7-Day Street Photography Workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal | 2026 Holi Special
Join us in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, for an immersive photography experience.
Nepal was the first country I visited, where I knew I would be back.
I’ve been fortunate to travel a lot in my life, and while I’d welcome the chance to return to any of the places I have visited, Nepal was the first I knew I would return to. There’s something special about the place. Something beyond the visual interest and natural beauty of the place. Within the cities lies a calm beauty amoungst the chaos. The credit for this would have to go to the people who are some of the most hospitable in the world.
From a street photography perspective, there is no end of visual interest to play with. Wondering the streets, you are welcomed by surreal scenes where vibrant colours pop against the faded walls of brickwork and ancient temples tucked around corners. Day or night, Kathmandu is filled with stories and visual delights to photograph. As a bonus, we will also be capturing the Hindu festival of Holi, a celebration on most photographers’ bucket lists.
Key Workshop Details:
Duration: 7 Days
Dates: 1st – 7th of March 2026
Price: £1600 GBP
Photography Skill Level: All
Number of Attendees: 6
What to expect from this 7-day photography workshop?
This workshop won’t be a relaxing holiday in the sun. The days will be long, and you will be pushed. However, the payout, both in terms of your photography development and the depth of the experience, will be huge. That I can promise.
On the workshop, you can expect a mix of theory, critique and a lot of shooting the streets in the unique and character-rich city of Kathmandu. Throughout all of our photo walks, I will be around to provide guidance. The only skill-level requirement is that you feel comfortable with the camera you will be using. By limiting my workshops to 6 participants, I can provide plenty of 1-2-1 guidance with critiques and advice tailored to your challenges, interests and goals.
Having visited Kathmandu several times and working with local photographers, I will take you to the most photographically interesting locations the city has to offer.
Most of our time will be spent focused on the art form of Street Photography, which takes a creative candid approach to photographing in public. This approach trains your eye to see so much more of the world around you and offers a richer way to explore and photograph Kathmandu. I will also be happy to provide some guidance on Street Portraiture and a more documentary form of storytelling if these are disciplines you would like to explore.
One day, a local street photographer will be joining us to give a talk, offering you a unique insight into life in Kathmandu, from someone who lives there.
During the 7 days, we will be learning, shooting and enjoying meals together. Expect some early starts and late finishes, to help make this experience as rich as possible. You will also be introduced to dawn and night shooting.
Holi Special
While most of the workshop will be focused on everyday life in Kathmandu, one day will be spent capturing the visually vibrant festival of Holi.
What is the Festival of Holi?
Holi, a Hindu festival, celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good triumphing over evil. Known as the “Festival of Colours,” it involves people celebrating together with the throwing of coloured powders and dancing.
In Kathmandu, Holi transforms the streets into a carnival-like celebration with revelers splashing each other with colour and the occasional bucket of water, while music pumps from speakers. It’s a lot of fun, and you’ll make plenty of new friends.
What is it like to photograph Holi?
As you may imagine, this creates a tapestry of colour and choas that is a ton of fun to capture with your camera. Personally, I was drawn more to the stories in the streets of the Old Town, over the more crowded squares. You will have the opportunity to explore both.
Worried about your camera? I have a budget solution that has helped my camera survive Holi and Thai New Year (a 3 day water fight).
Meet Your Instructor
Hi, I’m Matt. I’m a full-time photographer, Street Photographer, and Educator. I run Street Photography Workshops and experiences worldwide and am excited to launch my next workshop week-long workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal. A country close to my heart.
I am married to a fellow photographer who I am fortunate to share many photography adventures with. I am passionate about photography, travel, and education. I care about treating people with respect, especially while a guest in their country. Over the past decade, I have spoken at dozens of photography events and had my work featured in a handful of global publications, including the BBC, Fstopeers and PetaPixel.
