Documentary, Street & Travel Photography Workshops with Daniel Rodrigues
Workshops led by a World Press Photo award-winning photographer focused on real situations, natural light, and documentary storytelling
Daniel Rodrigues offers street, travel and documentary photography workshops designed for photographers who want to work with greater intention, develop narrative skills and learn a documentary approach directly in the streets with real situations and natural light. These immersive four-day programmes help participants deepen the way they see and build visual narratives that are coherent, honest and personally meaningful.
Photography is approached in its most essential form: understanding light, reading the environment and recognising the gestures and interactions that define a place. Each walk through the city is shaped to refine observation, strengthen attention and develop the ability to transform everyday moments into images with narrative intention.
This is not a workshop about chasing interesting scenes. It is a complete technical, narrative and human learning process, where participants are encouraged to think like documentary photographers, make deliberate choices and create a body of work that communicates a clear and authentic story.
Groups are limited to a maximum of eight participants to ensure personal guidance, individual feedback and genuine development throughout the workshop.
What this workshop is
This workshop is an intensive process of visual and narrative development.
Participants work in real environments, learning to understand natural light, anticipate moments, read the rhythm of the streets, and bring intentionality to every decision. The focus is on creating meaning, not simply capturing moments.
You will learn to observe more deeply, interpret scenes with clarity, and use light as the foundation of documentary storytelling.
What makes this workshop different
This workshop teaches you how to think like a documentary photographer. You will learn to build visual stories, use light and composition as narrative language and create coherent sequences that communicate real meaning.
Daniel’s editorial background brings a rare dimension to street and travel photography workshops. You will learn how editors read images, how visual decisions shape a story and how to create work that feels intentional, structured and publishable.
Participants are guided through ethical human approach, cultural awareness, narrative building and conscious photographic practice.
Who these workshops are for
These workshops are for photographers who want to develop a more mature eye for street, travel, and documentary photography. They are ideal for those who feel their photographs do not reflect what they experience when they travel and want to bridge the gap between observation and image.
Participants learn to approach people with confidence, respect, and empathy, and to build coherent photographic series rather than isolated images. They are suitable for anyone who understands the basic operation of their camera and wants to work with greater intention.
Participants include committed enthusiasts, travellers, creatives, and working photographers who want to refine their vision and work closely with someone active in editorial and documentary storytelling.
What you will learn in this workshop
By the end of the workshop, you will leave with:
• A documentary visual narrative about the city where the workshop takes place
• Stronger control of natural light and composition
• Confidence when approaching people respectfully and ethically
• The ability to build photographic series with structure and intention
• A clear editing and sequencing method inspired by professional workflows
• Tools you can apply in street, travel, portrait, editorial, and documentary contexts
• Practical knowledge that strengthens portfolios, personal projects, and editorial submissions
Technique with intention
Narrative exposure, reading light, managing contrast and shadow, deliberate use of aperture and shutter speed, conscious focus and decision-making between colour and black and white.
Composition and scene reading
Layers, rhythms, framing, organisation of chaos, visual metaphors, anticipation of gestures and interactions, clarity of frame.
Natural light
Hard and soft light, backlight, shadows, interiors and exteriors, early morning, late afternoon, and night light, and making strong images even in imperfect conditions.
Human approach and ethics
Consent, respectful approach, cultural awareness, contextual reading, environmental portraiture, and when to step back. Photographing people without exploitation and with full understanding of your presence.
Narrative and editing
Connecting images into a story, building a visual rhythm, choosing a theme, creating a beginning-middle-end structure, tight selection, consistency of language, editing in software, and preparing a publishable series.
Typical 4-day structure
Mornings
Short theory sessions, analysis of reference works, group reflection on the previous day, observation exercises, and preparation for the day’s narrative goals.
Afternoons
Shooting on the streets in different neighbourhoods. Focus on light, people, and storytelling. Daniel accompanies the group, observes how participants work, helps with approach and composition, and provides on-the-spot guidance.
End of Day / Evening
Image selection, basic editing, and group critique sessions. This is where much of the learning happens: understanding what works, what doesn’t, and what is missing from each narrative. Participants build their final story progressively throughout the workshop.
Locations and upcoming editions
Marrakech (1st edition) SOLD OUT |
Daniel’s workshops take place in cities chosen for their visual diversity, cultural depth, and strong documentary potential. Each destination teaches something different: light, rhythm, human interaction, movement, or the ability to slow down and observe. The city becomes the classroom.
Confirmed workshop destinations
These locations host regular and confirmed editions:
Porto, Portugal (two editions per year)
Lisbon, Portugal (two editions per year)
Marrakesh, Morocco (two editions per year)
Istanbul, Turkey
Mumbai, India
Planned destinations (interest-based editions)
Several additional cities are currently planned and may open depending on demand.
