Street Photography Workshop

Unlock your vision in street photography through this hands-on workshop led by documentary photographer George Calvelo. Designed for photographers looking to build confidence and sharpen their eye for compelling images in public spaces, this workshop offers practical guidance on developing your photographic style, mastering camera techniques and editing your work with purpose.

The one-day workshop includes a mix of lecture, discussion, and on-location shooting:

• Morning Lecture: Learn to see creatively, build confidence with your gear, and explore ethics in public photography.
• Afternoon Shooting: Apply what you’ve learned with an instructor-led shoot around the Kingston and Manuka shops.

Program

INTRO

• Brief introduction to George Calvelo’s work
• Showcase sample photography

DEVELOPING YOUR VISION

• Why do some say “making” pictures instead of “taking”?
• Basics of visual literacy
• Composition and the art of seeing
• Understanding intention, anticipation, and instinct; being in the right place at the right time
• It’s not just a black-and-white image
• The role of colour and movement
• Creating visual variety: wide/mid/tight shots, environmental context, sensory images
• Getting close and adapting to different lighting conditions
• Noticing visual oddities
• The importance of repetition and persistence

CONFIDENCE

• Mastering your camera and techniques
• Keep it simple: Why smaller cameras are less intrusive
• Don’t focus on gear; focus on your vision
• Ethical considerations in street photography
• Simple gestures: acknowledging subjects with a nod
• Make the camera an extension of yourself
• Develop mastery over your camera’s controls: focus, aperture, ISO, etc.
• Train your brain’s light meter and develop your eye’s sensitivity to light

EDITING

• Understanding editing: it’s not post-processing (Photoshop); it’s about image selection
• Working with contact sheets and how images communicate together
• Step-by-step approach to editing photos
• No hard rules: creativity over conventions

LUNCH

SHOOT

• On-location shoot at Kingston and Manuka shops
• Apply concepts learned in the morning session

What to bring?

• A camera with full manual settings, with a charged battery and memory card
• SD card reader or similar
• Comfortable clothes and walking shoes for the afternoon shoot
• Your lunch and snacks
• Drink bottle
• Your own laptop (optional)

What to bring?

• A notebook and pen for taking notes and recording discoveries
• If you do not have your own camera, laptop or SD card reader, please reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll arrange one for you
• Tea and coffee