A photograph from the original Montréal workshop collection

June 11–13, 2027: Montréal Passionate Photographer Weekend Masterclass

Three days of street photography, editing and candid critique with Steve Simon and Marc Rochette, in the city where Steve first learned to see with a camera.

DatesJun 11–13, 2027

LocationMontréal, Québec, Canada

GenreStreet · Travel

Group SizeMax. 6

Skill LevelAll Levels

Tuition$2,000 USD

Deposit$250

Workshop Details

Workshop overview

A Return to Where It Began

Montréal is where photography first took hold for me. I was 11 years old when I picked up a camera and began to really look—at people, at light, at the small, fleeting moments that most walk past. This city became my classroom. I learned by wandering its streets, watching, waiting, making pictures, and slowly beginning to understand what a photograph could be. That was the start of a lifelong pursuit—one that has taken me around the world—but it all began here. Coming back to Montréal to teach feels like returning to the source, and it brings a certain clarity to what I want to pass on to you.

This is a concentrated, three-day experience built in the spirit of my New York workshops. We won’t rush from location to location just to check boxes. We’ll work fewer places more deeply, learning how to recognize strong situations, anticipate moments and stay with a scene until it gives you something real.

I’ll be joined by my good friend and colleague Marc Rochette, whose work is rooted in patience, observation and respect for the human moment. Together, we’ll help you slow down, look harder and respond more instinctively to what is unfolding in front of you. You’ll benefit from two complementary perspectives, in the field and in critique.

With just six participants, there is room for real conversation and individual attention. A workshop van lets us move between neighborhoods when needed and return to places that deserve another look. Lectures and critiques give us a quiet space to step away from the street and really consider the work.

There will also be a pre-workshop online group meeting and lecture, followed by a post-workshop Zoom session where you’ll present a refined sequence from the photographs you make in Montréal. The work begins before we meet and continues after the weekend.

Montréal in June

We’ll explore Montréal through its streets, cafés, markets and neighborhoods, spending time with promising situations rather than rushing from one location to the next.

We’ll photograph at different times of day, following the light and everyday life around us. The aim is to get beyond familiar views and make photographs that feel like your own.

These photographs illustrate Montréal and its street life; particular events or performances are not guaranteed.

The neighborhoods

Where We’ll Photograph

A narrow street and stone buildings in Old Montréal

Old Montréal & the Old Port

This is where the city’s history is most visible: cobblestone streets, textured walls and layered backgrounds. Beautiful places present their own challenge. How do you move past the obvious and make a photograph that feels like yours?

We’ll work with angles, light and timing, looking for contemporary life within the historic setting. A gesture, a passing figure or the relationship between foreground and background can change an ordinary scene.

The first afternoon gives us time to settle into this way of working. We’ll stay with promising situations, move and refine the frame, and look beyond the first photograph. The aim is to build images with a sense of place, not simply collect familiar views.

A street performer turning in the air above a Montréal crowd

Plateau Mont-Royal & Mile End

The Plateau’s exterior staircases, color and murals create a setting for everyday life. We’ll watch how people move through these spaces and how a gesture can work with, or against, a strong graphic background.

Nearby Mile End offers a different rhythm. Artists, musicians, families and long-time residents share the streets. The photographic possibilities are often subtle: a small interaction, an expression or a relationship between people and their surroundings.

These neighborhoods reward patience. We’ll practice recognizing a promising situation before it peaks, staying with it and adjusting our position. Sometimes we’ll work together; at other times you’ll follow your own interests. What you discover will become part of our conversations in critique.

Pedestrians crossing a layered Montréal street scene

Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy

The market brings a change of pace. Gesture, exchange and movement overlap, asking you to work close, respond quickly and simplify a busy scene into a clear photograph.

We’ll concentrate on timing, proximity and the edges of the frame. What belongs in the picture? What distracts? Can you find a position where the background supports the people and activity in front of you?

Little Italy gives us room to carry those observations into the surrounding streets. We’ll look for the quieter moments as well as the obvious activity, and discuss approaching strangers with confidence and respect. Saturday morning’s shooting will feed directly into our lecture and critique, so the discoveries can shape the next session in the field.

The weekend ahead

Sample Itinerary

We begin Friday afternoon and finish mid-afternoon on Sunday. We’ll remain flexible so we can respond to weather, light, local activity and unexpected photographic opportunities. Final meeting-room details will be shared before the workshop.

