Explore the Streets of Naples Workshop 2025. © Bjørn Joachimsen.

The city of Naples offers an endless array of exciting photography opportunities. During a seven-day photo workshop, you will explore this vibrant city with its narrow streets, market places, tiny squares, and an abundance of wonderful buildings. In this workshop, we will concentrate our work on the large city centre and its adjacent areas. With Tore Utheim and Bjørn Joachimsen as instructors and workshop leaders, you will be inspired to be brave when photographing in the streets of Naples. They will share from all their experience in street photography from early to late throughout the workshop. [Naples, 5-11th May 2025]

Registration deadline: 20th February 2025
Maximum number of participants: 12
Workshop Time Frame:
• Start: 5th May at 2:00 PM
• End: 11th May at 8:00 PM@
Workshop Fee: EUR 1450
Click here to go directly to the registration form.
After the workshop, there will be a collective photography exhibition featuring works from all participants. The costs associated with the production of the exhibition are included in the workshop. The event is sponsored by Stavanger Foto and Epson.

Read more about the workshop below the image.

Explore the Streets of Naples Workshop 2025. ©Tore Utheim.

Ambitions and Goals for the Workshop

The purpose of the workshop is to create an environment for developing your photography skills, which will be useful when photographing during travels, whether it’s people or architecture. Bring your digital or analog camera and join us in exploring the photographic opportunities in the exciting city of Naples. The value of a workshop also lies in the community, photographing together and getting to know other photography enthusiasts.

A workshop is a learning and inspiration community with unique qualities for those who want to develop their photography skills. In this workshop, you'll work in two small groups of a maximum of six participants, ensuring close follow-up throughout. We emphasise professional development, mutual inspiration, and a pleasant social environment. Each evening, we gather for dinner and conversation at one of the many excellent restaurants in Naples.

Read more about the workshop below the image.

Naples

Wonderfully situated in a natural amphitheatre beneath the volcano Vesuvius, the city was founded by the Greeks, who named it Parthenope, in 700 BC. Later, it was renamed Neapolis (the new city), from which its current name has derived. As it has been continuously inhabited ever since, it is one of Europe’s most ancient cities. The historic centre, the largest in Europe and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is quite extraordinary and one area we will cover in detail.

Read more about the workshop below the image.

Throughout its history, spanning over 2,700 years, it has developed dramatically. After the philosophically oriented Greeks, Roman rule followed and under Augustus, once again, the city flourished. Over the following years it was ruled by several foreign powers, notably the French and Spanish. Worth mentioning are the Viking-descended Normans under whose rule the city flourished once again during the time of Richard II of Normandy and, in particular, the House of Bourbon who ruled with enlightened despotism during the reign of Charles of Bourbon and his successors. As any Neapolitan would proudly tell you, the Bourbon era was a golden age for the city, as evidenced by the many palaces and monumental buildings from this time. However, long periods of unrest followed, particularly during the unification wars. Ultimately, on March 17th. 1861, Giuseppe Garibaldi could finally declare the unification of Italy from a balcony on Piazza Dante in Naples and the city transformed into its current status.

A cultural development from the 1700s deserves particular attention. Naples was the endpoint of the Grand Tour for aristocratic youth from Northern Europe and by the early 1800s it had become a tourist magnet thanks to its natural beauty, its history and, then as now, its people. Artists adapted to this new market of tourism by developing a school of quick painting techniques where paintings were made on site, depicting exotic scenes which travelers from the north could bring home as souvenirs. As photographers of Naples we follow a long and proud tradition and the expression from those days, “See Naples and die,” still holds validity.

Finally, this beautiful city offers everything but boredom. The people are friendly, lively, full of humour and, not least, courageous. Throughout the centuries they have endured periods of unimaginable hardship, such as Allied bombings during the Second World War, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fires, plagues, and more. Nonetheless, in spite of all those strains they have optimistically shaken it off and carried on with their lives without losing hope and love for their city. One can safely say that with its fascinating history and vibrant atmosphere today it will always attract photographers like a magnet. You could roam the streets of this wonderful city day in and day out for years and always discover something new and as one of the workshop leaders who has lived in Naples for years says: “For a street shooter? You would never have a dull moment”.

