PHOTO XPEDITIONS PRESENTS:
Virgin of Almudena Celebrations Workshop in Cuzco, Peru Featuring:
Documentary Photographer: Michael Hanson
September 3-10,2012
7 Nights / 8 Days
Photography opens doors. It offers access to people's homes, their villages and their families. If we use this access with respect and awareness, our images will reveal a world very rarely seen with stories not often heard.
Our photo workshop will not only teach you the necessary skills to work quickly with your camera, but also how to approach situations that might, at first, seem uncomfortable. Making a connection with your subject and gaining access to their life is an important piece of photography. Daily assignments will stretch our boundaries and the critiques that follow will reinforce lessons. We will learn how light and composition effect the quality of the subject.
We'll see evidence of ancient cultures through markets in Cusco to a fortress in Ollantaytambo to the working salt pools near Maras and, of course, to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Standing on the ruins overlooking this ancient structure is an experience unlike any other. Hiram Bingham's images of this land over 100 years ago brought a lost civilization to life. How fortunate are we to be able to stand in his footsteps and share in that experience, making our own images that reveal a culture from centuries ago? Bring energy, curiosity and a sense of adventure as we set out to document and explore the Sacred Valley of Peru.
Michael Hanson
Itinerary:
©Michael Hanson
Day 1: Arrive Cuzco
Arrive in Cuzco and check in to your hotel, which is located within walking distance of the central square of the city. Cuzco is considered the oldest city in the Americas and is located at 3,350 m above sea level. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Peru and the main gateway to reach Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Today you meet your instructors. Today we will take it easy as everybody adapts to the altitude of the city. In the evening we gather as a group for a welcome reception and dinner.
Casa Andina San Blas Hotel (D)
Day 2: Cuzco
After breakfast at the hotel we will gather for our portfolio review and for the first lecture of the workshop. After lunch we will photograph the city of Cuzco. We will visit the Temple of The Sun (Koricancha), the local market of San Pedro and the Artisan’s Quarter of San Blas.
Casa Andina San Blas Hotel (B,L)
Day 3: Sacred Valley of the Inca/Ollantaytambo/ Maras Moray/ Sacred Valley of the Inca
After breakfast we will go to Ollantaytambo a former Military, Religious and Agricultural center of the Incalco Empire. We will shoot the massive fortress, the temples and the ruins from where you will be able to see the village. Walk along the preserved streets of the village, visit and shoot locals houses. After lunch we will photograph Moray’s ruins. Discovered in the 1930’s, these circular terraces like formations presumably served as a botanical laboratory for the Inca . We will continue to the salt mines of Maras, an impressive array of terraces carved out of the hillside containing mini salt-pans, each of them. Capture the landscape and the people working at the mines.
Casa Andina San Blas Hotel (B,L)
Day 4: Sacred Valley of the Inca/Machu Picchu
Alfter breakfast, we board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes. for Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World The Citadel of Machu Picchu is by far the most important attraction in the sacred valley discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, this stronghold, overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba River is considered one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world. We will spend the afternoon, at sunset, photographing the ruins and the landscape.
El Mapi Hotel (B, L)
Day 5: Machu Picchu/Cuzco
This morning we will have an early breakfast and will have an optional second visit to Machu Picchu at sunrise or a trekking to Wayna Picchu to visit the Temple of the Moon and to be able to photograph the “Ciudadela”, the city, of Machu Picchu from the best place to do so, before the crowds, to have the opportunity to photograph this magnificent sites with the best possible light. After lunch we will go back onboard the Vistadome Train to Cuzco where we will check into our hotel. In the afternoon we will have an edit and critique session.
Casa Andina San Blas Hotel (B,L)
Day 6: Cuzco - Corpus of Almudena Celebrations
Corpus of Almudena celebration dates back to the 17th century. The Almudena is one of Cusco’s most venerated Madonnas. This celebration includes a procession, typical dances and music from Cusco and the surrounding highlands and offers a rich cultural experience as well as a wide range of photographic opportunities. In the afternoon we will have an edit and critique session.
Casa Andina San Blas Hotel (B)
Day 7: Chinchero Town and Market/Sacred Valley of the Inca
After breakfast, we depart for Chinchero, a small Andean village that overlooks the Sacred Valley. In this town we will have time to shoot the colorful Sunday market, where local people, and from the vicinities, still dress with their traditional clothes. After lunch, in the afternoon, we will have our last lecture and edit and critique session. In the evening we will have a class show and farewell dinner.
