Street Photography Workshop

CENTRETOWN STREET SCENES

A Community Street Photography Workshop & Public Art Activation

Presented by the Urban Art Collective part of the DISRUPT Urban Art Activations 2025 and in collaboration with the City of Ottawa, Uncommon Spaces, and the Centretown BIA

Event Description:

Explore the art of capturing real life as it happens in this hands-on, street photography workshop set in the heart of one of Ottawa’s most historic and diverse neighbourhoods.

Centretown Street Scenes invites participants of all levels — from first-timers to seasoned shooters — to walk the streets between Gladstone and Somerset and document the rhythm, character, and stories of the neighbourhood through photography.

Each session begins with a short creative briefing covering ethical photography, observation techniques, and creative prompts. Then, participants hit the streets with cameras or phones to capture the everyday poetry of Centretown.

The best images from each workshop will be considered for inclusion in:

• A digital and print-on-demand photo book celebrating the neighbourhood
• A public outdoor street exhibition printed on corrugated plastic and mounted on poles throughout Centretown

This recurring summer activation is part of a citywide initiative to bring art into everyday spaces, support local creatives, and reimagine how we interact with public space.

What to Bring:

• Any camera or smartphone
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Water & weather-appropriate clothing
• A curious eye and an open mind

All participants will receive a project button and an info card to help share the story with anyone they photograph or encounter.

Cover photo in this post is by: Jayant Kumar @fotografist_ca

Photographed during the Street Photography Workshop.

Info: Come early to connect with your fellow photogs and get to know everyone.

Info: We will go over the Project goals, expectations and some tips and tricks to photographing street portraits and photos.

Info: Grab your camera — it’s time to start photographing!
We’ll be heading out into Centretown to capture the people, places, and little moments that make this neighbourhood special. You can shoot together in small groups (highly recommended for creative cross-pollination) or go full lone wolf if that’s more your style — howl away, Ansel.
Just make sure to swing back to the Wrap-Up & Recap so we can check out your best shots and hear about your adventures.

Info: After we hit the streets, we’ll meet at the Frank Street Uncommon Space (Bank & Frank St.) for a quick debrief, casual chat, and chance to swap stories (and maybe a few shots).
It’s a great way to get to know each other — and yes, we know photographers are famously social creatures… ? But seriously, come hang out, connect, and wind down together.

Host or Publisher Urban Art Collective