Narratively Academy

Narratively Academy

Classes 🎓

Street Photography Workshop

Learn how to create dynamic and exciting images with a smartphone—in our first-ever in-person class!

Narratively Academy's avatar
Narratively Academy
Apr 09, 2026
∙ Paid

Paid Narratively Academy members get 20% off all classes, including this one. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to join—or to get the paid member promo code if you already are a member.

Sign Up

Cost: $235

Class Size Limit: 10

Smartphones have us all taking more photos than ever before—but there’s still a huge difference between a quick snap and a thoughtful, composed photo—especially if you’re shooting while on the move. Award-winning photojournalist Ben Fractenberg has shot for The New York Times, Daily News and THE CITY, among other outlets, and his street photography was recently featured in a solo show at Gallery 198 in New York.

In this three-part workshop (Narratively Academy’s first-ever in-person class!) Ben will guide you through the intricacies of shooting compelling street photography. If you’re a writer who wants to start taking photos for your own pieces—or you’re just interested in learning about the art of street photography—this class is for you.

Classes will take place at CUNY Journalism School, 219 West 40th Street in Manhattan.

We’ll study some of the great street photographers and discuss how they created their images, and we’ll navigate issues like: How and when do you approach strangers about taking their photo? What’s the best way to compose an image using available light? How do you find and capture moments that document the spirit of our time?

Then we’ll hit the streets, making our own photos to share and critique with the group.

This is the right class for you if…

  • You’re a writer or reporter who wants to start capturing images to include with your stories.

  • You want to learn how to create professional-looking images with a smartphone.

  • You enjoy meeting like-minded artists and want to see the city in a new way.

After class you’ll have

  • The confidence to take compelling street photos

  • A new awareness of your environment

  • An increased appreciation for well-composed photographs

This 3-week class takes place on Mondays from 6pm to 7pm ET, starting on June 1 and ending on June 15. All class sessions take place at CUNY Journalism School, 219 West 40th Street in Manhattan.

Sign Up

Instructor Bio: Ben Fractenberg is a national award-winning photojournalist and editor living in Brooklyn. His street photography was recently featured in a solo show at Gallery 198. His photojournalism has been published in the New York Times, Curbed, Eater, New York Daily News and THE CITY, among other outlets.


Sign Up

Registration Details: Seats in this class are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Prior to the start of your class you’ll receive an invitation to access the virtual classroom and view all class materials.

Cancellation Policy:

  • Full refund when canceling 7 or more days before the class start date.

  • 50% refund when canceling less than 7 days before the class start date.

  • No cancellations after the class start date.

Scholarships: A limited number of sliding-scale, income-based scholarships are made available when possible. Apply for a scholarship here.

Questions? Email us at academy@narratively.com.


This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2026 Narratively · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture