Workshop Overview
- Dates: February 24-March 3, 2027
- Location: Taipei • Taichung • Tainan, Taiwan
- Genre: Street-Urban-Travel Photography
- Group Size: Max. 8
- Skill Levels: All Levels
- Includes: Luxury private accommodation
This intimate, immersive 8-day (7-night) masterclass takes you deep into the vibrant, revealing and visually rich streets of Taiwan. With the Regent Taipei as our home throughout the workshop, we’ll spend our days photographing the city’s lively neighborhoods, markets, temples and night streets, following the changing light and the unpredictable rhythm of daily life. High-speed-rail day trips to Taichung and Tainan will introduce us to distinctly different places, traditions and ways of life, without the disruption of changing hotels. It’s a concentrated photographic experience filled with people, gesture, ritual, color and chance, with continued instruction, thoughtful image reviews and the time to push your work forward.
Steve and Soichi have shaped an itinerary that balances access, insight, and adventure. You’ll leave with a strong, cohesive portfolio—and with experiences that bring you closer to the heart of Taiwan in a way only a small, dedicated workshop can offer.
Taiwan: Tradition, Energy and the Theater of Everyday Life
Taipei is one of Asia’s most rewarding cities for street and travel photography—a place where ancient traditions, contemporary urban life and extraordinary food culture coexist within a remarkably accessible city.
Morning markets spill into narrow lanes. Scooters stream through crowded intersections. Incense rises inside centuries-old temples while commuters, vendors and worshippers move through the surrounding streets. After dark, night markets glow beneath neon, handwritten signs and clouds of steam.
Taipei rewards curiosity. Beyond its famous landmarks is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own tempo, architecture and visual personality. Historic commercial streets, intimate residential alleys, temple courtyards, transit hubs, riverside communities and modern shopping districts provide an ever-changing backdrop for photographing daily life.
Taipei will be our home for all seven nights, allowing us to settle into the city, work its streets repeatedly, dig deeper with our cameras and avoid the disruption of continually changing hotels.
Our base: The Regent Hotel.
Our home in Taipei will be the Regent, a refined five-star hotel in the heart of the lively Zhongshan district. Its location makes it an ideal base for photographers: we can step outside and begin exploring on foot, with the Zhongshan MRT station just five minutes away when we want to venture farther.
After long, exhilarating days on the streets, we’ll return to spacious, quiet rooms, excellent restaurants, a sauna and a heated rooftop pool overlooking the city. For a workshop built around exploration, concentration and working together, the Regent gives us the best of both worlds: immediate access to the life of Taipei and a comfortable place to recharge, review our photographs and prepare for the next day.
Two high-speed-rail day trips—to Taichung (about an hour away) and Tainan (an hour and a half journey)—will introduce contrasting versions of Taiwan while keeping travel efficient and comfortable.
Steve Simon and Soichi Hayashi have designed this immersive workshop around the creation of a strong, personal body of work. Soichi’s extensive familiarity with Taiwan will help us move beyond the obvious, while Steve and Soichi’s complementary photographic perspectives will give participants two distinct ways of seeing and responding to the world.
This is not a sightseeing tour with photography added. It is a photographic experience built around light, gesture, atmosphere, human connection and the creation of meaningful pictures.
What Makes This Workshop Special
Keeping a single hotel base gives us the best of both worlds: the depth that comes from returning to the same city and the variety provided by carefully selected day trips.
We will have time to become familiar with Taipei rather than simply passing through it. Participants can revisit promising neighborhoods, follow an emerging subject and photograph locations under different light and conditions.
Our high-speed-rail excursions will take us to:
Taichung, with its traditional markets, old commercial streets, creative districts and youthful street culture
Tainan, one of Taiwan’s oldest cities, known for its temples, historic lanes, family businesses and exceptional food culture
The itinerary balances guided exploration, independent shooting, assignments, critiques and individual mentorship. Participants will be encouraged to move beyond isolated successful images and begin making photographs that connect—visually, emotionally and thematically.
By the end of the workshop, our goal is for every photographer to have the foundation of a beautiful and cohesive Taiwan portfolio.
The Photographic Experience
Throughout the week, we will explore:
- Finding meaningful moments in visually complex streets
- Anticipating gesture, expression and human interaction
- Approaching people with confidence and respect
- Working candidly and creating spontaneous street portraits
- Photographing markets, temples, food culture and daily rituals
- Using layers, reflections, color, light and movement
- Working with rain, artificial light and nighttime conditions
- Choosing lenses and simplifying equipment
- Autofocus, zone focusing, shooting from the hip and using live view
- Returning to a location and working beyond the obvious
- Recognizing personal themes and visual patterns
- Editing individual images into a cohesive portfolio
- Developing a reliable workflow for organizing and protecting your work
Assignments will be designed to challenge familiar habits, encourage experimentation and help each participant identify what genuinely interests them as a photographer.
