New York City! Do we need to say anything else? We think it’s the greatest city on earth for street photography; it is the home of my birth; it is the city to which I always return.
We began our workshops here in 2019; we always start our workshops each year here; and we always have a blast with wonderful, like-minded people here.
Come join us! Space is limited. Early bird discount until January 15th.
NB: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU’VE READ THE ENTIRE PAGE, PAYING SPECIAL ATTENTION TO OUR SECTIONS ON LIABILITY, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICIES. BY REGISTERING TO ATTEND ANY OF OUR WORKSHOPS, YOU ARE AGREEING TO THESE TERMS. NOTHING ONEROUS (GOLDEN RULE STUFF), BUT IMPORTANT NONETHELESS!
BERLIN: SO MUCH HISTORY, SO MANY LESSONS, SUCH INTERESTING PEOPLE!
I first visited Berlin more than 20 years ago and had this exceptionally odd feeling of being at home. Don’t ask me why, because I have no idea. My next visit was in 2012, and as I dug deeper I could feel — and see — history: humanity gone wrong; humanity gone right; redemption and lessons for all of us.
WHAT WE DO
In each workshop, we’ll help you grow your street photography skills — and have a blast doing it. We’ll delve into the history of street photography; go broad and deep on gear choices and techniques including how to approach people on the street; teach you how to expose and compose effectively; go through multiple rounds of constructive critique in a uniquely supportive way; perhaps even challenge you on the meaning of your work to help you hone or find your unique artistic “voice.”
Most importantly of all? We’ll get you out on some of the world’s greatest streets with like-minded photographers!
OUR AGENDA
Our four day workshops start at 1:00PM on the first day and finish at noon on the fourth. We hold a group dinner our last night together. On days 2 and 3, count on much more than 8 hour days - keep your evenings free for HOMEWORK!!
You can anticipate anywhere between 3 and 7 miles of walking each day (a function of our start and end times, as well as weather and group preferences). A detailed agenda will be supplied approximately two weeks before each workshop starts. Please consider all of our materials (including the agenda) proprietary and do not share.
Beyond our official hours, we will also - depending again on weather and the demeanor of the group — offer optional shooting sessions before and after these hours in order to take advantage of the light.
You can anticipate homework (OMG!), specifically around curation and editing.
You will want a decent-sized laptop or tablet and editing software for that homework, and we encourage you to set up an Instagram and WhatsApp accounts if you do not already have them. We’ll tell you more about that once you arrive.
SPACE IS LIMITED, SO PLEASE DO ACT EARLY. WE LIMIT OUR WORKSHOPS TO TEN SEATS. Early bird discounts automatically applied at checkout; early bird discount offers expire 90 days before each workshop starts.
NB: our workshops are dedicated to the amateur spirit, whether you are an enthusiast or professional. We do, however, expect everyone to be proficient with their equipment, from cameras and computers to editing software and the basics of social media. If you’re not there yet, get cracking! These workshops are too fast-paced to allow for individual instruction in the basics. If you have questions, or need a little help ahead of time, please contact us at hugh@3bmep.com.
TESTIMONIALS
““Hugh and Claudia’s workshops are special. They will help you discover your unique perspective on the world versus teaching you a bunch of Lightroom hacks. They will help you understand the principle of bearing witness to humanity vs just trying to capture candid snapshots. Working with them will make you a better photographer and may even prove to you that you’re actually an artist. Highly recommended.”
“[A]n amazing workshop… the love of photography translated into a love for life…”
“I had a blast… I grew so much as a photographer in multiple ways…”
”One of the most emotionally beneficial experiences in my life.”
”Convivial, encouraging and had depth from approach to editing and composition… I discovered my “why” as to my motivation for enjoying the photographic process.”
”I learned so much about street photography but I feel like I learned a lot about myself as well. I cannot thank you enough.”
”Your ability to show your compassion, interest, and intelligence served as a magnet for likeminded people. I couldn’t have asked for a better group. “
”…Hugh and Claudia fostered inclusion and respect for each of us as an individual artist….a safe harbor, a supportive cadre! I can’t imagine a better environment for growth.”
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ABOUT US
We are the husband and wife team behind the Three Blind Men & An Elephant YouTube channel; we are street photographers. We are SO excited to share our love and passion for street photography with you!
Hugh is a writer, photographer, filmmaker, and Webby award-winning YouTuber (The Art of Street Photography with B&H) born and raised in New York. With Claudia, he produces and is the voice and face of the YouTube channel Three Blind Men & An Elephant. They’ve created more than 300 videos on gear & conversations with imaging industry luminaries including legendary photographers Elliott Erwitt and Joel Meyerowitz; Director of the Henrí Cartier-Bresson Foundation Agnès Sire; International Center of Photography Executive Director Mark Lubell; Leica Camera Chairman Dr. Andreas Kauffman; Blackmagic Americas President Dan May; Cooke Optics Chairman Les Zellan; and co-founder of Staley-Wise Gallery Etheleen Staley and many more.
Both of Hugh’s limited edition runs of Streets of New York, The Book sold out.
You can see his work here; you’ll find his most recent images on Instagram.
Hugh fell in love with photography the moment he held a Kodachrome slide up to the light for the very first time; you can learn more about that in this short film produced in association with the Stadtbibliothek der Trier and others in Germany. He built his first darkroom by the age of 12; worked in a camera store by 14; ran a summer camp photography program by 16; taught a section in Cornell University’s Psychology department (“The Interface between Psychology and Photography”) by 21.
His love for and knowledge of the art are clear; his enthusiasm, infectious.
““[T]hree and a half days away from work, family, friends, obligations, just doing something you love with people whose work you are astonished by, is very special.”
“Hugh and Claudia delivered exactly what their website promised me way back when I signed up. The amount of work put into those workshop days and nights (both before AND during) was *so* impressive —- as is the generous spirit with which they brought each of us into their process and encouraged us to find our own. Bravo, Brownstones!”
”A great learning experience.”
”Seriously one of the best things I’ve ever done for my photography!
”An unexpected bonding experience.”
”A privilege and an honor to roam the streets of lower Manhattan in such good company. What a group! What an experience! What a life! “
”We absolutely loved being there.”
”[A] wonderful experience meeting folk I’d love to see again one day. How about a re-union sometime?? “
”Priceless.”
”Looking forward to our next encounter!!!””