street photography workshop
Palermo, Sicily
Workshop details
Where: Palermo, Sicily - Italy
When: 10–12 September 2026 - 3 Full Days
Small group: 6 participants
Investment: €500
Why Palermo
Palermo is the city where I lived for more than ten years, a city I know intimately.
It’s the place where my street photography journey began almost by accident, while preparing my thesis in architecture. I was out photographing buildings; I still remember my clumsy first attempts to do street photography with a 70-200mm lens, slowly shifting my attention from architecture to people on the street, and my arms and legs started shaking with nerves.
More than twenty years have passed since then.
During that time I have lived, travelled and photographed the streets of cities around the world, including New York, Paris, Kolkata and London.
Palermo itself has changed considerably. The faces, languages and habits have evolved, yet the city's unique character remains. Few European cities offer such a rich combination of history, culture and everyday life. Within a few streets, you can move from elegant architecture to chaotic open-air markets filled with people from different cultures. Every corner offers new layers of light, colour and human interaction, making it an unpredictable and visually dense playground for street photography.
Coming Back
Since returning to Sicily in 2025, I have started a long-term project using street photography to document everyday life across the island. Coming back after so many years has allowed me to rediscover these places with a completely different perspective, shaped by the personal and photographic experience I gained while living abroad.
What We'll Do
Over the course of three days, we will explore some of Palermo's most interesting neighbourhoods and historic markets like Ballarò and Il Capo. You will learn how to move confidently through busy public spaces, approach locals with respect, compose and anticipate moments to create photographs that go beyond simple documentation.
We will also spend time in the historic centre, where architecture, tourists, locals and everyday life constantly overlap. Rather than simply reacting to what happens around us, we will learn how to recognise situations before they unfold and position ourselves to create stronger, more intentional images.
My Approach
Throughout the workshop, I will share the approach that has shaped my own way of working over the last fifteen years. We will focus on pre-visualisation, understanding light, choosing where to stand, simplifying complex scenes and learning to recognise photographs before they happen.
One of the biggest challenges in street photography is dealing with the overwhelming number of visual possibilities, especially when visiting a new place — or with the opposite feeling of seeing nothing of interest. Together we will learn how to slow down, narrow our attention and develop a more intentional way of seeing.
We will also discuss how to prepare before going out to photograph: how to plan a day without becoming rigid, how to stay open to unexpected opportunities and how to adapt when reality inevitably takes us in a different direction. While street photography often depends on spontaneity and improvisation, I believe that preparation beforehand is what gives us the greatest chance of coming home with meaningful photographs.
What You'll Take With You
My goal is not simply to help you take better photographs during these three days, but to give you a way of planning, thinking and observing that you will carry with you long after the workshop has ended, whether you are photographing Palermo or any other city in the world.
What will I learn?
Pre-visualisation: observation and visual awareness
Working with light and shadow
Adapt camera settings to different situations and goals
Composition and layering
Approaching people with confidence and respect
Developing a more intentional way of seeing
Pre-visualisation: observation and visual awareness
Working with light and shadow
Adapt camera settings to different situations and goals
Composition and layering
Approaching people with confidence and respect
Developing a more intentional way of seeing
Pre-visualisation: observation and visual awareness
Working with light and shadow
Adapt camera settings to different situations and goals
Composition and layering
Approaching people with confidence and respect
Developing a more intentional way of seeing
Pre-visualisation: observation and visual awareness
Working with light and shadow
Adapt camera settings to different situations and goals
Composition and layering
Approaching people with confidence and respect
Developing a more intentional way of seeing
Your Questions, Answered
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What is included in the workshop fee?
Pre-workshop support. From the moment you book your spot, you will be added to the Whatsapp group so we can all stay in touch to help you prepare for the workshop. Around two weeks before the workshop, we'll also have a 1h group video call to discuss any final questions before we meet.
Three days of guided street photography
Hands-on tuition. Practical demonstrations, personalised feedback and continuous guidance throughout the workshop.
Daily image reviews. Every day we'll review a selection of your photographs together, discussing composition, storytelling, editing choices and opportunities for improvement.
Small group experience. The workshop is limited to six participants, ensuring plenty of individual attention and the opportunity to ask questions at any time.
Not Included
Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements and personal expenses, including transportation, accommodation, meals, travel insurance and any other costs not explicitly listed above.
Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes. The workshop is open to photographers of all experience levels.
The only requirement is that you feel comfortable using your camera's basic functions. This allows us to focus on photography itself, rather than spending time to figure it out how a camera works.