The schedule will remain flexible so we can respond to weather, light, local events and unexpected photographic opportunities.
Day 1 — Arrival in Taipei: First Impressions
Arrive in Taipei and settle into our centrally located hotel, which will be our base for the entire workshop.
IMPORTANT FLIGHT INFORMATION: We strongly recommend that international participants arrive in Taipei on February 23, one day before the workshop begins. Our first group meeting and photographic activities begin during the afternoon of February 24. The workshop concludes by late morning or early afternoon on March 3. We recommend departing Taiwan on March 4, although participants with later flights may depart on March 3. Let us know if you want us to book the hotel for any extra nights.
In the afternoon, we gather for introductions, orientation and a discussion of individual photographic goals. Steve and Soichi will outline their approach to the week and offer strategies for photographing confidently and respectfully in Taiwan.
Our first walk introduces the visual energy of Taipei as the city transitions from afternoon into evening: scooters, commuters, food stalls, temple activity and streets illuminated by signs and storefronts.
We conclude with a welcome dinner and an optional night shoot for those ready to begin immediately.
Overnight: Taipei
Day 2 — Old Taipei: Markets, Temples and Historic Streets
We begin early in one of Taipei’s traditional neighborhoods as markets open and the streets come to life.
Our explorations may include Wanhua and Longshan Temple, where religious devotion, commerce and everyday life overlap. The surrounding streets, covered arcades and markets offer rich opportunities for gesture, environmental portraiture and layered storytelling.
After a midday break and instructional session, we continue toward the historic commercial neighborhoods of Dadaocheng and Dihua Street. Old shopfronts, tea merchants, family businesses and narrow side streets reveal another side of the city.
As evening arrives, we photograph Taipei after dark, working with artificial light, reflections, movement and the energy of a night market.
Overnight: Taipei
Day 3 — Taichung by High-Speed Rail
Today we travel by high-speed rail to Taichung for a full day of photography.
Taichung offers a different visual rhythm from Taipei. We will explore a selection of traditional markets, older commercial streets, temple neighborhoods and creative districts where historic structures have been adapted by a younger generation.
Possible locations include Taichung Second Market, the streets surrounding the old railway station, Zhongxin Market, Yizhong Street and one of the city’s evening markets.
Our photographic focus will be on contrast: traditional and contemporary culture, old architecture and new uses, quiet lanes and youthful street energy.
Following dinner and an evening shoot, we return to our Taipei hotel by high-speed rail.
Overnight: Taipei
Day 4 — Contemporary Taipei: Movement, Architecture and Urban Energy
After breakfast, we hold our first formal critique and editing session. We will look at a selection of each participant’s photographs, identify visual strengths and discuss possible directions for the developing portfolio.
The afternoon shifts toward contemporary Taipei. Modern architecture, commercial districts, transit stations, elevated walkways and dense pedestrian areas give us opportunities to work with scale, geometry, movement and juxtaposition.
We may explore the visual contrasts around Ximending, Taipei Main Station, Zhongshan or one of Taipei’s more contemporary eastern districts.
The evening will include an assignment designed to move participants beyond their usual way of working—perhaps concentrating on a single color, gesture, layer, distance or type of light.
Overnight: Taipei
Day 5 — Taipei at Street Level: Personal Projects and Deeper Work
Today is dedicated to slowing down and going deeper.
We begin with an early neighborhood shoot, followed by a short discussion about developing a personal theme or visual thread. Each participant will choose an area, subject or idea to pursue with greater concentration.
Some may return to a market or temple neighborhood discovered earlier in the week. Others may explore commuters, food culture, portraits, urban solitude, signs, reflections or the relationship between old and new Taipei.
Steve and Soichi will rotate among participants, providing hands-on field instruction and individual guidance.
We regroup later to discuss what is emerging before heading out for an evening shoot. Working the same city over multiple days allows us to move past first impressions and create photographs with greater depth and personal meaning.
Overnight: Taipei
Day 6 — Tainan by High-Speed Rail: Taiwan’s Historic South
We depart early for Tainan, traveling south by high-speed rail.
Tainan provides the strongest contrast of the workshop. One of Taiwan’s oldest cities, it has a warmer climate, a slower rhythm and an extraordinary concentration of temples, food stalls, historic buildings and intimate streets.
We will photograph around the old city center, exploring temple courtyards, traditional businesses, markets and the historic lanes surrounding areas such as Guohua Street, the Confucius Temple and Shennong Street.
