Street Photography: Seeing the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Introduction

Step into the world of storytelling through the lens of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Essdras M. Suarez in this transformative workshop designed for intermediate to professional photographers. Suarez is known for his exceptional ability to capture the extraordinary in everyday moments. In this workshop, he invites you to shift your perspective, refine your artistic vision, and elevate your street photography to new heights.

Combining in-depth theory with hands-on practice, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of the most celebrated photographers in the field. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of composition, master the art of decisive moments, or build stronger connections with your subjects, this experience promises to leave you inspired and equipped with the tools to create images that truly resonate.

Join Suarez as he shares his expertise and passion, guiding you to see the world—and your craft—through fresh eyes.

Workshop Description

This enriching workshop is for intermediate, Advanced, and professional photographers. It is divided into a 3-hour theoretical in-class session and a 3 to 4-hour practicum. While technical aspects will be discussed, the primary focus is on shifting your visual paradigm to see the world through new angles and perspectives, capturing the ordinary in extraordinary ways.

During the theoretical session, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of composition techniques applicable to dynamic environments, discover what makes a photo impactful to viewers, and learn how the human brain reacts to different images. Suarez will guide you through the concepts of points of entry and guiding lines, as well as points of escape and how to avoid them. You’ll also explore how to interact with strangers on the street without appearing intrusive or entitled.

The hands-on practicum is designed to help you anticipate shots by observing human behaviour, prepare and position yourself to capture decisive moments and work effectively in various lighting conditions. You’ll practice these skills in real-world scenarios, learning when to engage and when to disengage in any street photography situation. This immersive experience aims to develop your artistic vision and enhance your ability to see and capture the world anew.

Overall, the goal of this workshop is to not only make you a better photographer but also to help you gain the recognition you deserve for your work. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a refined eye for street photography, equipped with the skills and insights to create compelling, impactful images that stand out in any portfolio.

Module 1

Theoretical Insights
In the first module, you’ll dive into a 3-hour in-classroom session focusing on the foundational elements of street photography. You’ll learn about the power of great composition, the quality of light, and how to tell a compelling story within a single frame. Additionally, you’ll explore the importance of capturing decisive moments, which can transform an ordinary scene into an extraordinary photograph. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation of what makes a photo impactful and how to apply these principles to your work through detailed discussions and visual examples.

Module 2

Practical Application
The second module is a 3-4 hour practicum where you’ll put your new-found skills to the test. We’ll venture out into the streets, allowing you to practice being alert, aware, and ready to anticipate and act (click the shutter) in real-world scenarios. You’ll come to terms with my shooting mantra: Keep shooting, keep moving, keep adjusting! This hands-on experience is designed to help you refine your ability to capture decisive moments, work effectively in various lighting conditions, and dynamically engage with your surroundings. By continuously shooting, moving, and adjusting, you’ll develop a keen eye for street photography and learn to see the world from fresh perspectives.

Overall, this workshop aims to help you become a better photographer and gain the recognition your work deserves. By the end, you’ll have a well-rounded understanding of street photography’s theoretical and practical aspects, ready to create compelling, impactful images.

What Should Students Bring?

Please bring a camera that allows manual adjustment, spare batteries, memory cards, water bottles, snacks, sunblock, hats, long sleeves, and a great attitude.