April 11–17, 2027: Paris in Springtime

A week of street photography, private collection access and honest critique with Steve Simon & David Brommer

DatesApr 11 – Apr 17, 2027

LocationParis, France

GenreStreet • Urban • Documentary

Group sizeMax. 8

Skill levelAll Levels

Tuition$7,600.00 USD

Deposit$500.00 USD

Book now

Workshop overview

Join Steve Simon and David Brommer in Paris for a week of living and breathing photography. We’ll work in the streets, return to the classroom to look closely at what we’ve made, and head out again with new ideas. Our small group gives us room for personal attention while leaving space to follow what interests you.

A highlight is our private visit to the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson. The Collections Team will introduce us to material from the collections of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck, including vintage prints, contact sheets, books, correspondence, press cards and cameras. It’s a chance to look beyond finished photographs and consider the decisions and working lives behind them.

Henri Cartier-Bresson has inspired generations of street photographers, myself included. Seeing prints and contact sheets together gives us something to carry back into the streets: questions about timing, selection and why one frame holds our attention when another does not.

From Notre-Dame and the Seine to the Marais, Montmartre and the cafés of the Left Bank, we’ll photograph both familiar landmarks and the everyday life around them. The aim is not simply to collect recognizable views of Paris, but to make photographs that feel like your own.

Why Paris in Spring?

Spring gives us changing light, cafés and public gardens to explore, and time to observe the city on foot. We’ll work with architecture and street life, following gesture, light and the relationships between people and place. There will be room to stay with a scene, try another approach and move beyond the first obvious frame.

Before and After the Workshop

Our pre-workshop online group meeting and lecture will help you prepare, with time to discuss gear, photographic goals and the week ahead. After Paris, we’ll meet again online to look at a refined edit of your photographs and discuss how they work as a sequence. Each of these Zoom sessions lasts two hours.

A photograph retained from the Paris workshop’s Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson visit

The route

Where we'll photograph

The Left Bank, Notre-Dame & the Seine

Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter and the Seine give us a starting point for photographing both the city’s architecture and the life moving around it.

We’ll work beyond the recognizable view, paying attention to gesture, light and the edges of a scene. A familiar place can still offer a photograph you haven’t seen before.

Our route includes:

• Notre-Dame and the streets of the Latin Quarter

• The Seine and the Jardin du Luxembourg

• Montparnasse and its cemetery, with a visit to Man Ray’s resting place

Our Left Bank base puts us close to these streets. Returning with fresh eyes and lessons from the classroom will help us notice more than we did on our first walk.

Le Marais & Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson

The Haut Marais brings together contemporary art, older streets and a lively market, with everyday life unfolding around us.

Our private visit to the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson connects our street photography with a close look at photographs, contact sheets and the decisions behind them.

Our program includes:

• Street photography in the Marais and its surrounding streets

• Lunch at Le Marché des Enfants Rouges

• Time with the Collections Team and the work of Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck

We’ll bring ideas from the visit into our own shooting and editing. The goal is to learn from these photographers without trying to imitate them.

Montmartre, Museums & Paris After Dark

Montmartre, Pigalle and the city’s museums give us a change of rhythm, from busy streets and café life to interiors and evening light.

We’ll photograph at the Musée d’Orsay and work from late afternoon into blue hour at the Eiffel Tower. Dinner and a performance at Madame Arthur bring us into another atmosphere.

Our route includes:

• Street and café life in Montmartre

• The Musée d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower

• Pigalle, Madame Arthur and evening photography

These changes of setting let us explore different responses to light, movement and place. We’ll consider how the resulting photographs sit alongside the quieter observations made elsewhere during the week.

Day by day

Itinerary

The schedule will remain flexible so we can respond to weather, light, local events and unexpected photographic opportunities.

Apr 11 — Arrival & French Apéro
Check in at Hôtel Le Six from 2 p.m. At 6 p.m., we’ll gather in the lobby bar for a meet-and-greet and French apéro, get to know the group and talk about the days ahead.
Apr 12 — Notre-Dame, the Left Bank & Welcome Dinner
Our first walking and shooting day takes us around Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter and the Seine. We’ll look at the restored cathedral as well as the street life and smaller scenes around it.
In the afternoon, we’ll photograph in the Jardin du Luxembourg and visit Montparnasse Cemetery to pay our respects to Man Ray. We finish with our welcome dinner.
Apr 13 — Le Marais & Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson
We’ll explore the Haut Marais, where contemporary art and older traditions share the streets. Lunch is at Le Marché des Enfants Rouges, with its market and food stalls.
Our private visit to the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson gives us time with the Collections Team and material from the collections of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck. We’ll carry what we learn about seeing and editing back into our own work.
Apr 14 — Nikon Plaza, Musée d’Orsay & Eiffel Tower
After two days in the streets, we’ll bring our work to Nikon Plaza for a classroom review. We’ll discuss what is beginning to emerge and where each photographer might take the work next.
After lunch, we visit the Musée d’Orsay. Later, we’ll spend the late afternoon and blue hour atop the Eiffel Tower, working with the changing light and views across the city.
Apr 15 — Montmartre, Pigalle & Madame Arthur
Morning and afternoon street-photography sessions take us into Montmartre and the surrounding streets, with specific shooting arrangements to be shared closer to the workshop.
Later, we head to Place Pigalle for dinner and a performance at Madame Arthur, adding another setting, atmosphere and kind of light to the week.
Apr 16 — Café Culture, Final Critique & Closing Dinner
Our final shooting day leaves time for Parisian street and café life. We’ll keep working on the themes and ideas that have developed during the week.
In the afternoon, we return to Nikon Plaza for our final classroom review and a look at how the photographs work together. Our closing dinner is at a classic local brasserie.
Apr 17 — Departure
Check out of Hôtel Le Six by noon. The Paris workshop concludes, with your post-workshop online session still to come after you’ve had time to edit at home.

