10-WEEK COURSE
International Center of Photography,
NYC
MARCH 12-MAY 14, 2025 Amy teaches “Street Portraits: Intention and Improvisation,” a 10-week course deep-diving into the nooks and crannies of street portraiture. The course covers various methodologies used by street photographers, the psychology behind getting the portrait you envision (including how and why to embrace fear), the role of the mind-body connection, how to gain the trust of strangers quickly and wordlessly, and what to do when things take a turn for the worse, among many other topics. Listen to a testimonial of a former student here.
Wednesdays, 6:30pm-9:30pm, at the International Center of Photography, 84 Ludlow Street in NYC
TALK
Professional Women Photographers,
NYC
DECEMBER 4, 2024, 6:30pm Amy delivers an in-person artist lecture to members of Professional Women Photographers.
TALK
Boston Camera Club,
Online
OCTOBER 22, 2024, 7-9pm Amy speaks to members of the Boston Camera Club about making street portraiture, including the various various methodologies used by street photographers, practical aspects of photographing strangers, and the psychology behind getting the portrait you envision, including how and why to embrace fear, the role the mind-body connection plays, how to gain strangers’ trust (quickly), and how to recover when things take a turn for the worse.
WORKSHOP
International Center of Photography,
NYC
SEPTEMBER 14-15, 2024, 10am-5pm Amy teaches “Environmental Street Portraiture: Intention & Improvisation,” an in-person, one-weekend workshop about developing strategies for photographing strangers on the street to full-time students in the Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism program at her alma mater, the International Center of Photography.
WORKSHOP
International Center of Photography,
NYC
JULY 20-21, 2024, 10am-5pm Amy teaches “Street Portraits: Intention & Improvisation,” a two-day, in-person workshop covering various methodologies used by street photographers, the psychology behind getting the portrait you envision (including how and why to embrace fear), the role of the mind-body connection, how to gain the trust of strangers quickly and wordlessly, and what to do when things take a turn for the worse, among many other topics.
The International Center of Photography is located at 84 Ludlow Street in NYC.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Fotografiska Museum,
NYC
July 10, 2024, 7-8:30pm In honor of the exhibition “Vivian Maier: Unseen Work,” Mary Engel (photo archivist of Ruth Orkin) hosts a panel discussion with Dara Gottfried (photo archivist of Arlene Gottfried) and Amy Touchette on Vivian Maier’s impact on the canon of street photography, the role gender plays in the the photographs of Ruth Orkin, Arlene Gottfried, and Amy Touchette, and in the genre of street photography more broadly. Click here for tickets!
PORTFOLIO REVIEWS
Photoville Festival & ICP,
NYC
JUNE 1, 2024, 3:30-5:30pm Sign up for free portfolio reviews at Photoville Festival this Saturday and Sunday by ICP faculty. Amy will be there for Saturday’s session, which takes place 3:30-5:30pm in the ICP tent at Photoville at Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Click here for details and a link to sign up. Hurry, this event always sells out!
TALK
”Photographing Strangers on the Street: Candid & Posed,”
Adorama Store,
NYC
May 2, 2024, 5pm If you’re compelled to make people’s portraits on the street, but you don’t know how to go about it, or it intimidates you, or you just want to deepen your experience making pictures of strangers, come to this event. Brooklyn-based street portrait photographer Amy Touchette discusses the various methodologies used by street photographers, practical aspects of photographing strangers, and the psychology behind getting the portrait you envision, including how and why to embrace fear, the role the mind-body connection plays, how to gain strangers’ trust (quickly), and how to recover when things take a turn for the worse.
Drop by Adorama on May 2nd at 5pm to be in the audience in person or jump into the chat to ask your questions and say hello to your fellow photographers live on the Adorama Events Channel. Click here for the video.
Adorama camera store is located at 42 West 18th Street in NYC.
10-WEEK COURSE
International Center of Photography,
NYC
MARCH 6-MAY 8, 2024 Amy teaches “Street Portraits: Intention and Improvisation,” a 10-week course deep-diving into the nooks and crannies of street portraiture. The course covers various methodologies used by street photographers, the psychology behind getting the portrait you envision (including how and why to embrace fear), the role of the mind-body connection, how to gain the trust of strangers quickly and wordlessly, and what to do when things take a turn for the worse, among many other topics. Listen to a testimonial of a former student here.
Wednesdays, 6:30pm-9:30pm, at the International Center of Photography, 84 Ludlow Street in NYC
WORKSHOP
International Center of Photography,
Online
JANUARY 19 & 23, 2024, 10am-1pm Amy teaches “Environmental Street Portraiture: Intention & Improvisation,” a two-day online workshop about developing strategies for photographing strangers on the street to full-time students in the Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism online program at her alma mater, the International Center of Photography.