Casa Andina San Blas Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 8: Cuzco Departures
(B)
About the instructor:
Michael Hanson is an award winning photographer based in Seattle, WA and was recently named one of the World's Top Travel Photographers by Popular Photography Magazine.
Michael's photography career began while playing baseball in the Atlanta Braves farm system. His access to this unique lifestyle sparked a behind-the-scenes series that would eventually lead him to a career in photography. Michael's travel/lifestyle work has taken him on assignments to Chile, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, British Columbia, and throughout the US. Michael has undertaken documentary projects investigating the changing lives of indigenous cultures in Ecuador (oil extraction), Guatemala (native artisans), Chile (mining), Lau Group, Fiji (marine exploitation), Rwanda (post-genocide photographers), Bolivia (lithium mining), Venezuela (chocolate production) and Ethiopia (coffee farming).
Michael recently completed a 7-week book project documenting urban farming in the US. He has taught numerous photography workshops, including National Geographic Student Expeditions in the Sacred Valley, Peru. He was a judge for the 2010 and 2011 DC Fotoweek Photography contest.
His fine art images are part of the permanent archive at the Sir Elton John Photography Collection. Although his work has evolved from the first project on baseball, the passion for capturing people and their immediate landscapes in a clean, natural, documentary style remains at the core of Michael Hanson Photography. http://www.michaelhansonphotography.com/
CLIENTS:
American Photo Images of the Year
Banff Photography Competition Award
PDN Great Outdoor Photography Award
National Geographic International Photo Contest Viewer's Choice
FYI, Folio Eddie Award for Coastal Living feature (April '09)
Fine Art images in the Sir Elton John Photography Collection
Stock Portfolio through Aurora Photos + National Geographic Image Collection + Corbis
Terms and Conditions
Accommodations: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Documentary Photographer Michael Hanson
All entrance fees per the itinerary above
Breakfast and lunches as mentioned (B,L)
2 dinners (Welcome and Farewell Dinners)
Program Exclusions:
Tips and Gratuities
Drinks not mentioned
Meals not mentioned in the program
Airport taxes
Airfares
Who should attend?
This workshop is for amateur and serious digital photographers. All participants must bring a digital camera, a laptop computer and software for organizing and presenting images. The workshop is limited to 16 participants to allow for maximum individualized attention.
Price:
Workshop Price is $ 3,495.00 USD per Person/Double Occupancy. For single occupation add $795.00 USD.
Terms and Conditions:
To reserve space in this workshop, a $500 per person deposit is required at the time of making the reservation. Deposits are due no later than 90 days prior to departure. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure unless indicated otherwise in the description of the tour or workshop. All payments must be made by credit card or wire transfer to Photo Xpeditions, LLC, and instructions for payments will be mailed upon confirmation of participation.
Photo Xpeditions reserves the right to cancel a reservation if full payment has not been received by 60 days prior to departure. For reservations made within 60 days of the departure date, full payment is required when the reservation is accepted. All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of the postmark. If you cancel 90 days or more prior to departure, a refund less an administrative fee equal to 50% of your deposit will be made. Per person charges for cancellations that occur less than 90 days prior to departure are as follows:
60–90 days prior to departure: 100% of your deposit amount;
45–60 days prior to departure: 50% of the expedition cost;
45 or fewer days prior to departure: 100% of the workshop cost.
Photo Xpeditions reserves the right of canceling the workshop at any time if the minimum amount of students required for the workshop is not reached. If a workshop needs to be cancelled for this reason, a full refund will be given to all participants.
CORPUS CHRISTI CELEBRATIONS IN CUZCO, PERU
A Photo Workshop with National Geographic Photographer
Tino Soriano
June 2-9, 2012
HIGHLIGHTS
- 7 Nights/8Days
- Award winning National Geographic Instructor
- Stroll the UNESCO World Heritage Central Plaza of Cuzco
- Photograph Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Inca
- Witness and capture the Corpus Christi Processions
- Enjoy Markets, communities... and much more!
