Preparing for the workshop

✔ Thank you for signing up for my workshop.

We will be heading out together soon. I am already curious about your photos.

I will of course guide you during the workshop, but it helps to prepare a little.

Do not forget to fill in the form at the bottom of this page.

Kinds of street photography
Introduction video
Preparing for the day itself
Multi-day workshops
What you want to learn
Meeting point

An older man in a blue coat stands on the pavement talking on the phone, a pink folder under his arm.

Kinds of street photography

There are several kinds of street photography. You will naturally choose the kind that suits you, but during the workshop we might touch on:

  • Photography focused on architecture and composition, with a human element

  • Photography in colour or in black and white, and how to handle each

  • Photography focused on people, close up or from a distance

  • Photography closer to fine art, not necessarily focused on people

Street photography is often a combination of the above. During the workshop I will mainly teach you to look differently. Do think beforehand about how you normally photograph, and what kinds of photography you would like to get to grips with. If you have not quite worked it out, simply think about what appeals to you most.

Street photography, a short video

To prepare for the workshop I would like to ask you to watch the video below. It is an online introduction I recorded with Pjotr of Fotografie Community (an online photo club). Only 22 minutes, and afterwards you know some of the basic terms and have an idea of what is coming.

If you want to go deeper, do watch the webinar on street photography I recorded for CameraNU on 14 March 2025.

You may of course still have questions after watching the video. Do save those for the day itself; I will be glad to answer them. If something is pressing, feel free to ask through the form.

Preparing for the day itself

On the day itself, let go. Let go of what you have learned, let go of what other photographers say you should do, let go of the urge to make the very best photo today. We are laying the foundation for your future photos.

To head out with as little distraction as possible, I would suggest:

  • Bring the camera you know your way around. This is emphatically not a “how does my camera work” workshop. YouTube is for that. I assume you know how ISO, aperture and shutter speed work and how to set aperture priority and shutter priority.

  • Wear good walking shoes. We will not cover enormous distances, because we stop to photograph, but we do walk, so wear shoes you can walk in easily. Trainers are fine too, depending on the weather.

  • Limit yourself to one focal length. 50mm is comfortably safe, 28mm is wide and better for getting close. I vary between 28mm and 35mm myself. From 85mm up is less suited to my kind of street photography. If you only have a zoom, pick one focal length and try not to zoom.

Michiel's phone number

My phone number is +31 6 263 263 16. If you have questions beforehand, or lose your way or the group during the workshop, message me. During the workshop, please call.

  • Bring full batteries and an empty memory card. You would not be the first to run out of battery during a workshop. Such a shame. Make sure your battery is full and bring a spare if you have one. And empty your card before you leave. We are going to make a lot of photos.

  • During the workshop we stop somewhere between twelve and two for a sandwich and something to drink. In practice that is often towards the end. If you get thirsty or hungry along the way it is good to have something with you, a bottle of water or a cereal bar or the like.

  • Make a list of questions. If there are specific things you think I can help you with, write them down or make a note on your phone. You can always message or email me after the workshop, but do make that list, then you know for certain you have asked everything on the day.

You get my book Straatfotobijbel (in Dutch), of course, so you can read up at your leisure beforehand.
That way you arrive fully prepared.

Would you rather have a different book? You can say so in the form.

Extra information for the multi-day workshops

Here you will find extra information about the cities abroad where my workshops take place: plugs, currency and public transport.

Preparing for the workshop in London

Here is a clear list of things to keep in mind when travelling to London:

  1. ETA (mandatory travel authorisation):
    As an EU traveller you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK, even for a short workshop. You apply for it via the UK government website or app. It costs £20, approval usually comes through within a day (sometimes up to three working days), and the ETA is valid for two years. Don't travel until you've received the confirmation email.

  2. Money:
    The currency is the British pound (£, GBP). See the current exchange rate here. Card payments are accepted everywhere, and you can pay contactlessly in almost all shops, restaurants and on public transport. Cash machines are widely available too. Do watch out for any charges on cash withdrawals with your own bank card.

  3. Plug sockets:
    London uses type G sockets (three flat pins). The voltage is 230V, the same as in the Netherlands. You will need a travel adapter for your own devices.

  4. Water:
    The tap water in London is safe to drink.

  5. Time zone:
    London is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and on British Summer Time (BST) in summer, which is one hour behind Dutch time (so an hour earlier than in the Netherlands).