Before the Weekend: Online Group Meeting & Lecture
We’ll meet online to talk about our approach, preparation and photographic goals. There will be time for questions about equipment and working on the street.
Friday, June 11 · Old Montréal & the Old Port
2:00pm: Meet for orientation and an introduction to the weekend’s work.
3:30–7:30pm: Photograph Old Montréal and the Old Port, concentrating on layers, timing and working a scene. Steve and Marc will be alongside you to offer guidance.
Evening: Our included welcome dinner, planned for Gibby’s in Old Montréal, gives us time to get to know one another and compare our first impressions.
Saturday, June 12 · Markets, Neighborhoods & Critique
8:30–11:00am: Photograph Jean-Talon Market and Little Italy, working with gesture, exchange and layered street life.
12:30–2:30pm: Lecture and critique in our planned hotel meeting room. We’ll look at the photographs together and use the discussion to shape the afternoon’s work.
4:30–8:30pm: Photograph the Plateau and Mile End, following the changing light and the neighborhoods’ evening activity.
Sunday, June 13 · Independent Assignment & Final Critique
9:00–11:30am: Work on an independent assignment, with the specific brief to be set during the workshop. This is an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned and follow your own interests.
12:30–2:30pm: Final critique and editing discussion. We’ll consider the strongest photographs and how they might work together as a sequence.
The workshop concludes mid-afternoon.
After the Weekend: Post-Workshop Zoom
With time to revisit your edit, you’ll present a refined sequence during our post-workshop Zoom lecture and critique. We’ll discuss how the photographs work together and where you might take the work next.

Pedestrians and reflections in a black-and-white Montréal street photograph

In the field and in class

What You’ll Learn

Street Photography & the Rhythm of Place

This isn’t about chasing moments. It’s about learning how to see them coming. We’ll work on recognizing strong situations before they peak, staying with a scene, and making small changes in position and timing that can transform a photograph.

All levels of experience can benefit. We’ll explore distance, gesture, juxtaposition, layered compositions and the role of light in shaping mood. We’ll also consider whether color or black and white best suits what you want to say.

Approaching strangers, overcoming shyness and dealing with difficult situations are part of working on the street. We’ll discuss ethics and legal considerations with respect for the people we photograph. And we’ll make room for the pleasure of simply being out there with a camera.

Street Tech

We’ll simplify your shooting process so you can respond without hesitation. Autofocus strategies and customization, zone focusing, lens choice and perspective, shooting from the hip, deliberate framing, available light and appropriate use of flash will all be part of the conversation.

Whatever system you use, the goal is the same: remove friction so you can stay present. Bring the equipment you know and want to work with. The attention belongs on what is happening in front of you.

Class Lectures & Critiques

Focused lectures and candid, constructive critiques connect the shooting sessions. Steve and Marc will look at your photographs with you, discussing what is working, what could be strengthened and why.

You’ll begin to recognize patterns in the way you shoot. We’ll also work on editing: choosing your strongest images, letting go of photographs that do not serve the work and building a sequence rather than a collection of unrelated favorites. Our discussions will be supportive and open to different ways of seeing.

Night Photography

Montréal shifts at night. The pace slows in some places and intensifies in others, while mixed light brings a different atmosphere to the streets.

We’ll discuss high-ISO shooting, mixed color, motion and the technical choices that help you respond after dark. Rather than simply record illuminated buildings, we’ll look for the people, gestures and moments that give the night its character.

Before and After the Workshop

The pre-workshop online group meeting and lecture will help you arrive prepared. The post-workshop Zoom session gives you time to refine your edit and present a sequence with fresh eyes. Both sessions are included in tuition.

The Montréal skyline from the original workshop listing

Getting here and getting around

Travel & Logistics

We begin in Montréal at 2:00pm on Friday, June 11, 2027, and finish mid-afternoon on Sunday, June 13. Allow time to arrive, settle in and reach our first meeting before the workshop begins.

You are responsible for travel to and from Montréal, airport transportation and accommodation. Our suggested base is Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites in downtown Montréal. A dedicated hotel meeting room is planned for lectures and critiques; the final meeting details will be shared before departure.

Much of the photography will be on foot. Our workshop van, included in tuition, gives us flexibility to move between neighborhoods and return to places worth revisiting. It also makes it easier to connect the field sessions with time in class.

Once we meet, we’ll handle the scheduled workshop logistics, with clear guidance before and during the weekend, so you can focus on the photographs.

Accommodation & Food

Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites, the suggested Montréal workshop base

Our Suggested Base: Le Square Phillips

Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites is a restored downtown property near Phillips Square, with space to settle in between shoots. Its studios and suites have kitchens, complimentary Wi-Fi and work desks for reviewing and editing photographs.

There is a heated indoor pool, a fitness room and a rooftop terrace with city views. Continental breakfast is offered to hotel guests. These are part of your hotel stay, not accommodation or breakfast included in workshop tuition.

You will book and pay for your own accommodation. Le Square Phillips is our suggested base; room availability, rates and any workshop-rate arrangements need to be confirmed for the new dates.

See the hotel’s amenities

A hotel reference photograph of Le Square Phillips from the original listing

Le Square Phillips is the suggested base. Accommodation is booked and paid for separately.

Food as Part of the Experience

Montréal is a food city, and that’s part of getting to know it. We’ll make time for some of the places I grew up with, including opportunities to try the city’s bagels, smoked meat and rotisserie chicken. They are also places to pause, observe and photograph everyday life.

Our welcome dinner is included and is planned for Gibby’s in Old Montréal. Its stone walls, exposed beams and warm dining rooms give us a setting with a real sense of the city. Other meals are at your own expense, leaving room to explore independently or join fellow photographers around the table.

Food and dining from the original Montréal workshop material

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.

