A New York photograph from Steve Simon’s workshop collection

Saturday · Limited to four photographers

April 3, 2027: New York Day & Night Intensive

A full day and night photographing New York with Steve Simon on April 3, 2027, with online preparation and a follow-up critique. Limited to four photographers.

DateApr 3, 2027

LocationNew York City, USA

GenreStreet • Urban

Group sizeMax. 4

Skill levelAll Levels

Tuition$1,300.00 USD

Deposit$250.00 USD

Booking details

Workshop overview

Spend an April Saturday photographing New York from daylight into night alongside Steve Simon. This April 3, 2027 intensive is limited to four photographers, with close guidance before, during and after the shoot and time to respond to your questions and look closely at how you see.

New York gives us a great deal to work with: people moving through extraordinary spaces, small gestures in a crowded street, the changing relationship between daylight and the city’s artificial light. The challenge is not to photograph everything. It is to notice what holds your attention and stay with it long enough to make something that feels like yours.

One City, From Daylight Into Night

We’ll combine recognizable landmarks with neighborhoods where daily life unfolds at its own pace. The route may take us to places such as Grand Central, the Oculus, Chinatown, the Lower East Side, the High Line or the Brooklyn Bridge. These are possibilities, not a checklist. We’ll choose a manageable route and leave room for the light, the weather and what we find.

As the city changes after dark, we’ll work with illuminated streets, reflections and people moving through pools of light. Times Square and Hudson Yards are among our planned possibilities. We’ll also visit one of New York’s photogenic observatories, such as SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or The Edge, with admission included in your tuition. Dinner is planned at Electric Lemon. Final arrangements will be shared before the workshop.

Personal Guidance in a Small Group

Steve will photograph alongside you, offering practical suggestions as situations unfold. We’ll work on approaching strangers, anticipating moments, simplifying the frame and moving beyond the first obvious picture. Assignments will give you something specific to explore without asking everyone to make the same photographs.

All experience levels are welcome. Bring the camera you are comfortable carrying, along with a willingness to try things, make mistakes and look again. The lessons we work on in the street will carry into other kinds of photography as well.

Before and After New York

Before the trip, we’ll meet online as a group for a lecture, practical preparation and discussion of photographic goals. A camera and technique tune-up will help you arrive ready to work.

After the shoot, we’ll reconnect on Zoom to look closely at the photographs you made. Steve will help you recognize the strongest frames, understand what is working and refine a sequence that carries something of your experience in New York. The day on the street is only part of the learning.

New York street photograph from Steve Simon’s workshop collection

The route

Where we'll photograph

Architecture & the People Within It

Grand Central, the Oculus and the Brooklyn Bridge are among the architectural settings in our possible route. Fifth Avenue and the area around Ground Zero offer further possibilities. Familiar places present their own challenge: how do we make a photograph that goes beyond showing what a building looks like?

We’ll look at the relationship between a space and the people passing through it. A gesture, a pause or a change in the light can give the frame its reason to exist. Perspective and timing matter as much as the landmark.

Steve will help you work a scene rather than settle for the first view. We’ll experiment with position, edges and layers, leaving room for something unexpected to enter the picture. The final route will give us time to photograph, not simply move from one stop to the next.

Neighborhoods & Everyday Encounters

Chinatown, Little Italy, the Lower East Side, Harlem and the city’s public squares offer different expressions of New York life. We’ll choose among them according to the light, conditions and the interests of our small group.

We’ll pay attention to people and the spaces they share: waiting, passing, gathering and going about their day. There will be times to keep moving and times when staying with one corner gives us more than another location would.

Assignments and immediate feedback will help you approach situations with greater confidence. We’ll work on overcoming shyness, recognizing gesture and deciding what belongs in the frame, while respecting the people we photograph. You’ll be encouraged to follow your own interests rather than look for someone else’s picture.

Evening Light & the City After Dark

The workshop continues as daylight fades and the city’s artificial light becomes part of the picture. Times Square, the High Line and Hudson Yards are among the evening possibilities in our planned route, each giving us a different way to photograph New York after dark.

We’ll look for the atmosphere of the street rather than only the skyline: reflections, silhouettes, illuminated windows and the gestures of people moving through changing light. Steve will help with exposure, focus and the practical choices that let you keep responding.