WORKSHOP
International Center of Photography,
NYC
SEPTEMBER 16-17, 2023, 10am-5pm Amy teaches “Environmental Street Portraiture: Intention & Improvisation,” an in-person, one-weekend workshop about developing strategies for photographing strangers on the street to full-time students in the Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism program at her alma mater, the International Center of Photography.
5-DAY COURSE
International Center of Photography,
NYC
JULY 17-21, 2023 Amy teaches “Street Portraits: Intention & Improvisation,” a 5-day course deep diving into the nooks and crannies of street portraiture. Click here for a full description of the course or to enroll. Classes meet 10am-5pm, at the International Center of Photography, 84 Ludlow Street in NYC.
BOOK SIGNING
Personal Ties: Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn,
Photo London,
London, England
MAY 12, 2023, at 4pm Schilt Publishing hosts a book signing with Amy for Personal Ties: Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn at Photo London at booth P12 at 4pm (GMT) on Friday, May 12. The photography festival takes place May 11-14, 2023, in Somerset House in central London, England.
10-WEEK COURSE
International Center of Photography,
NYC
MARCH 1-MAY 10, 2023 Amy teaches “Street Portraits: Intention and Improvisation,” a 10-week course deep diving into the nooks and crannies of street portraiture. Classes meet every Wednesday from 6:30pm-9:30pm, at the International Center of Photography, 84 Ludlow Street in NYC.
GUEST LECTURE
School of Visual Arts,
NYC
DECEMBER 13, 2022, 7-8:30pm Amy talks to graduate students in the School of Visual Arts’ Master of Professional Studies program in Digital Photography as part of the i3 Lecture Series, curated by gallerist and educator Michael Foley. Watch the talk here.
MENTORSHIP
International Center of Photography,
Online
FALL TERM 2022 In this mentorship with Amy, offered through ICP, students receive individualized attention and guidance about their creative and artistic photographic practice through ten hours of online, one-on-one meetings. Registration is open until Oct 10, 2022. Get more details here, and read more from Amy about the mentorship here.
WORKSHOP
"Environmental Portraiture on the Street,"
International Center of Photography,
NYC
SEPTEMBER 17-18, 2022, 10am-5pm Amy teaches an in-person, one-weekend workshop about developing strategies for photographing strangers on the street to full-time students in the Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism program at her alma mater, the International Center of Photography.
ARTIST TALK WITH
JAMEL SHABAZZ
”The Brooklyn Connection,”
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
JULY 28, 2022 at 6pm Curator of “The Brooklyn Connection” exhibition, photographer Jamel Shabazz leads a discussion among participating artists featured in the exhibition in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Please join us!
TALK WITH MARTHA COOPER
International Center of Photography,
NYC
JULY 21, 2022 at 6:30pm ICP hosts a special screening of “Martha Cooper: A Picture Story,” a documentary about the life and career of celebrated photographer Martha Cooper, followed by a discussion between Amy and Martha including a Q&A. Get details and tickets here!
GUEST LECTURE
School of Visual Arts Master’s in Digital Photography,
Online
JUNE 21, 2022 Amy speaks to Master of Professional Studies students in the School of Visual Arts’ “Thesis Book + Brand” course taught by Elizabeth Avedon about her recent book, Personal Ties: Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Griffin Museum of Photography,
Online
JUNE 16, 2022 Lydia Panas, Karen Marshall, and Amy join J. Sybylla Smith in conversation for “Visual Voices in Print,” an online panel discussion about photo book publishing produced by Griffin Museum of Photography. The event is free for Griffin Museum members, $10 otherwise. Register here!
BOOK DISCUSSION & SIGNING
Launch Photo Books,
NYC
APRIL 28, 2022 at 7pm Join Amy and afterword writer C. Joi Sanchez, a third-generation Bed-Stuy resident, as they discuss Touchette’s latest book, Personal Ties: Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. The conversation will be facilitated by writer and 2019 New York Press Club Award recipient Rebecca Bengal.
Launch Photo Books is located at 59 Orchard Street in New York City. Please register here!
10-WEEK COURSE
International Center of Photography,
NYC
APRIL 13-JUNE 15, 2022 Amy teaches “Street Portraits: Intention and Improvisation,” a 10-week course that meets every Wednesday 6:30pm-9:30pm at the International Center of Photography.