What language will the workshop be conducted in?
The workshop is delivered in English.
However, if all participants are Italian speakers, the workshop can also be conducted entirely in Italian.
Is this a photography tour?
No. This is a hands-on educational workshop, not a guided photography tour. There are no staged scenes, hired models or pre-arranged photo opportunities.
Everything we photograph happens naturally in the street, allowing you to develop the skills needed to recognise and capture authentic moments wherever you travel.
Will there be theory or mostly practical shooting?
The workshop combines both.
We'll alternate classroom sessions, practical shooting and daily image reviews, with every theoretical concept immediately applied in real situations on the streets.
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What camera gear should I bring?
A digital camera you're already familiar with is the best option.
One prime lens, ideally a 35mm full-frame equivalent.
If you prefer using a zoom lens, a 24–70mm is an excellent alternative.
Keeping your equipment simple allows you to focus on observation rather than thinking about gear.
If you're unsure about your equipment, feel free to get in touch before the workshop.
Can I shoot with film?
Of course.
However, I strongly recommend bringing a digital camera, even if you also shoot film. Daily image reviews are one of the most valuable parts of the workshop, and using a digital camera allows us to analyse your photographs together while the experience is still fresh.
Do I need a laptop?
Yes. Bring a laptop with Lightroom Classic (recommended) installed, or any editing software that allows you to import, select and review your photographs. We'll use it during the daily review sessions.
Also make sure that you have enough storage space on laptop.
What other equipment should I bring?
To make the most of the workshop, I recommend bringing the following accessories:
External hard drive (2TB or larger) for backing up your photographs.
At least four memory cards, so you can shoot throughout the day without worrying about running out of space.
A USB hub or adapter, if your laptop requires one for connecting memory cards or external drives.
Spare camera batteries (at least four are recommended) and all the necessary battery chargers.
Charging cables for your camera, smartphone and any other electronic devices.
Laptop charger and smartphone charger.
A power bank, which can be very useful during long shooting days.
Having all your equipment organised and fully charged before each day will allow you to focus entirely on photography.
Should I arrive a day before the workshop starts?
I recommend arriving in the workshop location at least one day before the workshop begins. This gives you time to settle in, explore the area and avoid any unnecessary stress before we meet on the first morning.
Where should I stay?
After booking your spot, I'll send you information about the most convenient areas to stay so we will be close to each other and to our classroom and daily meeting points. This gives you the flexibility to choose accommodation that best suits your budget and preferences.
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How physically demanding is the workshop?
We'll spend around 7–8 hours each day walking through the city.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and you should be prepared for long but rewarding days. You're always free to take a break if needed, but keep in mind that stepping away means missing part of the shooting or review sessions.
How many participants are there?
The workshop is limited to six participants.
Keeping the group small allows me to provide personalised feedback, spend time with each participant individually and create a relaxed atmosphere.
Will my photographs be reviewed?
Absolutely.
Image reviews are an essential part of the workshop. Every day we'll analyse a selection of your photographs together, discussing what worked well, what could be improved and how to strengthen your visual storytelling.
The goal isn't simply to select your best images, but to help you understand the decisions behind them so you can continue improving after the workshop.
What if I'm shy about photographing strangers?
You're not alone.
Many participants arrive with exactly the same concern. Throughout the workshop we'll gradually build confidence through practical exercises and discussions, helping you photograph people respectfully, naturally and without unnecessary pressure.
Most people are surprised by how much more comfortable they feel by the end of the three days.
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To book your place €250 deposit is required.
The remaining balance must be paid at least five weeks before the workshop start date indicated on the workshop page. If payment is not received by the deadline, your booking will be considered cancelled, your deposit will be non-refundable, and your place will become available to another participant. -
Can I cancel my participation?
Yes. If you're unable to attend the workshop, please let me know as soon as possible. If I manage to fill your place with another participant, I'll happily refund your deposit (or full payment) you have made (minus processing fees).
If your place remains vacant, the deposit (or full payment) will be retained, as I keep the group intentionally small and every reservation affects the workshop's organisation.
If, for any reason, I have to cancel the workshop, you'll receive a full refund of your payments made (minus any payment processing fees, if applicable).
As with any trip, I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance and booking flexible or refundable transport and accommodation whenever possible. I cannot be held responsible for reimbursement of travel expenses in case a workshop is cancelled.
Liability
While I'll always do my best to help throughout the workshop, I cannot accept responsibility for personal loss, accidents, illness or any circumstances beyond my control.
Any other Questions?
Drop me a message, and I will reply to you within 24 hours.