This will be a long and visually rich shooting day. We will remain through the late-afternoon light and into early evening, when lanterns, storefronts, temples and food vendors transform the streets.
After dinner, we return to Taipei by high-speed rail.
Overnight: Taipei
Day 7 — Editing the Story and a Final Taipei Shoot
Our final full day brings the week’s photographs together.
During an extended critique and editing session, each participant will begin shaping a concise portfolio. We will discuss not only which pictures are strongest, but how images communicate with one another and how sequencing can create rhythm, surprise and meaning.
The critique will also reveal what may still be missing: a transition image, a quieter moment, a sense of place or a photograph that completes an emerging visual idea.
In the afternoon, we return to the streets of Taipei with individual assignments based on the critique. Participants may revisit a favorite neighborhood, continue a personal project or work in an entirely new area.
We conclude with a final sunset and evening shoot, followed by our celebratory farewell dinner.
Overnight: Taipei
Day 8 — Final Critique and Departure
Our final morning is devoted to reviewing the progress made and discussing the next steps for completing each participant’s Taiwan portfolio.
Steve and Soichi will offer guidance on editing, sequencing, processing and continuing the work after returning home. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of their visual voice, a practical strategy for refining the portfolio and new momentum for their photography.
The workshop concludes by late morning or early afternoon. Participants may depart Taipei or extend their stay independently.
Street Philosophies
Steve and Soichi will share the street photography techniques and approaches they use in their own work, while encouraging participants to experiment, take risks and move beyond familiar ways of seeing.
They will share their approaches to downloading, organizing, backing up, editing and processing large numbers of photographs. Participants will learn practical strategies for recognizing their strongest pictures, identifying connections and removing the redundancies that weaken a portfolio.
Regular critiques are a crucial part of the experience. These supportive discussions give participants the opportunity to see how other photographers respond to the same locations, articulate their intentions and receive honest, constructive feedback.
Our aim is for you to leave Taiwan with more than a collection of memorable individual images. You will leave with the foundation of a personal and beautifully edited body of work—and greater confidence in how you see and photograph the world.
Testimonials
Anna Blanco, New York City
“Best workshop I’ve ever taken! Steve is not only a great photographer, he is also a terrific teacher. He is patient and very hands-on. In some workshops the instructor sends students out to shoot after a short lecture–Steve goes out with his students, coaching them throughout the process. His course is well organized and covers diverse topics. He is funny and engaging and generous with his time and knowledge. I had SO MUCH fun and am ready to sign up for the next one. Highly recommended!”
Anne Dunford, Ithaca, New York
"My week in Steve’s Street Shooting workshop challenged me tremendously. There’s nothing like taking your work apart and putting it back together with new vision to make you a better photographer. If you take this workshop, I guarantee you will see the world differently at the end."
Gary Niederpruem, Chicago
“What a fabulous experience. I learned more about photography in one week than I had in 5 years. Steve is very knowledgeble about the technical side as well as composition. He is very patient, gives excellent feedback and will work one on one with you on any photography subject you want. I asked him for help on night photography and at 10 PM he was out on the streets of Havana with me with step by step instructions on how to take the shot. 5 star plus rating!!”
Paul Lavergne, San Juan, PR
"Steve’s passion for photography is contagious and his teaching abilities and knowledge extraordinary! I highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in photography."
Chapman Solomon, Mountain View, CA
“Participating in the NYC Street Photography Workshop was an enriching and exhilarating experience. It challenged me to step out of my comfort zone to improve my skills. Steve’s curriculum and hands- on approach offered me an opportunity to learn new techniques, add some creativity and visualize subject matter from another perspective. Each day presented abundant photo opportunities, resulting with the capture of some amazing images, exceeding my greatest expectations.”
Stephen Sholl, New York City
"Not only is Steve a great photographer, he is also a caring, compassionate person as well. He is constantly trying to help participants achieve their photographic goals in a gentle, caring, and sincere manner. Sadly, the critiques of my work were very helpful. Steve was right-on in terms of his suggestions to better my work. The totality of the workshop was terrific, primarily because the parts were all excellent as well. Choice of shooting locations, image reviews, suggestions, videos shown, and galleries visited were all great. Steve also promoted wonderful interactions among the participants. The venue was perfect for the workshop. We could spread out, leave your things there, use the facilities, and eat the goodies provided. You know you’re in good hands with Steve! An outstanding workshop!!"
