An adult lifts a child beside the fountain and downtown buildings at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto

Toronto during the CNE

August 27–29, 2027: Toronto Passionate Photographer Weekend Masterclass

Three days photographing Toronto and the Canadian National Exhibition with Steve Simon and Marc Rochette, with guided shooting, daily critiques and online sessions before and after.

DatesAug 27 – Aug 29, 2027

LocationToronto, Canada

GenreStreet • Documentary

Group sizeMax. 6

Skill levelAll Levels

Tuition$2,000.00 USD

Deposit$250.00 USD

Book now

People riding a spinning carnival attraction at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto — A previous CNE, photographed by Ansaf Ahmad.

A weekend at the Ex

Toronto during the Canadian National Exhibition

August 27–29, 2027 · With Steve Simon & Marc Rochette

Alongside our time in Toronto’s neighborhoods, we’ll plan a CNE shoot with room to work a scene and try a different approach. Then we’ll bring the photographs back for editing and honest discussion. It’s about noticing what holds your attention.

The CNE runs August 20–September 6, 2027. Our shooting schedule will remain flexible; specific rides, performances and access are not promised.

Official CNE dates and details →

Workshop overview

This intimate weekend masterclass is built around one goal: to help you make your strongest work yet. Toronto offers a rich, layered environment for street photography, with enough variety to challenge the way you see and enough everyday life to reward staying in one place.

For this workshop, I’ll be joined by Toronto-based photographer Marc Rochette. Marc has photographed this city for more than 40 years. This is his hometown, and he knows it in a way that only comes from decades of working the streets, understanding not just where to go, but how a place behaves, how the light moves and where something meaningful might unfold.

Toronto doesn’t hand itself to you easily. It’s not a postcard city. It reveals itself slowly, in gestures, in subtle interactions, in the rhythm between people and place. Over the course of the weekend, we’ll work past the obvious and toward photographs that feel personal.

We’ll shoot, edit honestly and begin shaping a cohesive body of work. Expect a balance of guided shooting, independent exploration and thoughtful critique. We’ll encourage you to stay longer, move closer when it serves the picture, simplify and trust your instincts. Our small group of four to six photographers gives us room to respond to each person’s interests and experience.

Why Toronto during the CNE?

Toronto’s neighborhoods offer different rhythms from block to block. Glass towers give way to quiet residential streets; dense markets lead toward open waterfronts. The light can feel clean and architectural or softer and more atmospheric, depending on where you stand and when you choose to work.

We’ve timed this Toronto weekend to coincide with the Canadian National Exhibition, known locally as the Ex. The fair gives us another place to look for photographs: a gesture in a crowd, people waiting for a ride, color and movement. Alongside our time in Toronto’s neighborhoods, we’ll plan a CNE shoot with room to work a scene and try a different approach. Then we’ll bring the photographs back for editing and honest discussion. It’s about noticing what holds your attention.

A photograph from the Toronto workshop collection

The route

Where we'll photograph

Neighborhoods & Everyday Encounters

Kensington Market, Chinatown and Queen Street West give us different ways into Toronto’s street life. Markets, shopfronts, reflections and people moving through familiar routines offer scenes worth staying with. We’ll choose a manageable route, giving ourselves time to work rather than simply collect locations.

In Kensington and along Spadina Avenue, we’ll practice finding a clear frame within a busy scene. A gesture, a patch of light or the relationship between people can help organize the picture. On Queen Street West, changing storefronts and street activity offer opportunities to work on timing and graphic composition.

Marc’s knowledge of the city will help us find starting points, but you’ll be encouraged to follow what catches your own attention. Sometimes we’ll photograph together; at other times you’ll work independently, then bring the photographs back for an honest discussion about what you saw and what the frame communicates.

Architecture, Markets & the Waterfront

Toronto’s glass towers and historic streets offer more than backgrounds. We’ll look at how people use these spaces, and how our position changes the relationship between a person and the city around them. Financial corridors and quieter residential streets are among the possibilities.

The Distillery District offers brick buildings, strong geometry and opportunities to simplify a composition. At St. Lawrence Market, the emphasis shifts toward gestures, exchanges and human connection. We’ll think about when to move closer, when to wait and when a less obvious angle gives the photograph more to say.

