Itinerary

The Program

Our Tokyo Street Photography workshop offers an intensive week of learning and practice, designed to help participants grasp the fundamentals of street photography and apply the techniques discussed during our lessons.

Steve McCurry, a legendary figure in photography, brings decades of experience to this workshop. His iconic street photographs, captured in diverse locations around the world, have become defining images of our time. Steve's ability to find extraordinary moments in everyday life and his mastery of color and composition have set a benchmark in street photography. His approach combines patience, keen observation, and a deep respect for his subjects, allowing him to create images that are both visually stunning and profoundly human.

Eolo Perfido, renowned for his distinctive style in street photography, complements Steve's expertise with his own unique perspective. Eolo's work is characterized by its cinematic quality and powerful storytelling. His experience spans from gritty urban scenes to intimate portraits, all captured with a keen eye for light and moment. Eolo's technical mastery and creative vision offer participants invaluable insights into crafting compelling street narratives.

Every morning at 9:00 am in our hotel, we will conduct a briefing to introduce the day's shooting locations and outline practical exercises. A lunch break of one and a half hours is scheduled, and we will continue shooting until sunset. At the end of each street session, we will provide coordinates for the next day's meeting point. For those interested, optional nighttime sessions may be available.

The street photography sessions involve several hours of active shooting. We recommend comfortable clothing, sports shoes, light equipment, and at least two fully charged camera batteries. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Students are encouraged to bring their portfolios for Steve and Eolo to review and provide valuable feedback.

As a special feature of the workshop, all students will be photographed by Steve, with these portraits delivered after the workshop concludes.

We will create a workshop WhatsApp group to keep everybody in contact during the city sessions. Please ensure you have the app installed on your phone.

This workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn from two masters of street photography, combining their diverse experiences and perspectives to provide a comprehensive and inspiring educational experience in the vibrant streets of Tokyo.

Locations

Welcome Dinner
Session 1: July 16th, 2025
Session 2: July 23rd, 2025

19:30 - Meeting in Tokyo

  • Registration

  • Welcome cocktail

  • Introduction by Steve McCurry and Eolo Perfido

    • Explanation of workshop details

    • Overview of work methods for the coming days

20:00 - Dinner at a typical Japanese restaurant

  • Opportunity for participants to get to know each other

Note: Cocktail & Restaurant Address: To Be Announced (TBA)

Day 1: Introduction & Initial Exploration
Session 1: July 17th | Session 2: July 24th
Location: Classroom

Morning: Workshop Introduction

At the conclusion of the theoretical sessions, participants will receive a PDF
document via WhatsApp containing a list of practical exercises. These exercises
are designed to reinforce the concepts covered in the lectures and can be
completed during the subsequent days of the workshop. Steve and Eolo will supervise
and provide guidance as participants work through these assignments, offering an
opportunity to apply newly acquired knowledge in real-world settings.

This structured approach aims to consolidate learning and enhance practical skills in street photography.

Late Afternoon session: Initial City Walk

Route: Start around the hotel and moving to Shinjuku and Golden Gai districts.

Suggested Activities:

  • Execution of the exercises outlined in the PDF document.

  • Particular focus on:

    • Familiarizing with the city's rhythm and atmosphere

    • Practicing camera settings discussed in theory sessions

    • Experimenting with different techniques for street photography

    • Capturing candid moments of city life

    • Testing various focal lengths and compositions

This initial session allows participants to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, getting comfortable with their equipment and the urban environment. It serves as a foundation for more focused exercises in the following days, while still adhering to the core exercises from the PDF.

Presentation of Steve McCurry's work

  • Iconic images and their stories

  • Evolution of his street photography style

  • Key projects and publications

Presentation of Eolo Perfido's work

  • Signature style and approach

  • Notable street photography series

  • Commercial and personal projects

Early Afternoon Session: Comprehensive Introduction to Street Photography

    • Composition in dynamic environments

    • Capturing decisive moments

    • Working with available light

    • Documentary street photography

    • Street portraiture

    • Urban landscape

    • Camera settings for street scenarios

    • Lens selection and usage

    • Stealth photography techniques

    • Photography laws and regulations

    • Public vs. private spaces

    • Model releases and privacy issues

    • Personal safety while shooting

    • Equipment protection

    • Ethical considerations and respecting subjects

  • Application of techniques learned during theoretical sessions

  • Experimenting with:

    • Adjusting ISO, aperture, and shutter speed for different lighting conditions

    • Using different metering modes

    • Practicing quick focusing techniques

    • Exploring the balance between being discreet and engaging with subjects

    • Trying out various shooting modes (aperture priority, shutter priority, manual)

Day 2: Shibuya & Shinjuku
Session 1: July 18th | Session 2: July 25th

Morning: Shibuya
Known for its iconic Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya is a vibrant district filled with fashion,
shopping, and dining. It’s a hotspot for youth culture and trends.

Highlights: Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Center Gai Street
Activities: Capture the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest crossings
in the world, street fashion, and urban scenes.

Afternoon: Shinjuku
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s major commercial and administrative centers,
known for its skyscrapers, nightlife, and shopping.

Highlights: Shinjuku Station, Kabukicho, Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho

Suggested Activities:

  • Execution of the exercises outlined in the PDF document.

  • Particular focus on:

    • Photographing neon lights

    • Capturing nightlife scenes

    • Documenting busy streets

    • Exploring small alleyways filled with bars and restaurants

  • Application of techniques learned during theoretical sessions

  • Experimenting with composition and light in high-contrast urban environments

This approach combines the structured exercises from the PDF with specific elements
that make Shibuya and Shinjuku unique, allowing participants to practice their skills
while capturing the essence of these vibrant Tokyo districts.