Steve Lavelle, London
"This is an outstanding workshop, led by a world-class photographer. It is impossible to spend time in a room with Steve Simon and not be inspired to get out there and make great images …I had high expectations and you exceeded them…Steve is very personable, articulate and passionate about photography, very welcoming with a warm, engaging personality. Steve’s style is outstanding. I knew of Steve from the TWiP podcast and would have attended if he was talking about how to watch paint dry…”
Oscar Piñeyro, Dallas
"I just spent the last three days with Steve Simon, What a wonderful experience, the best time spent in a workshop ever. Steve is a perfectionist, every presentation not only had spectacular photography but also the perfect music to enhance the mood, a roller coaster of emotions. He cannot hide his journalistic background every single image tells a story. His technique is flawless; his teaching patience unparalleled. I am eager to start a new chapter of my photography applying what Steve taught me in the last few days."
Steve Simon
Steve Simon is an award-winning documentary photographer and the author of five critically acclaimed books, including The Passionate Photographer, selected as one of Amazon’s “Top Ten Art and Photography Books.” He has photographed in over 40 countries on assignment, with work appearing in publications such as The New York Times Magazine, Time, Mother Jones, Le Monde, Colors, Life, Harpers, Macleans, and The Walrus.
Best known for his humanistic approach, Steve’s photography explores the complexity and beauty of the human condition—capturing authentic, unscripted moments in real time. His images have been exhibited in solo shows in New York, Toronto, Montreal, and Buenos Aires, and three times at Visa Pour L’Image in Perpignan, France. An excerpt from Empty Sky, his photographic tribute to the aftermath of 9/11, was published by Life Books. The 9/11 Memorial Museum later acquired the complete set of prints for its permanent collection—recognizing the work as both witness and memorial.
A passionate educator, Steve has taught at the International Center of Photography (ICP) and the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York, and continues to lead workshops around the world. He is currently working on two new books—one on the art of photographic critique, and another exploring the American political convention.
Read More about Steve Simon hereSoichi Hayashi
Born in 1973, Soichi Hayashi is a freelance photographer and director based in Tokyo. After working as a creative director for an advertising agency, he became an independent photographer. For many years he has been privileged to work alongside the world’s finest photographers with their diverse backgrounds and genres, infusing him with the ability to capture evocative imagery from both a creative and technical perspective.
His photographic interest began early, influenced and nurtured by his father and grandfather – both professional photographers. His skills allow him to shoot nearly any subject whether on location or in the studio but his longstanding passion lies in natural landscape. He travels the world and is available for assignments.
Pricing
Total Cost: USD Tuition: $7,500 A $250 deposit secures your place. The remaining balance may be paid by bank transfer, wire, ACH, or credit card (3% processing fee applies to credit card payments).
Deposit: USD $250.00
What’s Included: your workshop fee covers all 7 nights accommodation, local transportation, all breakfasts, two special dinners, photographic instruction, group outings, on-the-ground support, and scheduled activities throughout the workshop. Our goal is to provide a seamless, supportive experience so you can stay focused on making your strongest work.
Participants are responsible for booking their own international flights and getting themselves to The Regent in Taipei from the airport. Once you’ve checked in, we’ll handle the workshop logistics from there, with clear guidance before and during the trip.
Deposit & Cancellation Policy
A deposit is required to secure your spot and, like most international photography workshops, it is non-refundable. (If for any reason WE need to cancel the workshop, deposit will be refunded). Group size will be kept intentionally small, so we encourage early registration. (8 People)
If you need to withdraw from the workshop:
• More than 90 days before the start date: Tuition (minus the deposit) will be refunded once we receive your cancellation in writing. • Less than 90 days before the start date: Refunds are only possible if we can fill your spot from the waitlist. In that case, your tuition will be returned minus the deposit. • If your spot cannot be filled: Tuition cannot be refunded.
This policy is standard among professional photography workshops and reflects the fixed, upfront costs associated with planning international programs. PhotoEducate and The Passionate Photographer Inc. cannot offer refunds or credits for cancellations due to medical emergencies, travel delays, family emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances—including issues related to weather, transportation, political events, or illness. Protecting your self with insurance is strongly recommended.
We strongly recommend that every participant purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes: • Medical coverage for international travel • Trip cancellation protection that reimburses your workshop fee if unexpected circumstances prevent you from traveling • Coverage for delays, lost luggage, or emergency evacuation • Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions (often available if purchased within a set window of your initial trip payment)
Nearly all established photo workshops now require or strongly encourage this level of protection for one simple reason: once we commit to hotels, transportation, bookings, and local partners on your behalf, those costs are fixed and cannot be recovered if a participant must withdraw.
Insurance protects you from absorbing the financial loss of an unexpected situation—and it gives you peace of mind when traveling internationally with expensive camera gear. We recommend www.squaremouth.com to secure your best deal on travel and medical insurance.