a fresh set of eyes

After a great first day, NOOR photographers had practical and creative advice to share on the second day of the NOOR-Nikon Masterclass in Documentary Photography in Istanbul, Turkey.

“The danger, for all of us, is that you stay in the comfort zone. Whereas if you try and experiment, you might be surprised with the outcome”, explained Jon Lowenstein, recapping the individual portfolio reviews.

 

“I can see that some of you struggle with what you feel are important elements for the story and your creativity. The illustrative images are often the weakest ones,” said Benedicte Kurzen.

“Having an ‘idea list’ is great, but when you follow the list too rigidly, you miss out on the images that are magical,” continued Jon.

“I sometimes work with a list of things to capture in order to tell a story, but an ‘emotional’ list. Feelings that I am trying to show in images: fear, isolation, relief, etc.,” said Andrea Bruce.

In the afternoon, three groups were formed and each group discussed and edited a small assignment the participants prepared around the theme of "fragile".

“It has been a great experience editing my work with Andrea and the other participating photographers," said Achilleas Zavallis from Cyprus. "Having the input from these photographers with diverse backgrounds, coming from different countries, gave me a new perspective on my own work. Being able to get their collective knowledge helps me to look at my work with a fresh set of eyes.”

The masterclass continues until the end of the week. Check back to see how the next few days go!

Images by Frank Zuidweg.

istanbul masterclass

Yesterday, the 2014 NOOR-Nikon Masterclass in Documentary Photography kicked off in Istanbul. For five days, 14 photographers originating from 10 different countries in the region get together with NOOR photographers Andrea Bruce, Benedicte Kurzen, Jon Lowenstein, and Stanley Greene; and NOOR’s managing director Evelien Kunst.

Situated in the headquarters of a 19th-century Imperial Ottoman Bank, SALT explores critical and timely issues in visual and material culture, and cultivates innovative programs for research and experimental thinking. “We could not think of a better venue to organize the NOOR-Nikon Masterclass in Documentary Photography”, said Serdar Darendeliler, co-founder of Genis Aci Project Office, who hosts the event this year.

The participants want to improve their editing skills, learn more about the market, grant writing, planning, preparation, how to organize and present themselves to editors, and other practical things. They are also very interested in ethic debates and general discussions on how to stay motivated and find new collaborations. “I want to learn how to transform an idea into a visual story,” said Yasaman Dehmiyani from Iran. Meanwhile, Ozge Sebzeci from Turkey is interested in finding out more about how to approach long-term projects and decide when they are done.

 

During one-on-one portfolio reviews, the photographers got to know each other and their work better. The first day concluded with a presentation by Andrea Bruce, in which she showed work from various personal projects and assignments she did for the New York Times over the past year, including her powerful work from Damascus. 

“For me, the most important thing to do in news stories is to humanize them," said Andrea. "To show that people are living a day-to-day normal life, even in conflict situations. I see it as my role to educate the people that read the newspaper at the other end of the world.” On the question of whether she ever felt threatened or if people got angry with her, she answered, "I believe in the power of respect. You have to respect people and then you will gain their trust."

There are many different topics to discuss and more to explore in the coming days, and we are already off to a great start!

Images by Frank Zuidweg.

pep bonet on filmmaking

Last week NOOR’s Pep Bonet and Nikon Netherlands kicked off a new series of one-day multimedia trainings with exciting lectures in Amsterdam for members of the Dutch press, ANP and NPS. 

Being extremely fascinated by the fact that nowadays HDDSLR photo cameras also have the capability of shooting HD video, Pep crafted himself into shooting documentaries with DSLR cameras. This resulted in several short documentary films, including the award winning ‘Into the Shadows’, a pursuit into the lives of hundreds of thousands of Africans living in the inner city of Johannesburg.

Pep shared his experience and in-depth knowledge of all aspects that come with filmmaking, starting out with audiovisual presentations - where Pep and sound designer Jose Bautista put images and music together - to full length documentary making.

“In filmmaking you absolutely have to know, before you start, what the message is that you want to convey. More so than in photography, where playing around with the editing and building the story afterwards is much easier”, says Pep.

Pep stressed that in order to make a good production, many times you have to be independent. “To be independent in doing your own projects, means that you are free to express yourself. I believe that young creators now have the responsibility of challenging themselves with the actual technology that is available. I think it is important to confront yourself and be critical of your own work. Always put your goals further than you think you can achieve. You will end up learning more from mistakes then from things that went well. When time passes we all learn and change, but be realistic at the same time,” says Pep.

He also shared a lot of tips and tricks on technical accessories; some that are indispensable and some that you can leave out or could easily construct or adapt yourself.

Anja, one of the participants said that for her “the technical possibilities nowadays really feel like a liberation, more or less the same as with the move from analogue to digital. We have so much more possibilities to express ourselves.”

Pep showed some of his latest projects, like ‘Into the Shadows’ and ‘Forced’ and explained that for him it is still important to mix stills and footage. “I always use the photos as suggestions [Pep shared] to let the audience stop and think.”

Pep also made it clear that filmmaking is much more about teamwork. “Team up with the people that you want and need around you, and push them to make them feel what you are after.”

