Devitt + Kelley Apalmanac Workshop – Japan September 2024 (Sold Out)

Experience Japan with Mike Kelley + Simon Devitt

Mike Kelley (USA) and Simon Devitt (NZ) are back for another architectural photography workshop.

This time group attendees will venture to Japan to visit the Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse in Japan’s Yamagata Prefecture. Building on our experiences with past workshops, this adventure promises to be an unforgettable experience for participants.

About Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse

Suiden Terrace opened in 2018 was designed by award-winning architect Shigeru Ban. Ban studied architecture at both California’s SCI-Arc and New York’s Cooper Union and has become one of the most respected architects in the world, pioneering one-of-a-kind design languages via the use of thoughtful and innovative materials.

Throughout his career, Ban has consistently and successfully blended modern designs with innovative materials such as cardboard and paper; for example he was the first architect in the world to design a code-passing structure made out of paper. Ban has also taken on many humanitarian causes such as refugee shelters and short-term pavilions, all of which are made out of sustainable materials.

The hotel sits atop rice fields and beautifully reflects its natural surroundings and features bright minimalist decor inside – an inspiring setting for making photos, learning more about the business of architectural photography and enjoying the company of other professionals looking to improve their technique and level-up in their careers. As Suiden Terrasse is located in an agricultural area, their on-site restaurants feature farm-to-table menus filled with seasonal produce and seafood.

Workshop Itinerary Example

Day 1:

Activity: Check in to Daiwa Roynet Hotel Yamagata-ekimae in Yamagata Prefecture at your leisure.
Included: The price of the hotel
Not included: Transportation to hotel and meals

Day 2:

Activity: Board a private shuttle which will take all attendees to Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse, approximately two hours away.
Check-in to Suiden Terrasse
The rest of the day is yours. Enjoy the spa, grab dinner with other attendees or shake off that jetlag!
Included: Transportation to Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse and lodging at the hotel
Not included: Meals, spa treatments, etc.

Day 3:

Activities: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, Workshop day 1 will commence, Break for lunch at the hotel, Resume workshop day 1, Group dinner offsite
Included: Lodging, breakfast, lunch, dinner
Not included: extra snacks

Day 4:

Activities: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, Workshop day 2 will commence, Break for lunch at the hotel, Resume workshop day 2, Group dinner offsite
Included: Lodging, breakfast, lunch, dinner
Not included: extra snacks

Day 5:

Activities: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, 12:00 PM: Depart for Yamagata City Center (NOTE: We should arrive in Yamagata at approximately 2:00 pm, but please give leave extra time when booking any departing flights as it’s always possible we may encounter unforeseen delays due to traffic and construction detours.)
Included: Breakfast, transportation to Yamagata city center
Not included: lunch, dinner, lodging in Yamagata

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is full tuition due? Tuition is due in full upon reserving your spot. Tuition is non-refundable but is transferable. If you can’t make it, you’re welcome to give your spot to a friend — just let us know beforehand. However, you can pay in installments using PayPal.

Why are the workshops so small? I have taught many workshops in my career and it’s nearly impossible to teach adequately as soon as class sizes get larger than eight people. Due to the specialised equipment and wide open spaces required to have everyone not only learn about, but also practice, architectural photography, I keep it small and intimate so that attendees not only get a chance to make amazing photos, but also have plenty of time interfacing with me.

Can I bring my significant other, a friend or family? Unfortunately, I cannot accommodate guests beyond the workshop participants.

What equipment should I bring?

Gear – Mandatory
- Camera
- Lenses
- Tripod
- Blank memory card
- Card reader
- Laptop
- Any/all cables for your gear
Medication:
- If you have any allergies, please let me know and also bring an EpiPen, and/or any other medication required to treat an allergic reaction.

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