Photo: Bjørn Joachimsen.

LOCATIONS

The most important locations will be:

The Historic Centre
Sanità
The Spanish Quarter
San Ferdinando
San Giuseppe
Forzella

Photo: Tore Utheim.

The historic centre of Naples contains the core of its history over 27 centuries. It’s unique in numerous ways, with its ancient Greek road layout and wonderful buildings erected with the local and readily available material, tufo (petrified volcanic ash), and remains of the city walls. Small chapels and richly decorated churches abound, with Duomo di San Gennaro a Napoli being the most famous. One of its most fascinating areas is the famous Forcella, with its small shops of all kinds and miniature markets in its narrow streets, featuring iconic laundry lines crisscrossing above your head. For good reason, it has been one of the prime locations for filmmakers.

Sanità

Once a Roman burial site, Sanità later became a glamorous area for the Naples’ aristocracy, as seen in its palaces. Over time, it transformed into a working-class neighborhood, facing poverty and decline. Now days however, its narrow alleys and lively streets make it a favourite for photographers.

The Spanish Quarter

Built in the 16th century to accommodate Spanish troops, this grid-like area is now one of Naples’ most vibrant spots. It’s packed with character with laundry on balconies, buzzing scooters, and locals enjoying their coffee in the streets. Plenty of bars and restaurants add to its charm.

San Ferdinando

This elegant waterfront district is history packed with landmarks like Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace and Teatro di San Carlo, Europe’s oldest opera house. Not to be missed is Castel dell’Ovo and the stunning Galleria Umberto I for shopping and views.

MONTECALVARIO

Montecalvario sits next to the Spanish Quarter and is home to the start of Spaccanapoli, a straight street slicing through the city. Heading up to Vomero and Castel Sant'Elmo will offer breathtaking views of Naples and Vesuvius with Spaccanapoli cutting the city in half as with a knife.

Forcella

Forcella is a lively part of Naples’ historic center. Its busy streets, tiny bars, pizza places, and shops give it an authentic, timeless vibe. Among the chaos, you’ll find monumental buildings, beautiful churches and centuries-old living spaces.

What can you expect from us?

We will be present and available for you as a participant.
We will provide professional guidance and assistance throughout the entire workshop experience.
We will share all of our photography knowledge and skills.

What do we expect from you?

You should set aside all hours of the day to work on photography.
You should follow all joint teaching plans during the workshop.
You should work independently and on your own.
You should actively seek guidance during the workshop.
You should remember to charge the camera batteries before each workshop day.
You should contact us before, during, and after the workshop if you need help of any kind.

During the workshop, we will work on night photography, which always presents a certain challenge for photographers. Although darkness is demanding, there is always plenty of exciting light to take advantage of. I will share all my knowledge on how we can create successful photographs after dark and how we can find light that can set fascinating moods.

During the workshop, we will also teach how we work with street photography, which involves capturing images of people in the urban landscape. How to observe, position yourself, and capture the decisive moments? How to establish contact with strangers to gain acceptance for taking portraits? These are some of the challenges we will work on.

Practical Information - Explore the streets of Naples Workshop 2025

TIME FRAME

5 to 11th May 2025.

Start: 5th May at 2:00 PM
End: 11th May at 8:00 PM

Note: This means that you should be prepared for your return journey on 12 May 2025.

INSTRUCTORS

Bjørn Joachimsen
Tore Utheim

WORKSHOP LANGUAGE

English
Individual tuition in Norwegian upon request.

TRAVEL

Flight suggestions from Oslo

Oslo Gardermoen - Naples: Monday, 5 May 2025, 07:00 –10:15.
Naples – Oslo Gardermoen: Monday 12 May 2025, 11:15–14:30.

Wait to book flights until you have confirmed your spot in the workshop.

