noor-nikon belgrade masterclass: on storytelling & editing

Matic Zorman (Slovenia) shares his work with Majlend Bramo (Albania). Photo: Kamerades

Editing and visual storytelling were central to the NOOR-Nikon Masterclass in Belgrade. Before meeting together, all fifteen participants shot and edited an assignment on the theme ‘Remains.’ This work went under the microscope for serious editing by both peers and the tutors throughout the week. The NOOR photographers also shared their own experiences, struggles and strategies for putting together good edits for different purposes.

After each participant had a one-on-one portfolio review with each tutor, we sat down for a little recap. Andrea, Stanley and Kadir gave the participants feedback that they needed to work on their sequencing and push deeper into the story. Andrea told the participants, “A story has to be about more than just a topic, it also needs to be about an emotion. Make sure you use your tools to portray a feeling, not just the subject.”

Kadir added, “When you work as a documentary photographer, you are also an author, editor and producer.” He explained that a lot of photographers focus their time and effort on shooting and don’t pay enough attention to sequencing and captioning. As much as possible, Kadir spends about equal time shooting as he does prepping the files and putting together the story selection and sequence. He encouraged the participants to “Challenge your viewer – for instance, maybe you don’t want to use an establishing shot to start your sequence.”

Over our days together in Belgrade, all of the NOOR photographers pulled back the curtain on their practice to show participants what kinds of preparations they do, questions they ask themselves and challenges they face. For instance, Kadir also took the participants through an a-z, shooting to publication process for a recent story. He discussed working with the NGO on the ground, how the access and lighting conditions shaped his shooting approach, then walked us through the different selects he made for the NGO partner, versus his select as for pitching the story for the editorial market – eventually showing us what was published.

Stanley showed an unpublished recent series of work, which he was frank about his struggle with the edit and sharing the work. He encouraged participants to “Share your work with your trusted colleagues. If you stay to close to your work you can stagnate. Along with being a support system, your colleagues can help give you fresh perspective.”

- Asmara Pelupessy, Associate Editor, NOOR

highlights from noor-nikon masterclass in belgrade: on working in the field

Throughout the workshop week, NOOR photographers and the Masterclass participants tackled the learning goals laid out in the first day through one on one portfolio reviews, group editing sessions, diverse presentations and lots of great discussions that continued through all hours of the days and nights. Some highlights compiled by NOOR’s Associate Editor, Asmara Pelupessy:

Masterclass participants and NOOR team outside of our home base for the week - the workshop venue UK Parobrod.

ON ASSIGNMENT

NOOR photographer Andrea Bruce presented some of the work she shot on assignment for The New York Times.

To become a regular contributor for a major publication such as The New York Times, Andrea recommended to the participants that they should:

- Be reliable

- Be low maintenance, don’t make things complicated

- Don’t complain

- Be a team player, work together with the reporter

- Bring something to the table with their photography that goes beyond the obvious, beyond what is offered by wire services

Reacting also to some of the challenges the participants faced shooting their ‘Remains’ stories for the Masterclass – NOOR photographer Kadir van Lohuizen emphasized, “Not having enough time for an assignment is never an excuse. An editor doesn’t care.”

Andrea pointed out that you can utilize shorter assignments to create a larger project or body of work - “Just because an assignment is quick doesn’t mean you can’t go back to it on your own or with another paper. You can make use of the fact that this gives you a start on a story, or you can use the work to apply for grant funding to do more follow-up work.”

LOGISTICS

Before landing in a new country or city for a story, Andrea prepares all her logistics so they are ready by the time she arrives – fixer, translator, transportation, etc. She suggested that participants might hire a fixer for a half day at first to see if they make a good team and emphasized that photographers must take the responsibility to protect the safety of their fixers and translators.

WAIT IT OUT

When it comes to shooting, Andrea said, “I can’t stress enough to get up before sunrise.” To catch good light she usually shoots at the beginning and end of the day and works with the writer on interviews during the middle of the day. She encouraged the participants to “wait it out - stay longer than you want to in order to wait for good photos, especially if the light is good.”

COVERING CONFLICT

Knowing the experience of the Masterclass tutors, throughout the week, participants had a lot of questions about covering conflict. After NOOR photographer Stanley Greene’s presentation of some of his most impactful stories this topic took center stage.

On the practical side – though seemingly mundane Stanley emphasized the absolutely essential - “Never try to do a story unless you understand your equipment up and down.” Andrea reiterated, “Learn the basics of how to work your camera and do a story now, before going to the field. Its extremely dangerous if you are working in a conflict zone and you struggle with your equipment or get wrapped up in logistics - you can lose awareness of your surroundings.” She also shared that she wished she saw more women covering conflict. "Sometimes I feel very alone. As a female photojournalist we have unique access to cover the other half of the story - women.”

