Explore Cinematic Masterclasses
Upcoming Event
Create photographs that feel like scenes from a film.
In 2026, I’m bringing my cinematic photography masterclasses and workshops to multiple cities across Europe.
This experience is designed to change the way you see light, mood, storytelling — and your role as a creator.
Each city will host up to 8 participants, but the structure and flow are built so that every person still receives attention, guidance, and the chance to create strong cinematic work. You won’t just watch - you’ll shoot, build scenes, work with light, and create your own storytelling frames.
What’s included:
📘 2.5-hour Masterclass (Theory)
My complete approach to cinematic photography
How to think like a director, not just a photographer
Composition, movement, visual storytelling
Color, atmosphere, emotion
Reference analysis & adapting inspiration to your own style
How to communicate with models and guide real emotion
🎥 2.5-hour Practical Workshop
Shooting in a real apartment/location in my signature style
Creating a cinematic scene from scratch
Full lighting breakdowns (RGB, shadows, reflections, haze)
Working with textures, practical lights, color contrast
Posing, emotion, and finding the right moment
You’ll shoot your own frames with guidance
Who is this for?
✔ Photographers from beginner to advanced
✔ Anyone who wants to develop a unique cinematic style
✔ Creators ready to elevate their portfolio and prices
✔ Those who want to move past basic trends and start telling visual stories
What you’ll gain:
✨ A complete cinematic setup & scene
✨ Strong portfolio images
✨ A deeper understanding of light and atmosphere
✨ Practical skills for working with models
✨ Tools to build cinematic aesthetics in any location
What Makes This Masterclass Different
01 / Cinematic Theory
You’ll learn how to build a cinematic photo from the ground up: composition, light, color, atmosphere, references, and storytelling.
Not just “camera settings,” but the actual thinking process behind a strong image.
“The workshop in Kraków was amazing. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. It gave me a lot of inspiration on how to work with models and what techniques to use.
I highly recommend it. 🔥”
“Crimson light, cold reflections, and a quiet ritual on tile. A sequence built on tension, texture, and color contrast.
Special thanks to @tdmc_19 for this fantastic project.”
“Thank you @tdmc_19 for this amazing masterclass.”
“Chien, I just wanted to thank you for organizing this masterclass — it was an incredible experience, and I haven’t felt this kind of creative excitement in a long time I honestly got more out of it than I expected — it reignited my motivation to explore cinematography and photography more seriously. Big appreciation to everyone in the group as well — it was a real pleasure collaborating with such talented and genuinely kind people. Even though I felt stressed at the beginning (it was my first time participating in a session like this), the support and positive energy from everyone made it much easier to get into the flow I’m still feeling inspired today and excited to keep creating. It would be great to collaborate again sometime ”
02 / Live Shooting Practice
During the workshop, you’ll see how I create a scene in real time: how I work with the model, adjust the light, choose angles, and build the final mood step by step.
You’ll also have time to shoot your own photos with guidance.
“The workshop was an amazing experience. Collaborating with other photographers and having someone like Chien as a mentor was an absolute privilege. It’s definitely worth experiencing, even if you’re a hobbyist.
I had never worked with artificial light before, but thanks to his guidance I was able to understand how it works.
A big shoutout to the theory part as well — it wasn’t a typical lecture, but rather a very structured and practical explanation of his cinematic vision and how to recreate such setups on our own.
Thank you once again! I’m definitely looking forward to the next masterclass.”
“Thank you very much Chien for the workshop. There was a lot of interesting and useful information and opportunity to try creative ideas in practice.
It inspired me to focus more on both creating environmental atmosphere and model emotions — something that is really important to achieve eye-catching results.
Very happy to work with you and meet some wonderful people.”
“I enjoyed the workshop very much. It was great to see you talk about and demonstrate your technique for your amazing work.
I also loved how you showed us all the equipment you use — it’s definitely helpful to get exact details on how to achieve certain looks and photographs.
