Paris
November 4 - 14, 2027
7 Days | Paris
4 Days | Paris Photo
Join Dan and Elena for an immersive seven days in Paris, one of our favorite cities. This workshop differs from others we’ve given in that each student will spend the entire week working on a single story — one of your own choosing, or one we suggest.
Every day you will focus on your individual projects, with each morning and evening reserved for going over your work with us, including editing, sequencing, problem solving and sharing ideas.
You will begin by proposing a story idea, conducting background research, identifying key characters, and planning access. The class emphasizes visual consistency, narrative structure, and the use of pairings and recurring motifs to carry meaning throughout. Writing also plays a role.
In addition to shooting, you will gather interviews, field notes and ephemera to integrate text and other elements with your images, with the intention of editing your work into a coherent body such as a photobook, magazine story, multimedia piece, or exhibition sequence that clearly communicates a layered, long-form story. Our workshop will conclude with a group show.
Overview
Paris Photo
For those who wish to continue after the workshop, we’re adding on four days to fully explore the Paris Photo Fair. Paris Photo is the largest international art fair dedicated to photography and image-based art, held each November at the Grand Palais. It brings together galleries, publishers, artists, collectors, curators, and institutions - a true cultural event.
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Exploring Paris Photo with Dan and Elena will be a fantastic opportunity to have concrete reference points for your own projects, particularly if you are building a portfolio or looking for a visual direction. We'll experience the intense energy of Paris during Photo week together. It will be incredible!
The fair includes book signings, artist talks, curated exhibitions, awards, and conversations with curators, collectors, and critics. The fair also extends beyond the Grand Palais through citywide exhibitions and related cultural programming.
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Included in this amazing opportunity are VIP passes allowing for early access and planned events and experiences, as well as private walk-throughs of the fair and an invite-only brunch with luminaries from the photo world. ​
Paris
Our Paris workshop will provide an incredible opportunity for deep, hands-on learning, offering participants the experience of conceptualizing a story idea and bringing it to completion under our guidance. This workshop emphasizes visual exploration, editing insights, and the development of meaningful bodies of work from direct experience.
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Students will have the opportunity to develop a feasible, well-researched story or project idea prior to the start of the masterclass. This idea should be a subject the student is passionate about and intends to focus on throughout the workshop.
We’ve designed this trip for intermediate photographers who want to deepen their visual voice and technical practice. Students will build on existing skills while exploring how photography can engage real communities, tell nuanced stories, and address social issues with care and intention.
Through daily shooting practice, image reviews, and guided critique, participants will refine structure, approach and composition, while considering ethics, access, representation, and the responsibilities of photographing people and places.
In the months leading up to the workshop, Elena and Dan will hear story ideas from you, help you refine them, and talk through the steps for success. For those who would like to be assigned a story, we will present ideas at this time.
Paris Photo Festival
The capital of two empires and home to centuries of history and a vibrant modern metropolis: Istanbul has enough layers to spend a lifetime exploring. Over five days we’ll experience the city's dynamic contrasts, from the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the bustling spice-scented alleys of the Grand Bazaar, to Balat, one of the fascinating neighborhood where Jews, Roma and Armenians have lived for centuries.
Split by the Bosphorus, both sides of this incredible city share a deep history, rich food culture, and a unique blend of East and West. Istanbul offers endless opportunities to make pictures and tell stories, from grand historical sites to everyday street life.
​​​We'll spend five nights in a central 4 star hotel.