  6. Public transport:
    The British often use the Oyster card: a handy card for public transport (underground, bus, train). But you can simply use your bank card or credit card for contactless payments on public transport as well.

  7. Traffic:
    Bear in mind that London drives on the left. That is especially worth remembering when you cross the street.

  8. Language:
    English is the working language. In tourist areas plenty of people speak some Dutch or German, but being able to speak English well is always useful.

  9. Climate:
    The weather in London can be changeable, even in summer. Bring an umbrella and a coat, because rain is common.

  10. Healthcare:
    With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you have access to British healthcare, but do check whether your insurance covers everything now that the UK is no longer in the EU.

  11. Phone and internet:
    Check whether your mobile provider still offers free roaming, because that may have changed since Brexit. Free wifi is often available in cafés, museums and other public places.

Preparing for the workshop in Prague

Here is a clear list of things to keep in mind when travelling to Prague:

  1. Money:
    The Czech koruna (CZK). See the current exchange rate here. Many places accept credit cards and contactless payments, but cash is still common, especially in smaller shops and markets. Cash machines are widely available, but do watch the exchange rates and any transaction charges.

  2. Plug sockets:
    The Czech Republic uses the same sockets as the Netherlands (types C and E). You will not need an adapter for your own devices.

  3. Water:
    The tap water in Prague is safe to drink, although many people choose bottled water for the taste.

  4. Time zone:
    Prague is in the same time zone as the Netherlands: Central European Time (CET), and Central European Summer Time (CEST) during the summer months.

  5. Public transport:
    Prague has an excellent public transport system. You can use the metro, tram and bus on a single ticket. Make sure you buy a ticket before you board. Day tickets and multi-day passes are available.

  6. Traffic:
    Prague has many car-free streets and squares, particularly in the historic centre.

  7. Language:
    Czech is the official language. In tourist areas people often speak some English, but learning a few Czech phrases can make your stay easier.

  8. Climate:
    Prague has a continental climate. Summers are warm and winters cold, with regular snow.

  9. Healthcare:
    With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you have access to Czech healthcare. Check with your insurer exactly what is covered.

  10. Phone and internet:
    The same mobile rates apply across the EU, so you can use your own SIM card without extra cost. Free wifi is available in many cafés, hotels and public spaces.

Preparing for the workshop in Hamburg

Here is a clear list of things to keep in mind when travelling to Hamburg:

  1. Money:
    In Germany you pay in euros (€), just as in the Netherlands. Card and contactless payments are possible almost everywhere. Cash machines are plentiful. Small cafés and older kiosks sometimes still prefer cash, so a few notes in your pocket is handy.

  2. Plug sockets:
    Germany uses the same sockets as the Netherlands, types C and F. You will not need a travel adapter.

  3. Water:
    The tap water in Hamburg is safe and of good quality. You can drink it without any concern. Bottled water is on sale everywhere, but it is not necessary for safety.

  4. Time zone:
    Hamburg is in the same time zone as the Netherlands, namely Central European Time (CET) and, in summer, Central European Summer Time (CEST). So there is no time difference.

  5. Public transport:
    Hamburg has an excellent network of U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses and ferries. With a day ticket or a multi-day HVV ticket you can travel as much as you like within the city. Trains also connect the city well with the surrounding region.

  6. Traffic:
    The centre can be busy, certainly around the Landungsbrücken and the Speicherstadt. You will come across plenty of cyclists and rental scooters. Take care when crossing, because traffic can move quickly.

  7. Language:
    German is the official language. In tourist areas and among younger Germans, English is often spoken reasonably well. A few words of German are always appreciated.

  8. Climate:
    Hamburg has a temperate maritime climate. It can be windy because of its position on the Elbe. Summers are usually mild, winters cool and often wet. There is a chance of rain all year round, so a coat or umbrella is never a bad idea.

  9. Healthcare:
    With a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you have access to German healthcare. It is sensible to check with your health insurer in advance exactly how your cover is arranged.

  10. Phone and internet:
    Within Germany the same roaming rules apply as elsewhere in the EU. Calls and data cost the same as at home. You will often find free wifi in cafés, hotels and railway stations.

Preparing for the workshop in Paris

Here is a clear list of things to keep in mind when travelling to Paris:

  1. Money:
    The French currency is the euro (€), the same as in the Netherlands. Card payments are possible everywhere, including contactless. Cash machines are easy to find, and there are usually no extra charges for withdrawals with a Dutch bank card.