If at least six participants register interest in a specific destination, the workshop can be scheduled there:
Cairo, Egypt
Berlin, Germany
New York, United States
Hanoi, Vietnam
Kolkata, India
Mumbai, India
Bangkok, Thailand
Holi Festival, India (2027 edition)
Pushkar Camel Fair, India (2027 edition)
How destination decisions are made
These locations offer some of the strongest environments for documentary storytelling, with markets, rituals, layered human interactions, shifting light, and emotionally rich scenes that allow photographers to develop deeper narrative projects. Each destination is chosen with intention. Workshops are only held in cities that offer the right conditions for meaningful documentary work: a safe and stimulating environment, cultural and human depth capable of supporting a multi-day narrative, and logistical conditions that make the city suitable for walking, observation, and close mentoring. Above all, the chosen locations must provide real opportunities to work with natural light, urban rhythm, and human interaction in a way that enriches both learning and storytelling.
For planned destinations, Daniel monitors interest from participants worldwide. When a group reaches the minimum threshold of six people, the edition is confirmed and added to the public calendar.
Workshops upcoming editions
Choosing the right destination
Choosing a photography workshop is not simply choosing a city on a map. It is choosing the kind of experience you want to live, the rhythm that helps you grow, and the way you prefer to connect with people, light, and the environment around you. Every destination offers something different, and the selection of cities is never random. Each one represents a particular type of learning, a distinct challenge, and its own way of helping you develop your visual narrative.
If you are looking for street photography in its purest form, fast, intense, and unpredictable, cities such as Mumbai, New York, Bangkok, and Kolkata are true laboratories. Everything happens at once, movement is constant, human density is high, and the light changes quickly. In these environments, photographers are pushed to react fast, simplify, anticipate, and find meaning in the chaos. These destinations are ideal for those who want to evolve rapidly and gain confidence in challenging situations.
If your interests lean more towards documentary storytelling, human stories, daily routines, markets, and social rhythms, Cairo, Istanbul, Marrakech, and Kolkata offer extraordinary depth. These are places where photography depends as much on observation as on the relationship you build with people. The challenge here is to interpret, respect, and approach consciously, creating images that carry real context and meaning.
Some cities balance both worlds. They are dynamic enough for street work, yet offer time to think, observe, and explore cleaner compositions. Marrakech, Hanoi, Lisbon, Berlin, and Istanbul represent exactly this balance. They are perfect for photographers who want to develop technique, work with natural light, strengthen narrative, and build confidence when approaching people, while still having space to mature their visual thinking.
If you prefer a calmer and more structured learning environment, ideal for consolidating fundamentals, Porto, Lisbon, Berlin, and Hanoi are particularly strong choices. These are cities where you can learn with time, where the light shifts from street to street, and where composition gains space. They are ideal settings to deepen scene reading, build subtle stories, and refine control over natural light with close guidance.
Then there are singular experiences such as the Pushkar Camel Fair, one of India’s most intense and visually rich cultural events. Photography here emerges from human energy, dust, rituals, unexpected encounters, and real life unfolding in front of you. It is a destination that requires attention, sensitivity, and presence, and is perfect for those who want to explore human narrative in culturally vibrant environments.
In the end, the most important thing is choosing the destination that aligns with what you are looking for right now. This may be intensity, calm, human depth, culture, discovery, or challenge. In every workshop, you will work with light, composition, narrative, and documentary ethics. Each city offers a different path to reach those goals, and that path should be yours.
Booking & payments
Participation in the workshop is subject to a limited number of places.
To secure a place, participants must complete the registration form available on this page. Registration is confirmed upon payment of a deposit corresponding to 25% of the total workshop fee.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days before the start date of the workshop. A place is only considered confirmed once the deposit has been received. Full participation is subject to payment of the remaining balance no later than 60 days before the workshop start date.
Level & requirements
Knowledge Required
• Basic control of your camera (aperture, shutter, ISO, focus)
• Willingness to walk, observe and try new approaches
• Openness to direct and honest feedback
Physical Requirements
• Ability to walk for several hours per day
• Comfortable footwear
• Understanding that not every day will have “perfect light”, real photography rarely does
Recommended equipment
• Digital camera
• Fixed lens or zoom equivalent to 28 mm, 35 mm or 50 mm
• Sufficient memory cards and batteries
• Laptop with your preferred software (Lightroom, Capture One, etc.)
