“A picture tells a thousand words” as the saying goes. For example, a picture may explain complex relationships and support their understanding. It can also tell stories by evoking emotions. Images are constantly present in our lives and as consumers of these images we need to develop social and cultural skills to understand the power of the medium. SWPS University’s Department of Graphic Design in Wrocław invites students to participate in a socially-engaged photography workshop, which will take place at Oerlinghausen, Germany from 21st to 27th of September, 2020.
Application deadline: September 16, 2020.
September 21-27
Oerlinghausen, Germany
About the workshop
The language of images is constantly present in our lives. The messages conveyed by photographs define our thinking and behavior and by this, they define our perception of the world. Undoubtedly, this environment requires everyone to constantly acquire new “visual” (and simultaneously social) competencies, because the understanding of photography, and its adequate use, form the basis of social communication (and culture), in this day and age. Therefore, the goal of the workshop is to develop these competencies and to build awareness about “the power of media” in the contemporary society, and its diverse cultural contexts. For this purpose, we have chosen to harness the potential of socially engaged photography, which allows to uncover and highlight issues that require a focused lens, and most of all, which requires social competencies, including intercultural skills.
Program
- Photography 101 - beginner and intermediate level
- Photography basics: image framing (exposition and composition), one shot vs. a series of photographs - story telling in photography.
- Visual storytelling: telling socially relative stories through images.
- Introduction to the development of socially engaged photo projects in Europe and beyond.
- Crisis situation and crisis aftermath photography, including issues such as poverty and social non-normativity.
- Esthetic photo manipulation in documentary photography: a debate about the perception, truth, objectivity, and authenticity.
- Working with different cultures: differences in perception and interpretation of same
- Cultural contexts of photography: images as carriers of information and communication medium in culturally diverse contexts
For interested students, there will be an opportunity to present your portfolio and receive feedback from Grzegorz Lityński, a professional photographer, explorer, and an academic teacher.
Photos: Grzegorz Lityński
Schedule
- Monday, September 21st
- Arrival and check-in: Monday, September 21, 2020, after 14:00
- 17:30 Welcome
- 18:00 Supper
- Tuesday, September 22nd, 9:30: Workshop begins
- Saturday, September 26th, 14:00: Workshop ends
- Sunday, September 27th: Check-out by 10:00
Who should attend?
The workshop is addressed to students, up to 27 years of age, living in Poland or Germany, interested in international exchange, socially engaged photography, and intercultural communication.
The workshop offers an opportunity to work, learn, and develop photography skills in intercultural teams, through participation in engaging and practical exercises.
The workshops will be conducted in English, German and Polish.
Application deadline: September 16, 2020Apply now »
Date and location
September 21-27, 2020
Location: Villa Welchen, Am Lehmstich 15, Oerlinghausen (villawelschen.de)
Cost
- EUR 80, including accommodation, food, and the workshop
- Travel costs will be reimbursed up to PLN 200.00, after the completion of the project.
Contact
ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS:
Maria Chojnacka
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
German: Dorota Płuchowska
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Instructors:
- Dorota Płuchowska, Ph.D. – Department of Graphic Design at SWPS University in Wrocław. Her professional interests include modelling of social communication systems, in particular interdisciplinary and intercultural teams and change by design in organizations.
- Grzegorz Lityński – photographer, academic teacher, Head of the “Travel and Documentary Photography” postgraduate program at the University of Technology in Katowice. Author of numerous long-term documentary, socially-engaged projects, including his own and those commissioned by international NGOs, photographed in Poland and around the world, in countries, such as Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Laos, etc..