A Portrait of Rio

A Portrait
of Rio

Rio de Janeiro is a legendary city, a cultural cauldron shaped by Indigenous, African and European influences. It tells a story of contrasts, where natural beauty collides with the legacies of colonization and transatlantic slavery. Built upon the ancient lands of the Tupinambá, whose memory lingers in neighborhoods like Ipanema and Copacabana, the city carries traces of its past in its urban fabric. To be Carioca is to inhabit this tension: embracing a life of improvisation and joy. Samba, carnival and the beach aren’t just traditions, they’re part of a shared identity that belongs to every Carioca, no matter their social or economic standing. Our workshop is an invitation to step into Rio’s layered narrative, letting its energy and magic work its way inside of your vision.

We’ve reserved a gorgeous villa in Santa Teresa, a charming bohemian neighborhood perched on a hill in the heart of Rio. With stunning views and convenient access to our photo day trips, it’s our home away from home where we will come together, share our work and process our experiences while savoring traditional Brazilian home-cooked meals.

This is a chance to rediscover photography in its most authentic form in: a blend of personal exploration, group experiences and inspiration drawn from Rio itself.

 

What We’ll Do:

 

Photo walks: Street markets, urban gardens, city beaches, samba school, fishing village, Old Rio’s architecture, Pequena África and iconic sites like Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer.

 

Nature escapes: Sunset yacht rides to see Rio’s peaks and excursions into Tijuca rainforest, the largest urban rainforest in the world.

 

Cultural immersion: Visits to archives, galleries and museums to connect photography with history and art.

 

Lectures & critiques: Group discussions, critiques, and talks with guest artists to spark dialogue and sharpen vision.

 

Photography books & references: Exploring classic and contemporary works to situate your practice within a broader tradition.

 

Old‑school workshop vibe: Hands‑on sessions that go beyond composition and light.

You’ll have the opportunity to photograph diverse aspects of Rio, from everyday life to iconic landmarks while also developing your own personal project. The city itself becomes both subject and source. Whether your interest lies in street photography, cultural documentation, or nature, we’ll support you in shaping a project that feels personal and meaningful.

An old school workshop vibe

Our villa in Rio

2026 dates coming soon.

7 days 6 nights

What's included

  • Private suites with ensuite bath and your very own plunge pool—unwind in total privacy after each day’s adventure (9 nights in a boutique villa in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro).
  • Brazilian chef, preparing vibrant, regional meals inspired by the flavors of the coast.
  • Breakfasts, seasonal lunches or dinners, gourmet snacks, and cold-pressed juices—all thoughtfully designed to nourish creativity.
  • Private Favela Rooftop BBQ.
  • Welcome Chef’s Table Dinner – an intimate culinary experience to kick off the journey.
  • Final Chef’s Table Dinner – a celebratory meal to reflect and connect.
  • Airport pickup and dropoff.
  • All transportation in a luxury private van.
  • Security for all photo day trips.

Exclusive Photo Access & Experiences

  • Private sunset yacht photoshoot – Guanabara Bay.
  • Fishing Village – portraits with local residents, storytelling and unforgettable views.
  • Street photo walks – street market & Aterro do Flamengo: urban design meets nature.
  • Sunrise hike  – sweeping city views + nature immersion.
  • Wild beaches  – raw coastal photo session with trails and nature immersion.
  • Private access – Curated tropical gardens (native plants and modern landscaping) + artist’s studio.
  • Street/beach photo walk Sunrise shoot – Copacabana golden hour.
  • Street photo walk City Center + Architecture Tour – 5 curated locations.
  • Niterói Adventure – Explore the iconic Art Museum and end the day with breathtaking sunset views.

Cultural Access & Spiritual Encounters

  • Exclusive Access: Umbanda Ceremony in Nature – guided photography of sacred rituals, with pre-session cultural ethics briefing.
  • Little Africa walking tour + Candomble Carnival block procession.
  • Rio Samba School backstage tour – samba class, access to dancers, drumming orchestra, rehearsals, floats, and costumes.

Itinerary

  • Arrive and settle in
  • Explore the villa and neighborhood
  • Welcome dinner + coconut water toast
  • Introductions + shooting guidelines
  • Prep gear for next day’s shoot
  • Breakfast at villa
  • Morning shoot at street market (street life + colors)
  • Lunch at local restaurant 
  • Afternoon shoot at Flamengo park: daily culture scenes
  • Sunset yacht ride panoramic views shoot
  • Dinner : villa + early bed
  • Early snack at villa 
  • Sunrise hike and shoot from Pedra Bonita
  • Morning shoot at Tropical Gardens: color + lines
  • Lunch at local beach spot
  • Afternoon shoot at wild beach: cliffs + ocean textures + free beach time
  • Dinner at villa + informal share
  • Breakfast at the villa
  • Morning shoot at Maré, meet local fixers and artists
  • Photo session: intimate portraits
  • Lunch at local spot 
  • Afternoon photo sessions textures + favela architecture
  • Dinner at villa + creative exchange
  • Early snack at the villa
  • Dawn shoot: Copacabana fishermen + morning beach life
  • Brunch with seaside views
  • Afternoon shoot at Arpoador: surf scenes + candid portraits + Ipanema life + free beach time
  • Dinner villa + creative exchange
  • Breakfast at villa
  • Morning city shoot: 5 architectural gems
  • Lunch at local spot
  • Afternoon shoot at Niterói architectural gems
  • Sunset shoot from Niterói cliffs
  • Dinner at villa + creative exchange
  • Breakfast at villa
  • Morning shoot at Little Africa: murals + history
  • Lunch at local spot
  • Afternoon shoot at samba school + City of Samba
  • Dinner at villa + creative exchange
  • Breakfast at villa
  • Morning shoot at Umbanda Terreiro: rituals + nature
  • Lunch at local spot
  • Afternoon final exchange moments to share work and experiences
  • Closing dinner celebration
  • Breakfast at villa
  • Airport transfers

Not included

  • Airfare to and from Rio de Janeiro.
  • VISA for entry into Brazil.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Health Insurance.
  • Alcohol.

– A non-refundable $1,000 deposit is required to secure your spot.

– Once we receive your deposit, you will receive a confirmation email detailing your remaining payment options.

– Final payments, must be completed at least **45 days before** departure.

– If the minimum group size of 6 is not met, we will refund 100% of the amount paid (including the deposit).