Magnum Photos Blog

Magnum Workshop with Bruno Barbey 

November 27, 2012 
by Bruno Barbey 
The Magnum Workshop with Bruno Barbey is a five day practice focused photography workshop led by one of the greatest contemporary color photographer. Bruno Barbey will guide an intimate group of 12 participants who will have the opportunity to shoot, polish and publish their work under the guidance of this experienced practitioner.

The Magnum Workshop with Bruno Barbey in Paris is the first event forming part of the 2013 educational program in Paris.

The workshop will be held inside the Magnum Photos’ agency – 19, rue Hégésippe Moreau, 75018 Paris.

<strong>The Workshop</strong>

Aimed at photographers with a good understanding of photographic practice, Bruno Barbey will lead his group through a daily program of shooting, reviews, group critiques, mentoring, editing sessions and the opportunity to learn amongst peers. Candidates will spend the five days alongside their photographer developing visual language, photographic identity, practical, technical and conceptual skills and the expertise required to compete in a changing marketplace.

Participants will be asked to approach a photographic story in Paris or the surrounding area, in some cases relating to previous photographic work or interests and in others providing an opportunity to work under a new discipline. Workshop will be held in French/English and the class will be assigned an assistant who will facilitate the workshop and guide students with technical or logistical questions and orientate students with the local area.

Through the generous support of Magnum’s educational partners Blurb, workshop participants will also have the opportunity to further their editing experience through the production of a group Blurb books.

The session will culminate in a projection of participant work and a public exhibition at the Magnum Paris office.

<strong>The Photographer</strong>

Bruno Barbey is a Frenchman born in Morocco. He studied photography and graphic arts at the École des Arts et Métiers in Vevey, Switzerland. Between 1961 and 1964 he photographed the Italians, treating them as protagonists of a small 'theatrical world', with the aim of capturing the spirit of a nation.

During the 1960s, he was commissioned by Éditions Rencontre in Lausanne to report from European and African countries. He also contributed regularly to Vogue. Barbey began his relationship with in 1964, becoming a full member in 1968, the year he documented the political unrest and student riots in Paris. A decade later, between 1979 and 1981, he photographed Poland at a turning point in its history, publishing his work in the widely acclaimed book Poland.

He served as Magnum vice president for Europe in 1978 and 1979 and as President of Magnum International from 1992 - 1995

Over four decades Barbey has journeyed across five continents and into numerous military conflicts. Although he rejects the label of 'war photographer', he has covered civil wars in Nigeria, Vietnam, the Middle East, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Kuwait. His work has appeared in most of the world's major magazines.

Barbey is known particularly for his free and harmonious use of colour. He has frequently worked in Morocco, the country of his childhood. In 1999 the Petit Palais, Paris, organized a large exhibition of photographs that Barbey had taken in Morocco during the previous three decades. He has received many awards for his work, including the French National Order of Merit; his photographs have been exhibited internationally and are in numerous museum collections.

<a href="http://www.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=CMS3&VF=MAGO31_10_VForm&ERID=24KL53Z82A" target="_blank">Bruno Barbey’s portfolio on the Magnum website</a>

<strong>Requirements</strong>

Workshop participants should be able to show a good level of photographic aptitude. Candidates will be expected to arrive comfortable with their equipment and ready to photograph. The workshop is limited to just 12 participants and photographers will be subject to online applications.

We recommend participants arrive with at least one realistic project idea they wish to develop during the workshop, and that preliminary research be conducted before the workshop begins. This should include contact liaison, access information and even early shooting – Please refer to your teacher’s specific requirements.

On the first day participants will have the opportunity to present their existing work and discuss project ideas. The workshop structure is self-directed and participants will be responsible for their own coordination and time management. Candidates are encouraged to be realistic about what is achievable in four days.

Due to the fast pace of the workshop, Magnum highly recommends that participants produce and edit their work digitally, using their own laptops. Individuals wishing to use film may do so, but at their own cost and during the time imposed. Lab services will be recommended.

<strong>Tuition</strong>

950€ (does not include travel, accommodations or on the ground expenses). All fees must be paid within 7 days of acceptance or you will forfeit your space. Refund policies will be emailed with acceptance letter.

Please note: Magnum Photos reserves the right to cancel groups with less than 7 participants. Students will be given either a full refund or offered a place with an alternative photographer. In the event of a cancellation, students will be given at least 2 weeks advance notice. Magnum Photos reserves the right to change or alter the program advertised.
- If a participant decides to cancel for whatever reason, this must be confirmed in writing:
. Magnum Photos will reimburse all the registration costs except for €100 administrative fee, if the participant informs Magnum Photos of cancellation at least 3 weeks before the first day of the workshop. Beyond this time limit, Magnum Photos will charge the following:
. 50% of the cost if cancelled between 6 and 20 days before the workshop commences.
. 100% of the cost if cancelled less than 5 days before the workshop commences.
. All workshops that are commenced but not completed through the fault of either the contractor/or participant need to be paid in full.
- Magnum Photos is not responsible for reimbursement of travel expenses in case a workshop is cancelled. We recommend that you buy refundable air tickets and/or travel insurance.

<strong>Travel & Accommodation</strong>

Participants are expected to make their own arrangements regarding travel and accommodation; a list of suitable accommodation options will be provided to successful candidates. International visitors can travel to Paris from most major terminals.
Please ensure you have the necessary travel documents & relevant visas in order to attend the event. Magnum Photos can provide letters of support where necessary.

<strong>Applications</strong>

<a href="https://magnumphotos.wufoo.com/forms/x7s9k7/" target="_blank">Click here to apply</a>

The first deadline for acceptance is January 1st, and qualified applicants will be selected through a combination of the merit of their work and their personal statement, and the order of their application's receipt. All applications received after January 1st will be reviewed, space permitting.

For queries please contact: <a href="mailto:magnum.workshops@magnumphotos.com">Nicolas Ossard</a>.