In the field and in class

What You’ll Learn

Steve brings his street-shooting experience and practical ways to move beyond hesitation. David brings his experience photographing in Europe and a close interest in photographic style. Together, we’ll help you recognize the choices that make your work more distinctly yours.

Street Philosophies

This intensive workshop will help you find your own vision and street style through assignments that move you past photographic fears and clichés toward lyrical, poetic and decisive moments. Mostly, you’ll be photographing the theatre that is the street, sometimes together and often on your own.

Photographers at every level can benefit. We’ll explore the “rhythm of place” and discuss the laws and ethics of street photography, approaching strangers respectfully and handling difficult situations that may arise.

You’ll work on overcoming shyness, anticipating moments, framing, juxtaposition and layering your compositions. We’ll consider when to move and when to let an image come to you, and whether color or black and white best suits what you want to say.

And we’ll make room for the pleasure of being out there with a camera.

Finding Your Photographic Style

David’s classroom talks will look closely at photographic style: how subject, timing, composition and the choices you repeat begin to form a recognizable way of seeing. We’ll connect those discussions to the photographs you make in Paris rather than treating style as something you simply decide to adopt.

Street Tech

Steve and David will share their minimalist approaches to gear and a simplified shooting process designed to help you respond more quickly. Steve works with Nikon mirrorless cameras and an iPhone. David uses Nikon and Fujifilm as well as analog cameras, and will have film cameras on hand for those who are curious.

You do not need a Nikon camera to join. Mirrorless, compact, rangefinder and DSLR cameras, or a camera phone, can all be used for compelling street photographs. The purpose of the technical discussions is to help you become comfortable enough with your tools to concentrate on what is happening in front of you.

We’ll talk about lenses, autofocus, zone focusing, shooting from the hip, live view and flash, with practical help for the equipment you bring. These lessons will carry into other kinds of image-making as well.

Critique Is Critical

Our classroom is Nikon Plaza on boulevard Raspail, a gallery and showroom with teaching facilities and access to Nikon specialists. We’ll bring our photographs off the street and look at a selection of the work made so far.

Honest, insightful critique is central to the week. We’ll share ideas and constructive criticism in a supportive setting where you can ask questions, try new approaches and learn from one another’s images.

Steve and David will help you edit toward a cohesive set of photographs. You’ll be encouraged to take on a theme, with assignments when useful to push the work further. The post-workshop online session gives you time to refine that edit after returning home.

Nikon Plaza in Paris, photographed by David Brommer

Travel & logistics

Plan to arrive in Paris on Sunday, April 11, in time for our 6 p.m. hotel meeting. Check-in at Hôtel Le Six begins at 2 p.m. Our final shooting day, classroom review and closing dinner are on April 16, with hotel check-out at noon on April 17.

Participants arrange their own flights and transportation between the airport and the hotel. Scheduled local transportation during the workshop is included.

Expect a substantial amount of walking, sometimes upwards of 15,000 steps in a day. Bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera setup you are happy to carry. We’ll move between neighborhoods, museums and classroom sessions, with photography continuing into the evening on selected days.

Detailed shooting arrangements will be shared closer to the workshop, with room to respond to the weather, light and what we find on the streets.

Accommodation & Food

Our base for six nights is Hôtel Le Six, a boutique hotel in a quiet Haussmann-style building on rue Stanislas, between the Luxembourg Gardens and boulevard Montparnasse. It places us on the Left Bank, within reach of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Sulpice and the streets we’ll photograph.

Your tuition includes a private room, giving you your own place to rest, review photographs and prepare for the next day. The hotel’s spa facilities offer another way to unwind between intensive days with a camera. Notre-Dame-des-Champs Métro station is nearby for getting farther across the city.

Food and cafés will be part of our time in Paris. A welcome dinner and closing dinner are included, and the program also includes dinner and a performance at Madame Arthur. Other meals are at your own expense, leaving room to explore independently or gather with fellow photographers.

