Paris Through the Lens

With the re-opening of Cathédrale Notre-Dame and a successful XXXIII Olympiad, Paris has once again displayed its unmatched cultural richness, beauty, and splendor, reaffirming its place as one of the world’s most magnificent cities. It is with this hospitable backdrop that Santa Fe Workshops offers its first-ever workshop in Paris. Known as “The City of Light” and often called the most beautiful city in the world, Paris has been a major center of culture, fashion, gastronomy, finance, diplomacy, and commerce since the 17th century; and in November every year since 1997, it becomes the center of the photographic universe with Paris Photo holding court throughout the city.

Join photographer, photo editor, and longtime Paris admirer Amber Terranova and guests for a backstage, curated week exploring Paris through the lens of photography. This unforgettable six-day workshop leads into the 28^th edition of Paris Photo. Our workshop experience blends street photography with in-depth classroom sessions for personalized feedback, guided visits to the city’s most iconic photography institutions, alongside private studio visits with French artists. From the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation to LE BAL to the Maison Européenne De La Photographie (MEP) to Galerie Écho 119, as well as notable photography bookshops including Ofr. Librairie, Amber leads an expedition and discovery of both the contemporary photography scene as well as the rich history of the medium in the city where the first photograph was made by Joseph Nicéphore Niéce in 1827.

From the bustling streets immortalized by Cartier-Bresson’s decisive moments to the timeless allure of Montmartre as seen through Brassaï’s eyes, this workshop takes you on a journey through Paris’s vibrant tapestry of stories. You stand where the masters once framed their iconic photographs, wander the same cobblestone streets where Florence Henri found inspiration in her unique compositions, and capture the magic of the city through your own contemporary perspective. We explore locations around Paris that have inspired generations of artists, poets, painters, and philosophers. We dive into archives, marvel at the grandeur of Notre-Dame on L’île de la Cité, and visit Paris’s avant-garde galleries, including the residence of the Shiva Lynn Burgos’s underground GESTE exhibition.

The final day of our workshop culminates with a visit to the opening day of Paris Photo. Housed at the Grand Palais, this is the largest international art fair dedicated to the photographic medium. Paris Photo brings together up to 200 exhibitors from across the world, offering collectors and enthusiasts the most diverse and qualitative presentation of photography-driven projects today. Leading galleries showcase historical and contemporary artworks from modern masters to young talents. Specialized publishers and art book dealers present unique and rare editions, as well as book launches and signature sessions with many of today’s most renowned artists. Since 1997, the Fair’s mission has been to promote and nurture photographic creation and the galleries, publishers, and artists at its source. Join us in Paris to embrace and nurture your photographic path.

Whether you are a seasoned photographer or just beginning your creative journey, this workshop offers a unique blend of enchantment, education, and hands-on experience in one of the world’s most inspiring settings. You leave with a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the great photographers who shaped the art form in Paris, a fresh perspective on contemporary photography, and a portfolio of images that capture the timeless spirit of this extraordinary city.