Where there is light, there is movement,

and where there is movement, there is story.  "Gaylan Nazhad"

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About The Workshop​

China is a country of remarkable contrasts, where centuries of tradition meet one of the world's most dynamic urban landscapes. From the historic streets and striking skyline of Shanghai to the tropical coastline and fishing communities of Hainan Island, this immersive seven-day workshop invites participants to document contemporary China through a cinematic and artistic approach, focusing on observation, light, composition, and emotion. Participants will learn to photograph what is felt as much as what is seen, translating atmosphere, gesture, and everyday life into expressive visual narratives.

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Guided by Gaylan Nazhad, participants will explore both metropolitan and coastal environments, photographing people, architecture, landscapes, and the subtle moments that reveal the character of modern China. The workshop emphasises patience, intention, and sequencing, transforming individual photographs into a cohesive documentary story that reflects both reality and artistic vision.

 

 

Workshop Overview

Over seven days, participants will combine urban, landscape, and human-centred photography into a documentary narrative as an art form. Through guided photographic walks, discussions, critiques, and one-to-one mentoring, participants will refine technical control, compositional skill, and cinematic storytelling while developing a personal visual language.

 

 

Workshop Structure ​

Day 1 | Arrival in Shanghai

Welcome dinner and introduction. Gaylan Nazhad presents his photographic philosophy and documentary approach, followed by participant introductions and portfolio sharing.

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Day 2 | Observing Shanghai

Explore Shanghai's old neighbourhoods, markets, waterfront, and modern districts, focusing on observation, light, rhythm, composition, and human interaction. Evening discussion on documentary storytelling.

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Day 3 | Shanghai, Story and Sequence

Morning photography session through traditional streets and public spaces. Afternoon critique, editing, and sequencing to develop each participant's visual narrative.

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Day 4 | Travel to Hainan Island

Morning flight to Hainan. Photograph the transition from city to coast as part of the documentary journey. Sunset photography session along the island's tropical shoreline.

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Days 5 | Coastal Life

Photograph fishing villages, beaches, local communities, markets, and tropical landscapes during morning and evening sessions. One-to-one mentoring focuses on emotion, composition, and cinematic framing.

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Day 6 | Personal Documentary Project

Participants develop their own visual story while receiving individual guidance throughout the day. Evening editing session and discussion on sequencing and narrative development.

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Day 7 | Presentation and Celebration

Final review and presentation of each participant's documentary project, followed by a closing celebration before departure.

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Note

This workshop is immersive and designed to maximise each participant's creative and artistic potential. The schedule is structured yet flexible, adapting to light, weather, and photographic opportunities. Participants will experience two very different regions of China while developing a deeper understanding of documentary photography, cinematic storytelling, and artistic observation.​​​​​​​

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What is Included​

• Guided photographic walks, discussions, and critique sessions

• Professional lecturing and personal guidance by Gaylan Nazhad

• Certificate of Completion

• Accommodation in 4 or 5 star hotels

• Daily breakfast and lunch

• Welcome dinner

• One farewell celebration dinner

• One domestic flight within China

• All local transportation

• Full travel guiding and logistical support

• Custom packing list and equipment recommendations

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What is Not Included​

• Cameras or photography equipment

• International flights

• Any form of insurance

• Dinner meals, except the welcome and farewell dinners

• Alcoholic drinks

• Personal expenses

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IMPORTANT 

Before booking a workshop led by any photographer around the world Read This Article