TALK
Los Angeles Center of Photography “Street Week,”
Online
APRIL 10, 2022 at 1:45pm EST Los Angeles Center of Photography invites Amy to discuss her approach to street photography via Zoom at its Eighth Annual “Street Week in LA” festival along with Elena Alexandra and Melissa Breyer, with a Q & A to follow. Listen to the talk here (Amy starts at 35:58).
GUEST LECTURE
International Center of Photography,
Online
FEBRUARY 10, 2022 In “Ruminations on Community” class, Amy speaks about photographing communities to full-time students in the Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism program at her alma mater, the International Center of Photography.
WORKSHOP
"Environmental Portraiture on the Street: Intention and Improvisation,"
International Center of Photography,
NYC
OCTOBER 23-24, 2021, 10am-5pm Amy teaches an in-person, one-weekend workshop about developing strategies for photographing strangers on the street to full-time students in the Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism program at her alma mater, the International Center of Photography.
GUEST LECTURE
”Professional Practice”
RISD,
Providence, RI
FEBRUARY 11, 2021, 3pm Amy speaks to students in photographer Henry Horenstein’s “Professional Practice” class, a course affectionately referred to as “Friends of Henry,” at the Rhode Island School of Design.
WORKSHOP
"Environmental Portraiture on the Street: Intention and Improvisation,"
International Center of Photography,
NYC
OCTOBER 17-18 & 24-25, 2020, 10am-5pm Amy teaches two one-weekend workshops about developing strategies for photographing strangers on the street to full-time students in the Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism program at the International Center of Photography.
ICP has moved! The school and museum are now located at 79 Essex Street, between Delancey and Broome Streets, in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. While the school remains closed due to Covid-19, the museum will reopen for in-person visits beginning October 1, 2020.
WORKSHOP
"Environmental Portraiture on the Street: Intention and Improvisation,"
International Center of Photography,
NYC
JUNE 20-21, 2020, 10am-5pm Amy teaches a weekend workshop about street portraiture to continuing education students at the International Center of Photography.
ICP has moved! It is now located at 79 Essex Street, between Delancey and Broome Streets, in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
TALK
”The Street as a Muse,”
B&H SuperStore,
NYC
FEBRUARY 27, 2020, 4pm Amy talks about her career-long muse, the street, and how it has consistently inspired and edified her as a photographer and a person. She’ll share her recent novel project, “New York City Street Dailies” playing cards, as well as techniques for photographing strangers (both candid and posed), advice for navigating touchy situations on the street, and using photography as a blueprint for a more engaged and joyful life.
B&H SuperStore is located at 420 9th Ave, 2nd Floor, between 34th and 35th Streets.
GUEST LECTURE
”Creative Strategies,”
FIT,
NYC
NOVEMBER 20, 2019, 3pm Amy speaks to students in “Creative Strategies,” a course led by Jessica Wynne in the Fashion Institute of Technology’s undergraduate photography program.
WORKSHOP
"Environmental Portraiture on the Street: Intention and Improvisation,"
International Center of Photography,
NYC
SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019, 10am-5pm Amy teaches a weekend workshop to full-time students in the Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism program at the International Center of Photography.
EXPERIENCE/CLASS
”Learn How to Photograph Strangers,”
Washington Square Park
NYC
SPRING 2019 Learn how to make portraits of strangers, both with their permission (posed) and without (candid). Suitable for tourists and residents alike, this experience offered through Airbnb is sure to inspire you creatively and deepen your love of the city and humanity as a whole. And if you are visiting, it’s one of the most profound and genuine ways to take in New York City. Offered many Saturdays throughout the summer, click here to book your experience or for more information.
CLASS
”Photographing Strangers: Candid & Posed,”
Bryant Park
NYC
MAY 7, 2019, 5:30-7:30pm Learn how to make portraits of strangers, both with their permission (posed) and without (candid). Geared to beginner photographers, this class covers practical aspects of photographing strangers, such as finding ideal light and creating compelling compositions, as well as how to approach strangers and gain their trust, the psychology behind photographing people, and how and why to embrace fear. The class culminates with shooting portraits in Bryant Park followed by a Q&A session. All cameras are welcome, including camera phones.
The class takes place at the Art Cart on the Fifth Avenue Terrace in front of the New York Public Library.
TALK
”Photographing Strangers on the Street: Candid & Posed,”
Adorama Store
NYC
APRIL 17, 2019, 5pm If you’re compelled to take people’s portraits on the street, but you don’t know how to go about it, or it intimidates you, or you just want to deepen your experience taking pictures of strangers, come to this event. Brooklyn-based street portrait photographer Amy Touchette discusses the various methodologies used by street photographers throughout the history of photography, practical aspects of photographing strangers, and the psychology behind getting the portrait you envision, including how and why to embrace fear, the role the mind-body connection plays, how to gain strangers’ trust (quickly), and how to recover when things take a turn for the worst.
