STREET PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP - Porto (Festa de São João)
June 23 – 24, 2026
With Leica Ambassador Robin Schimko
Location: Porto, Portugal
EXPERIENCE STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IN PORTO DURING A SPECTACULAR EVENT
Every June, Porto comes alive for Festa de São João, the city’s most important and beloved celebration. Streets fill with music, laughter, fireworks, grilled sardines, and people carrying plastic hammers through the night. It is chaotic, joyful, and deeply rooted in local tradition.
This two-day workshop places you inside the rhythm of the festival. From daylight preparations and everyday street scenes to the intense nighttime celebrations along the river and in the historic districts, the focus is on learning how to photograph energy, emotion, and human interaction in a crowded, fast-changing environment.
Through guided walks, focused shooting exercises, and in-depth image reviews, you will learn how to anticipate moments as they unfold and create street photographs that feel layered, honest, and emotionally grounded.
WHY PORTO? WHY SÃO JOÃO?
Porto is a city shaped by light, rhythm, and human scale. Its steep streets, tight alleys, and riverfront neighborhoods create natural layers and constant visual tension, making it an ideal place for street photography.
During Festa de São João, the city opens up completely. What is usually quiet becomes playful and chaotic. Strangers interact freely, traditions spill into public space, and the line between everyday life and celebration disappears. From afternoon preparations to all-night street parties and fireworks over the Douro, the visual language of the city changes hour by hour.
São João is not a staged event. It is lived from within. That is what makes it so powerful to photograph, and why Porto during these two days offers such a rare and rewarding street photography experience.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This workshop is not about simply reacting to spectacle. It is about intention, awareness, and learning how to work with clarity in visually dense situations.
Each day combines guided shooting sessions with group discussions, one-on-one feedback, and targeted assignments designed to strengthen both your technical skills and your visual storytelling. The emphasis is on quality over quantity and on understanding how light, movement, and human behavior interact during large public celebrations.
HIGHLIGHTS
Guided street photography walks during Berlin.
Interesting events - There will be a few big evens happening during the weekend and the city will be full of people.
Portfolio review + personal feedback
Assignments tailored to your goals
1-on-1 mentoring sessions and group critique
Learn how to shoot fast, frame with intention, and deal with challenging light or fast-moving scenes
Gear talk, street technique tips, and advice for overcoming "approach anxiety"
Learn to see the extraordinary in the everyday — even in a crowd of thousands
WHO IS THIS FOR?
This workshop is for anyone passionate about street photography — from ambitious beginners to experienced shooters looking to go deeper. You don’t need to be a Leica user, but you should be comfortable with your gear and ready to shoot confidently in public spaces.
ABOUT YOUR MENTOR
I’m Robin Schimko, a photographer based in Heidelberg, Germany. I’ve been shooting street for over 15 years — mostly while on the road — and working with Leica since 2015. As a Leica Ambassador, I’ve led workshops, mentored photographers, and pursued long-term projects across Asia and Europe.
This workshop is a reflection of my own photographic journey — full of movement, culture, and moments of unexpected connection.
DETAILS
Dates: June 23–24, 2026
Location: Porto, Portugal
Group size: Max 6 participants
Skill level: Intermediate and above
Language: English / German
Workshop fee: 490€ (449€ Early Bird until March 31st)
Included: Mentoring, reviews, assignments, group walks
Not included: Travel, accommodation, meals, insurance
Note: Book early since there will be a lot of people in town needing accommodations.
READY TO JOIN?
If you’re ready for a weekend of high-adrenaline photography, intense cultural immersion, and personal growth with your camera — this is for you.
Let’s go deep. Let’s shoot hard. Let’s experience something unforgettable together.
Reserve your spot now.
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The exact meeting location will be communicated two week before the workshop.
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You'll need a digital camera capable of manual settings for exposure and focus. I recommend bringing a single lens with a focal length between 24 and 35mm (full frame equivalent). Shooting film is also an option, but ensure you can develop and scan the film on the same day, ready by the following morning. If you have additional questions about required gear, please reach out.
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We can make arrangements—just contact me before the workshop begins.
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If I need to cancel the workshop for any reason, a full refund will be provided. If you need to cancel, a full refund (minus a 10% administration fee) is available up to two months before the workshop. If you cancel within two months, you can attend any future workshop within one year from the original date at no extra cost.
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If you need help choosing a hotel, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to recommend the best areas to stay in and suggest options based on your preferences.