The waterfront and Toronto Islands offer a quieter counterpoint: open space, leisure and a different pace of everyday life. These are possible locations, not a checklist. Our choices will respond to the weather, light and the interests of the group, leaving room to spend longer where the photographs are beginning to happen.

Changing Light & the City After Dark

As daylight fades, Toronto gives us another set of photographic possibilities. Illuminated windows, neon, reflections and people moving through mixed light can change the feeling of a familiar street. We’ll look for atmosphere and human moments rather than rely on the skyline alone.

Working after dark calls for a responsive approach. Steve and Marc will help you think through exposure, focus and the balance between available light and movement. We’ll work handheld where appropriate, paying attention to how light falls on a face, separates a figure or brings different parts of the frame together.

Busy downtown intersections offer chances to practice anticipation amid screens and crowds; quieter corners reward a different kind of attention. We’ll use both to explore how a photograph can suggest the experience of being there. The aim is not to photograph everything, but to recognize the scenes you respond to and give them time.

A street photograph from the Toronto workshop collection

Three connected parts

How the Weekend Works

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

Before Toronto — Online Preparation
We’ll meet online as a group for a pre-workshop meeting and lecture. We’ll discuss photographic goals, street-shooting ideas, practical preparation and the equipment you plan to bring.
This gives us a shared starting point before the weekend, with time to prepare your camera setup and questions. The online meeting date and final joining details will be shared before the workshop.
August 27–29 — Photograph, Edit & Discuss
A planned shoot at the Canadian National Exhibition brings the midway, crowds, color and movement into our weekend, alongside Toronto’s neighborhood streets. The timing will be shared with the final schedule.
Three days with Steve Simon and Marc Rochette, balancing guided shooting, independent exploration, focused lectures and daily critiques. We’ll work on the streets, then return to look at what the photographs are telling us and where to take the work next.
Our classroom is Staples Studio at 375 University Avenue, Toronto, M5G 2J5. Possible shooting areas include Kensington Market, Chinatown, Queen Street West, the Distillery District, St. Lawrence Market, the waterfront and Toronto Islands. We’ll select a workable route rather than try to visit every location.
A welcome dinner is included, with the restaurant to be confirmed. Scheduled local transportation and scheduled museum or event admissions are included. Exact meeting times and the daily order of activities will be shared before the workshop.
After Toronto — Online Lecture & Critique
After you’ve had time to review and refine your photographs, we’ll meet online for a post-workshop lecture and critique. Bring a considered selection from the weekend so we can look at the strongest frames and the connections between them.
We’ll discuss editing, sequencing and ways to continue developing the work. The follow-up session gives you a reason to revisit the photographs after the intensity of the weekend and see them with a little more distance.

A woman holding a scooter on a sunlit Toronto street

In the field and in class

What You’ll Learn

Finding Your Street Photographic Voice

All levels of photographic experience can benefit from this workshop. Through assignments and time in the field, we’ll work on recognizing the subjects and situations you respond to, then finding a way to make them your own.

We’ll explore the rhythm of a place, working a scene beyond the first frame, anticipation, timing, framing and layering. You’ll practice using light as part of the composition and deciding whether color or black and white best serves your vision. There will also be time simply to enjoy being out there with a camera.

Street Tech

We’ll take a practical, stripped-down approach to gear and camera setup so you can respond quickly without letting technique take over your attention. Whatever system you use, the goal is to remove friction between noticing something and making the photograph.

We’ll discuss focus, exposure, lens choices and ways to simplify your shooting process. Alongside the technical work, we’ll talk about approaching people, managing hesitation, the ethics of street photography and responding respectfully when a situation becomes difficult.

Night Photography

Toronto offers opportunities after dark, from neon reflections and illuminated shopfronts to quieter late-night corners. We’ll explore mixed light and atmosphere, looking for the gestures and relationships that give a scene its life.

You’ll learn how to stay responsive in low light, working handheld where appropriate and balancing exposure, focus and movement. The emphasis is on making photographs that communicate the feeling of the street, not only recording its lights.

Class Lectures & Critiques

Focused lectures will give you ideas to take into your daily shoots. In our group critiques, we’ll look at the work honestly and constructively, sharing observations and suggestions in a supportive setting. You’ll learn from one another’s photographs as well as your own.