“Matt’s depth of knowledge and passion for street photography makes him a ridiculously inspiring & talented educator. His morals & ethics also shine through in his street teachings.” – Kevin Kheffache
“Matt creates a great feel-good atmosphere with his patient and humorous manner, which makes learning easy and his honest criticism was constructive at all times.” – Nadine Lotze
6 Reasons to Join this Kathmandu Street Photography Workshop
1. Learn to See More
Before you can take better photos, you need to be able to see the world as a photographer. Streets and public scenes are often very chaotic, so one of the first things I will teach you to how to identify and then isolate interesting stories from the chaos. Seeing more, not only allows you to take more impactful images, but it also makes the world around general a richer and more interesting tapestry.
2. Develop Your Photography Skills
The most rewarding part of any workshop for me is witnessing how much participants' photography skills, and how they see the world, develop and grow over the week. Expect to be pushed outside of your comfort zone. You will learn via theory elements indoors, mini assignments and 1-2-1 time with me on the streets shooting and via daily critiques of your photos.
3. Explore Kathmandu
Exploring the streets of Kathmandu is a sensory adventure. The alleys and grand squares are the sounds of temple bells and motorbikes, the smell of insense and the fascinating swirl of people, traffic, markets, and centuries-old architecture. The streets are a beautiful chaos, with a new story to be discovered around every corner. During breaks, I'll introduce you to Nepal's mouthwateringly tasty momos and thali.
4. Experience Photographing Holi
Holi is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should experience. It feels like stepping into a mad dream where everything is bursting with colour, music, and laughter. The energy is electric and contagious, and everyone is friendly and welcoming. It’s messy, wild, and beautiful and a playground for your camera.
5. Learn From A Local Photographer
I will be inviting a local photographer to share a presentation on the topic of their choice with us, and spend one of the days shooting with us. Offering you a more local perspective.
6. Support Local Community Efforts
Recognising that we are guests in a country where many don't experience the same opportunities we do, 10% of the money I make from this workshop will go to a charity supporting local communities. The specific charity I choose will be announced during the workshop.
Testimonials
“I haven’t stopped raving about ‘Street with Matt’ since I returned. What a Street Photography Wizard this man is!”
– Becci Wiles –
“Getting a glimpse into Matt’s mind and how he visualises the world before creating the picture is fascinating.”
– Carla Banc –
“I’ve been doing street photography for a long time and thought I knew quite a lot but Matt taught me so much more. He is patient, kind, caring and knowledgeable and his method of teaching is suitable for all types of learners. I have already signed up for his next workshop.”
– Philip Wark –
“I have recommended Matt’s workshops to every photographer (professional and hobbyist) I know, and everyone comes back saying how great it was!”
– Erica Hawkins –
“Matt breaks the practice down to a really easy-to-understand level that would suit photographers of all abilities and backgrounds. It was a perfect mix of theory and practical and his constructive feedback was incredibly helpful.”
– Danny Jack –
“Plus, Matt and his lovely wife Corina found some local gems for our food and drink – we ate and drank so well in some really cool and intimate bars and restaurants and I’d recommend this trip just for that!”
– Jo Quint –
“His obvious passion for, participation, experience and talent for shooting the street arm him with a wealth of information that even seasoned street photographers can learn from.”
– Denise Slark –
“I’m a full-time photographer and have shot street with Matt around the world over the years, and I still learned SO much from Matt on this workshop!”
– Anna Pumer –
“Matt really gives you the confidence to go out there and shoot street, which I’d never done before, at all. I was nervous for sure, but Matt really helped calm any anxieties, both from what he teaches and from his calm and friendly demeanour. He was also never far away, so if I needed some tips or advice, or just some moral support, he was always there.”
– Alan Law –
“The information Matt provided was so valuable and I could transfer the new knowledge far beyond photography and it already helped me a lot in my daily life.”
– Ludmilla Parsyak –
“Your presence and your advice during the workshop were a real game changer for my photographic vision.
I can’t wait to participate in your next workshop!”
– Alexis Pauwels –
“One of the best workshops I’ve ever attended – highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn street photography no matter what skill level you’re at with your camera!”
