Rodney O'Callaghan Photography
Capture one of Europe’s most architecturally compelling cities in all its glory. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced photographer seeking fresh perspectives, our Berlin photography workshops combine technical instruction with insider access to the city’s most extraordinary structures and skylines. This photography workshop will guide you through Berlin’s dramatic built landscape, from the modernist curves of the Spree riverfront at dawn to the imposing grandeur of the Brandenburg Gate illuminated after dark, taking you beyond the typical tourist shots to discover where centuries-old Prussian palaces stand shoulder to shoulder with bold contemporary architecture, where Cold War relics meet gleaming glass towers, and where every street corner tells a story of a city continuously reinventing itself — transforming good photos into extraordinary images.
Accommodation is included in the price of the workshop from start to finish.
I keep all my workshop groups small to ensure everyone gets the time they need.
This is a city workshop and all locations are accessible on foot.
We will visit some of the best locations to capture the most beautiful scenery.
The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most rewarding subjects for photographers. This neoclassical triumphal arch, with its six imposing columns and famous Quadriga sculpture, offers endless compositional possibilities. Facing east-west, it’s spectacular at both sunrise and sunset when golden light floods dramatically through the columns, and glows brilliantly against the night sky after dark. We’ll experiment with symmetry and angles, and explore the quieter western side for a less crowded, more contemplative shot.
Alexanderplatz is a fascinating subject for photographers drawn to the contrast of scale and texture. The towering TV Tower — Berlin’s most recognisable landmark — dominates the skyline and provides a striking vertical anchor for wide compositions, while the surrounding socialist-era architecture creates a bold, uncompromising backdrop unlike anywhere else in the city. The square itself buzzes with urban energy, making it ideal for street photography and long exposures that capture the flow of trams, crowds, and city life. Shoot at dusk when the TV Tower’s sphere catches the last light, or after dark when the square transforms into a sea of artificial light and shadow.
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is one of Berlin’s most powerful and visually arresting locations. Nearly 2,700 concrete stelae of varying heights spread across an undulating field, creating a labyrinthine landscape that shifts dramatically depending on where you stand and how you move through it. The rigid geometry and grey tones lend themselves to stark, minimalist compositions, while the uneven ground means the slabs rise and fall around you in ways that feel endlessly different from every angle. Shoot from ground level to emphasise the towering scale of the taller columns, or find an elevated position to reveal the full pattern of the grid. Early morning mist and overcast light suit this subject best, softening the shadows and adding a quiet, contemplative mood that matches the weight of the place.