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Details & Pricing
Paris
November 4 - 10
What's Included:​​
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Price reflects single accommodation for 7 nights
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2 pre-workshop zooms to craft story ideas and plan execution
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4 dinners with wine
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​Daily guidance and expert feedback from both Dan & Elena
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Morning & evening reviews in beautiful Paris hotel setting​
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Limited participants
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Notes and logistical assist
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Printing for end-of workshop exhibition
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Post-workshop Zoom review and project finalization
What's Excluded:
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Airfare from home country
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Travel and medical insurance
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Any fees or charges that you incur as a result of you canceling this trip once you have made a reservation
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Expenses related to arriving/departing early or late
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Expenses that fall outside of the above list
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Metro passes
*First Meet:
Introductions & dinner, 5 PM November 4
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Deposit of $1,000 to reserve space
Paris Photo Festival
November 10-14
What's Included:​​
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Price reflects single accommodation for 4 nights
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Breakfast and 2 dinners
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VIP passes to Paris Photo
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Private walk-through of fair
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Saturday morning invite-only brunch at Paris Photo
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​Photo walk
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Gallery and museum visits
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Artist studio visits when space allows
What's Excluded:
-
Airfare from home country
-
Travel and medical insurance
-
Any fees or charges that you incur as a result of you canceling this trip once you have made a reservation
-
Expenses related to arriving/departing early or late
-
Expenses that fall outside of the above list
-
Airport return
*First Meet:
Afternoon hotel: Paris Photo VIP event, November 10
*Last Meet:
Breakfast, November 14
Tirana
The capital, with a population of over half a million and growing more cosmopolitan with new restaurants, shops, and galleries joining the almost surrealist pastiche of testaments to the city’s past. Here, eras collide. We’ll visit Skanderbeg Square, recently renovated with new fountains and rosy granite paving, and home to an 18th-century mosque and minaret, a domed Albanian Orthodox church, a set of government buildings that echo the fascist architecture of Mussolini’s Italy and a Brutalist monolith that houses the National Historical Museum. We'll see the newly opened Secret Surveillance Museum and Bunk’Art, Dictator Hoxha’s five-story underground nuclear bunker.
We’ll spend the first two nights at the centrally located Rogner, an extremely comfortable hotel with a pool and spa.
Korce
Known as the Paris of Albania, Korce is a beloved city of cobblestone streets, high hills, historic spice and food bazaars, and plenty of busy bars and cafes. Renowned for its exceptional cuisine, like lakror--spinach and cheese pie whose recipe has been passed down through generations. Korce has a laid-back atmosphere with culturally significant architecture and museums.
We'll explore Korce's French-style villas, iconic cobblestone boulevards, medieval art and photography collection and, of course, sample the famous beer of Korce.
Shkoder
This beautiful and historic city is situated between Lake Shkoder and the foothills of the Albanian Alps. It is one of the oldest and continuously inhabited cities in the Balkans. Shkoder is regarded as the traditional capital of Northern Albania and is renown for its arts, culture and religious diversity.
We’ll have a curator-led walk through of the Marubi National Museum of Photography, a gorgeous, modern archive showcasing the history of photography in the city of Shkoder. We’ll visit renown churches and mosques as well as the Venice Art Mask Factory where "30,000 masks per year are made using the labour-intensive cartapesta technique”. For those who wish to bike, we’ll pedal around Lake Shkoder and visit a small atilier of traditional women weavers.
Two nights will be spent at Hotel Tradita, a boutique inn with incredible charm, delicious food and homemade liqueur.
Voskopoje
While based in Korce we'll visit the beautiful, high mountain village of Voskopoja, known for its spectacular post-Byzantine-style churches with floor-to-ceiling icon paintings. We’ll dine at a mountain restaurant with some of the best traditional food in the country.
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Berat
Berat is a charming and beloved city as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A striking feature is the collection of white Ottoman houses that dot the hills to the castle. Berat is surrounded by mountains, and locals flock to the outdoor cafes lining the Osum river that runs through the city. We'll be guided through the city by a native Berati.
Lodging for one night in a centrally located hotel.
Shkoder
This beautiful and historic city is situated between Lake Shkoder and the foothills of the Albanian Alps. It is one of the oldest and continuously inhabited cities in the Balkans. Shkoder is regarded as the traditional capital of Northern Albania and is renown for its arts, culture and religious diversity.
We’ll have a curator-led walk through of the Marubi National Museum of Photography, a gorgeous, modern archive showcasing the history of photography in the city of Shkoder. We’ll visit renown churches and mosques as well as the Venice Art Mask Factory where "30,000 masks per year are made using the labour-intensive cartapesta technique”. For those who wish to bike, we’ll pedal around Lake Shkoder and visit a small atilier of traditional women weavers.