We’ll visit one of New York’s photogenic observatories, such as SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or The Edge, with admission included. Over our planned dinner at Electric Lemon, we’ll share what we’ve noticed and reflect on the work. The route leaves room for what we find.

April 3, 2027: New York Day & Night Intensive

Three connected parts

How the Workshop Works

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

Before New York — Online Preparation
We’ll meet online as a group for a lecture, discussion of photographic goals and practical preparation. Steve will share street-shooting ideas and help you think through camera setup, response time and what to bring.
This session sets the foundation for our day together and gives you time to prepare your equipment and questions before arriving.
After New York — Zoom Critique
After you have had time to review your photographs, we’ll meet online to look at the work together. Steve will discuss the strongest frames, opportunities you may have missed and the visual interests beginning to emerge.
We’ll consider how photographs relate to one another and how to refine a sequence from the day. You’ll leave the discussion with specific ideas to explore in future shoots.

A pedestrian’s silhouette and vivid red and blue reflections in a rain puddle, photographed by Steve Simon

In the field and in class

What You’ll Learn

Street Philosophies

Assignments will help you move beyond photographic fears and clichés toward moments that communicate the energy of the street. We’ll pay attention to the rhythm of a place, noticing how people move through it and how long it takes for a scene to begin offering photographs.

We’ll discuss the laws and ethics of street photography, approaching strangers respectfully and responding to difficult situations. You’ll work on framing, juxtaposition, layering and recognizing when to move closer, change position or let the image come to you.

Color and black and white offer different ways of organizing what you see. We’ll consider which serves a particular photograph and the direction of your work. There will also be room for the pleasure of being out there with a camera.

Street Tech

Steve will share his minimalist approach to equipment and a simplified shooting process designed to help you respond quickly. The aim is to become comfortable enough with the camera that it no longer takes your attention away from the street.

Mirrorless, DSLR, rangefinder, compact cameras and camera phones are all welcome. We’ll talk about lenses, autofocus, zone focusing, shooting from the hip, live view, flash and camera support, with practical help for the equipment you bring.

Questions can be addressed as they arise in the field. Rather than adding complexity, we’ll look for settings and habits that make it easier to concentrate on timing, gesture and the relationships within the frame.

Night Photography

As daylight gives way to evening, New York offers a different set of photographic decisions. Illuminated signs, windows and reflections change how we see the streets and the people moving through them.

We’ll work with the available light and discuss how exposure, focus and camera support affect the picture you are trying to make. Steve will be alongside you to help you respond to those conditions, not simply send you out with a list of settings.

Editing, Lectures & Critiques

Instruction and feedback are woven into the day, with online sessions giving us more time to consider the work. Steve will share his Lightroom workflow and discuss how to recognize the strongest photographs from a shoot.

Our post-workshop Zoom critique will look at the New York images after you have had time to review them. We’ll discuss why particular frames hold our attention, where a photograph might have gone further and how individual pictures begin to work together.

Critiques are a supportive place for questions, honest observations and constructive criticism. The goal is to leave with clearer ideas about your own work and practical things to carry into the next shoot.

A photograph retained from Steve Simon’s New York collection

Travel & logistics

The in-person workshop takes place in New York City on April 3, 2027. It is a full day-and-night shoot, supported by pre- and post-workshop online sessions. The meeting place, start time and final route will be shared before your workshop.

We’ll photograph on foot and use the MTA to move between locations. An MTA pass for workshop transportation is included, along with scheduled museum and gallery admissions. The route will be shaped around a workable day rather than an attempt to visit every place mentioned in the listing.

Please arrange your own travel to and from New York, airport transfers and accommodation if you need it. Allow for time on your feet and carry a camera setup you can comfortably work with through the day and evening.

We’ll visit one of New York’s photogenic observatories, such as SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or The Edge. Admission to the selected observatory is included in your tuition; the venue and timing will be confirmed with the final route. Dinner is planned at Electric Lemon, with exact arrangements shared before the workshop.

