What I like most about my workshops is seeing up close how someone grows. It never happens with drum rolls or fanfare. It is subtle. Someone who initially stays more at a distance, I suddenly see them step closer. Someone who used to walk safely in the middle of the pavement now deliberately chooses the edge because the light falls better there. These are small choices, but they change everything.
Let me give you an example. Last year during the workshop in Paris one participant walked along who still said at the start: "I think I'll just shoot some pictures. If I have one nice picture, I'll be happy." I heard uncertainty there. Doubt. But somewhere on day one, he saw something. A small moment: a man looking up from his newspaper for a moment, right in a beam of light. He waited. He breathed out. He printed.
He looked at his screen and a grin emerged that never went away. At the end, he said, "I didn't know I had this in me." That is the most beautiful thing anyone can say.
During the street photography workshop in London that kind of magic happens too. The city gives you so many opportunities to trust your instincts. You stand in Soho, you hear the city buzz, you feel the moment coming... and you photograph. You no longer think about what others think. You trust your own choice.
Another participant once told me, "I expected YOU to improve my photography. I didn't expect to know myself better." And that touches on exactly what an abroad workshop does. You don't just see differently. You choose differently. You dare differently.
And yes, it is wonderful to share that together. The little euphoria when an image succeeds. The gentle disappointment when it just wasn't there. The conversations at the coffee table where you discover that everyone has the same insecurities - and that this is normal.
Sometimes, during such a workshop, a kind of camaraderie develops. A sense of being on an adventure together. You hear someone say, "Shall we try that one alley tomorrow? I think there's another picture there." And then you know: this is where everyone grows. Not in theory, but just in the field. With your feet in the city and your eyes open.
That's why I always call this an experience that stays. The photos are evidence. But what you take away is bigger than pixels. It is momentum.
So: do you also want to come home with images that surprise yourself? Do you want to feel what it's like to be in a creative flow that doesn't dry up after one day? Then this is your invitation.
Only 5 people per workshop, so sign up soon!
From the very first moment, Michiel thought along about a new style for our portrait photos. The recurring question "What do you want to radiate as a company?" eventually translated into beautiful photos with a warm and homely atmosphere. Exactly what we were looking for! We are very happy with the end result.
Michiel thinks with you, even about questions not directly related to street photography. He tries to make you enthusiastic about his profession (which certainly succeeded with me).
As a beginning photographer, this workshop, combined with reading his book, gave me a huge kickstart. I learnt a lot and it was a relaxed and fun experience. Definitely recommended!
It occurred to me last minute that I wanted photos of my presentation at the NCBOR congress in Nijmegen. I found Michiel via via. He has his office in Nijmegen and is a good event photographer. No word was lied about that.
Besides taking beautiful photos, Michiel can also think along in terms of possibilities. What do you want to radiate and what type of photos match this!
Also, Michiel is a pleasant person which makes the cooperation even better.
I am happy with all the photos and use them regularly for my branding. They are a reflection of who I am and what I love doing: motivating and supporting people in using data to manage public space more efficiently.
Quick links:
- Street photography workshop in London
- Street photography workshop in Paris
- Street photography workshop in Prague
- Street photography workshop in Hamburg
- Street photography workshop in Zurich
Related pages
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