About The Workshop

Shanghai is a city of contrasts, where centuries of heritage meet one of the world’s most dynamic urban landscapes. This immersive two-day documentary photography workshop invites participants to explore the city through a cinematic and artistic approach, focusing on observation, light, composition, and emotion. From historic neighbourhoods and traditional markets to modern architecture and urban spaces, participants will learn to see Shanghai not only as a place to photograph, but as a living story of people, culture, and transformation. Through careful observation and visual storytelling, they will create images that move beyond documentation to reveal atmosphere, rhythm, and human connection.

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Workshop Overview

Over two days, participants will develop a deeper approach to documentary photography, exploring Shanghai’s streets, architecture, and everyday life as a visual narrative. Through guided shooting sessions, discussions, image critiques, and personal mentoring, photographers will refine their understanding of composition, light, timing, and storytelling. The workshop focuses on transforming ordinary moments into meaningful photographs that combine documentary truth with cinematic expression.

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Workshop Structure

Day 1 | Discovering Shanghai: Light, Rhythm & Human Stories

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Morning | The Traditional Heart of Shanghai

Explore historic neighbourhoods, narrow streets, local markets, and hidden corners of the city. Participants will focus on observing daily life, human interaction, and the small moments that reveal the character of Shanghai.

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Midday | Urban Movement & Visual Rhythm

Photograph the energy of the modern city through bridges, riversides, public spaces, and changing urban environments. Participants will explore movement, reflections, light, and composition to create stronger visual narratives.

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Afternoon | Between Heritage and Modernity

Discover the meeting point between Shanghai’s past and future, photographing traditional architecture alongside the city’s iconic skyline. The focus will be on creating images with emotional depth, atmosphere, and cinematic quality.

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Day 2 | Creating a Documentary Story

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Morning | Seeing with Intention

Return to the city with a stronger sense of observation, developing connections between individual photographs and building a cohesive visual narrative.

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Midday | Human Presence & Urban Atmosphere

Focus on gestures, encounters, and moments of interaction that reveal the social and emotional character of Shanghai. Participants will learn how to capture images that communicate feeling as well as information.

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Afternoon | The City as a Visual Story

The workshop concludes by bringing together architecture, landscape, and human experience into a personal photographic series that reflects Shanghai’s unique identity and the participant’s own creative vision.

 

 

What Is Included

• Two full days of guided documentary photography with Gaylan Nazhad

• Cinematic and artistic approach to urban, architectural, and human-centred photography

• Guided shooting sessions across selected Shanghai locations

• Group discussions and image critique sessions

• Personal mentoring and creative guidance

• Location guidance and local transportation during the workshop

• Lunch and coffee breaks

• Certificate of Completion

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What Is Not Included

• Camera equipment or photography accessories

• Breakfast and dinner

• Travel to and from the workshop starting point

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses

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Workshop Philosophy

This workshop is not only about photographing Shanghai, but about learning how to truly see.

Through patience, curiosity, and a documentary approach, participants will develop a stronger visual awareness and learn how everyday moments can become powerful photographic stories.