CANDID

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

WORKSHOP

You are at an intersection at some busy downtown location, people streaming buy, camera in hand. Having decided to try this type of photography called Street Photography, you look at the camera, you look at the people going by, they look at you, but now what?

Having seen images from famous photographers, pictures that inspired you to go out in the first place, here you are, out on the street. Seems easy enough, you thought. Put the camera to your eye, compose an image and press the button. But the people keep coming, and there are so many. So, you pretend to take a picture of a building and try to sneak in a shot or two. But then it hits you. This is hard!

Frustrated, you pack it up and head home. Reviewing the images, you quickly feel disappointed. You sense there is something missing. Your pictures do not look anything like the ones you saw in all the books at that bookstore, or online website. So, you think, what if I used a telephoto zoom lens? That will work!

You try again. But something still doesn’t seem right. Now you have a bunch of images of random people, which is good, but now it just seems so separated, having been across the street or up on that overpass using that long lens. There’s a disconnect from what you normally experience while out in the city to the images you took. Still not like all those famous images; no sense of the city, or of what it’s like to live there. You want to get closer. But how?

What if I told you I have the answer?

What if you could go out into your city knowing exactly what to do every time. From how to prepare, exactly where to be and why, with multiple image ideas to look for in any situation, and the confidence to take the picture.

Take your photography to the next level. I will show you the methods I use, mindset and vision required to confidently go out and create respectful candid street photographs of the people you encounter in the city. You will learn to instantly react to whatever catches your eye and learn how to create that priceless candid image. You will learn how to get close. You will learn all about the techniques I use through demonstration and answering your questions. You will see the gear I use and how I set it up. You will learn how to best use the gear that you have right now, even through any limitations. Not to create pictures exactly like mine – that’s not the goal. But rather, I’ll provide you with guidance and inspiration to go out and create the images you have always wanted.

Come and experience your city like never before. Open your eyes to a hidden reality, one that can only be observed at a thousandth of a second. You will begin to see things differently. And at the same time, if you are a beginner, you will experience an introduction into one of the most challenging forms of photography out there.

Ten years of trial and error, thousands upon thousands of images taken, with multiple mistakes overcome, all distilled into one seven-hour workshop. Learn from my experiences. This site contains over one thousand images that were created during this ten-year journey. Have a look. You will find them in the PERSONAL PROJECT section.

I would like to invite you to this photographic event. Let’s go on a little journey. Let us learn together and see if you have what it takes to create some amazing images. You might surprise yourself.

Who is this for?

From the complete beginner to the experienced pro who’s never tried street photography before, or who has but wants to up their game. Even the casual observer, who may not want to try it themselves, but who has always been curious to how these kinds of images are created. All are welcome.

What’s required?

Ideally, a DSLR or Mirrorless or film camera with 24, 28, 35, or 50mm prime lens. The reason for this is to get close to our subjects without using a telephoto lens. Prime lenses are best, as you will learn, however, you could use a zoom lens that covers the wide focal lengths. Also, the strap that came with your camera, as well as a fully charged battery and spare if you have one. Lastly, the manual that came with your camera, or have the pdf version on your phone. If you do not have this equipment, you will still learn everything I do to create the images in my portfolio. And I will help you with the gear you have now to get started with street photography, even though there will be limitations. I do not think of limitations as a negative – they force us to work creatively.

What else is required?

If you are walking, comfortable reliable footwear, as you will be on the street all day (except for breaks!). I will stay with accessible locations as required. Be prepared for any weather: sunscreen and a hat, or a jacket and umbrella if required. Water and a snack, however, we will take breaks as necessary. A sense of cautious adventure and discovery.

Objectives

Have fun! Meet new people. Learn. Try something new. Get uncomfortable. Discover how to create with intent a respectful candid image of a stranger (candid meaning: your subject was not aware). Go out and take in the sights and get to know the city on a different level. Let me be your guide into the fascinating world of street photography. Again, all are welcome.

Cost

$200 per individual participant of the event.

Location

Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Duration

Seven hours, from 12 noon to 7 pm.

Dates

September 2, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, as well as October 8, 13, 18, 23, 28.

INSTRUCTIONS:

If you are interested and would like to attend, please email me at michaelgordonwhiteinfo@gmail.com. Please put WORKSHOP as the subject. You will receive an email containing an invoice. For the purpose of filling out the invoice, please provide in the email your first and last name, address, and phone number (your information will never be shared). Please read the Terms and Conditions attached to the invoice prior to purchase.

NOTE: Purchases must be made five days prior to the Event date to allow me time to process and confirm payment. Otherwise, you will automatically be bumped to the next available date.

Once payment is confirmed, I will email you the exact start location, as well as the agenda. Look for promotional discounts on my Instagram account: @michael_gordon_white. Include the code in the email for it to apply. Please be patient with my reply as I currently work alone. I check in daily. I will have a maximum of six participants in each workshop. If more than six people are interested in attending, once each Event is filled, if I receive an email for the filled event, you will be notified by return email and given a choice of future events to attend. An Event will take place if at least one person purchases as described in the above instructions.

Thank you

Michael Gordon White, 2023