I also liked that there were different setups and everything got very hands-on, so we could actually experiment and see for ourselves how the techniques worked.
Very nice. Thank you very much.”
03 / Real Creative Experience
This is not a boring lecture where you just sit and listen.
You’ll be part of the process, ask questions, shoot, experiment, and understand how to bring cinematic ideas into your own photography.
“I’ve just come back from your cinematic photography retreat in Budapest and honestly, it’s been one of the most beautiful creative experiences I’ve had in the past few years.
Beyond the technical side, which was super interesting and practical (lighting, composition, storytelling… everything very hands-on), what really stood out to me was the atmosphere you created. From day one, there was a real sense of family. No competition, no ego, just people sharing the same desire to create and improve.
I immediately felt comfortable, free to experiment, make mistakes, and try new things without pressure. And that made all the difference.
You and the team were incredibly supportive, present, and genuinely passionate. It didn’t feel like a “cold” course at all, but more like a shared experience where I learned a lot also by watching others, exchanging ideas, and just talking.
It’s not just a course, it’s something that really stays with you. Thank you for that.”
“Hello Chien, as I mentioned there, coming to this workshop was one of the best decisions I’ve made and overall I was very satisfied.
Especially creating photos entirely through our own effort helped many things fall into place in my mind.
If I can fit it into my schedule, I would definitely like to join again.”
Cinematic Photography
〰️
Lighting
〰️
Color
〰️
Composition
〰️
Storytelling
Cinematic Photography 〰️ Lighting 〰️ Color 〰️ Composition 〰️ Storytelling
Cinematic Photography
〰️
Lighting
〰️
Color
〰️
Composition
〰️
Storytelling
Cinematic Photography 〰️ Lighting 〰️ Color 〰️ Composition 〰️ Storytelling
Upcoming events
Join a 7-day immersive cinematic photography retreat in Budapest from June 1–8, 2027.
This retreat is created for photographers who want to go deeper into cinematic storytelling, lighting, atmosphere, styling, and working with models - not just as a simple workshop, but as a full creative experience.
During the retreat, we will create multiple carefully prepared cinematic photo sets in different locations around Budapest. Each concept will be built around mood, character, light, color, styling, and storytelling, so participants can create strong portfolio-level images.
Planned sets include:
knight armor in a castle or historical location
knight armor in a field or forest
cinematic street scenes in my personal visual style
atmospheric apartment/interior scenes
an old Chinese restaurant inspired by Wong Kar-wai aesthetics
a dramatic concept with airplanes or burning cars
optional abandoned church / darker editorial concept
The main focus of this retreat is shooting, practice, and creating strong visual work. I will explain how I build each scene, how I work with light, how I direct models, how I choose angles, and how I turn a simple idea into a cinematic frame.
Participants will have time to shoot each set themselves, receive guidance during the process, and see how I approach the scene from the inside — from idea to final frame.
The retreat is limited to only 6 participants, so everyone gets enough time to shoot, ask questions, and receive feedback.
Included in the retreat:
accommodation in Budapest
transport during the retreat
prepared locations
models
lighting equipment
props and styling elements
BTS coverage
creative analysis and feedback during the retreat
basic snacks and water
Not included:
travel to and from Budapest
meals
personal expenses
visa or travel documents, if needed
This retreat is ideal for photographers who want to build a stronger cinematic portfolio, learn how to work with complex concepts, improve their visual storytelling, and experience a full creative production environment in a small group.
Create photographs that feel like scenes from a film.
In 2026, I’m bringing my cinematic photography masterclasses and workshops to multiple cities across Europe.
This experience is designed to change the way you see light, mood, storytelling — and your role as a creator.
Each city will host up to 8 participants, but the structure and flow are built so that every person still receives attention, guidance, and the chance to create strong cinematic work. You won’t just watch - you’ll shoot, build scenes, work with light, and create your own storytelling frames.
