VRWorkshops Guate 2009 in the books!

© Tayler Aubin/VRWorkshops '09

We just completed one of our best workshops to date and the work is really strong. We had a great bunch of participants all of whom we now consider good friends. There is something about these workshops that create such a sense of brotherhood not to mention great photography.

Some of what is being said:


© Michaela O'Brien/VRWorkshops '09

"I had a great experience on the trip [Guatemala 2009]. More importantly, I wanted to express the gratitude I feel for your realization and perseverance to compose this trip. The philosophy behind the trip is just as important as any memory we might have. As a whole, it was great to know that others share this passion for a combination of creative independence along with a collective organization to enhance through support and criticism. I learned a lot from myself and others and have great courage to pursue my passions. This [trip] took me that much closer to my Truth."
-Michaela O'Brien/VRWorkshops '09


© Eve Lyman/VRWorkshops '09

"I am leaving Guatemala this morning. I have had the incredible opportunity to decompress in the tranquility and beauty of my friends house in Ciudad Vieja. But I just want to take this moment, before being swept off in the hustle and bustle of life in the US to thank each and every one of you for the priviledge of getting to know you and being a part of this phenomenal experience we shared."
-Eve Lyman/VRWorkshops '09


© Allycia Kimball/VRWorkshops '09

"America no longer feels like home. I almost stayed for another week...I want to thank you for your unconditional guidance and understanding on this trip. I woke up. In a way I was not expecting."
-Allycia Kimball/VRWorkshops '09

We want to personally thank the terrific NGOs we work with, The God's Child Project and SEVA for allowing us the access into these stories. For all those wishing to donate money or your precious time to some worthy cause being involved with either of these two organizations will change your life.

We are posting many of the stories from our students on our main web site: www.visualreportage.com so be sure to check out all the great work these amazing people accomplished in just 8 days.

So what is next: VRWorkshops Reportage: INDIA 2009 (~November 20 - November 30). We are busily working out all the details but since this is our expeditionary trip to this unbelievable place we will be offering an equally "unbelievable" price for this first workshop. With only 12 spots maximum it is best to start thinking about this now. Please contact us at visualreportage@gmail.com with any questions or to get on a mailing list.

We look forward to seeing you on our next trip.

Visual Reportage: Guatemala

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
This is ten-day workshop for photographers looking to hone their skills and discover a People and culture that descended from the once great Mayan civilization.



BASE OF OPERATION: Though most projects will involve some daily travel our base will be located in Antigua, Guatemala. Antigua provides a central location with good accomodations, excellent restaurants, and all the conveniences one might need...including Wi-Fi and a very workable transportation system.
COURSE DATES: March 26th through April 5th, 2009
ENROLLMENT: up to 15
LEVEL: New photographers looking to make the next leap, Serious amateurs, Pros looking to expand their personal visions
PRICE: $2500 (double occupancy) & $2,295 (to stay with a local family) includes hands-on instruction and critiques for 8 days, lodging, a mobile phone, opening reception dinner, a Photoshop tutorial, workflow tutorial, and a completion night awards dinner. Each participant will receive a 20-page monograph containing an edit of student and instructor images from our trip approximately 2 months after the trip.
AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED.

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Final Installment (balance due = $1,795):

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REQUIREMENTS: To support nightly critiques this is a digital only workshop. Photographers are expected to bring the following:

* Laptop computer.
* Editing software – A working and installed version of any of the following: Aperture, Lightroom, Photoshop, or PhotoMechanic.
* An external hard drive is strongly recommended for daily image backup.
* See the packing section for recommended camera/lens information.

ASSIGNMENT: Reportage: Guatemala is a 10-day intensive workshop for emerging photographers who want to create a visual media project much like a foreign assignment they would receive from an agency or editor. This workshop is designed to allow the student to experience a documentary assignment in the field with expert instruction from working photojournalists.

For this trip we will be working with God's Child Project, an NGO with an important presence in Guatemala. Photographers will work alongside aid workers as they work with Guatemalan children. The opportunity for the photographer is to make an in-depth reportage of the problems and issues they face as well as the solution they try to apply.

We will review each photographer's work every evening with an eye toward supporting the building of the story. The value of these critiques is applied in the next day's shooting.

Part of the emphasis of the workshop is to find the social relevance and pertinent issues associated with each choice of story. The use of photography and in some cases audio also will support the effective and powerful storytelling of these very human situations.

PRIOR TO DEPARTURE VIDEO CONFERENCE: Two or three weeks before leaving we will meet by internet video conference (Skype or AIM) to discuss pre-trip details. This will be an opportunity to fine tune your preparations and to ask questions that may involve your story ideas or other concerns.

For more information visit our web site at www.visualreportage.com