The ViewFinder Center for Photography Announces
“On Location” Workshops: Lake Como, Italy
June 14 - 20, 2009

For one special week in June 2009, the ViewFinder Center for Photography will make its home at an estate high on a hilltop overlooking Lake Como, Italy. ViewFinder “On Location” Workshops: Como, Italy, (June 14-20, 2009) will bring together professional and amateur photographers from around the world for a week focused on learning, mastering new technical skills, sharing experiences and exploring creative expression.

“We’ve developed a week of focused and intensive study, with hands-on instruction and interactive projects, to give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in their passion for photography,” says Bryon Paul McCartney, founder and director of ViewFinder Center for Photography. “We’re thrilled to have Vincent Laforet leading our masterclass this June, and to have Philippe Wiget on board to share his knowledge and creative approach. Our week in Italy will provide a dynamic learning holiday environment in a stunning location that offers unlimited inspiration and opportunities for photographers.” Three workshops will run in parallel during the week:

ViewFinder Masterclass: Video for Still Photographers, with Vincent Laforet
This masterclass seizes on one of the most industry-defining developments in digital photography in recent years: shooting high-quality photographic stills and video with one camera. Pulitzer prize-winning photographer Vincent Laforet catapulted himself into the world of cutting-edge video production with his recent short film, “Reverie.” Laforet borrowed a pre-production Canon 5D MkII and shot his film in a single weekend on a budget of less than $5,000. His workshop is perfect for photographers looking to dive into the latest digital imaging technologies and the future of photography. Through a mix of individual shooting assignments and group discussions, Vincent will share his insights over the week. Students will learn to apply their understanding of photographic techniques to using still and motion photography together to create their own short films during the workshop.

The Original Nude, with Bryon Paul McCartney
The shapes and curves of the human figure provide a unique and endless landscape for the photographer’s lens to explore. Has it all been done before? Acclaimed fine art nude photographer Bryon Paul McCartney believes everyone has the possibility to create nudes that are original and uniquely their own. Creating an original photographic style starts with developing confidence in one’s own ability to make critical decisions, and this comes through learning and experience. Bryon will focus on the many facets of taking a comprehensive approach to professional fine art photography. Daily activities will center on working with models and dancers in the studio and in natural settings. Students will take on several assignments and be responsible for delivering a portfolio of images by the end of the week.

From Passion to Profession, with Philippe Wiget

What does it really take to go from amateur photographer to paid professional? For photographers who want to push themselves and take a more professional approach to photography, this workshop offers answers and direction. Wedding and event photographer Philippe Wiget knows what it takes to succeed, having gone from biochemist to pro photographer and attracting clients from around the world. Under Philippe’s guidance, students will work through a variety of shooting assignments based on real-world client situations. Students will focus on developing a professional approach to their photography set against the sites, landscapes and beauty of Lake Como. In addition to daily critique sessions, group discussions will explore the process of finding an individual identity in photography and turning it into photographic and business success.

The ‘On Location’ Workshop Experience
Each of the three On Location workshops is limited to 12 students to ensure that participants and instructors have every opportunity to work together and to create personalized learning experiences. All workshops will be taught in English and require the use of digital cameras. Workshops include portfolio review sessions with the instructors, hands-on shooting and assignment work, group discussions, and instruction. “All the students will participate in the final evening’s student slideshow,” says McCartney. “It’s a chance for everyone to share their work from the week and celebrate their accomplishments.”

In addition to providing an inspiring and rewarding learning experience, ViewFinder is also working to create a community of photographers. “We will focus on individual, small group workshops during the day, and have special events every evening to bring together all the workshop students and ViewFinder staff,” McCartney explains. Planning each day together over breakfast cappuccino and exchanging stories while dining on local specialties and Italian wines in the evening will add to the community atmosphere and give ViewFinder students and staff opportunities to create a network of photography colleagues.

Location, Location, Location
“For the first of our ‘On Location’ Workshops, the Lake Como area offers everything we look for – a beautiful and inspiring setting, wonderful accommodations, great food, and more – to create an outstanding and rewarding photography experience,” says McCartney. The mountain landscapes and lush hillsides around Lake Como have inspired artists and played host to aristocracy for centuries. Today’s pop-culture royalty, including David and Victoria Beckham and George Clooney, make themselves at home on this lakeshore.

For photographers, the area provides endless inspiration. From the palm-lined gardens of luxurious villas to quiet cobblestone paths that wind through old villages, there is always something new to discover. The ViewFinder Center will make its temporary home at a large estate nestled between the ruins of an ancient castle and there lakeside village of Varenna. “We selected the estate especially to meet the needs of the workshops and our students,” says McCartney. “This beautiful facility provides a secluded and creative setting, with private gardens, sparkling pools, high quality housing and spacious rooms for meeting, relaxing and, naturally, for taking great photos.”

McCartney explains that bringing together outstanding photographers to teach in a beautiful vacation setting is just part of the ViewFinder formula: “To make our ‘On Location Workshops’ week truly special, we also provide a high level of service and attention to detail so every student can relax and enjoy the week while they explore and develop their own photographic point of view.”

Find more details at the ViewFinder On Location website or email info@viewfindercenter.com
or call +41 (0) 52 203 3044. Applications for enrollment can be submitted online at www.onlocationworkshops.com.


ViewFinder Center for Photography is a business of PhotoWorks 312 GmbH.