Learn photography with Kohei Shikama in a 3-part workshop leading to an exhibition inside Q1

From shooting and critiques to exhibition guidance

Sessions take place in the 2nd-floor Theater Space [2-B] at Q1. The first meeting begins with an orientation followed by the basics of composition and camera operation, concluding with hands-on shooting after a demonstration by the instructor. Participants will also receive an assignment to complete before the next session, encouraging continuous engagement with photography outside class hours.

The second session focuses on sharing work, receiving critiques, and applying that feedback during practical shooting. The third session also opens with presentations and critiques, moves into hands-on photography, and covers exhibition planning and guidance. The structure encourages reviewing captured images and translating critiques into stronger subsequent shots.

Beyond camera mechanics and technique, the workshop emphasizes cultivating one's ability to truly "see" and "feel" photography while engaging with oneself and subjects. Giving form to hard-to-articulate feelings and exploring questions like "What is photography?" are core themes. Through repeated shooting, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on what catches their eye and what they wish to communicate.

As the workshop's culmination, participant works are scheduled to be exhibited along the hallways inside Q1 from February 28 to March 28, 2027. Practical exhibition guidance will be provided during the final class. Costs related to the exhibition, such as printing and framing, are not included in the tuition and must be paid separately by participants.

Instructor Kohei Shikama was born in Yamagata. Traveling across Japan and overseas, he captures people, food, and landscapes, and also runs the mobile portrait studio "Camera Goya." His past exhibitions include "Another Time" and "Gaze of the Land." He has contributed photography to publications such as BRUTUS and Kurashi no Techo, documented regional performing arts, and served as an official photographer for the Yamagata Biennale. This workshop offers a chance to develop your personal perspective under the guidance of a photographer deeply connected to people and places.

Full attendance and camera preparation required

Sessions run from 13:00 to 17:00 on November 14, December 26, 2026, and January 30, 2027; attendance at all three dates is mandatory. The workshop is open to junior high school students and older who can bring their own digital camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or compact digital camera). Mobile phone and smartphone cameras are not permitted.

Required items include the camera body, lenses, battery, charger, and compatible memory media such as an SD card or CompactFlash. Participants who own a laptop for photo editing are encouraged to bring it. Please confirm you have all necessary gear ready before registering.

Tuition is 20,000 JPY (tax included) for all three sessions. Advance registration is required, with capacity limited to 16 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up via the Q1 online store by 17:00 on November 13, 2026. Registration will close early if capacity is reached, and cancellations are not accepted once registered.