• External drive or backup system
• Smartphone with internet access and WhatsApp
There are no software-beginner lessons, so you should be familiar with your editing program before the workshop
Prices & conditions
Duration
4 full days of intensive work
Price per Participant
Between 650€ and 900€ ($750 and $1100), depending on the destination
Group Size
Maximum of 8 participants
Included
• Photographic and pedagogical guidance
• Theory sessions and editing sessions
• Group critiques and, when possible, one-to-one reviews
• Pre-workshop support regarding equipment and preparation
Not Included
• Flights and transport
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Insurance
• Local transport (unless otherwise stated)
Cancellation policy
Cancellation conditions depend on the timing of the cancellation and the amount paid.
All cancellations must be communicated in writing by email. The effective cancellation date is the date the email is received.
Cancellations with Deposit Paid
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Cancellation made more than 6 months before the workshop start date | Refund of 75% of the deposit paid
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Cancellation made up to 3 months before the workshop start date | Refund of 30% of the deposit paid
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Cancellation made up to 60 days before the workshop start date | Refund of 15% of the deposit paid
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Cancellation made less than 60 days before the workshop start date | The deposit is non-refundable
Cancellations with Full Workshop Fee Paid
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Cancellation made more than 6 months before the workshop start date | Refund of 85% of the total amount paid
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Cancellation made up to 3 months before the workshop start date | Refund of 40% of the total amount paid
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Cancellation made up to 60 days before the workshop start date | Refund of 25% of the total amount paid
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Cancellation made less than 60 days before the workshop start date | Refund of 10% of the total amount paid
Workshop Cancellation by Daniel Rodrigues
If the workshop is cancelled by Daniel Rodrigues due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure, all amounts paid will be fully refunded or, if preferred by the participant, credited towards a future workshop edition.
External Costs
External costs such as flights, accommodation, transport, insurance, or other travel-related expenses are non-refundable. Participants are strongly advised to book flexible travel arrangements and to take out appropriate travel insurance.
Testimonials from workshop participants
Boris
France · 47 years old
"Daniel is a recognised and award winning professional photographer. I knew this before taking part in a four day street photography workshop with him. What stayed with me most, however, was the person: approachable, generous with his time, and remarkably kind. I particularly appreciated the way he teaches visual storytelling, drawing directly from his own field experience.
This workshop was deeply enriching, not only for my photographic development but also on a human level."
Flavie
France · 19 years old
"I absolutely loved the Porto workshop. It allowed me to learn a great deal on a technical level, but also gave me practical advice and, above all, confidence to start working independently. It was also an opportunity to discover a beautiful country within a very inspiring learning environment.
I can’t wait to take part in another workshop with Daniel."
Jonathan
New York, United States · 59 years old
"The workshop with Daniel exceeded my expectations. In just a few days, I gained an enormous amount of insight, not only on a technical level but also in how I think about photography. Daniel encouraged me to step outside familiar patterns and taught me to read light in a completely new way. His guidance reshaped how I observe scenes and react to situations on the street. I would confidently recommend his workshops and hope to take part in one of his Asia workshops in the future."
About Daniel Rodrigues
Daniel Rodrigues is a photojournalist and documentary photographer. He won the World Press Photo in 2013, has been a regular contributor to The New York Times for over a decade and has worked in more than thirty countries, from conflict zones to isolated communities, major cities and everyday stories.
In these workshops, Daniel shares not only technical knowledge but also the way he thinks, observes, prepares and engages with people, constructing narratives that make sense to him and to the editors he works with.
FAQ - frequently asked questions
Locations and upcoming editions
Where do the workshops take place?
Workshops are held in several cities around the world, focusing on places with strong visual, cultural, and human richness. Each edition offers a unique documentary environment and a different way of working with light, people, and space.
Which cities are confirmed for the upcoming workshops?
Confirmed and upcoming workshop locations include the following:
Porto, Portugal (two editions per year)
Lisbon, Portugal (two editions per year)
Berlin, Germany
Istanbul, Turkey
Marrakesh, Morocco
Mumbai, India
Which workshops are planned but not yet dated?
Some editions are planned but await final confirmation of dates.
Cairo, Egypt
New York, United States
Hanoi, Vietnam
Kolkata, India
Holi Festival (2027 edition), India
Mumbai, India
Bangkok, Thailand
Are the workshops always held in the same locations?
No. Each year includes a mix of established destinations and new cities. The selection depends on narrative potential, cultural interest and the availability of safe and meaningful working environments for documentary photography.
How are the cities chosen?
Cities are selected for their photographic diversity, human complexity, dynamic street life, and the possibility of building strong documentary stories. The focus is always on places that offer rich visual and cultural experiences.
Will new cities be added in the future?
Yes. New destinations are added regularly based on Daniel’s ongoing documentary work, editorial assignments, and requests from participants.
Can I suggest a city for a future workshop?
Yes. Participants often suggest destinations, and Daniel takes those suggestions into consideration when planning future editions.
Language
Is the workshop in English or French?
The language depends on the edition. Most workshops are conducted in English. If you prefer a workshop in French, you must enrol in the dedicated French edition organised in partnership with Arvia, which is designed specifically for French-speaking groups.
Companions and logistics
Can I bring a non-photographer companion?
Yes. Companions are welcome as long as they manage their own activities during shooting sessions. The workshop fee applies only to participants.
What if it rains?
Rain is part of the experience and often adds atmosphere and narrative potential to a story. The plan is adapted accordingly so that participants can continue photographing in safe and interesting conditions.
Do I need to be physically fit?
Moderate physical ability is enough. Workshops involve several hours of walking each day at a relaxed pace with regular breaks.
Is this workshop a good way to discover a city?
Yes. The workshop is designed as an immersive experience. Walking, observing and engaging with the environment are central to the learning process.
How do I sign up?
Each workshop edition is announced with dates and location. To register, contact Daniel through the website form or by email and you will receive all the necessary details for booking and preparation.
Experience level
I do not have much street photography experience. Can I join?
Yes. As long as you understand the essential functions of your camera and are comfortable stepping outside your comfort zone, you can take part.
Is the workshop suitable for beginners?
It is suitable for beginners who already understand the basics of their camera. The workshop focuses more on vision, narrative, and intention than on technical fundamentals.
What kind of people usually attend these workshops?
Participants include committed enthusiasts, travellers, creative professionals, and photographers who want to deepen their visual understanding and narrative approach.
Can I join the workshop alone?
Yes. Most participants join alone and quickly integrate into the group through shared practice and review sessions.
Equipment
Do I need an expensive camera?
No. Any camera that allows manual control and provides consistent image quality is suitable. Mirrorless, DSLR, and compact cameras all work well.
Do I need multiple lenses?
No. Many participants work with a single lens. Learning to observe and move with intention is more important than equipment variety.
Can I use a film camera?
Yes, as long as you are comfortable handling and exposing film. Review sessions may be limited depending on development timing.
Learning and content
Will I learn how to photograph people respectfully?
Yes. A fundamental part of the workshop is learning how to approach people with confidence, awareness, and empathy, following ethical documentary practice.
Will I learn to see light better?
Yes. Participants train their observation of natural light, learn how to recognise its direction and quality, and use it intentionally with a narrative purpose.
Will I learn how to build a coherent photographic project?
Yes. The workshop emphasises editing, sequencing, and narrative structure so that you can develop a visual story rather than isolated images.
Do we review photographs during the workshop?
Yes. Daily review sessions offer constructive and individual feedback. You will also learn how editors read images and how visual meaning is constructed.
Is the workshop focused more on technique or creativity?
Both are covered, but the emphasis is on vision, narrative, and intention. Technique is addressed as a tool for storytelling rather than an isolated goal.
Is there homework or preparation before the workshop?
Participants receive a short briefing, reading suggestions, and guidance on the mindset to bring to the experience.
Will I learn how to overcome the fear of photographing strangers?
Yes. Many participants join for precisely this reason. Through practical exercises and guidance, you learn how to approach people with confidence and respect.
Is this workshop good for building a portfolio?
Yes. Participants often leave with stronger images, clearer direction, and material suitable for personal projects, portfolios, and editorial submissions.
Does the workshop include theoretical lessons?
Yes. The programme includes short sessions on narrative structure, approach, ethics, sequencing, and practical strategies for street and documentary photography.
Professional development
Is this workshop useful for photographers who want to publish work?
Yes. Daniel explains how editors read images, how stories are built, and what makes a project suitable for publication. Participants learn how to create sequences with editorial potential.
Is photojournalism experience required?
No. The workshop welcomes anyone interested in documentary storytelling, regardless of background, as long as they know the basics of their camera.
Will I receive help with editing and organising my images?
Yes. Editing and sequencing sessions are part of the programme and help you understand how to structure a visual narrative.
Choosing a documentary photography workshop depends on the type of learning experience sought. Documentary workshops focus on observation, visual storytelling and working in real environments, rather than preset techniques or quick results.
Workshops based in Porto and Lisbon benefit from cities rich in everyday life, layered history and strong natural light. These locations offer constant opportunities to practise timing, composition and narrative development in public spaces.
The experience of the instructor plays a central role. Workshops led by photographers with long term documentary and editorial backgrounds provide insight into narrative structure, editing decisions and project development beyond technical execution.
One-to-one workshops are designed for photographers seeking focused, individual guidance. These sessions allow detailed discussion of shooting approach, editing, sequencing and personal direction, adapted to each participant’s pace and objectives.
Workshops held in cities such as Marrakech, Berlin, Istanbul and Mumbai offer different cultural and visual contexts. Working in unfamiliar environments encourages adaptability and sharpens observational skills, strengthening documentary practice through direct experience.