THE ENGAGING PORTRAIT: A STRANGER IN OAXACA
Richard Renaldi
WORKSHOP DATES
June 9 - June 16,2022
LIMIT
16 photographers
COST
2,200 USD tuition only
APPLICATIONS OPEN
August 30,2020
APPLICATIONS CLOSE
January 31,2022
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
This workshop will place a strong emphasis on environmental portraiture and the making of photographic portraits in Oaxaca, Mexico. We will cover the construction and aesthetics of what makes an engaging portrait; including background, lighting, directing, and casting. We will also explore the figure/ground relationship, the use of creative perspectives, and the decisive acuity required for spontaneous portraiture. The main objective of this workshop is to provide students with a technical and conceptual fluency that they may apply within their own practice.
We will begin with a discussion of student portfolios, during which each student receives personalized feedback and exercises for improvement. We study and discuss the precedent of successful portrait photographers, deconstructing varied examples to further our own work. Students will be encouraged to break through the boundaries between themselves and their subjects as they work throughout the week.
Students will have an opportunity to observe Richard approach individuals, build rapport and make portraits on the streets of Oaxaca. There will also be a group field trip to photograph in a nearby village with him. Additionally, each participant will have the unique opportunity to make portraits one-on-one in the field, guided by Richard, while shooting their assignments. We can facilitate connecting students with fixers for their individual needs, if they require help with translation and access.
There will be group and individual editing sessions where students will get feedback on their work as well as engage in interesting group dialogue. Students will be required to create a small, strong portfolio of portraits throughout the week, learn to edit and sequence the work. We will finish with a final review on the last day of class and a presentation open to the public at the Manuel Alvarez Bravo Photography Center (CFMAB).
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE IN BRIEF
This schedule is subject to change at any time.
Thursday, June 9th:
At 6pm we will have a workshop welcome and group dinner at a local restaurant.
Friday, June 10th:
Morning will be dedicated to review student portfolios. In the afternoon, Richard will lead a lecture followed by a role playing exercise where students will photograph each other as well as local models.
Saturday, June 11th:
During the morning, there will be a group field trip to photograph in the city center. This will be our initial opportunity to engage and make portraits on the streets of beautiful Oaxaca. Richard will do a demonstration and we will then break up into small groups or to shoot individually.
In the afternoon, we will meet back at the CFMAB for a group editing session to discuss the work we produced in the morning followed by a lecture about self-portraiture.
Sunday, June 12th:
Students will shoot independently in Oaxaca city. During the day Richard will join each of them individually to help them with their specific needs and questions while shooting.
Monday, June 13th:
During the day, students will shoot around the city and will meet for their individual appointments to edit their work and get feedback from Richard. During the evening, there will be a presentation of Richard ́s work at the CFMAB and an optional group dinner afterwards.
Tuesday, June 14th:
We will have a field trip to a nearby village as a group. Students can shoot on their own or in small groups. We will have an optional group lunch. During the afternoon, there will be a group editing session at the CFMAB.
Wednesday, June 15th:
Final shooting day. Students will photograph independently around Oaxaca. In the afternoon, there will be a group editing session that includes a critique of student self-portrait assignments.
Thursday June 16th.
Final group edit, sequence and critique session of the work produced during the week. In the evening, there will be a final presentation at the CFMAB and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Workshop ends this evening.
WHAT TO BRING
The first day students should bring 30 prints (not digital files) that represents their work. Exhibition quality prints are not required, work prints are fine. Students are required to photograph digitally. Richard likes to encourage students to bring and work with prime lenses, rather than zooms. 35mm or 50mm lenses are recommended if using 35mm DSLRs (or comparable focal lengths for larger formats).
Each participant should bring a laptop and editing software they are comfortable using (Photomechanic, Lightroom, Capture One, Bridge). We suggest you bring enough memory cards and batteries for a full day of shooting as well as a hard drive with enough storage space for a busy week of photographing. If you have an extra camera, bring it as a back up.
TO APPLY FOR THE WORKSHOP
1. TEN IMAGES
Please submit 10 images that represent who you are as a photographer (JPGs 72dpi; 1080 pixels longest side).
2. BIO & SHORT STATEMENT OF INTENT
Submit a short bio (up to 200 words) followed by a brief statement (up to 200 words) telling us why you would like to take this workshop, as a single Word document.
At the bottom of the document please include the following:
Date of birth
Profession
Country of origin / country of residence
Previous photography studies, including recent workshops attended (if any)
How did you hear about this workshop
Please email your application to selma@laluzworkshops.com. Since we receive applications for a variety of workshops at the same time, please be sure to specify the name of the workshop you are applying for.
Upon acceptance, participants are required to make a 500 USD deposit within two weeks. The balance is due 120 days before the workshop begins. To see our terms and conditions and cancellations policies please click here.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
We have blocked rooms at Parador de Alcala Hotel, where Richard will stay. We have a special rate for the class that expires on February 16th, 2022 so please make your reservation before that day.
For more information about special rates and how to make your reservation with the discount please email Selma Fernandez Richter at selma@laluzworkshops.com
You should plan to arrive in Oaxaca, either on Wednesday June 8th or Thursday June 9th during the day, as the first activity is on Thursday at 6 pm. Plan on leaving any time on Friday June 17th or later, as the last activity is a farewell dinner the evening of Thursday, June 16th.
The workshop will be held at the Centro Fotográfico Manuel Álvarez Bravo.