Detailed Itinerary - 7 Nights/8 Days
Day 1: Arrive Cuzco
Arrive in Cuzco and check your hotel which is located walking distance from the central square of the city. Cuzco is considered the oldest city in the Americas and is located at 3,350 m above sea level. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Peru and the main gateway to reach Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Today you meet your instructors. Today we will take it easy as everybody adapts to the altitude of the city. In the evening we gather as a group for a welcome reception and dinner.
Casa Andina San Blas Hotel (D)
Day 2: Cusco/Chinchero Town and Market/Sacred Valley of the Inca
After breakfast, we depart for Chinchero, a small Andean village that overlooks the Sacred Valley. In this town we will have time to shoot the colorful Sunday market, where local people, and from the vicinities, still dress with their traditional clothes. After lunch we will gather for our portfolio review in the afternoon and for the first lecture of the workshop.
Casa Andina San Blas Hotel (B)
Day 3: Sacred Valley of the Inca/Ollantaytambo/ Maras Moray/ Sacred Valley of the Inca
After breakfast go the city of Ollantaytambo a former Military, Religious and Agricultural center of the Incalco Empire. We will shoot the massive fortress, the temples and the ruins from where you will be able to see the village. Walk along the preserved streets of the village, visit and shoot locals houses. After lunch, we will photograph Moray’s ruins. Discovered in the 1930’s, these circular terraces like formations presumably served as a botanical laboratory for the Inca . We will continue to the salt mines of Maras, an impressive array of terraces carved out of the hillside containing mini salt-pans, each of them. Capture the landscape and the people working at the mines.
Casa Andina San Blas Hotel (B,L)
Day 4: Sacred Valley of the Inca/Machu Picchu
Alfter breakfast, we board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes. for Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World The Citadel of Machu Picchu is by far the most important attraction in the sacred valley discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, this stronghold, overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba River is considered one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world. We will spend the afternoon, at sunset, photographing the ruins and the landscape. In the evening we will have an edit and critique session of the today and the previous day’s work.
El Mapi Hotel (B,L)
Day 5: Machu Picchu/Cuzco (The eve of Corpus Christi)
This morning we will have an early breakfast and will have an optional second visit to Machu Picchu at sunrise or a trekking to Wayna Picchu to visit the Temple of the Moon and to be able to photograph the “Ciudadela”, the city, of Machu Picchu from the best place to do so, before the crowds, to have the opportunity to photograph this magnificent sites with the best possible light. After lunch we will go back onboard the Vistadome Train to Cuzco where we will check into our hotel. In the afternoon we will have a lecture and an edit and critique session.
Casa Andina San Blas Hotel (B,L)
Day 6: Cuzco (Corpus Christi Processions and Celebrations)
The day is finally here; Corpus Christi is the most important religious celebration of Cuzco. While the processions get underway under the harsh sun of mid-day, the colorful clothes, the religious images, the floats and the passion of the people build up for a superb opportunity to photograph the essence of the people of Cusco.
Casa Andina San Blas Hotel (B)
Day 7: Cuzco
Today we photograph the city of Cuzco. After breakfast we will visit the Temple of The Sun (Koricancha), the local market of San Pedro and the Artisan’s Quarter of San Blas.. After lunch, in the afternoon, we will have our last lecture and edit and critique session. In the evening we will have a class show and farewell dinner.
Casa Andina San Blas Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 8: Cuzco
Departures (B)
Terms and Conditions:
Workshop Cost:
$ 3,495.00 USD per Person/Double Occupancy. For single occupation add $495.00 USD.
Program Inclusions:
- Accommodations: 7 nights/8 days
- Award Winning, National Geographic Photographer Tino Soriano
- All entrance fees per the itinerary above
- Breakfast and lunches as mentioned (B,L)
- 3 dinners
Program Exclusions:
- Tips and Gratuities
- Drinks not mentioned
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Airport taxes
- Airfares
Who should attend?
This workshop is for amateur and serious digital photographers. All participants must bring a digital camera, a laptop computer and software for organizing and presenting images. The workshop is limited to 16 participants to allow for maximum individualized attention.
Cancelation Policy:
To reserve space in this workshop, a $500 per person deposit is required at the time of making the reservation. Deposits are due no later than 90 days prior to departure. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure unless indicated otherwise in the description of the tour or workshop. All payments must be made by credit card to Photo Xpeditions, LLC, and instructions for payments will be mailed upon confirmation of participation.