Marc Rochette

Marc Rochette is a Toronto-based photographer with a career spanning more than five decades. His work is rooted in a deep commitment to observing people and the world around him with clarity, patience, and respect—qualities shaped through years of both editorial and personal practice. Marc began photographing professionally in the mid-1970s and went on to spend a decade as a staff photographer at a weekly newspaper, where he developed a disciplined, instinctive approach to storytelling under real-world conditions. Since 1994, he has worked as a freelance photographer, building a diverse body of work across editorial, commercial, and personal projects.

His photographs have been widely published, including in The Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Star, and Canadian Geographic, among others. His work has earned recognition through awards from Photo Life, Canadian Geographic, and the M.I.L.K. International competition.

Marc’s long-term projects reflect a thoughtful engagement with his subjects. His series Myths + Illusions, exploring perceptions around Down syndrome, was acquired by the National Archives of Canada for its permanent collection. His work has also been exhibited in galleries and festivals including the CONTACT Photography Festival in Toronto, with a 50-year retrospective presented in 2025.

Educated through hands-on experience and formal study at Humber College and Maine Photographic Workshops, Marc continues to bring a grounded, human-centered perspective to his photography and teaching. As a workshop leader, Marc offers a wealth of real-world experience, a calm and thoughtful presence, and a deep understanding of how to see—and respond to—the moment as it unfolds.

Plan your weekend

Pricing

Your $2,000 USD tuition covers three days of photography, instruction, guided shooting, editing and critique with Steve Simon and Marc Rochette, in a group limited to six photographers.

A $250 USD deposit reserves your place. The balance is due March 13, 2027, 90 days before the workshop begins. Accommodation is not included. The workshop van, welcome dinner and pre- and post-workshop online group sessions are included.

Tuition

$2,000 USD

Deposit: $250 USD secures your place
Balance Due: March 13, 2027
Group Size: Limited to 6 photographers

Reserve your place for June 11–13, 2027 with a $250 USD deposit.

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

Three days of photographic instruction and mentorship with Steve Simon and Marc Rochette
Guided field sessions, assignments, lectures, daily critiques and editing discussions
Workshop van transportation between scheduled locations
One welcome dinner, planned for Gibby’s in Old Montréal
A pre-workshop online group meeting and lecture
A post-workshop Zoom lecture and critique, presenting a refined sequence from the weekend
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 Montréal; airport transportation; breakfast and other meals apart from the welcome dinner; personal expenses; travel and medical insurance. Hotel guests should confirm breakfast and other amenities with their chosen accommodation.

Before you reserve

Deposit & Cancellation Policy

A $250 USD non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place. If we need to cancel the workshop, your deposit will be refunded.

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 from the waitlist; in that case, tuition paid beyond the deposit will be returned. If your place cannot be filled, tuition cannot be refunded.

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

A Note on Travel & Medical Insurance

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes international medical coverage, trip cancellation protection, and coverage for delays, lost luggage and emergency evacuation. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available depending on the policy and when it is purchased.

Benefits and reimbursement depend on the policy’s terms and limits. Check that the cover suits your travel plans and circumstances.

Testimonials

From Steve’s Previous Workshops

If I am honest, I approached this workshop with a combination of excited anticipation and butterfly inducing dread. This is my third Steve Simon workshop; you’d think it would get easier and less stressful. Nope, doesn’t work that way. The excited anticipation is about traveling to new and sometimes exotic locations, seeing old friends from previous workshops, meeting new ones, getting to know Miguel at this particular workshop - enjoying his knowledge of Portugal and his edgy sense of humor - and spending time with and learning from Steve Simon, our dear leader and mentor. The fear is knowing I really have to produce images at the level I know is coming.
Don Dillon, Phoenix, Arizona
Read Don’s full Lisbon experience
In pregame preparation, I spent some time with the photographs I made in Tokyo and Havana as well as the rudimentary attempts of street shooting done in another lifetime. They are like visiting old friends with whom I have shared a powerful, split second human moment. I modestly tell people who see my “keepers” that, “even a blind squirrel gets a nut once in a while” or “ when you take a zillion photos, you’re bound to get a decent one occasionally.
But truthfully, there is so much more to it. This feels like the semi pro street photographer’s tour. There are years of knowledge and experience mixed with lots of rookie mistakes. For me, what makes this such a powerful experience is I always come away from one of these an incrementally better street photographer with a clearer sense of what and why I am doing this in the first place.
For me fear is the best motivator. If we all were just showing up as a nice group of folks out for some travel and vacation snapshots, I would be bored to death and would never come back. But, our Dear Leader has a very gentle way of throwing down the gauntlet and letting us know we are expected to triple down on the amount of time out on the streets shooting, become fearless in going in for the kill shot, cull and edit when normal people are sleeping and eating, and actually producing images that will be critiqued by some very talented people. As they say, “this ain’t easy.
Lisbon has been one of those tough venues that from time to time really dislike, especially when getting the 15th brushoff or outright angry rejection. I’m not a hunter but this feels like a hard bow hunt for elusive game. I finally know what I am as a street shooter. I know what I have to do to “bag” the elusive jewel. I know I can’t leave the little black camera in a drawer between workshops anymore; that just won’t cut it.
I got more than what I came for.

“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 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