STREET PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP - Tokyo Halloween Edition
October 26 - November 1, 2026
With Leica Ambassador Robin Schimko
Location: Tokyo, Japan
ELECTRIC, CINEMATIC, AND ENDLESSLY SURPRISING - DISCOVER STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IN TOKYO
Every autumn, Tokyo takes on a unique atmosphere. The city is already one of the world's most fascinating places for street photography, but during Halloween, familiar streets transform into an extraordinary visual playground. Costumes, neon lights, crowds, and everyday commuters merge into scenes that feel surreal, cinematic, and completely unpredictable.
This seven-day workshop combines the intensity of Tokyo's Halloween celebrations with the city's quieter neighborhoods, allowing you to experience both the spectacle and the subtle moments that make Tokyo one of the greatest street photography destinations in the world.
From Shibuya Crossing and Shinjuku after dark to the calmer streets of Yanaka, Asakusa, and Koenji, we'll explore the many faces of Tokyo while refining your ability to observe, anticipate, and create meaningful photographs.
WHY TOKYO? WHY HALLOWEEN?
Tokyo is a city built on contrast. Ancient temples stand beside futuristic skyscrapers, quiet residential streets are only minutes away from the busiest intersections in the world, and moments of complete solitude exist within one of the largest metropolitan areas on Earth.
Halloween adds another fascinating layer. Thousands of people fill the streets dressed in elaborate costumes, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Yet beyond the spectacle, Tokyo remains Tokyo. Between the crowds are moments of everyday life, unexpected interactions, and quiet human stories waiting to be discovered.
This workshop isn't simply about photographing costumes. It's about learning how to work in one of the world's most visually complex cities, balancing observation with instinct, and creating photographs that go beyond the obvious.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This workshop is about developing your ability to see beneath the surface of one of the world's busiest cities.
Each day combines guided street photography walks, image reviews, one-on-one mentoring, and practical assignments designed to strengthen your technical skills and visual storytelling. Together we'll explore different neighborhoods, adapting our approach to changing light, pace, and atmosphere.
HIGHLIGHTS
Throughout the week we'll photograph Tokyo's most iconic districts alongside lesser-known neighborhoods, experiencing everything from the controlled chaos of Shibuya to the quieter streets where everyday life unfolds at a slower pace.
We'll focus on composition, layering, gesture, color, light, and anticipation while discussing camera settings, zone focusing, working efficiently in crowds, and approaching people respectfully. Daily editing sessions and portfolio reviews ensure that every shooting session becomes a learning experience.
Halloween weekend provides a unique opportunity to photograph an extraordinary urban celebration, while the days before allow us to explore Tokyo beyond the costumes and discover why it remains one of the world's greatest cities for street photography.
YOU’LL LEAVE WITH
You'll leave with greater confidence working in dense urban environments, stronger instincts for anticipating moments, and a more refined visual language.
More importantly, you'll develop a deeper understanding of how to photograph one of the world's most dynamic cities with patience, intention, and authenticity.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
This workshop is for photographers who want more than “lucky shots.” Whether you’ve been shooting for years or are just starting to take your practice seriously, if you’re ready to go deep, this is for you.
You don’t need to shoot with a Leica - all gear types are welcome.
We’ll work hard, shoot a lot, and have honest conversations about your strengths, blind spots, and potential.
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: October 26th - November 1st, 2026
Location: Tokyo
Group size: Max 6 participants
Skill level: Intermediate and above
Language: English
Workshop fee: € 1,150 (1050€ Early Bird until September 30)
Included: Mentoring, group walks, reviews, assignments
Not included: Travel, accommodation, insurance, meals
STAY READY. STAY CURIOUS.
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
In Hong Kong, opportunity never stops moving - and this workshop will teach you how to keep up, see deeper, and photograph with purpose.
READY TO JOIN?
If you’re ready for five days 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.
![Tokyo STREET PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP [October 26 - Nov. 1st, 2026]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6098ed11cdf0281647e0ad4f/955ca1f1-4fab-430f-ac37-32035748ac14/Bildschirmfoto+2026-09-05+um+14.58.29.png)
See the dedicated workshop page for details. (click here)
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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.