Photo Xpeditions reserves the right to cancel a reservation if full payment has not been received by 60 days prior to departure. For reservations made within 60 days of the departure date, full payment is required when the reservation is accepted. All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of the postmark. If you cancel 90 days or more prior to departure, a refund less an administrative fee equal to 50% of your deposit will be made. Per person charges for cancellations that occur less than 90 days prior to departure are as follows:
60–90 days prior to departure: 100% of your deposit amount;
45–60 days prior to departure: 50% of the expedition cost;
45 or fewer days prior to departure: 100% of the workshop cost.
Photo Xpeditions reserves the right of cancelling the workshop at any time if the minimum amount of students required for the workshop is not reached. If a workshop needs to be cancelled for this reason, a full refund will be given to all participants.
Southern Spain by On Board Al Andalús Luxury Train
Featuring Acclaimed Travel and Food Writer
FIONA DUNLOP
October 26-November 7, 2012
(13 Days)
Travel and sleep aboard the stunning Al Andalús train, a freshly renovated “palace on wheels”, as it winds through Southern Spain, the home of bullfighting, tapas, flamenco and gypsies. You will be in the excellent company of Food and Travel Writer, Fiona Dunlop. Visit the spectacular cities of Granada, Córdoba, Seville and Ronda with their amazing Moorish sights as well as see typical whitewashed hill towns (pueblos blancos) and striking landscapes.
Continue your trip on an exclusive gourmet tour into the heart of Andalusia. This will range from the production region of the world famous Jamon de Jabugo (Jamon Iberico), to premium olive oil and wine tastings as well as a lunch in the fields of a typical farm. An equestrian show and a mesmerizing flamenco performance bring to an end this exciting and unique program.
Film-Making Workshop in Iceland
Featuring Academy Award Nominee: Martin Bell
July 22 - August 3, 2012
Mary Ellen Mark and her husband, Martin Bell will conduct a Photography & Film Making Workshop in association with Icelandic artists Einar “Effi” Falur Ingolfsson and his wife Ingibjorg “Inga” Johannsdottir. Mary Ellen and Effi will teach the photography workshop together. Martin will teach the film-making workshop. Inga will supervise the logistics of both classes including the operation of the darkroom and editing facilities and the guest lecturers at the Reykjavik School of Visual Arts.
In advance of the workshop we will supply a long list of possible story ideas for consideration by both photography and film students. Some examples: music festivals, fisherman on a ocean going boat, a summer camp for disabled children, gay parade, swimming pools in Reykjavik, workers in a geothermal plant a fish factory and a magnesium factory, Blue Lagoon volcanic spa, Icelandic horses, and spectacular landscape locations that are among the most beautiful in the world. Some of the music events require travel for a few days, those of you who choose that will have to let us know in advance so we can make those plans.
The two classes will meet together for the first day’s group critique and the final critique on the last day—as well as the evening sessions. The exchange of ideas between the film and photography students will be very productive.
Icelanders speak English and Danish widely, so there is no need for translators.
On working in Iceland
In the summer of 2005, I was asked to produce five photographic portfolios for the Morgunbladid Newspaper. One of the projects I requested to photograph was a school for disabled children in Reykjavik. The newspaper arranged for me to spend a day at Öskjuhlíðarskóli. It was an unforgettable day. I immediately fell in love with the children as I followed them through their daily activities, which included a swimming class. It was in that swimming class that I met one young boy that especially won my heart. This boy walked with the aid of a walker with unimaginable effort and was fearless in the water. He used precious few words but had a strong presence. I took many photographs of him swimming. On the bus ride back to school, he sat in front of me and kept leaning around his seat to make sure I was still there. His name: Alexander. – Extract from - Extraordinary child by Mary Ellen Mark-
…During the seven weeks that we spent in Iceland (over three separate trips), my husband Martin Bell, made a film, “Alexander”, focusing on Alexander and his relationship with his parents (Steinunn & Palli), grandparents (Edda & Siggi), friends, teachers, and even his dog; Rocky. Martin’s film also visits Öskjuhlíðarskóli, Safamýrarskóli, and Lyngás. The film shows how the teachers and caretakers make a strong connection with the higher functioning disabled children as well as with children who on the surface seem unreachable. - Extract from: Extraordinary child by Mary Ellen Mark-
Led by filmmaker Martin Bell, this film-making workshop is geared towards people who are transitioning into the world of video film-making. It is not a technical class, but will focus more on the construction of a narrative film story. The workshop starts on Sunday, July 22nd, 2012 with a group dinner at a local restaurant where we will join the photography workshop students and instructors. On July 23 both workshops will meet for a group critique.