– Rahul Khona –
“I felt refreshed and left itching to apply what I had learned in my future photography.”
– Soven Amatya –
“Thanks Matt! You’re a fountain of knowledge and the streets are definitely the photographer’s best playground!”
– Becky Wood –
What will you learn?
- ⇒ Street Photography Compositions and Themes
- ⇒ Overcome the fear of shooting in public
- ⇒ Take impactful images that stand out
- ⇒ Shoot with respect for your subjects
- ⇒ Recommended Camera Settings
- ⇒ Night-time shooting
- ⇒ How to Build Complex Layers
- ⇒ Develop your own voice/style
- ⇒ Learn to see the Extraordinary in the Ordinary
What is included?
- ⇒ Matt as Your Guide
- ⇒ Guided Photo Walks
- ⇒ Daily 1-2-1 Critique Sessions
- ⇒ Connect with an amazing group who share your passions/interests
What is NOT included?
- ⇒ Your travel expenses (flights, visas, travel insurance etc)
- ⇒ Your expenses during the workshop (accommodation, meals, transport etc)
Ready to Secure Your Place on the Workshop?
Only 6 Attendees Per Workshop
Kathmandu
£1,600
If sold out, email matt@streetwithmatt.com to join the wait list
Photos by Kathmandu 2025 Workshop Attendees
Nepal Photography Workshop FAQs
What is included in the price?
All educational elements including theory sessions, critiques and 1-2-1 mentoring during the trip are included. I will also be taking you to the best street locations and restaurants/bars/cafes in the city, which has been researched in advance.
You will be responsible for all of your own expenses during the trip, including flights, travel, visas, accommodation, travel insurance and meals.
How much can I expect to spend during the workshop?
The hotel I am recommending is between £200-£300 GBP for 8 nights. Meals and internal transport are very cheap in Kathmandu and there won’t be any other major costs required for the workshop.
Is Kathmandu safe?
Kathmandu might be the safest city I have ever spent time in. Petty crime like pickpocketing is nearly nonexistent, and a female friend who lived there for 2 years told me she felt a lot safer walking the streets of Kathmandu alone at night, than she did London.
What gear do you recommend for street photography?
When it comes to gear with street photography, less is generally more. So I always recommend one body and one prime lens. It’s also good to have a relatively wide lens. Personally, I always shoot with a 35mm or 28mm prime lens (full frame). The quality of the lens or camera isn’t important as long as you are comfortable using it.
Would you recommend any activities in Nepal for after the workshop?
Nepal is world famous for its trekking. During. On my last Kathmandu workshop, most of the group stayed on afterwards to do some trekking. There’s the well-renowned Everest Basecamp trek, the Annapurna circuit and the Goky,o Ri where one of our group saw snow leopards.
Will we stay at the same hotel?
While it is your responsibility to book your own accommodation, I always provide a hotel recommendation where I will be staying. Recognising that people’s budgets and preferences can vary greatly when it comes to accommodation, you are welcome to choose a different accommodation if you prefer.
How long are the workshop days?
Most days we will be starting at 6am and finishing around 6pm, with a break back at the hotel for a few hours during the hottest part of the day.
What skill level is required for this workshop?
This workshop is for all skill levels. The only requirement for attending this workshop is that you are comfortable using your camera (I do not recommend buying a new camera, which you are not familiar with, for this trip).
The first day will cover an intro to street photography theory and fundamentals, along with some mini assignments on the street to help train your eye to see more of the world around you.
The rest of the week will focus on helping you discover your own street photography style and exploring the exciting city we found ourselves in. With only 6 attendees per workshop, you will receive a significant amount of 1-2-1 time with me.
How many people will be on the workshop?
My 7-day workshops are limited to 6 attendees. The smaller number allows us to blend in more with our environment on the streets when we’ve got our cameras out. It also allows me to target the content more towards your ability, especially during the 1-2-1s.