn to look better, but also to react faster and consciously choose what to picture and what not. We wander through visually rich neighbourhoods, look for tension in the everyday, and build step by step a series of photos that reflect your view of Hamburg. No clichés, but character.

Under the guidance of Michiel Heijmans

I have an unlimited passion for street photography and a talent for imparting my knowledge and enthusiasm (others say!). I will guide you through the most interesting and photogenic locations in the city. My goal: to give you all the guidance and challenge you need to improve your photos and develop your own style.

Who is this workshop for?

The workshop lasts for two days, from 10am to 3pm, and is suitable and challenging for all levels, from beginners to advanced. All you need is a camera, be it an SLR, a system camera, a compact camera or even a smartphone (a camera is recommended). You will learn how to look at a city differently and create beautiful compositions. You will learn how best to handle light, shadow, colour, movement and perspective. You will learn how to photograph people without disturbing or offending them.

You will learn how to make your own tell a story with your photos. You will learn this by doing and by watching myself and others! I also have a number of assignments for you during the day, which force you to look differently. These assignments are always very well received, because they provide focus. The sum total of the assignments makes you look at your surroundings better and differently, which results in better photos!

Hamburg? Perfect for travelling!

For the participating Dutch: Hamburg by train is really easy to travel. I myself travel first class from The Netherlands for 65 euros one way. Second class is possible from about 50 euros. So that's cheap and sustainable. Prices from hotels change, but Hamburg is not necessarily a very expensive city. You can find fine hotels for reasonable prices. Public transport is also fine.

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

"After Utrecht and Amsterdam, I joined Michiel's workshop for the third time - in Nijmegen, the city of my youth. Learning to look better again and street photography feels more and more comfortable. After the workshop, you get feedback on a number of photos, which is also very valuable. And apart from all that learning, they are also just very sociable workshops with nice people!"
– Ingrid Claassen, participant group street photography workshop

The schedule of this street photography workshop in Hamburg

The workshop lasts for two days, from Friday 28 to Saturday 29 August.

The route of this workshop will follow as soon as possible, but at least consider the neighbourhoods and places described earlier. Variety, and a mix of quiet and busy to give you as much challenge and variety as possible!

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

We start both days at 10am and finish around 3pm - that leaves you time to explore Hamburg yourself! Most of the places we visit are walkable, but that means you should bring sturdy shoes. Of course, I am totally open to having a German beer or glass of wine somewhere after the workshop!

Workshop details

• This street photography workshop will take place in Hamburg on 28 and 29 August 2026, and, like my other two-day workshops, will run from 10am to 3pm.
• This workshop will be given in Dutch and English.
• Guided assignments using assignment cards that you may take home.
• I naturally share all my experiences with you, and help you learn to see things differently.
• Brief evaluation at the end of the workshop (including coffee or tea, of course).
• To ensure personal attention, there is room for a maximum of five people.
• Level for this street photography workshop in Hamburg: All levels.
• Recommended camera: All cameras, prefer a camera on which the sound can be turned off.
• Recommended lens: Basically the lens you feel comfortable with, but guideline is 28 to 50mm fullframe.
• Post-processing you do yourself at home, as you see fit. I am happy to give you feedback on 8 photos by e-mail.

Cost for this workshop: only 695 591 euros per person.
Note: Travel and accommodation are at your own expense!

All prices on this page include VAT. If you want an invoice for your workshop, VAT will be added.

Joining a workshop alone is a strength, not a disadvantage – Participant stories: growth you remember – Why a workshop abroad will make your photography grow faster

About Michiel

I am Michiel Heijmans, professional street photographer. Together with friend Niels, I make the photography podcast 30 Minutes Shutter speed. My latest ebook The Law of the Street is available to order now and my latest picture book The Observer is in shops now (Komma Publishing, 2024).

On 18 June 2025, I was featured as an expert Street Photography in the programme The Perfect Picture on Travel (RTL4).

For CameraNow, I have long provided lectures and photowalks on the theme of Street Photography

My textbook Straatfotobijbel appeared in 2023 from Photofacts Publishing (free with the workshop). I have been writing monthly since 2025 for the same Photofacts and in my own newsletter. In addition, in 2023 and 2024, I wrote monthly columns for Focus Magazine, the photography magazine of the Netherlands.

From the moment I immersed myself in street photography, I was hooked. I don't leave the house without a camera because street photography can be done anywhere!

Participants' experiences – Mentoring – Lectures – Photo walks