The film students can present up to 10 minutes of work to be critiqued. You will discuss what you might be interested in shooting during the class. Students will receive a list of possible subjects in advance so they can give it some thought and start working right away. In some cases, the subjects will require additional travel, so advance arrangements need to be made. During the workshop each student will produce a 1-10 minute film. Students will start shooting on Tuesday, July 24. Each person will schedule a 20-minute appointment to meet with Martin every day so he can review the progress and give shooting and editing advice. (Students traveling outside of Reykjavik to shoot will meet with Martin upon their return.)
The one-on-one meetings with Martin will be scheduled for a regular time, but the shooting and editing schedule will be up to each student. Students should bring their own video camera and a laptop with their own editing software. The Reykjavik School of Visual Arts will have Macintosh workstations with Final Cut Pro available. (This workshop will not include editing software instruction, but there will be someone at the school to address small issues and problems). Each evening, both the photography and film students will come together for a group class. Mary Ellen, Effi, Martin, and Inga will show you their work. Other Icelandic photographers and filmmakers will come as guest speakers to show their work.
On the last day of the workshop both classes will have a group critique where the films and edited photographs will be presented. That evening, everyone’s work will be presented in a local gallery. This workshop will provide a framework to all film students to have a better understanding of shooting and editing a film while offering a wonderful opportunity to experience Iceland.
1. On the first evening the class meets at a local restaurant to have your first dinner together.
2. On Monday, July 23rd, there is a general session to discuss the possible assignments you will be shooting. One on one discussions will take place throughout the day at the REYKJAVIK MUSEUM of PHOTOGRAPHY.
3. Upon reviewing all assignments and talking about your interests you will be given an individual assignment or theme to shoot and edit over the course of the workshop. Einar and Inga live in Reykjavick and have many ideas and contacts in the area to make the most out of your workshop
4. Students will shoot and edit every day for eleven days. Review, edit and critique sessions will require that you bring a computer.
5. Each student is given a specific time to meet individually with Martin according to whether you have enough material for the review session or not. These meetings are held at the Reykjavik School of Visual Art.
6. Every evening, the class comes together at the school to discuss your progress, and to see the work of local artists and filmmakers.
7. The film showcase will take place on Friday, August 3rd. This is the first time you’ll see each other's work from Iceland. It will be fascinating and exciting to see the film each student produced during the workshop.
8. We have our final dinner Friday night and everyone leaves on Saturday, August 4th having learned more about how to shoot and edit a film.
Martin Bell: started out as a freelance cinematographer for documentaries and drama on English television before coming to the U.S. 20 years ago. Martin is at ease in both documentary and narrative storytelling. He has directed such documentaries as Academy Award nominated "Streetwise", which followed the lives of runaway kids on the streets of Seattle and “Circus of Dreams” set in the Indian Circus for National Geographic Television. He has directed narrative features films including "American Heart" starring Jeff Bridges and "Hidden in America", featuring both Beau and Jeff Bridges.
July 22-August 3, 2012
Featuring:
Iceland is a country of beauty and contrasts. Known for its dramatic landscapes and natural marvels, it has been an inspiration for artists for centuries. We have specifically chosen these 13 days for the workshops because it is a time of great activity in Iceland. There are several music festivals and a huge gay parade the following Saturday. There are also many themes and events to be photographed in and around Reykjavik.
Mary Ellen Mark and her husband, Martin Bell will conduct a Photography & Film Making Workshop in association with Icelandic artists Einar “Effi” Falur Ingolfsson and his wife Ingibjorg “Inga” Johannsdottir. Mary Ellen and Effi will teach the photography workshop together. Martin will teach the filmmaking workshop. Inga will supervise the logistics of both classes including the operation of the darkroom and editing facilities and the guest lecturers at the Reykjavik School of Visual Arts.