Two nights will be spent at Hotel Tradita, a boutique inn with incredible charm, delicious food and homemade liqueur.
Beirut
Beirut embodies the beauty and spirit of Lebanon. With its liberal (hedonistic?) leanings it is one of the great capitals of the Middle East. Inhabited by about two million people, it is a city full of history, emotions and division. Although the scars of the past are visible on the surfaces of the buildings, Beirut is a safe, vibrant and exciting city.
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Beirut’s history started about 5,000 years ago. At one point it was completely destroyed by an earthquake and tidal wave. After World War I most of its ancient quarters were demolished and replaced by Oriental style buildings. At the beginning of the French mandate in 1920, Beirut established itself as the 'Paris of the Middle East,’ and became the capital of Greater Lebanon. It is in this fabled city where we’ll begin our photography workshop.
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We’ll spend three days photographing throughout the distinctive neighborhoods of Mar Michael, Hamra, Aschrafieh, Gemmaze, Sursock and the Corniche--the iconic promenade which pulses with activity. Of course, we’ll eat (and drink) and partake in a bit of the city’s famed nightlife.
Byblos & Tripoli
Leaving Beirut we'll head north up the coast to the archeological site of Byblos, and the ancient city of Tripoli, offering two very distinct shooting and cultural experiences.
Byblos, a UNESCO world heritage city, has been continuously inhabited for centuries. It was here that the Phoenician alphabet was developed. Tripoli is the country’s second largest city, and one of the most traditional places in Lebanon. Predominantly Sunni, Tripoli is a friendly and lively city with beautiful architecture, traditional souks full of artisans, and the World's Fairgrounds--Oskar Neirmeyer's unfinished architectural wonder. In between these two cities we’ll stop for lunch in the surf town of Batroun.
We’ll spend one night in a mountain hotel in Ehden
The Cedars
The bread basket of Lebanon, the Bekka Valley, is reknown for its beautiful andscapes and emphasis on food and all things local. Here, we’ll spend time photographing and hiking in small villages and experience the famous Shouf Biosphere and Cedar Forest, the same trees cited in the Bible. The Shouf is one of the oldest documented forests in history, estimated to be 2,000 years old. The reserve incorporates the Ammiq Wetland, a remnant of the extensive marshes and lakes that once covered parts of the beloved Bekaa Valley. This is one of our favorite places in Lebanon.
We'll end our day at Tawlet Ammiq, one of the most beloved eco- restaurants featuring local and sustainable home-grown food and wine--and a fantastic atmosphere.
Qadisha Valley
The Qadisha Valley is one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world, and a UNESCO world heritage site. Here, there are several incredible monasteries, some carved directly into the mountains. After exploring the ancient sites we'll hike among the wildflowers in the valley below, with a view of Lebanon’s highest peak (Qornet As Sawda) soaring above. This is truly a peaceful and beautiful part of the country. Nearby, we’ll also visit the Kahlil Gibran museum, Lebanon’s most beloved poet.
Baalbek & Bekka Valley
From the Qadisha Valley we’ll make our way east to the ancient town of Baalbek, inhabited as early as 9000 BCE, and an important pilgrimage site in the ancient world for the worship of the sky-god Baal.We’ll spend the afternoon wandering through the magnificently preserved Temple of Bacchus and the vast adjacent Temple of Jupiter.
Two nights will be spent at a hotel in the gorgeous Bekka Valley.
Tyre
We’ll continue south to Tyre, an ancient port on the edge of the Mediterranean and, at 4,000 years, one of the oldest cities in the world. The historic souks and Ottoman-style architecture offer a full-sensory experience. We’ll explore a tangle of busy, winding streets, historical markets, and seaside life. Tyre’s religious divide is microcosmic of Lebanon’s larger struggles, where historically constructed sectarian differences resulted in territorial demarcations. Despite past conflicts, the heart of Tyre remains warm and hospitable.
We'll spend one night in a centrally located Hotel.