What’s included:
📘 2.5-hour Masterclass (Theory)
My complete approach to cinematic photography
How to think like a director, not just a photographer
Composition, movement, visual storytelling
Color, atmosphere, emotion
Reference analysis & adapting inspiration to your own style
How to communicate with models and guide real emotion
🎥 2.5-hour Practical Workshop
Shooting in a real apartment/location in my signature style
Creating a cinematic scene from scratch
Full lighting breakdowns (RGB, shadows, reflections, haze)
Working with textures, practical lights, color contrast
Posing, emotion, and finding the right moment
You’ll shoot your own frames with guidance
Who is this for?
✔ Photographers from beginner to advanced
✔ Anyone who wants to develop a unique cinematic style
✔ Creators ready to elevate their portfolio and prices
✔ Those who want to move past basic trends and start telling visual stories
What you’ll gain:
✨ A complete cinematic setup & scene
✨ Strong portfolio images
✨ A deeper understanding of light and atmosphere
✨ Practical skills for working with models
✨ Tools to build cinematic aesthetics in any location
✨ Certificate of participation
Create photographs that feel like scenes from a film.
In 2026, I’m bringing my cinematic photography masterclasses and workshops to multiple cities across Europe.
This experience is designed to change the way you see light, mood, storytelling — and your role as a creator.
Each city will host up to 8 participants, but the structure and flow are built so that every person still receives attention, guidance, and the chance to create strong cinematic work. You won’t just watch - you’ll shoot, build scenes, work with light, and create your own storytelling frames.
What’s included:
📘 2.5-hour Masterclass (Theory)
My complete approach to cinematic photography
How to think like a director, not just a photographer
Composition, movement, visual storytelling
Color, atmosphere, emotion
Reference analysis & adapting inspiration to your own style
How to communicate with models and guide real emotion
🎥 2.5-hour Practical Workshop
Shooting in a real apartment/location in my signature style
Creating a cinematic scene from scratch
Full lighting breakdowns (RGB, shadows, reflections, haze)
Working with textures, practical lights, color contrast
Posing, emotion, and finding the right moment
You’ll shoot your own frames with guidance
Who is this for?
✔ Photographers from beginner to advanced
✔ Anyone who wants to develop a unique cinematic style
✔ Creators ready to elevate their portfolio and prices
✔ Those who want to move past basic trends and start telling visual stories
What you’ll gain:
✨ A complete cinematic setup & scene
✨ Strong portfolio images
✨ A deeper understanding of light and atmosphere
✨ Practical skills for working with models
✨ Tools to build cinematic aesthetics in any location
A unique creative experience for photographers who want more than just “travel photos”.
This is not a tour.
This is a cinematic production experience in Japan.
Only 6 spots available.
📍 What this retreat is about
For 9 days, we will:
shoot cinematic scenes in unique locations
work with models, light and storytelling
create portfolio-level images you can’t achieve alone
You will not just take photos —
you will build scenes, direct models, and think like a filmmaker.
🎬 What’s included
✔ Accommodation for 9 nights
✔ Access to all organized photoshoots
✔ Models for selected shoots
✔ Lighting setups & creative direction
✔ Personal guidance during shooting
✔ Photo reviews & feedback sessions
✔ Concept development & storytelling approach
❌ What’s not included
Flights to Japan
Food (you are free to explore local cuisine)
Transportation (you can choose your preferred way of getting around)
Personal expenses
🎥 Shooting Experience
During the retreat we will focus on:
Cinematic lighting
Working with atmosphere and mood
Directing models
Building strong visual storytelling
Creating images that look like film stills
This is a hands-on experience —
you will shoot, experiment, and learn in real conditions.
🏡 Accommodation Options
We stay in a traditional Japanese house with different room types.
All participants share the same experience — the difference is only comfort level.
1. Twin Minimal Room
Regular Price: €2,780
Early Bird Price: €2,500 per person
2 spots available
A clean and minimal shared room with two single beds, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, fresh bed linen, and a calm atmosphere for resting after long shooting days.
