COURSE OVERVIEW

Becoming a photographer - Introductory Workshop (3 to 5 days)

Fondation Classes / Photography and film studies / / Introductory Workshop / (3 to 5 days)

This workshop is designed for foundation students to explore what it means to be a photographer. It will cover various fields of photography through examples of exceptional careers, helping students understand how they may need to position themselves in the future (even in new ways) within a diverse professional landscape (economy, ecosystem, skills, and motivations). Students will focus on what happens before and after taking a series of photographs—asking questions like: Should I become an essayist, journalist, or poet? Should I invest in the commercial sector and influence the world through dissemination? Will I become a journalist and activist focusing on landscapes, a fashion and anthropological photographer, or a poet focusing on portraits? The workshop will explore the diverse final mediums (exhibitions, publications, books, etc.), which are important aspects to consider. Understanding their history, competencies, and flaws will be key. Through creative challenges, the workshop emphasizes that being a photographer is not just about taking a shot; it’s not only about aesthetics and technique. By understanding the full process and positioning—from understanding in which ecosystem you choose to evolve, to the rules of creation (structuring a project, executive production, final use, and dissemination strategies)—students will gain a deeper understanding of the profession. It will help them step into reality with a clearer vision and stronger motivation.

The Storyteller's Experimental Toolkit Improvisation, Acting, Writing, and Filmmaking Essentials» (12 courses) 

Bachelor’s degree level / Photography and film studies / Structured Series of Workshops (12 courses)

This series is tailored for BA students to explore what it means to tell a story. The main concept of these courses is to approach storytelling from various angles, covering different stages of creation and diverse creative responsibilities. Students (working within teams) will experience these roles and learn from each perspective: the actor, the author, the director, as well as the cinematographer and editor.The aim of this course is for students to learn the art of crafting stories through experimental creative challenges and a progressive learning process, from ideation to the final editing of their film project. They will unleash their creativity through improvisational acting exercises, real-world story research, scriptwriting, questioning traditions, and exploring the basics of filmmaking and editing. This hands-on course will guide them in developing their storytelling skills, from script to screen, and provide them with the tools to bring their projects to life.These workshops are structured in several parts, combining creative exercises with specific lectures (such as film theory, storytelling principles, camera usage, scene direction, and shooting), culminating in the editing of a final project. The course incorporates various learning methods, including documentary research, improvisation, writing exercises, filming, and editing—always with respect for the students' own creative objectives.In this challenging workshop, students will consider themselves not only as actors, directors, directors of photography, and art directors for their own projects but also for the projects of their peers.

Picture This! A Creative Class on Photography History and Portfolio Building

This class is designed to inspire participants on their journey as photographers. We will discuss various photographic approaches (such as portraiture, architecture, reportage, etc.) and aesthetic principles. Throughout the history of photography, the class will study the work of key photographers—always with the aim of inspiring participants. The class will examine how these photographers' works can influence the student's practice and how to structure their projects.

Students will explore important topics related to the art form, including the evolving concepts of exhibitions and photography books, as well as the technical and human aspects of the craft. The aim is to support the participant creatively, helping them find their unique voice and structure their own photographic projects. The ultimate goal is to help participants shape their projects and develop a distinctive portfolio.

The class will be divided into three distinct segments:

• Art History Lecture: Each session will focus on a specific subject. We will begin with basic concepts and key periods in the history of photography, always with a pragmatic and inspirational approach. As the course progresses, lectures and creative challenges will be tailored  based on the students' interests. 
  
• Technical Advice: Focused guidance on technical skills, such as lighting, composition, and camera settings, to enhance participants’ technical abilities.
• Portfolio Mentoring: Personalized mentoring to help participants develop and refine their portfolios, providing constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Audiences interested only in photography history, but not in the act of photography itself, are also welcome.