Photography Workshops

Planning a trip to Japan and would like to improve your photography? Join me in Kyoto for an intensive single or multi-day photography workshop focused on composition, exposure techniques and more.

Composition and Framing

What distinguishes improvised photography from other forms of visual art is the speed and decisiveness of the execution. While a painter may carefully craft their works of art over the course of hours, days or even months, the street photographer’s work is often created in a matter of milliseconds. In order to be able to compose quickly and accurately, we must first understand the relationship between our eyesight, the viewfinder and the lens before we can photograph what we ‘see’ in our mind’s eye.

“Knowing what to exclude from the frame is just as important as what you choose to include.”

Film

Reading Light / Metering By Eye

Real freedom in photography comes from not having to reference a light meter before making an exposure. On the street, being tied to a meter can slow you down and hinder your ability to respond freely to your environment. Using a fully manual film camera, I share my self-taught methods for metering by eye and adjusting the shutter and aperture to achieve an appropriate exposure no matter the lighting scenario.

Example Itinerary

  • Once your workshop booking is confirmed, we will begin communications via email to discuss the theme and details of the workshop. Some participants prefer to focus on a particular location while others choose to focus more on techniques such as exposure and composition.

    Every workshop is unique and tailored to each individual’s goals and experience.

  • Before setting out for the day, we’ll spend a short time at a quiet café reviewing your portfolio and discussing your photographic goals as well as the following:

    • The basics of loading and operating a manual film camera

    • Discussing the theory of exposure and development in film photography

    • Covering the dos and don’ts of photographing in Japan as well as the local rules specific to Kyoto

    • Addressing any questions you might have before shooting

    • Composition and framing: How to balance elements within the frame

    • Exposing film: Demonstrating techniques such as exposing for the shadows in order to produce an information rich negative

    • Pushing / pulling film: Giving examples of scenes where each technique would be appropriate

  • Over lunch, we recap the information and techniques covered during the first shooting session.

    • Understanding the concept of ‘natural contrast’ and the various ways contrast can be achieved all the way from the light at the scene to the final print

    • The technique of ‘seeing’ in colour but shooting in monochrome: How the spectral sensitivity of B&W film can impact the way you shoot and the tonality of your images

    • Metering film by eye: The practice of observing the dynamic range and luminance of a scene to determine the appropriate exposure value

  • To wrap up the workshop, we finish off the day at a quiet café where we evaluate the day’s events. After the workshop, a written summary will be sent to you via email covering the main takeaways from the workshop.

  • Photography workshop:

    • Half day (4hrs): 385 USD

    • Full day (8hrs): 750 USD

    2 day photography & darkroom workshop package:

    Take the photos you shot on the first day of the workshop into the darkroom to develop and hand print on the second day.

    • 1,450 USD

    Attendees of the workshop are required to provide their own camera and film of their choice. If you do not have a film camera, one can be organised for you at your request. Prices exclude any darkroom hire fees, film, paper or chemicals associated with the workshop. A comprehensive quote will be issued upon receiving your booking enquiry.

Testimonials


“Renato’s film photography workshop was an incredibly informative and hands-on experience. He provided a strong foundation in film photography, covering everything from camera mechanics and lenses to composition and exposure techniques. I particularly appreciated learning how to shoot without a light meter using methods like the Sunny 16 rule. The workshop was packed with valuable insights, so I highly recommend bringing a notebook to capture everything. If you’re serious about film photography, this workshop is a must!” - Preston (USA)

“The workshop with Renato is undoubtedly the most productive and enjoyable hours I’ve had in photography. The street photography workshop was perfect for experiencing Renato’s perspective side-by-side and working on exposing by eye. The darkroom workshop helped me to bring out the most detail out of my negatives and achieve the best result possible.” - Kohki (Japan)

“I recently took two photographs, produced them into a diptych and sold two prints from that. It’s a great personal achievement. Renato’s teachings and examples helped me greatly to consider those compositions.” - Matteo (Australia)

“I traveled to Japan from the US as a tourist. Before my trip, I arranged a workshop with Renato in Kyoto. The workshop was an invaluable experience for my development as an artist, and helped me improve key photography skills. Renato focused on helping me refine my artistic vision and practice through a portfolio review and real-time feedback during the workshop. We focused primarily on composition and producing a consistent body of work. I look forward to another workshop during my next trip to Japan.” - William (USA)