2. Private Compact Double Room
Regular Price: €3,560
Early Bird Price: €3,200 per person
1 spot available
A cozy private room with a double bed, air conditioning, hangers, Wi-Fi, and fresh bed linen. Perfect for someone who wants more privacy during the retreat.
Shared option:
Regular Price: €2,950
Early Bird Price: €2,650 per person
For 2 people / couple / friends.
3. Traditional Single Room
Regular Price: €3,340
Early Bird Price: €3,000 per person
1 spot available
A traditional Japanese-style room with a single bed, tatami atmosphere, wooden details, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and fresh bed linen.
4. Grand Tatami Room
Regular Price: €2,560
Early Bird Price: €2,300 per person
3 spots available
A large traditional tatami room with three futon beds, classic Japanese interior, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and fresh bed linen. The most accessible option for the retreat.
5. Garden Tatami Room
Regular Price: €2,890
Early Bird Price: €2,600 per person
2 spots available
Я бы поставил Grand Tatami Room за €2,300 как сам
👥 Group Size
Small group only — limited spots available
This allows:
more time per participant
better shooting experience
personal feedback
📸 Group Work Format
Be ready to work in a group.
During the retreat, shooting sessions are organized in small teams to give everyone equal access to locations, lighting setups, and models.
If you prefer to work individually, your shooting time will be adjusted accordingly.
Example:
If a group of 3 has 30 minutes for a shoot (10 minutes per person), then working alone means you will have 10 minutes of shooting time.
Please choose your preferred format when filling out the application form:
Working in a group
Working individually
🎯 Who this is for
This retreat is for you if:
you want to improve your photography beyond basics
you are interested in cinematic style
you want strong portfolio content
you are ready to step out of your comfort zone
⚠️ Important
This is not a vacation.
It’s a creative working experience.
We will shoot, experiment, and push your level forward.
🚀 Why Japan
Japan offers:
unique visual atmosphere
strong contrast between tradition and modernity
locations you won’t find anywhere else
Combined with cinematic lighting —
this creates something truly different.
⚠️ Good to Know
As this is a shared accommodation experience:
Room sharing may include participants of different genders
For light sleepers, we recommend bringing earplugs
We aim to create a respectful and comfortable environment for everyone.
Featured RetreatJoin a 7-day immersive cinematic photography retreat in Budapest from June 1–8, 2027.
This retreat is created for photographers who want to go deeper into cinematic storytelling, lighting, atmosphere, styling, and working with models - not just as a simple workshop, but as a full creative experience.
During the retreat, we will create multiple carefully prepared cinematic photo sets in different locations around Budapest. Each concept will be built around mood, character, light, color, styling, and storytelling, so participants can create strong portfolio-level images.
Planned sets include:
knight armor in a castle or historical location
knight armor in a field or forest
cinematic street scenes in my personal visual style
atmospheric apartment/interior scenes
an old Chinese restaurant inspired by Wong Kar-wai aesthetics
a dramatic concept with airplanes or burning cars
optional abandoned church / darker editorial concept
The main focus of this retreat is shooting, practice, and creating strong visual work. I will explain how I build each scene, how I work with light, how I direct models, how I choose angles, and how I turn a simple idea into a cinematic frame.
Participants will have time to shoot each set themselves, receive guidance during the process, and see how I approach the scene from the inside — from idea to final frame.
The retreat is limited to only 6 participants, so everyone gets enough time to shoot, ask questions, and receive feedback.
Included in the retreat:
accommodation in Budapest
transport during the retreat
prepared locations
models
lighting equipment
props and styling elements
BTS coverage
creative analysis and feedback during the retreat
basic snacks and water
Not included:
travel to and from Budapest
meals
personal expenses
visa or travel documents, if needed
This retreat is ideal for photographers who want to build a stronger cinematic portfolio, learn how to work with complex concepts, improve their visual storytelling, and experience a full creative production environment in a small group.
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