  2. Plug sockets:
    France uses the same sockets as the Netherlands (types C and E). So you will not need an adapter.

  3. Water:
    The tap water in Paris is safe to drink. Many people prefer bottled water for the taste, though.

  4. Time zone:
    Paris is in the same time zone as the Netherlands: Central European Time (CET), and Central European Summer Time (CEST) in summer.

  5. Public transport:
    The metro network is extensive and fast. You can buy single tickets or use a travel card such as the Navigo. RER trains connect the suburbs with the centre and are handy for trips to places like Versailles and Disneyland Paris.

  6. Traffic:
    Paris can be hectic with traffic, especially the scooters that often ride on the pavement.

  7. Language:
    French is the official language. In tourist areas people sometimes speak English, but a little basic French is often appreciated.

  8. Climate:
    Paris has a temperate climate. Summers can be hot, while winters are cool and damp. Bring an umbrella, especially in spring and autumn.

  9. Healthcare:
    With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you have access to French healthcare. Check with your insurer that everything is properly covered.

  10. Phone and internet:
    Roaming charges within the EU are the same as at home, so you can use your phone without extra cost. Free wifi is available in many cafés, restaurants and public spaces.

Preparing for the workshop in Zürich

Here is a clear list of things to keep in mind when travelling to Zürich:

  1. Money:
    The Swiss franc (CHF). See the current exchange rate here. Some places accept euros, but the exchange rate is often poor. Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted, though cash is common too. Cash machines are easy to find. Do watch the exchange rate and any transaction charges for changing money into Swiss francs.

  2. Plug sockets:
    Switzerland uses type J sockets, which differ from the Dutch ones (types C and F). The voltage is 230V, the same as in the Netherlands, but you will need an adapter for your own devices.

  3. Water:
    The tap water in Zürich is safe to drink and of excellent quality. You will even find drinking fountains around the city.

  4. Time zone:
    Zürich is in the same time zone as the Netherlands: Central European Time (CET), and Central European Summer Time (CEST) in summer.

  5. Public transport:
    Public transport in Zürich is reliable and efficient. You can buy a single ticket or a Zürich Card for unlimited travel and entry to certain attractions.
    Taxis are available, but public transport is usually faster and cheaper.

  6. Traffic:
    The old centre of Zürich in particular has plenty of car-free zones.

  7. Language:
    German is the official language in Zürich. Many Swiss also speak English, especially in tourist areas. The local dialect, Swiss German, can be hard to follow, though.

  8. Climate:
    Zürich has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. In winter it is wise to bring warm clothing, as it can snow.

  9. Healthcare:
    With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you can get access to necessary medical care. Switzerland is not an EU member, but has arrangements with the EU covering the EHIC.

  10. Phone and internet:
    Note that Switzerland is not part of the EU, so roaming charges can be higher than in EU countries. Ask your provider about the rates. Free wifi is available in many cafés, hotels and public spaces, but bear in mind that access is limited in some places.

Three black and white photos of urban scenes: a person cycling on a bike path, two people at a bus shelter with AED signs and what looks like smoke around their heads, and a person standing on a set of steps in a shaded setting.

What do you want to learn?

I have one goal: to send you home with a head full of ideas and the urge to get out on the street and make great images.

You may well have goals of your own, though. Maybe you want to get past your fear of photographing people, or you’ve been shooting on the street so long that it’s time for a different angle. Maybe you always work in black and white and want to try colour, or you find it hard to pick the right settings for your kind of photography. Let me know in the form below.

And do send me your address while you’re at it. Then I’ll post you the Straatfotobijbel (in Dutch) as soon as I can, usually within a week, with more to read. That way you turn up at the workshop fully prepared.

Three black and white photographs of urban scenes. The first shows a person riding along a cycle path, the second shows two people at a bus shelter with defibrillator signs, with what looks like smoke coming from their heads, possibly through make-up or editing, and the third shows a person standing on a set of steps in a shaded spot.

Two-day workshops

I’ll see you on the day of the workshop at 10.00 (unless we agreed otherwise) here:

One-day workshops

I’ll see you on the day of the workshop at 10.30 (unless we agreed otherwise) here:

Other cities

A few last questions so that I can prepare too

For the day itself, so I can reach you if anything changes.

This is where your book goes. Postal code and house number are enough, the street and city fill themselves in.

If you had to describe the kind of images you want to make in a single word, what would that word be? Think of stillness, minimalist, chaos, colourful, movement, or anything else you can come up with. We build on that during the workshop.

Optional, but it lets me see what you make beforehand.