Adorama camera store is located at 42 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011.
WORKSHOP
"Photographing People & Life,"
Oaxaca, Mexico
MARCH 7-12, 2019 Photographing people and life requires a certain amount of intention and letting go. Oaxaca, Mexico is one of the most ideal settings for experiencing that satisfying and edifying equilibrium. After a successful workshop in 2018, SEEK Workshops and Amy team up to provide another opportunity in 2019 to deepen your experience of photographing real life. To learn more details, please click here.
ARTIST TALK
Purdue University,
Fort Wayne, IN
FEBRUARY 21, 2019, 5pm The Young Series exhibits at Purdue University. Join Amy for the artist talk and reception beginning at 5pm.
GUEST LECTURE
Purdue University,
Fort Wayne, IN
FEBRUARY 21, 2019 Amy speaks to students in Purdue University’s Imaging & Photography concentration on the occasion of her solo exhibition in the university’s Visual Arts Gallery.
TALK
”Photographing Strangers on the Street: Candid & Posed,”
Adorama Store
NYC
JANUARY 9, 2019, 5pm If you’re compelled to take people’s portraits on the street, but you don’t know how to go about it, or it intimidates you, or you just want to deepen your experience taking pictures of strangers, come to this event. Brooklyn-based street portrait photographer Amy Touchette discusses the various methodologies used by street photographers throughout the history of photography, practical aspects of photographing strangers, and the psychology behind getting the portrait you envision, including how and why to embrace fear, the role the mind-body connection plays, how to gain strangers’ trust (quickly), and how to recover when things take a turn for the worst.
Adorama camera store is located at 42 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011.
GUEST LECTURE
School of Visual Arts
NYC
NOVEMBER 28, 2018 Amy presents her work to students in the "Artist Lecture Series," taught by Michael Foley.
GUEST LECTURE
The New School
NYC
OCTOBER 18, 2018 Amy speaks to students in "Picturing Our World: International Photojournalism and Visual Representation," a course led by photojournalist Glenna Gordon at The New School in New York City.
WORKSHOP
"Environmental Portraiture on the Street: Intention and Improvisation,"
International Center of Photography,
NYC
OCTOBER 6 & 7, 2018, 10am-5pm Amy teaches a weekend workshop to full-time students in the Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism program at the International Center of Photography.
TALK
"Photographing Strangers on the Street: Candid & Posed,"
Adorama Store
NYC
SEPTEMBER 6, 2018, 5pm If you’re compelled to take people’s portraits on the street, but you don’t know how to go about it, or it intimidates you, or you just want to deepen your experience taking pictures of strangers, come to this event. Brooklyn-based street portrait photographer Amy Touchette discusses the various methodologies used by street photographers throughout the history of photography, practical aspects of photographing strangers, and the psychology behind getting the portrait you envision, including how and why to embrace fear, the role the mind-body connection plays, how to gain strangers’ trust (quickly), and how to recover when things take a turn for the worst.
Adorama camera store is located at 42 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011.
WORKSHOP
"Framing New Yorkers,"
NYC
AUGUST 3-12, 2018 This workshop focuses on psychological and practical methodologies participants can use to photograph real life, on the street, that speak to them personally. It covers strategies for harnessing the role that chance plays in street photography and using the power of the law of attraction and cause-and-effect to increase the probability of making compelling pictures.
GUEST LECTURE
"Picturing People:
Aesthetics and Narrative,"
Provincetown, MA
JULY 20, 2018, 10am Amy speaks to students in "Picturing People: Aesthetics and Narrative," a workshop led by photographer Amy Arbus at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
TALK
"Photographing Strangers on the Street: Candid & Posed,"
Adorama Store
NYC
MAY 23, 2018, 5pm If you’re compelled to take people’s portraits on the street, but you don’t know how to go about it, or it intimidates you, or you just want to deepen your experience taking pictures of strangers, come to this event. Brooklyn-based street portrait photographer Amy Touchette discusses the various methodologies used by street photographers throughout the history of photography, practical aspects of photographing strangers, and the psychology behind getting the portrait you envision, including how and why to embrace fear, the role the mind-body connection plays, how to gain strangers’ trust (quickly), and how to recover when things take a turn for the worst.
Adorama camera store is located at 42 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011.