Food & Accommodation

The Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards, part of the planned New York route

Electric Lemon at Hudson Yards, our planned dinner venue

A welcome dinner is included in your tuition. The planned venue is Electric Lemon at Hudson Yards. It gives us a chance to sit down together, compare experiences and take a break from photographing.

Snacks are also included. Other meals and personal purchases are at your own expense.

This is a one-day workshop, so accommodation is not included. If you are traveling to New York, please arrange your own hotel and transport to the meeting point. You do not need to book a workshop hotel.

Who you'll work with

Your instructor

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.

Other New York dates

Same workshop, another Saturday. If this date doesn’t suit you, explore the other sessions below.

View all New York workshop dates →

Reserve your place

Pricing

Your $1,300 USD tuition includes a full day and night photographing New York with Steve Simon, pre- and post-workshop online group sessions, field instruction and critiques, a welcome dinner, an MTA pass, scheduled museum and gallery admissions, teaching materials and snacks.

Tuition is $1,300 USD for one date, with a $250 USD deposit credited toward the total. Each session is limited to four photographers. The remaining balance is collected separately by Steve Simon and is due 90 days before your chosen workshop. Accommodation and travel to and from New York are not included.

Tuition

$1,300.00 USD

Deposit: $250.00 USD secures your place
Balance due: 90 days before your chosen workshop
Group size: Limited to 4 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

Full day-and-night New York City shoot with Steve Simon
Personal guidance, assignments, lectures and critiques during the workshop
Pre-workshop online group meeting, lecture and practical preparation
Camera setup and street-tech guidance
Post-workshop Zoom critique of your New York photographs
Welcome dinner
MTA pass for scheduled workshop transportation
Scheduled museum and gallery admissions
Admission to one of New York’s photogenic observatories, such as SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or The Edge
Teaching materials and snacks
On-the-ground support throughout the workshop

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

Not included

Accommodation; Travel to and from New York City; Airport transfers; Meals other than the included dinner and snacks; Personal expenses; Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended); Individual pre-trip portfolio review.

Testimonials

From Steve’s Workshops & Mentorships

“I started working with Steve because I wanted to move from making individual pictures to working on photographic projects. Our first couple of sessions had an immediate impact on my photography in two ways. First, Steve looked at a sample of my work, selected several strong images, and showed me what made them work. We also talked about the images that didn’t work as well. We dug into my picture making process and explored what I could do differently to increase the number of strong images I make. The sessions are interactive, so I can ask questions to be sure I understand Steve’s feedback. Second, Steve looked at the strong images as a group and showed me how they could be the start of a coherent body of work. I really appreciate that he helped me begin to identify and develop my personal vision. HIs questions and comments helped me sharpen the focus on what my project can be. In each session, Steve’s thoughtful suggestions and encouragement are helping me make steady progress on my goal of being a better photographer.”
Larry Felton

“Steve Simon is a gifted instructor and also has the amazing ability to help you understand what you have unconsciously captured but may not have seen. You can then embrace that visual voice/style with direction and clarity. He is genuine and focused on your growth as a photographer … which is why I and so many others come back to his workshops and mentoring sessions.”
Denise Pensky

“It is said that people tend to emotionally support and defend that which they have created. Nowhere is that truer than for photographers in the pursuit of intended audiences for their photographs. We can subconsciously become prejudiced arbitrators when it comes to evaluating, editing, selecting and sequencing our own images. The private mentorship and critique sessions I’ve participated in with Steve Simon have been invaluable in helping me to cast off the emotional baggage attached to my photos allowing me to see them as they are and how they may relate to each other to form coherent collections greater than the sum of their parts.”
Owen Seidenberg

“I would never be where I am professionally without great mentoring. Thus, I knew the very best way for the quality of my photography to progress was to find an exceptional photographer as a mentor. Steve Simon has delivered big time…..with insight, skill, incredible editing ability and, of course, passion for the art. Give him a try, it is a great investment.”
Jeff Carson

“I participated in one of Steve’s Havana workshops, and recently had a online zoom discussion with him. He has a comprehensive knowledge of Nikon’s equipment as well as the best photographic techniques to capture great images. Moreover, he is an easy and fun guy to talk with because, clearly, he is genuinely interested in helping others enjoy photography.”
Stephen Handley

“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. 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 our 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. 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