In a city full of noise, movement, and visual clutter, discovering simplicity can be a powerful creative act. This unique street photography workshop explores the art of minimalism— learning to strip away distractions and find poetic, clean compositions in the most unexpected urban corners.
Whether you're working with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, this workshop will train your eye to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, emphasizing form, negative space, contrast, and subtle storytelling.
Montmartre, with its artistic legacy, winding streets, and vibrant atmosphere, might not seem minimalist at first glance. But hidden in the textures of old walls, quiet staircases, soft morning light, and isolated figures, there is a world of visual poetry waiting to be discovered.
This street photography workshop invites you to explore Abbesses and Montmartre through a minimalist lens — finding balance, silence, and simplicity in a place known for its lively spirit.
What to Expect:
• Intro to Minimalist Photography. Begin with a short theoretical session on how to approach minimalist composition in street photography — focusing on negative space, geometry, contrast, and emotional simplicity.
• Guided Photo Walk through Montmartre. Starting at Place des Abbesses, wander through lesser-known corners of Montmartre: quiet stairways, narrow alleys, soft façades, minimal graffiti, solitary figures, and hidden architectural lines — perfect for minimalist storytelling.
• Creative Challenges. Participate in visual exercises that challenge you to subtract rather than add — working with natural elements, or empty space to compose your shots.
• Shoot with Any Device. Whether you bring a smartphone, DSLR, or film camera, this workshop is about vision, not gear.
• Feedback & Coffee Discussion. End the session in a local café with a friendly group discussion and feedback on your work — sharing perspectives and learning from each other.
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The class begins with a brief photography lesson at a cozy café*, followed by a guided exploration of the area with photography assignments. The tutor will be available to answer all your questions throughout the session.
At the end we will have a friendly feedback session, where we will review and analyze your images, providing suggestions for improvement.
*Please note: Personal costs at the café are not covered.
Requirements:
- Suitable for photography and art lovers of all levels.
- Suitable for all kinds of digital cameras and smart phones.
About the Instructor
Juan Manuel Abellán is a professional fine art photographer and photography tutor based in Paris since 2007. He graduated in Advertising and Visual Arts and holds a Master in Art, Philosophy and Aesthetics, specializing in Photography and Contemporary Art. He has worked with the agency Magnum Photo and exhibited his work in several exhibitions, including the Centre Georges Pompidou, Festival Circulation(s) and Made Anywhere (Fondation Fiminco). Passionate about photography, Juan Manuel works as a freelance photographer specializing in portrait, reportage and fine art photography. He also leads photography adventure tours around the world.
www.juanmanuelabellan.com
https://www.instagram.com/juanmanuelabellan/
Photo Credits
1. Valeria N.
2. Juan Manuel Abellán