Making our way back to Beirut we’ll stop in Saidon to sample their famous sweets and pastries and, if time allows, photograph inside a traditional soap factory.
Beirut
Beirut embodies the beauty and spirit of Lebanon. With its liberal (hedonistic?) leanings it is one of the great capitals of the Middle East. Inhabited by about two million people, it is a city full of history, emotions and division. Although the scars of the past are visible on the surfaces of the buildings, Beirut is a safe, vibrant and exciting city.
​
Beirut’s history started about 5,000 years ago. At one point it was completely destroyed by an earthquake and tidal wave. After World War I most of its ancient quarters were demolished and replaced by Oriental style buildings. At the beginning of the French mandate in 1920, Beirut established itself as the 'Paris of the Middle East,’ and became the capital of Greater Lebanon. It is in this fabled city where we’ll begin our photography workshop.
​
We’ll spend three days photographing throughout the distinctive neighborhoods of Mar Michael, Hamra, Aschrafieh, Gemmaze, Sursock and the Corniche--the iconic promenade which pulses with activity. Of course, we’ll eat (and drink) and partake in a bit of the city’s famed nightlife.
Byblos & Tripoli
Leaving Beirut we'll head north up the coast to the archeological site of Byblos, and the ancient city of Tripoli, offering two very distinct shooting and cultural experiences.
Byblos, a UNESCO world heritage city, has been continuously inhabited for centuries. It was here that the Phoenician alphabet was developed. Tripoli is the country’s second largest city, and one of the most traditional places in Lebanon. Predominantly Sunni, Tripoli is a friendly and lively city with beautiful architecture, traditional souks full of artisans, and the World's Fairgrounds--Oskar Neirmeyer's unfinished architectural wonder. In between these two cities we’ll stop for lunch in the surf town of Batroun.
We’ll spend one night in a mountain hotel in Ehden
The Cedars
The bread basket of Lebanon, the Bekka Valley, is reknown for its beautiful andscapes and emphasis on food and all things local. Here, we’ll spend time photographing and hiking in small villages and experience the famous Shouf Biosphere and Cedar Forest, the same trees cited in the Bible. The Shouf is one of the oldest documented forests in history, estimated to be 2,000 years old. The reserve incorporates the Ammiq Wetland, a remnant of the extensive marshes and lakes that once covered parts of the beloved Bekaa Valley. This is one of our favorite places in Lebanon.
We'll end our day at Tawlet Ammiq, one of the most beloved eco- restaurants featuring local and sustainable home-grown food and wine--and a fantastic atmosphere.
Qadisha Valley
The Qadisha Valley is one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world, and a UNESCO world heritage site. Here, there are several incredible monasteries, some carved directly into the mountains. After exploring the ancient sites we'll hike among the wildflowers in the valley below, with a view of Lebanon’s highest peak (Qornet As Sawda) soaring above. This is truly a peaceful and beautiful part of the country. Nearby, we’ll also visit the Kahlil Gibran museum, Lebanon’s most beloved poet.
Baalbek & Bekka Valley
From the Qadisha Valley we’ll make our way east to the ancient town of Baalbek, inhabited as early as 9000 BCE, and an important pilgrimage site in the ancient world for the worship of the sky-god Baal.We’ll spend the afternoon wandering through the magnificently preserved Temple of Bacchus and the vast adjacent Temple of Jupiter.
Two nights will be spent at a hotel in the gorgeous Bekka Valley.
Tyre
We’ll continue south to Tyre, an ancient port on the edge of the Mediterranean and, at 4,000 years, one of the oldest cities in the world. The historic souks and Ottoman-style architecture offer a full-sensory experience. We’ll explore a tangle of busy, winding streets, historical markets, and seaside life. Tyre’s religious divide is microcosmic of Lebanon’s larger struggles, where historically constructed sectarian differences resulted in territorial demarcations. Despite past conflicts, the heart of Tyre remains warm and hospitable.
We'll spend one night in a centrally located Hotel.
Making our way back to Beirut we’ll stop in Saidon to sample their famous sweets and pastries and, if time allows, photograph inside a traditional soap factory.