In advance of the workshop we will supply a long list of possible story ideas for consideration by both photography and film students. Some examples include: music festivals, fisherman on a ocean going boat, a summer camp for disabled children, gay parade, swimming pools in Reykjavik, workers in a geothermal plant a fish factory and a magnesium factory, Blue Lagoon volcanic spa, Icelandic horses, and spectacular landscape locations that are among the most beautiful in the world. Some of the music events require travel for a few days, those of you who choose that will have to let us know in advance so we can make those plans.
The two classes will meet together for the first day’s group critique and the final critique on the last day—as well as the evening sessions. The exchange of ideas between the film and photography students will be very productive. Icelanders speak English and Danish widely, so there is no need for translators.
Mary Ellen Mark on working in Iceland:
In the summer of 2005, I was asked to produce five photographic portfolios for the Morgunbladid Newspaper. One of the projects I requested to photograph was a school for disabled children in Reykjavik. The newspaper arranged for me to spend a day at Öskjuhlíðarskóli. It was an unforgettable day. I immediately fell in love with the children as I followed them through their daily activities, which included a swimming class. It was in that swimming class that I met one young boy that especially won my heart. This boy walked with the aid of a walker with unimaginable effort and was fearless in the water. He used precious few words but had a strong presence. I took many photographs of him swimming. On the bus ride back to school, he sat in front of me and kept leaning around his seat to make sure I was still there. His name: Alexander. – Extract from - Extraordinary child by Mary Ellen Mark-
….During the seven weeks that we spent in Iceland (over three separate trips), my husband Martin Bell, made a film, “Alexander”, focusing on Alexander and his relationship with his parents (Steinunn & Palli), grandparents (Edda & Siggi), friends, teachers, and even his dog; Rocky. Martin’s film also visits Öskjuhlíðarskóli, Safamýrarskóli, and Lyngás. The film shows how the teachers and caretakers make a strong connection with the higher functioning disabled children as well as with children who on the surface seem unreachable. - Extract from: Extraordinary child by Mary Ellen Mark-
The workshop starts on Sunday, July 22, 2012 with a group dinner at a local restaurant. On Monday, July 23rd, all portfolios will be reviewed in a group setting including Mary Ellen, Effi, Martin, and Inga. Each person will spend about 10 minutes presenting their portfolio and talk about what you have decided to shoot during the trip and how you might use this experience to become a better photographer. At the end of the critique, each student will be assigned a specific time to meet with Mary Ellen and Effi each morning. Students will start shooting on Tuesday, July 24th. Every day, until August 2nd, students will go out on their own totake pictures based on the assignments chosen between you and your instructors.
Each student will meet with Mary Ellen and Effi every day for their individual edit and critique session of what you shot the day before. The rest of the day will be spent shooting, putting into practice the guidance Mary Ellen and Effi have give you. (You are required to shoot every day.) There will be a deadline each evening for everyone to turn in their film or digital files to have contacts made overnight. Students can shoot either film or digital. Each student is responsible for bringing their own camera and equipment—including a laptop for digital shooters. In the evenings, both the film and photography classes come together as a group for discussions. Mary Ellen, Effi, Martin, and Inga will show you some of their work. Other Icelandic photographers and filmmakers will come as guest speakers to show their work also.
On the last day of the workshop there’ll be a final group critique of all students (including the film students.) Each student will show the edited work they’ve made over the course of the class (the rule is that students must not show each other their work during the class.) A selection will be made of the three or four best images from each student. These images will be displayed that evening in a local gallery along with the film students’ projects. The photographs and films will also be compiled in a book that can be purchased after the class. This workshop will be a wonderful opportunity for everyone to become a better photographer, as well as experiencing Iceland a most personal way.
1. On the first evening the class meets at a local restaurant and have your first dinner together.
2. Each student must bring his or her portfolio. On Monday, July 23rd, there is a general critique of each student’s work. It will be held at the REYKJAVIK MUSEUM of PHOTOGRAPHY.
3. At the end of all the critiques instructors can help you decide on an individual project to shoot over the course of the workshop.
4. Students will shoot every day for ten (10) days. At the end of each day, your film is processed, by a local lab (Fuji Film Lab) that processes C-41 (Color Only), or in The Reykjavik School of Visual Art darkroom for Tri-X. Students can shoot 35mm or 120mm film – and if you shoot digitally, you’ll have contact sheets printed by the C-41 lab. **There will be a limit on the number of images each student can shoot each day depending on the size of the class.