“I can't wait to focus myself on a certain subject. You were an inspiration!” said Piroschka, one of the participants.

The coming year, Pep will tour Europe for more one-day multimedia trainings in cooperation with local Nikon offices. If you want to know if Pep is conducting one near you, please contact the Pro Rep at the local Nikon office and/or contact NOOR to book Pep.
 

Images by Harvey Williams-Fairley.

record number of applications for noor-nikon masterclass

Earlier this week, on Monday night, was the deadline for applications for the NOOR-Nikon Masterclass in Documentary Photography. Last week on Friday we were a bit worried about the number of applications we received, so far 28. When we arrived in the office Monday morning, our inbox was flooded. It took us about three days to wade trough all the emails and check all applications. We received 153 applications in total! A record number. We want to thank everybody that took the time to carefully prepare an application. Please note that the deadline is now closed and no more entries will be accepted.

This year's NOOR-Nikon Masterclass for Documentary Photography will be held in Istanbul from 24-28 March. Photographers from the following countries in the region are eligible: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey. We especially received a record number of applications from Iran (37 applications), Turkey (32 applications), Greece (20 applications) and Armenia (19 applications). For us this shows that clearly there is an enormous need in the region for this kind of training. The coming weeks we will take the time to carefully study all applications and make the final selection of 15 participants that will be invited to come to Istanbul. We will do our utmost to get a well-balanced group with representatives from the various eligible countries. The final selection will be announced at the end of the month, in order to give the participants ample time to prepare themselves for the class.

During the five days of the workshop, the 15 participants, together with three member photographers of NOOR, Andrea Bruce, Benedicte Kurzen and Jon Lowenstein, and NOOR’s managing director, Evelien Kunst, will share experiences, work on portfolios, improve editing skills and learn how to pick up and develop stories. Each day consists of intensive communication with the photographers on the subjects of technical features and the peculiarities of the international photo market. It is a unique opportunity to gain new knowledge, contacts, learn to tell stories in a visual language and develop a personal vision.

The annual NOOR-Nikon Masterclass in Documentary Photography is organized by NOOR Foundation and supported by Nikon Europe, with the aim to support documentary photographers from emerging markets all over the world through the organization of motivational masterclasses. The NOOR-Nikon Masterclass in Documentary Photography 2014 in Istanbul is organized in cooperation with Genis Aci Project Office.

noor-nikon masterclass 2014 tutors are announced

Andrea Bruce | NOOR

The tutors for this years NOOR-Nikon Masterclass in Documentary Photography (In conjunction with Genis Aci Project Office GAPO) are; Andrea Bruce, Benedicte Kurzen & Jon Lowenstein. The deadline for applications is Monday the 10th of February.  Don't miss out on this opportunity. The masterclass will be accessible to young and aspiring documentary photographers and photojournalists from the following countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.

If you are interested to find out more and read about experiences of participants from former masterclasses, then see examples of previous workshops here & here.

NOOR, Nikon and Genis Aci Project Office (GAPO) invite photographers to submit their portfolios for selection for the 2014 NOOR-Nikon Masterclass in Documentary Photography in Turkey.


NOOR photo agency and foundation  and Nikon Europe support documentary photographers from emerging markets all over the world through the organization of annual motivational masterclasses.


The 2014 program takes place in Istanbul, Turkey, organized in collaboration with Genis Aci Project Office (GAPO), 24 March through to 28 March 2014.


THE WORKSHOP


During the five days of the workshop, 15 participants, together with three member photographers of NOOR and NOOR’s managing director will share experiences, work on portfolios, improve editing skills and learn how to pick up and develop stories. Each day consists of intensive communication with the photographers on the subjects of technical features and the peculiarities of the international photo market. It is a unique opportunity to gain new knowledge, contacts, learn to tell stories in a visual language and develop a personal vision.


The workshop is free of charge; travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed (possession of a passport and travel insurance is required to apply).


SUBMISSION


For submission you are required to have:


• Basic experience in documentary photography or photojournalism;


• A high level of motivation;


• English language skills (the workshop is in English);


• A good technical understanding of your camera equipment, a working knowledge of the media environment and basic image management skills.


 To apply you need to send a PDF file not exceeding 6 MB including:


• A CV including your contact information and a written text explaining your work and projects. Please clarify your involvement in photography by showing a proven track record, proof of a photographic training or at least 1-year experience of practice;


• Motivation letter in English (1 page);


• A portfolio of max. 30 images with text introductions and captions (please show your story telling skills by presenting at least one picture story of 8 images).


Please send your application to: masterclass2014@noorimages.com before midnight C.E.T. Monday 10 February 2014.


If sending a PDF creates a problem, we accept links and word documents or alternative formats. For more information contact NOOR via masterclass2014@noorimages.com or tel. +31.20.6164040 or Skype: noorimages (Amsterdam).


In case you are selected for the workshop, you will be asked to perform a short assignment to work on before the workshop starts.


Application deadline: 10 February 2014 (before midnight C.E.T.).


Organized with the generous support of Nikon Europe B.V.