Workshop • PT Street Collective
Exclusive to students from Faculdade de Belas Artes da Universidade de Lisboa (FBAUL)
>> Register here <<
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Dates: 27th to 28th of September 2025
Language: English/Portuguese
Max. number of Participants: 14
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The Fundamentals of Street Photography
How do we begin to photograph the street — not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing subject?
In this two-day workshop, Rúben Mália and César de Melo — members of PT Street Collective — invite FBAUL students to explore the foundations of street photography: the tools, the mindset, and the visual curiosity needed to work in public space. Blending theory and practice, the workshop introduces students to different ways of reading the street, paying attention to gesture, light, rhythm, and chance.
Participants will develop confidence shooting in real-world situations, while also reflecting on authors, approaches, and what it means to make meaningful images in and of the city.
Whether you’re completely new to street photography or looking to build your visual instinct, this workshop offers both structure and freedom — a space to experiment, learn, and begin developing your own voice.
What You’ll Need
- A digital camera of your choice (all brands welcome)
- A laptop or tablet for editing on Sunday.
- Comfortable Shoes
Location
Faculdade de Belas-Artes da Universidade de Lisboa. (Room information will be shared with students after registration.)
Saturday, 27th of September 2025
9:30 – 10:45 · A Brief History of Street Photography: An introduction to the historical context and evolution of the genre — from early pioneers like Eugène Atget and Henri Cartier-Bresson to contemporary approaches.
10:45 – 11:15 · The Street Photographer’s Mindset and Attitude: How to mentally and emotionally prepare for shooting in public spaces. The importance of presence, visual awareness, and intuition.
11:15 – 11:30 · Break
11:30 – 12:30 · Composition Fundamentals: Key visual principles — framing, plane alignment, the use of lines, shapes, patterns, and layering.
12:30 – 13:00 · The Fundamentals: Focus, Frequency and Frontality (the photographer’s engagement with the scene).
13:00 – 14:00 · Lunch Break
14:00 – 17:30 · Guided Street Photography Walk: Practical shooting session through the streets of Lisbon, with continuous guidance and feedback from the instructors.
Sunday, 28 of September 2025
10:00 – 10:30 · Styles and Key Photographers: An overview of different approaches in street photography, with analysis of influential figures such as Alex Webb, Garry Winogrand, Vivian Maier, among others.
10:30 – 11:30 · Composition: Visual technique for structuring images with balance, depth, and narrative tension.
11:30 – 11:45 · Break
11:45 – 12:30 · Ethics and Behaviour in the Street: A reflection on image rights, empathy, and ethical conduct in photographic practice.
12:30 – 13:00 · Practical Tools and Useful Apps: Recommendations for apps focused on editing, inspiration, and planning your photography sessions.
13:00 – 14:00 · Lunch Break
14:00 – 16:00 · Final Guided Street Photography Walk: A final shooting session on the streets, with continuous guidance and support from the instructors.
16:00 – 17:30 · Group Critique Session: A constructive group review focused on improving technical, narrative, and aesthetic aspects of the participants' work.
