Workshop with Justyna Mielnikiewicz

When: 25-26 January 2020 (Saturday and Sunday)

Where: Hotel Puro / Warsaw (ul. Widok 9)

How much: 800.00  PLN

Number of participants: 10

Deadline for applications: 12 January 2020 (Sunday)

List of participants published: 13 January 2020 (Monday)

Deadline for payment: 15 January 2020 (Wednesday)

We kindly invite you to take part in a workshop with Justyna Mielnikiewicz, which accompanies the artist's solo show in the Institute, entitled 'Ukraine Runs Through It'.

DESCRIPTION AND AIM OF THE WORKSHOP

Intensive workshop for persons who are already working on or plan work on a long-term photography project, intended to take the final form of a photo book or magazine publication.

The weekend formula comprises one day of group work as workshop and lectures, and the second day of individual consultations. Each participant would receive - on the first day - detailed knowledge on the method for carrying out long-term photography projects, and on the second day - an individual evaluation of his/her own project, tailored to his/her needs, and key guidance for further work.

Justyna Mielnikiewicz: I will help each participant to develop his or her individual language, which - as I strongly believe -every one of us has. If the participant is not sure of that language, I will make sure that the workshop helps him or her to understand the essence of what he/she has to say. I have been a freelancer from the very beginning of my career and all the awards I received are the result of my own work: from the concept through the phase of theoretical formulation of the idea, right down to the completed project. Including the moments of breakdown and deadlocks, which are inherent to the creative process and strengthen us in the end.

SCHEDULE

DAY 1 (Saturday) | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM  | Group work

On the first day I will share my knowledge and experience on the basis of my own projects and their descriptions, translating them to the general work conditions of a documentary photographer.

First, I shall discuss:

– phases of the work – from the preliminary concept, through formulation of theoretical assumptions and reflection on the form to full implementation;

– ways for proper description of the project, depending on the recipient to whom it is addressed. 

Next, I will show you:

– how to properly organize the research and the work itself;

– where and how to look for financial support;

– how to achieve the final product, which may include an exhibition, a video teaser, a presentation as PDF or a complete photobook;

– how do I perceive the role of photographic equipment in documentary work;

– how to overcome the creative deadlock which may appear while you carry out your projects;

– with whom and how is it worthy to cooperate during your work.

DAY 2 (Sunday) | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Individual consultations

The consultations have the form of individual sessions, lasting about an hour each, after I have familiarized myself in depth with the contents of the projects, and the participants have reworked them on the basis of guidelines they received during the first day.

THE ORGANIZER PROVIDES

• optimum size of the group (number of participants is limited to 10),
• catering (lunch, coffee, soft drinks and snacks thanks to the courtesy of Puro Hotel),
• certificate of workshop completion.

AFTER THE WORKSHOP, THE PARTICIPANT

• Is motivated to start or continue work on own photography project;
• Is not left alone with the knowledge obtained during the group lecture and workshop – continues with an individual session, where only his/her project is discussed;
• Receives support in the case of a current or expected creative deadlock;
• Can formulate the main concept of his/her project, present its essence in a passionate and professional manner;
• Is able to – depending on individual needs – present the project both as a brief series of several photos and as a fuller photobook material; 
• Knows how to write an application for financing of his/her project and where to look for support, depending on the subject and the planned target group;
• Is able to lead the long-term project to the final phase, at which the finished material can be presented to the wide audience.

OPINIONS OF PARTICIPANTS

It was a pleasure to work with Justyna.... She is always ready to listen and advise you, offering you new and stimulating visions. He was able to give me excellent and practical advice, followed me along my path trying to get the best out of me, encouraging me to develop a more personal vision of things. Surely working with her helped me to increase my passion for this job. A sincere and huge thank you – Carlotta / Italy 

My workshop for Justyna was extraordinary. I did something I never had done before and the output is still touching me deeply– Jörgen / Sweden

Justyna is thoughtful and considered in her approach to helping you edit your work as well as helping you think of new avenues to take your project to.  Her encouragement and thinking towards your project and you as an individual are considered to you, kind and always helpful – Lucille / UK 

Workshop was just what I needed – intense time with an insightful, caring instructor.  I was amazed at how Justyna always saw beyond what each participant presented and asked the most perceptive questions.  Every student was met at his/her level and was gently pushed and encouraged to go further, go deeper, and find the story.  In spite of balancing many participants Justyna’s concentration and attention was always 100% when working with each person – Linda / UK

RECRUITMENT

Persons interested in participating in the workshop are requested to complete and send the application form, available here

The selected candidates shall be informed by e-mail, containing also details regarding payment for the workshop.

ON THE LECTURER

Justyna Mielnikiewicz started her photographic career as reported in the Krakow branch of Gazeta Wyborcza. Since 2001 she has been living in Georgia and works freelance. Member and co-founder of the MAPS, international photographic agency. Before that she was one of the founders of the Sputnik Photos collective.

Her works were published in The New York Times, Newsweek Polska, Paris Match, Monocle, Stern and Le Monde. In 2009 she was awarded the second prize in the World Press Photo competition for her photos documenting the war in South Ossetia, made under commission from The New York Times. In the same year she was awarded the Canon Female Photojournalist Prize for her project on the Caucasus.

In 2014 she published her first book, Woman With a Monkey – Caucasus in Short Stories and Photographs, which was the result of almost a decade of work on documenting the region. The book was included in the publication presenting a hundred books by female photographers, How We See: Photobooks by Women, published by 10×10 Photobooks.

Since 2014 she has been working on her book project on Ukraine titled, Ukraine Runs Through It. In 2019 it was published in book form by Pix.house and the Polish Institute in Tbilisi. The book was included among the 20 best photobooks of year 2019, nominated for prizes by Aperture Foundation and Paris Photo. 

Most important prizes and awards:

2016 | Scholarship from the W. Eugene Smith Fund

2015 | Aftermath project – War is only half of the story

2015 | Book of the Year / Self-published Book of the Year / Fotofestiwal Łódź

2015 | Leica Oskar Barnack Award Shortlist

2014 | Picture of the Year / Publication of the Year

2011 | Caucasus Young Photographer Award / Magnum Foundation

2009 | Production Grant / Open Society Documentary Photography Project

2009 | Canon Female Photojournalist Prize

2008 | World Press Photo / People in the News.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The workshop shall take place at the Puro Hotel in Warsaw, which is the partner of exhibition of Justyna Mielnikiewicz at the Fort Institute of Photography IFF.

In case of any additional questions, please contact us at: biuro@instytutfotografiifort.org.pl.