WORKSHOP
"Photographing People & Life,"
Oaxaca, Mexico
MARCH 11-16, 2018 Learn how to make photographs of people and the setting of Oaxaca, Mexico, with New York City street photographer Amy Touchette. There is no place on earth like Oaxaca. With its rich blend of 16 indigenous cultures, Spanish Colonial architecture, beautiful light, and the patina of time, it is a photographer's dream location.
GUEST LECTURE & WORKSHOP
California Polytechnic State University,
San Luis Obispo, CA
FEBRUARY 22-23, 2018 Amy speaks to students in courses taught by Sky Bergman and Lana Caplan and offers a workshop in street photography for all students. She will also be giving an artist talk on opening night of her exhibition The Young Series, which takes place in the University Art Gallery February 22-March 16, 2018.
TALK
"Photographing Strangers on the Street: Candid & Posed,"
Adorama Store
NYC
FEBRUARY 13, 2018, 5-7pm If you’re compelled to take people’s portraits on the street, but you don’t know how to go about it, or it intimidates you, or you just want to deepen your experience taking pictures of strangers, come to this event. Amy will discuss the various methodologies used by street photographers throughout the history of photography, practical aspects of photographing strangers (model releases, equipment, technical considerations, etc.), and the psychology behind getting the portrait you envision, including how and why to embrace fear, the role the mind-body connection plays, how to gain strangers’ trust (quickly), what to do when things take a turn for the worst, and how making street portraiture gets you in the habit of rising to challenges in healthy, honest, and productive ways.
Adorama camera store is located at 42 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011.
GUEST LECTURE
School of Visual Arts
NYC
OCTOBER 25, 2017 Amy presents her work to students in the "Artist Lecture Series," taught by Michael Foley.
PANEL MEMBER
"The Driving Force of Portraits," Hosted by The Photo Brigade Adorama Store
NYC
OCTOBER 22, 2017, 2pm Photographer Jennifer McClure moderates a panel discussion with Annie Tritt, Laylah Amatullah Barrayn, Victoria Will, and Amy Touchette at Adorama about the inspiration behind street, editorial, documentary, and fine art portraiture.
PORTFOLIO REVIEWER
ASMPNY Student
Portfolio Review
NYC
APRIL 29, 2016, 6-9pm Amy reviews student portfolios at ASMP New York's Student Portfolio Review event.
GUEST LECTURE
The City College of New York
NYC
FEBRUARY 19, 2016, 12pm Amy speaks presents her work to students in "Photographing New York City," taught by Justine Reyes.
GUEST LECTURE
School of Visual Arts
NYC
NOVEMBER 11, 2015, 6pm Amy presents her work to students in the "Artist Lecture Series," taught by Michael Foley.
GUEST LECTURE
School of Visual Arts
NYC
JANUARY 24, 2014, 12pm Amy presents her work to students in the "Artist Lecture Series," taught by Michael Foley.
GUEST LECTURE
School of Visual Arts
NYC
FEBRUARY 15, 2013, 12pm Amy presents her work to students in the "Artist Lecture Series," taught by Michael Foley.
GUEST LECTURE
School of the International Center of Photography
NYC
NOVEMBER 26, 2012, 6:30pm Amy presents her work to students in the personal vision course "From Intent to Edit: Developing a Relationship with Your Work," taught by Karen Marshall.
GUEST LECTURE
The New York
PhotoGroup Salon
NYC
SEPTEMBER 19, 2012, 6:30pm Amy presents her work to The New York PhotoGoup Salon, along with two founders of the group, Jay Maisel and Bill Westheimer, and Lois Bielefeld, held in the SoHo Photo Gallery.
GUEST LECTURE
School of Visual Arts
NYC
APRIL 13, 2012, 12pm Amy presents her work to students in the "Artist Lecture Series," taught by Michael Foley.
GUEST LECTURE
Photo Workshop New York
NYC
MAY 26, 2011 Amy talks to students in "The Personal Documentary" workshop taught by Erica McDonald and Andrew Sullivan, 12:30 pm in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
GUEST LECTURE
School of Visual Arts
NYC
MARCH 4, 2011, 12pm Amy presents her work to students in the "Artist Lecture Series," taught by Michael Foley.
TALK
"Looking at the Unique to Find the Universal,"
B&H Super Store
NYC
FEBRUARY 27, 2011, 1-3pm Amy presents her work to discuss how photographing the unique reveals universal aspects of humanity, and shares her experiences being among strangers, gaining their trust, approaching them for a portrait, and embracing the unfolding interaction in order to make a meaningful portrait. Topics also include practical aspects of being an artist, challenges she's confronted while photographing, finding inspiration, and how being a photographer—in all stages, whether making photographs, selecting photographs, or presenting a body of work—can deeply affect one’s relationship with the world.