5. Each student is given a specific time to meet individually with Mary Ellen and Effi every morning. The work you have done the previous day is edited and images are selected to have work prints made. These meetings are held at the Reykjavik School of Visual Art.
6. Every evening, the class comes together at the school to discuss you’re progress so far, and to see the work of local artists. (During the workshop, you will not be allowed to show your work to the other students.)
7. The final critique will be held on Thursday, August 2nd. This is the first time you’ll see each other's work. It’s a fascinating and exciting way to see the images each student has produced. Even the less experienced students will make progress in the quality of their photography.
8. We put together a book of the best images from the workshop (3 or 4 from each student.) You’ll then have the option of buying a copy of the book, which is distributed during the closing evening.
Einar “Effi” Falur Ingolfsson: was born in 1966 and completed an MFA in Photography at the School of Visual Arts, New York in 1995. He spent 15 years as the Director of Photography of Morgunbladid, Iceland’s leading newspaper. His photographs have appeared in books, newspapers, and periodicals both in Iceland and abroad.
Ingólfsson's work includes photographs of authors, taken for various publishing houses, and photographic narratives compiled in a host of countries, including India, China, Bolivia, Peru, Australia, the United States, Canada, and the Faeroe Islands.
Ingibjorg “Inga” Johannsdottir is the director of The Reykjavik School of Visual Arts, the only specialized visual art school in Reykjavik apart from the Icelandic Academy of the Arts. There are around 100 full time students enrolled in the school each year and 800 part-time students. Ingibjörg studied printmaking in the Icelandic Academy of the Arts, graduating in 1992, and holds an MFA-degree in visual arts from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where she graduated in 1994. She has held private exhibitions and participated in group-shows, in Iceland and abroad, and has worked as print maker for various artists, in New York and in Iceland.
SPAIN’S NORTHERN COAST BY PRIVATE RAIL
Climb aboard the brand new luxury Transcantábrico Gran Lujo* near Santiago de Compostela and set off on a rail journey along Spain’s splendid northern coast. Passing through medieval hamlets and historic towns, the train traces the fertile tract between the Cantabrian Mountains and the scalloped beaches on the Bay of Biscay. Explore the Basque country and charming seaside ports, and follow the legendary St. James pilgrimage route.
Featuring:
Award Winning, National Geographic Photographer: Tino Soriano
What I like the most as a National Geographic Photographer is the ability to be close to the people. The landscapes and the architecture require more of an emotional and creative proximity of the mind, which allows the thoughtful and peaceful application of the classic composition rules and to emphasize the qualities of light.
But, to photograph people, specially in events which capture the interest and passion of people around the world like the “Day of the Dead” in Oaxaca, demands a different set of skills and way about it. For this, it is of the very important to interact, to understand, a rapid composition, and to be able to transmit to the viewer the spirit and the essence of what is going on, in just a fraction of a second. No time for a tripod or to wait for the sunset. The magic moment, the split second of lucidity or the emotion can appear at any moment.
In this workshop we will focus on portrait techniques, the spontaneous photography and the classic story telling without forgetting a few other fundamental photography techniques and specialties that will help you highlighting the spirit of the place, the people and the celebrations. The ancient ruins of Mitla, the Benito Juarez Market and the graves in Atzompa, the landscapes, the artisans in San Martín Tilcajete and the landscapes of the huge Tule tree will be the perfect match for this great celebration: An original and photogenic cult to the dead known in the world for its grandiosity, its action and, at the same time, for its warmth and intimacy. A story and a tradition of interest to the world, which through hard work throughout the workshop, will help all become better photographers. A one of a kind photography workshop you cannot afford to miss!
¡Un abrazo!
Tino Soriano
February 19-29, 2012 (Few Spots Left)
June 10-20, 2012
Mary Ellen Mark’s workshop in Oaxaca, Mexico is a 10-day intensive workshop for photographers of various levels. It’s a very successful and productive class that Mary Ellen has taught for more than 17 years. Many students have taken the class multiple times—and some have come back more than ten times!
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“I learned a tremendous amount about how to take better pictures from observing what you saw, what you decided to shoot, and sharing images with many of you. I think I’m a better photographer as a result. But more importantly, I made some good friends along the way. I’m glad to have gotten to know all of you”
-Donald Simeone