You must have travel insurance that covers the trip.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is not included in the course fee and can be booked at the VPM Rooms Hotel. Wait to book accommodation until you have confirmation on your spot in the workshop. The accommodation costs 595 euros for the entire stay (Monday to Monday), for a single occupancy room, including breakfast. The cost is paid directly to VPM Rooms. Book your stay by writing an email to VPM Rooms at info@vpmrooms.it. Use the reference number 1298/2025 when contacting them. Please do not use the hotel’s online booking or booking agents such as booking.com or hotels.com, as the rooms for the workshop have already been pre-reserved by the workshop organiser. Hotel website: https://www.vpmrooms.it/le-nostre-stanze/

The hotel reservation is valid until 20th February 2025.

MEALS

There will be organized group lunches and dinners at cafes/restaurants in Naples every day.
Costs are covered by the individual participant.

WHAT TO BRING

Good shoes
Clothes for various weather conditions. (Check the weather forecast the day before departure.)
Camera, along with any additional lenses and accessories you have. Contact us if you are unsure about your camera equipment.
Extra camera batteries and memory cards.
Camera filters (if you have them).
Laptop PC/Mac or tablet if you wish to edit photos during the workshop. (This is optional but highly recommended.)
Please contact the course organisers well in advance if you plan to leave parts of your camera equipment at home.

Contact bjorn.joachimsen@gmail.com if you are unsure if your photo equipment is suitable.

WORKSHOP FEE

EUR 1350 for registration before 15th December 2024
EUR 1450 for registration from and including 15th December 2024.
Payment plan: A deposit of EUR 300 is payable upon invoicing after registration. The remaining amount will be paid in two equal installments in March and April 2025.
The deposit and course fee will be paid against an invoice sent via email. The registration form can be found below.

Registration deadline: 20th February 2025

Registration - Explore the Streets of Naples Workshop 2025

Name

First Name

Last Name

email

Phone (incl. country code)

Street adress

P.O. Number

City

Participant fee

EUR 1350 for registration before 15th December 2024

EUR 1450 for registration after and including 15th December 2024

Comments

I accept the following terms: In case of cancellation after 15 Februray 2025, the full course fee will be charged (no refunds). - Course fee is paid against an invoice sent to the provided email address. A deposit of EUR 300 is required after registration. The deposit is non-refundable in cancellation from my side. The course fee covers tuition. I have insurance that covers the travel.

Yes

Discount Code

About the instructors

Bjørn Joachimsen

Bjørn Joachimsen is a versatile photographer who works with people, nature, architecture, macro, and much more. In recent years, he has photographed extensively in Croatia and is familiar with many of the country's old towns. Bjørn has been working professionally in photography for 20 years, covering a wide range of genres and gaining extensive experience in various types of commercial photography. He is one of the most active photography instructors in Norway, conducting courses across the country. Bjørn teaches Lightroom and Photoshop in addition to photography courses. Over the years, Bjørn has collaborated on workshops with several photographers from both Norway and abroad, including Sandra Bartocha, Anna Ulmestrand, Otto von Münchow, Bjørn Opsahl, Bård Løken, Magnus Reneflot, David Beckstead (USA), Jens Haugen, Trine Bjervig, Lars Andreas Dybvik, Dag Nystuen, Rune Eraker, and Kate Monica Myrmellom. In the spring of 2014, Bjørn was responsible for the artistic decoration of the Clarion Hotel The Edge in Tromsø—a prestigious assignment in decoration and art photography.

Portfolio: www.joachimsenphotography.com
Commercial photography and workshops: www.fotografjoachimsen.no
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joachimsenphotograpy
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/joachimsen/
Tumblr: www.bjornjoachimsen.tumblr.com/
Instagram: @joachimsenphotography

Tore Utheim

Tore Utheim is a photographer who mainly works with feature/news reportages, documentary and travel content. His photos are published in a number of national major newspapers such as VG and Dagbladet as well as in glossy magazines amongst which are Traveler Magazine, Songlife Magazine, Yachting Monthly and more. Out of his most emotional and evocative photos are those appearing in a documentary article from the Carcere Napoli Poggioreale, one of Europes most crowded prisons and Italys most feared where getting admission is harder than the work itself. He has taken part in several street photo workshops together with Bjørn Joachimsen, Bjørn Opsahl and others. He has lived in Naples for a number of years in what he refer to as the street shooters Mecca where he also have had two photo exhibitions.

Instagram: @toreutheim