VARANASI/INDIA Photography Workshops

VARANASI Uttar Pradesh/INDIA Dec 6-Dec 11 (Jack Picone Photography Workshops. A Dupont and Picone Event)

The Jack Picone Photography Workshops is a series of photography workshops on location in the most fascinating cities and outposts of Asia. Interacting closely with world-renowned photojournalists with long experience in the region, participants take on assignments aimed at advancing their photographic skills and vision. The intensive dawn-to-dusk courses involve challenging fieldwork, formal and informal critiques, editing sessions, evening projections and open discussion. In a stunning Asian setting, participants fully engage with the local culture and environment, and learn how to create photographic reportage to the highest standard.

The Jack Picone Photography Workshops will hold its next roving workshop in Varanasi. Varanasi is one of India’s most enigmatic cities situated on the west bank of the legendary River Ganga (Ganges) in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is regarded as holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. It is arguably one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest in India. With a maximum of 16 participants, the six-day event will provide an opportunity to explore the cultural riches and social dynamism of this exotic city and river. Award-winning documentary photographer and JPPW founder Jack Picone will lead the workshop together with workshop  partner Stephen Dupont, acclaimed photojournalist and filmmaker. Both Steve and Jack along with noted guest tutors will be there to critique and edit participants’ work one-onone, and also take part in evening projections and discussions.

One of the world’s most breathtaking rivers the Ganges sleepily snakes past Varanasi’s vast number of ghats as Hindhus dispatch their loved ones to the Lord Shiva. Varanasi sears an unforgettable experience and is a rich vein for images. Mark Twain wrote: "...crammed perspective of platform,s soaring stairways, sculptured temples, majestic palaces, softening away into the distances; and there is movement, motion, human life everywhere, and brilliantly costumed - streaming in rainbows up and down the lofty stairways…….."

An introductory get-together will be held on the evening of Thurs Dec 5th prior to the workshop’s formal start on the morning of Monday the Dec 6th. Like any working documentary photographer, you will be given an assignment brief to interpret as you wish. (The brief will be announced prior to the workshop to give you time to research possible subjects before you arrive.)

The aim is to produce a documentary photo essay with a striking visual narrative, to be shown on the final evening, December 11th. Tutors will hold individual and group sessions to supervise and edit the assignments, and dialogue intensively on topics such as photographic composition, portraiture, advanced camera techniques, how to research ideas and tell an original story, how to market a body of work, and how to hone your personal style.

The workshop’s schedule will be demanding but highly rewarding. Tutors and field assistants will be on hand constantly to help navigate any areas of difficulty and discuss all your photographic concerns. Interpreters can also be arranged where necessary.

Cost: US$2,500. Includes all workshop sessions. Workshop cost does not include travel costs to Varanasi and accommodation.

Application: The workshop is strictly limited to 16 participants. A $500 deposit will be required at the time of booking to secure a place.

To receive further information or to request a
registration form, please contact:
jack [at] jackpicone [dot] com

Links:
Jack Picone
http://www.jackpicone.com
http://www.jackpiconeportfolio.com

Stephen Dupont
http://www.contactpressimages.com/photographers/dupont/
dupont_bio.html