While NOOR’s photographers have committed themselves to cover untold stories, they do not romanticize war photography. As Kadir wrapped it up, “There is not a single image worth dying for.” Through the Masterclass, Andrea, Stanley and Kadir talked about how they work to broaden our view on conflict by capturing daily, civilian life as it continues through war and also covering conflict’s aftermath and consequences.

an update from the noor-nikon masterclass in belgrade

From NOOR's Associate Editor, Asmara Pelupessy -

The NOOR-Nikon Masterclass in Belgrade has brought together 15 talented young documentary photographers from the Balkan region:

Majlend Bramo from Albania

Mina Delić from Serbia

Tsvetomir Dimov from Bulgaria

Fisnik Dobreci from Montenegro

Marija Erdelji from Serbia

Elena Geroska from Macedonia/Bulgaria

Milovan Milenković from Serbia

Armend Nimani from Kosovo

Marina Paulenka from Croatia

Midhat Poturovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Matjaž Rušt from Slovenia

Mitar Simikić from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Denislav Stoychev from Bulgaria

Oksana Toskic from Serbia

Matic Zorman from Slovenia

These participants are spending the week together with NOOR photographers Andrea Bruce, Stanley Greene & Kadir van Lohuizen. Its been my pleasure to moderate the workshop, which is hosted by our local partner, the Serbian documentary photographers' collective Kamerades.

Over the past days we have been sharing our work, exchanging insights on building a successful career as a documentary photographer and editing an assignment shot especially for the masterclass on the theme ‘Remains.’

Through our first introductions, we learned that many of the participants, though young, already have years of experience under their belts working for newspapers and news agencies in the region. Most are looking to expand their practice and work on more self-directed and/or longer-term projects. Matjaž described his interest in “photography that doesn’t only give answers, but also raises questions.” Midhat talked about how he wants to develop the photography scene in the region to expand opportunities for young photographers here.

Along with refining their skills at working in the field, storytelling and editing, this year’s participants are keen to learn about how to get their stories out into the world – finding financing and outlets for their work.

The first day of the workshop closed with an essential talk from all three photographers on “Truth in Photography,” discussing the recent conflict behind the recent World Press awards and why ethics in documentary photography is important. In Andrea’s words, “in a moment when the legitimacy of journalism and journalistic professionals is questioned - truth, down to the smallest detail, is even more critical.”

Images by Frank Zuidweg

masterclass participants selected

© Andrea Bruce | NOOR

NOOR, Nikon and Kamerades are proud to announce the list of 15 participants for the NOOR-Nikon Masterclass 2015. The participants were selected out of a total of 114 portfolios that were submitted from 9 different countries in the region.

We would like to herewith sincerely thank all the people who put effort in their application and congratulate the photographers who will be taking part in the masterclass:

Majlend Bramo from Albania

Mina Delić from Serbia

Tsvetomir Dimov from Bulgaria

Fisnik Dobreci from Montenegro

Marija Erdelji from Serbia

Elena Geroska from Macedonia/Bulgaria

Milovan Milenković from Serbia

Armend Nimani from Kosovo

Marina Paulenka from Croatia

Midhat Poturovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Matjaž Rušt from Slovenia

Mitar Simikić from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Denislav Stoychev from Bulgaria

Oksana Toskic from Serbia

Matic Zorman from Slovenia

The NOOR-Nikon Masterclass will be held in Belgrade between 30 March – 3 April 2015. During the five days of the workshop, the participants, together with three member photographers of NOOR, Andrea Bruce, Stanley Greene and Kadir van Lohuizen, and NOOR’s Associate Editor, Asmara Pelupessy, will work on portfolios, improve editing skills and learn how to pick up and develop stories.

We are looking forward to meeting all the participants, having the chance to learn about their work and sharing experiences.

noor-nikon masterclass update: tutors announced, opened to bulgarian photographers & deadline extended

NOOR photographers Kadir van Lohuizen, Andrea Bruce and Stanley Greene will be the tutors for this years NOOR-Nikon Masterclass in Documentary Photography in Belgrade, Serbia.

The call has also been extended to Bulgarian photographers who are encouraged to apply.

Accordingly, we've extended the deadline for applications - the new deadline is Thursday the 19th of February. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

NOOR, Nikon and Kamerades invite photographers to submit their portfolios for selection for the 2015 NOOR-Nikon Masterclass in Documentary Photography. 
The masterclass will be accessible to young and aspiring documentary photographers and photojournalists from the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Slovenia. Please find more information about applying here.

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

call for applications: noor-nikon masterclass in belgrade, serbia

NOOR, together with the Serbian collective Kamerades and Nikon invite photographers to submit their portfolios for selection for the 2015 NOOR-Nikon Masterclass in Documentary Photography in Belgrade, Serbia.

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 2015 program is scheduled to take place in Belgrade, Serbia, 30 March through to 3 April 2015.

The masterclass will be accessible to young and aspiring documentary photographers and photojournalists from the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Slovenia.

THE WORKSHOP

During the five days of the workshop, 15 participants, together with three member photographers of NOOR - Andrea Bruce, Stanley Greene and Kadir van Lohuizen - 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 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: masterclass2015@noorimages.com before midnight C.E.T. Thursday 19 February 2015.

If sending a PDF creates a problem, we accept links and word documents or alternative formats. For more information contact NOOR via masterclass2015@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.

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

NOOR (Amsterdam): Evelien Kunst

managing director | NOOR

tel. + 31.20.616.4040

email: masterclass2015@noorimages.com

www.noorimages.com | skype: noorimages

Kamerades (Belgrade): Tamara Ognjanovic

project manager | Kamerades

tel. +381 63 8679 800

email: contact@kamerades.com or tashaognjanovic@gmail.com

www.kamerades.com | skype: kamerades