Description

Bio

Born in Germany in 1972, Thomas Dworzak has documented many of the most important news stories since the 1990s. At the age of 16, he started traveling to photograph conflicts in Northern Ireland, Israel/Palestine, and the disintegrating Yugoslavia. After he left his native Germany, he combined his attempt to become a photographer with an effort to study languages: Spanish in Ávila, Czech in Prague, and Russian in Moscow. During the 1990s, Dworzak lived in Georgia, exploring the people, culture, and conflicts in the Caucasus, which resulted in the book Kavkaz in 2010.

Dworzak’s projects have been featured in leading publications like the New Yorker and Time and several have led to books, including his portraits of the Taliban and images taken during the assignments in Iraq during the early- and mid-2000s. Since then, he has photographed revolutions in former Soviet republics and covered stories in dozens of countries around the world. Dworzak became a full member of Magnum Photos in 2004.

Mentorship

Thomas Dworzak’s teaching style is deeply rooted in his philosophy of photography as a spontaneous and unpredictable art form. He embraces the idea that photographs capture what happens naturally: “I like the fact that I am not in control, that the photographs are what happens, rather than the result only of the decision I make. You could say that’s the downside of photography, but it’s also why it is magic,” he states. This perspective shapes his mentorship, encouraging photographers to embrace the unexpected moments that bring photographs to life.

In his role as a mentor, Dworzak emphasizes the importance of storytelling in photography. He guides photographers to create narratives, often suggesting to approach themes from new angles or explore alternative concepts. His approach helps photographers delve deeper into their subjects, uncovering fresh perspectives and unique stories.

Dworzak’s extensive experience and diverse projects offer a rich source of inspiration and practical insights for photographers. His ability to blend rigorous documentation with creative freedom provides a balanced framework for those he mentors, empowering them to capture compelling and authentic images.



- Magnum Photos reserves the right to terminate the mentorship agreement in the event that the mentee fails to initiate or maintain contact for a period exceeding four (4) consecutive months. In such circumstances, the mentorship will be considered forfeited, and no refund of any fees paid will be issued. - Participants agree to: 1. Attend sessions regularly and on time. 2. Ensure you have a sufficient level of spoken and written language skills for the Mentorship you are attending. Details of the language of the Mentorship are stated on the Website. 3. Conduct yourself in a professional and courteous manner and refrain from harassing or causing offense or nuisance to us or our staff. 4. Initiate contact to schedule mentorship sessions, with reasonable assistance provided by Magnum Learn staff upon request. Failure to maintain communication or schedule sessions within a four-month period may result in termination of the mentorship without refund.
Magnum is committed to fostering a respectful and dignified environment that adheres to the highest level of professional standards. We strive to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone who works with or for Magnum and Magnum photographers, creating an environment in which each person’s rights, dignity and individual worth are respected. You can read Magnum Photos Code of Conduct here: https://www.magnumphotos.com/educational-safeguarding-policy/
The mentorship with Thomas Dworzak can be in English, German or French.
Once we review your application, you will receive an email from the Magnum Learn team. Please note that we review application on regular basis.

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