For the first time in Paris, the renowned Magnum photographer Richard Kalvar will lead a five days practice workshop, allowing 12 near professional motivated students to benefit from the vast experience of an established Magnum’s photographer

The Magnum Workshop with Richard Kalvar in Paris is the third event forming part of the 2013 educational program in Paris.

The workshop will be held inside the Magnum Photos’ agency – 19, rue Hégésippe Moreau, 75018 Paris - from May 9th to 13th, 2013.

<strong>The Workshop</strong>

Through a very intensive program of shooting, daily reviews, group critiques, mentoring, editing sessions, Richard Kalvar workshop’s candidates will spend five days developing visual language, photographic identity, practical, technical and conceptual skills and the expertise required to compete in a changing marketplace.

This workshop is not to learn technical skills but to improve each student's own unique photographic vision and ability to tell a story visually.

Workshop will be held in French/English and the class will be assigned an assistant who will facilitate the workshop and guide students with technical or logistical questions and orientate students with the local area.

In addition to the dynamic within each class, there will also be ample informal time for cross pollination of viewpoints and commentary with the other teachers as well as the other students.

Through the generous support of Magnum’s educational partners Blurb, workshop participants will also have the opportunity to further their editing experience through the production of a group Blurb books.

The session will culminate in a projection of participant work and a public exhibition at the Magnum Paris office.


<strong>The Photographer</strong>

After studying English and American literature at Cornell University in the mid sixties, Richard Kalvar worked in New York as assistant to French fashion photographer Jérôme Ducrot. It was an extended trip with a camera to Europe in 1966-1967 that made him decide to become a photographer. After working for two years in New York he was offered his first and last role in the theatre, acting in French in Marseille and Paris, where he settled, helping found the Viva agency in 1972. In 1975 he became an associate member of Magnum Photos, and a full member two years later. He has subsequently served as vice-president and president.

Kalvar has done an extensive personal work in America, Europe and Asia, notably in France, Italy England, Japan and the United States, supporting himself with journalistic and commercial assignments. He has a long-term unfinished project in Rome.

In 1980 Kalvar had a one-man show at Agathe Gaillard gallery in Paris, and has participated in many group shows. A major retrospective of his work was shown at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in 2007, accompanied by his book Earhlings.

Kalvar’s photographs are marked by a strong homogeneity of aesthetic and theme. His images frequently play on a discrepancy between the banality of a real situation and a feeling of of strangeness that emerges from a particular choice of timing and framing. The result is a state of tension between two levels of interpretation, attenuated by a touch of humor.

Richard Kalvar’s portfolio on the Magnum website


<strong>Requirements</strong>

Workshop participants should be able to show a good level of photographic aptitude. Candidates will be expected to arrive comfortable with their equipment and ready to photograph. The workshop is limited to just 12 participants and photographers will be subject to online applications.

We recommend participants arrive with at least one realistic project idea they wish to develop during the workshop, and that preliminary research be conducted before the workshop begins. This should include contact liaison, access information and even early shooting – Please refer to your teacher’s specific requirements.

On the first day participants will have the opportunity to present their existing work and discuss project ideas. The workshop structure is self-directed and participants will be responsible for their own coordination and time management. Candidates are encouraged to be realistic about what is achievable in four days.

Due to the fast pace of the workshop, Magnum highly recommends that participants produce and edit their work digitally, using their own laptops. Individuals wishing to use film may do so, but at their own cost and during the time imposed. Lab services will be recommended.

<strong>Tuition</strong>

950€ (does not include travel, accommodations or on the ground expenses). All fees must be paid within 7 days of acceptance or you will forfeit your space. Refund policies will be emailed with acceptance letter.

Please note: Magnum Photos reserves the right to cancel groups with less than 7 participants. Students will be given either a full refund or offered a place with an alternative photographer. In the event of a cancellation, students will be given at least 2 weeks advance notice. Magnum Photos reserves the right to change or alter the program advertised.
- If a participant decides to cancel for whatever reason, this must be confirmed in writing:
. Magnum Photos will reimburse all the registration costs except for €100 administrative fee, if the participant informs Magnum Photos of cancellation at least 3 weeks before the first day of the workshop. Beyond this time limit, Magnum Photos will charge the following:
. 50% of the cost if cancelled between 6 and 20 days before the workshop commences.
. 100% of the cost if cancelled less than 5 days before the workshop commences.
. All workshops that are commenced but not completed through the fault of either the contractor/or participant need to be paid in full.
- Magnum Photos is not responsible for reimbursement of travel expenses in case a workshop is cancelled. We recommend that you buy refundable air tickets and/or travel insurance.

<strong>Travel & Accommodation</strong>

Participants are expected to make their own arrangements regarding travel and accommodation; a list of suitable accommodation options will be provided to successful candidates. International visitors can travel to Paris from most major terminals.
Please ensure you have the necessary travel documents & relevant visas in order to attend the event. Magnum Photos can provide letters of support where necessary.

<strong>Applications</strong>

<a href="https://magnumphotos.wufoo.com/forms/x7s9a7/" target="_blank">Click here to apply</a>

The first deadline for acceptance is April 12th, and qualified applicants will be selected through a combination of the merit of their work and their personal statement, and the order of their application's receipt. All applications received after April 12th will be reviewed, space permitting.

For queries please contact: Nicolas Ossard.

<a href="https://magnumphotos.wufoo.com/forms/x7s9a7/" target="_blank">Workshop Application</a>
<a href="http://www.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=CMS3&VF=MAGO31_10_VForm&ERID=24KL535R3G" target="_blank">Richard Kalvar's Portfolio</a>
<a href="http://www.blurb.com/" target="_blank">Blurb</a>