We’ll look at what makes a frame work, what draws our attention and what might be getting in the way. Assignments and discussion will help you recognize recurring interests and begin developing a coherent selection rather than a collection of unrelated pictures.

Editing, Workflow & Your Final Sequence

Photography doesn’t end when you press the shutter. Steve will walk you through his Lightroom Classic workflow for managing, reviewing and editing images, with attention to culling and shaping a body of work.

Our pre-workshop group meeting and lecture will help you prepare. After the weekend, we’ll meet online again for a lecture and critique, giving you time to refine your selection and think about how the photographs work together.

Looking upward between Toronto’s downtown buildings

Travel & logistics

We plan to use Staples Studio, 375 University Avenue, Toronto, M5G 2J5, as our downtown meeting space for lectures, editing and critiques. Final classroom arrangements for the August dates will be shared before the workshop.

The workshop runs August 27–29, 2027. Exact daily meeting times, joining instructions and the pre- and post-workshop online session dates will be shared before we begin. Our group has a minimum of four and a maximum of six photographers.

Expect to spend time walking and photographing around the city, with scheduled local transportation included when needed for workshop activities. The route and order of shoots will remain flexible so we can respond to weather, light and what we find.

Participants arrange their own travel to Toronto, airport transfers and accommodation. If you’re traveling from out of town, please allow enough time to arrive ready for the first session and make departure arrangements once the final schedule is shared.

Our confirmed classroom: Staples Studio, 375 University Avenue.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown, a suggested hotel; accommodation is not included

Accommodation & Food

Accommodation is not included in the $2,000 USD tuition. You’ll need to book your own room, and you’re welcome to stay wherever suits you. Our suggested hotel is DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown at 108 Chestnut Street, close to St. Patrick subway station, City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square.

The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and a fitness centre, with a central location for returning to your photographs between shoots. It is a suggested place to stay, not the classroom: our lectures and critiques take place at Staples Studio on University Avenue.

Toronto’s food scene is part of getting to know the city. We’ll make room to pause over a meal in the neighborhoods we’re photographing, compare notes and notice the everyday activity around us.

Our welcome dinner is included; the restaurant will be confirmed before the workshop. Breakfast and other meals are at your own expense, leaving room to explore independently or join fellow photographers around the table.

A view of the suggested DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown, retained from the original listing

Suggested hotel only. Accommodation is not included and must be booked independently.

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.

Reserve your place

Pricing

Your $2,000 USD tuition covers three days of photography, instruction, editing and critique with Steve Simon and Marc Rochette. The group has a minimum of four and a maximum of six photographers. Pre- and post-workshop online group sessions are included.

A $250 USD deposit secures your place. The remaining balance is due May 29, 2027, 90 days before the workshop begins. The welcome dinner, scheduled local transportation and scheduled museum or event admissions are included. Accommodation, travel to Toronto, airport transfers, breakfast and other meals are not included.

Tuition

$2,000.00 USD

Deposit: $250.00 USD secures your place
Balance due: May 29, 2027
Group size: Limited to 6 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

Three days of instruction and mentorship with Steve Simon and Marc Rochette
Guided shooting sessions and independent assignments
Daily lectures, editing discussions and constructive group critiques
Pre-workshop online group meeting and lecture
Post-workshop online lecture and critique
Welcome dinner (restaurant to be confirmed)
Scheduled local transportation and scheduled museum or event admissions

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

Not included

Accommodation (book your own room); Travel to and from Toronto and airport transfers; Breakfast and meals other than the welcome dinner; Personal expenses; Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended).

Before you reserve

Deposit & Cancellation Policy

A $250 USD non-refundable deposit secures your place. The remaining balance is due May 29, 2027, 90 days before the workshop begins.

If PhotoEducate or The Passionate Photographer Inc. needs 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 begins, 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.

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

If you are traveling to Toronto, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage, trip cancellation and interruption protection, delays, lost luggage, emergency evacuation and, when appropriate, coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Some coverage must be purchased within a set period after your initial trip payment.

Travel insurance may help protect you from the financial loss of an unexpected situation, subject to the policy’s terms, exclusions and limits. Review those details carefully before choosing coverage.

Squaremouth is one resource for comparing policies: www.squaremouth.com

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...”
Don Dillon, Phoenix, Arizona
Read Don’s full Lisbon experience
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.

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. 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