Roger Ballen MasterClass

Goal
The aim of the masterclass is to enable students the ability to more effectively express their own psychological identities, better integrate the subjectivity that is involved in aesthetic photography with the science of photography, analyze the aesthetics of a photograph, better understand the aesthetics of Roger Ballen’s photography and his artistic practice as well as a better understanding of the business of art photography and what it entails.

Roger Ballen
is one of the most important photographers of his generation. He was born in New York in 1950 but has been living and working in South Africa for over 30 years.

More about Roger Ballen.

Program 

“A photograph can confirm what we implicitly understand but cannot express. In my opinion, the best images are those for which we cannot find words. A photograph is perceived as authentic if the viewer believes that the photographer has captured a moment that can never be repeated. If the subconscious mind does not believe in the veracity of the image, it will have little or no impact on the viewer.” - Roger Ballen  

During this workshop, students will engage with the process of making photographs, reviewing and critiquing works in order to gain a better understanding of the medium and its relationship to fine art.

Each participant must bring one photograph with and will receive an in-depth critique of their work. Works must be accompanied by a personal statement from the participant.

Shooting session

The participants are highly encouraged to come to the workshop with defined ideas on the subject they want to photograph during the workshop. The group goes to an antique market or a vintage shop and each participant gathers a few objects. Then, the group goes in a selected place in which participants can shoot their project under Roger Ballen's supervision.

Masterclass-Projections

All participants will choose their own final preferred image. The final editing is made during a one-to-one session with Roger Ballen. The works will then be evaluated.

Roger Ballen will spend time talking about his own work and the different projects he has worked on. He will share his aesthetics references with the group and discuss his artistic practice.

Marketing strategies discussion on how to become an art photographer.

Teaching language: English.

Workshop hours: 3 days | 9h30 to 17h30.

Participants of the Roger Ballen MasterClass 2019

If you want to join, please send us a pdf with max. 10 photos and your artist statement (Max. 1 page). You will get an answer with further details within the next 3 days. >mail@photowerkberlin.com

For low-income self-employed and employees, the "Bildungsprämie" (education support) could halve the fee for this course.

The fee does not include transport, accommodation nor on the ground expenses. For participants coming from outside the European Union, please be aware that there is a bank fee when making the payments via bank transfer.