Hotel check-in begins at 2 p.m. on April 11. We’ll meet in the lobby bar at 6 p.m. for an introduction and French apéro. Check-out is at noon on April 17.

Hôtel Le Six: 14 rue Stanislas, 75006 Paris, France.

Hôtel Le Six in Paris, retained from the original workshop listing

Our home for six nights: Hôtel Le Six on the Left Bank.

Who you'll work with

Your instructors

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.

David Brommer

David George Brommer is a New York City–based photographer specializing in portraiture and historical landscape, and the mind behind Suspect Photography. His work draws on interests in history, science fiction and mythology, with subjects that can be dark, whimsical and challenging.

From underground goth and drag subculture to stark battlefields, David works across analog and digital formats, with techniques ranging from platinum printing to pixels.

His seminars focus on composition and photographic style. During his decades-long career at B&H Photo, he was behind the OPTIC and Depth of Field conferences, the Event Space lecture series and the EDU Advantage program for photography and video students.

David has taught at the International Center of Photography, Maine Media Workshops, National Geographic–Lindblad expeditions, Cortona On The Move and industry conventions around the country. Known as a “Camera Whisperer,” he has helped both established image-makers and photographers just starting out.

Reserve your place

Pricing

Your $7,600 USD tuition includes six nights of private accommodation at Hôtel Le Six, instruction with Steve Simon and David Brommer, guided shooting, editing and critiques, pre- and post-workshop group online sessions, scheduled local transportation and admissions, a welcome dinner and closing dinner, plus dinner and a performance at Madame Arthur.

A $500 USD deposit secures your place. The remaining balance is due January 11, 2027, 90 days before the workshop begins.

Tuition

$7,600.00 USD

Deposit: $500.00 USD secures your place
Balance due: January 11, 2027
Group size: Limited to 8 photographers

The remaining balance may be paid by bank transfer, wire, ACH, or credit card (3% processing fee applies to credit card payments).

What's included

Six nights of private accommodation at Hôtel Le Six
Photographic instruction and individual guidance with Steve Simon and David Brommer
Guided shooting, lectures, editing and group critiques
Private Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson collection visit
Scheduled local transportation
Scheduled museum and entertainment admissions
Welcome dinner and closing dinner
Dinner and a performance at Madame Arthur
Pre-workshop online group meeting and two-hour lecture
Post-workshop two-hour online session for critique and a refined edit of your photographs
On-the-ground support throughout scheduled workshop activities

Our goal is to provide a seamless, supportive experience so you can stay focused on making your strongest work.

Not included

Flights to and from Paris; Airport–hotel transfers; Meals other than those specifically included; Personal expenses; Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended).

Before you reserve

Deposit & Cancellation Policy

A $500 USD deposit is required to secure your place and is non-refundable. If PhotoEducate, The Passionate Photographer Inc. or Suspect Photography needs to cancel the workshop, your deposit will be refunded. The workshop is limited to eight photographers.

The remaining balance is due January 11, 2027, 90 days before the workshop begins.

If you withdraw more than 90 days before the workshop begins, tuition paid beyond the deposit will be refunded once we receive your cancellation in writing.

If you withdraw less than 90 days before the workshop, a refund is possible only if we can fill your place. If your place cannot be filled, tuition cannot be refunded.

Because hotels, transportation, admissions and local partners require fixed commitments in advance, PhotoEducate, The Passionate Photographer Inc. and Suspect Photography cannot offer refunds or credits for medical or family emergencies, travel delays, illness, weather, transportation disruptions, political events or other unforeseen circumstances. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended.

A Note on Travel & Medical Insurance

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes international medical coverage, trip cancellation and interruption protection that can reimburse your workshop fee, coverage for delays, lost luggage and emergency evacuation, and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions when available. Many policies require this coverage to be purchased within a set period after your initial trip payment.

Once accommodation, transportation, admissions and local services have been committed on your behalf, those costs may not be recoverable if you withdraw. Your insurance should reflect the full prepaid cost of the workshop.

We recommend www.squaremouth.com as one resource for comparing travel and medical insurance policies. Please review the terms, exclusions and coverage limits carefully.

Videos

David Brommer discusses photographic style and some of the ideas we’ll explore in Paris.

Testimonials

From Steve’s Previous Workshops

“What a fabulous experience. I learned more about photography in one week than I had in 5 years. Steve is very knowledgable 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!!”
Gary Niederpruem, Chicago

“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!”
Anna Blanco, New York City

“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.”
Anne Dunford, Ithaca, New York

“Steve’s passion for photography is contagious and his teaching abilities and knowledge extraordinary! I highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in photography.”
Paul Lavergne, San Juan, PR

“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.”
Chapman Solomon, Mountain View, CA

“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. 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!!”
Stephen Sholl, New York City

“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…”
Steve Lavelle, London

“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.”
Oscar Piñeyro, Dallas