Day 3: Asakusa & Akihabara
Session 1: July 19th | Session 2: July 26th

Morning: Asakusa
Asakusa offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s past with its historic temples and traditional markets. It’s a place where old Tokyo meets the new.

Highlights: Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, Sumida River
Activities: Capture traditional Japanese culture, street vendors, and the serene atmosphere along the river.

Afternoon: Akihabara
Known as the mecca for tech enthusiasts and anime fans, Akihabara is a district filled with electronics shops, gaming stores, and themed cafes.

Highlights: Electronics stores, anime and manga shops, maid cafes
Activities: Photograph the vibrant and eclectic mix of pop culture, technology, and unique street scenes.

Suggested Activities:

  • Execution of the exercises outlined in the PDF document.

  • Particular focus on:

    • Capturing the contrast between traditional and modern Japan

    • Photographing the Senso-ji Temple and its surroundings

    • Documenting street food vendors and traditional shops in Asakusa

    • Exploring the vibrant electronics and anime culture in Akihabara

    • Capturing the energy of otaku culture and maid cafes

    • Practicing night photography techniques with neon signs and electronic billboards

  • Application of techniques learned during theoretical sessions

  • Experimenting with juxtaposition in composition to highlight the area's unique blend of old and new

This approach allows participants to apply their skills to the diverse environments of Asakusa and Akihabara, capturing both the traditional aspects of Tokyo and its modern pop culture scene.

Day 4: Ginza & Roppongi
Session 1: July 20th | Session 2: July 27th

Morning: Ginza
Ginza is Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping, dining, and entertainment district, with numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes.

Highlights: Luxury shopping district, Ginza Six, Kabuki-za Theatre
Activities: Capture the contrast between high-end fashion, architecture, and daily life.

Afternoon: Roppongi
Roppongi is a lively area known for its nightlife and art scene, featuring modern skyscrapers, shopping complexes, and cultural institutions.

Highlights: Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, National Art Center
Activities: Photograph modern architecture, urban landscapes, and street life in a bustling area known for its nightlife and art scene.

Suggested Activities:

  • Execution of the exercises outlined in the PDF document.

  • Particular focus on:

    • Capturing the upscale shopping district and luxury brand architecture in Ginza

    • Photographing well-dressed pedestrians and street fashion

    • Documenting the contrast between daytime shopping and nighttime entertainment

    • Exploring the art galleries and museums in Roppongi

    • Capturing the nightlife and international atmosphere of Roppongi

    • Practicing architectural photography with modern buildings and cityscapes

  • Application of techniques learned during theoretical sessions

  • Experimenting with:

    • Street portraiture of fashionable locals and tourists

    • Low-light photography techniques in evening urban settings

    • Composition emphasizing geometric patterns in modern architecture

    • Capturing reflections in the many glass and mirror surfaces of buildings

This approach allows participants to apply their skills in high-end urban environments, focusing on fashion, architecture, and nightlife that characterize Ginza and Roppongi, while continuing to work on the core exercises from the PDF.

Day 5: Ueno & Yanaka
Session 1: July 21st | Session 2: July 28th

Morning: Ueno
Ueno is known for its large park, museums, and zoo. It’s a cultural hub with a lively market street and historical sites.

Highlights: Ueno Park, Ameya-Yokocho Market, Ueno Zoo
Activities: Capture the diverse range of subjects from park scenes, market life, and local interactions.

Afternoon: Yanaka
Yanaka is one of the few areas in Tokyo that survived the bombings of World War II, retaining a sense of old Tokyo with its traditional houses and temples.

Highlights: Yanaka Ginza, Yanaka Cemetery, old temples
Activities: Photograph a more traditional and preserved part of Tokyo, with its old-world charm and historic streets.

Suggested Activities:

  • Execution of the exercises outlined in the PDF document.

  • Particular focus on:

    • Capturing the serene atmosphere of Ueno Park and its surroundings

    • Photographing local life and traditional architecture in Yanaka

    • Documenting the bustling Ameyoko Market in Ueno

    • Exploring the quiet alleys and historical cemetery of Yanaka

    • Capturing the contrast between the modern and traditional aspects of these areas

    • Practicing nature photography techniques in Ueno Park, especially if cherry blossoms are in bloom

  • Application of techniques learned during theoretical sessions

  • Experimenting with:

    • Street portraiture of locals going about their daily lives

    • Capturing the interplay of light and shadow in narrow streets and traditional buildings

    • Storytelling through a series of images that depict the area's character

    • Using framing techniques to highlight the unique architectural elements of temples and shrines

This approach allows participants to apply their skills in areas that offer a mix of nature, traditional culture, and local daily life. Ueno and Yanaka provide excellent opportunities for capturing the quieter, more historical side of Tokyo while still practicing the core exercises from the PDF.

Day 6: Editing and Post Production: Different Approaches in a Digital World
Session 1: July 22nd | Session 2: July 29th

Morning Session: Students will have two hours to curate their best 10 images from Tokyo's streets, with guidance from Steve and Eolo. This selection should include your strongest shots and those you're uncertain about. Feel free to bring a portfolio of previous work for expert review.

Late Morning: We'll explore light post-production techniques specific to Street and Documentary photography. Learn the tools and methods Steve and Eolo use to maximize a photograph's potential, enhancing your ability to bring out the best in your images.

Afternoon Session: Delve into modern portrait photography techniques, covering various interpretations: classic, corporate, editorial, and fashion. We'll focus on:

  • Optimal RAW file processing, emphasizing skin texture and color

  • Basic and advanced skin imperfection correction techniques

Late Afternoon Session: We'll project and discuss 10 images from each participant, analyzing strengths and areas for improvement. This collaborative review will provide valuable insights and foster growth in your photographic skills.

This workshop day combines practical selection, technical instruction, and constructive critique, offering a comprehensive learning experience in street and portrait photography.