Introduction
The workshop held on 20-21 of February was also the first photography workshop of 2010, and it took place along two whole days of work. Once again the experiment proved very successful, thanks to the versatility and the professional background of our lecturer Francesco Cito, the twice World Press Photo award winning reportage photographer who has committed his unique talent to many war fronts. On this occasion, he guided our participants with his professionalism, disclosing the secrets of his long and valuable experience.
In the classroom
The lesson's opening consisted of a sort of talk-interview with the artist about reportage conducted by prof. Giancarlo Beltrame, teacher of Semiology at the Faculty of Literature of Verona University and member of the Scientific Committee of MiMA's Cultural Association.
The first day was entirely dedicated to theory basics and it took off from an introduction to concept-related photography: a photo takes its form from an idea, a thought, a tale.
This section was followed by a video presentation of some of the author's reportage works and an analysis of their details, inspiration, frame compositions. From the shots in Lebanon, in Palestine, to the Gulf War, and also Sarajevo, Hebron and the period in Kuwait. Later the famous wedding series followed, where the wedding event is portrayed in its typically Neapolitan theatricality, with an approach that is typical of journalism.
What was most striking about the famous shots on camorra war was the tight closeness with the policemen during the actions and at the same time with the criminals (on the following day, at Zevio Saturday market, there was the opportunity to better understand how the reporter's approach can make a great difference in the final result of the shot). The second half of the day was dedicated to the viewing of the participants' photos. Most of them brought digital images, that could be showed on the screen, while only two chose to share their photos printed on paper. Francesco's comments were at times sharp and strict, and the participants were both proud and intimidated by the judgement from an influential author with such a valuable experience.
At the end of the works, the participants made arrangements to meet the following day for a reportage on an outdoor location, under the teacher's guidance. The subject would be disclosed to them only upon reaching the location.
Day Two
The following day began outdoor: at Zevio Saturday market. At first the participants watched how Francesco Cito approached people, then, alone or in small groups, they took off for their shots hunt, according to the task they were assigned, “Subjects through objects”, bearing in mind the cleanness of the frame and the lines so often mentioned during the previous day. The ways of interpreting the task were original.
Upon return to the classroom, they committed themselves to the viewing and editing of the pictures taken in the first part of the day. The participants chose their best shots, this phase was followed by the viewing of their work and their description of this experience. What are the feelings that lead a photographer when he has to “get inside” a shot?
After this there was an interesting comparison of the different experiences.
The final session saw everyone gathered in the classroom for the group photo, the delivery of questionnaires and the attendance certificates.
Acknowledgements
Also in this occasion MiMA's initiative received the sponsorship from Zevio Town Council, Province of Verona and Regione Veneto, which the Cultural Association wants to thank for the acknowledgements received. A particular thank you goes to Francesco Cito for his willingness to take part to this event, and to prof. Giancarlo Beltrame for his competence and passion; to all MiMA staff for the commitment they put into the two days of intense work, devoted to the attendees and the author, in order to grant a standard of excellence in every single detail of this cultural and learning opportunity.
ORGANIZATION MANAGER
Stefania Bozzi
Mima.cc Via Mirandola, 27 - 37059 - S. Maria di Zevio - Verona - IT Ph. +39 045 6050601 - Fax +39 045 6050146 info@mima.cc - www.mima.cc C.F.: 93184440233
Responsabile comunicazione: Stefania Bozzi stefania@mima.cc +39 045 6050601 Press: Michela Ferrari michela@mima.cc +39 045 6050601 Presidente: Elisabetta de Strobel info@mima.cc +39 045 6050601 Comitato scientifico (Presidente): Rosanna Checchi rosanna@fotografia.it +39 02 715939 Comitato scientifico: Maurizio Marcato info@mauriziomarcato.com +39 045 6050601 Comitato scientifico: Paolo Namias paolo.namias@fotografia.it +39 02 715939 Comitato scientifico: Giancarlo Beltrame giancarlo.beltrame@larena.it +39 045 8094823