Are you searching for mentorship on a long-term personal project? Do you enjoy returning to the same place and meeting the same group of people over time, trying to find unique ways to tell their stories through photographs (combined with text, video or objects)? Then this mentorship is perfect for you.
We are delighted to announce Simon Chang's fifth workshop, which will focus on the development and presentation of long-term projects.
One-on-one long-term-project mentorship with Simon Chang intends to guide you through this process with a consistent six-month practice. As a documentary photographer, Simon Chang has been focusing on amplifying marginalised voices, especially those affected by mental health and conflict since 2003. For him, photography is not just a visual, but also a powerful storytelling tool that captures human life and evokes emotion, sharing impactful narratives.
“By working on long-term projects with individuals in challenging, often extreme circumstances, I’ve come to understand that there is no ‘us’ versus ‘them’. The so-called ‘other’ is, in truth, my brother, my sister – the other is me.
Photographing and viewing photos both involve solitude. In that brief moment, we step away from collective identities and connect with another person on a deeply personal level. This connection feels humbling and especially precious today. However, enjoying such intimacy and solidarity through photography takes time. This is not a mere reportage assignment; it’s not just about ‘them’ but also about ‘us’. You are not a parachute photojournalist; you are part of ‘us’.” – Simon Chang
IN SHORT
This mentorship with Simon Chang contains 6 one-to-one personal coaching sessions (over the course of 6 months, 1 hour per session) together with at least 3 group workshop meetings with other fellow photographers and a final group meeting/presentation in June 2025. It’s valuable to learn from your fellow photographers and see how they pursue their stories.
Based on the workshop results, we encourage you to present your final project at the upcoming pop-up group exhibition at Galerija Fotografija (date TBC). The public will be invited, along with friends and photographers from the gallery network. This is a great opportunity to gather feedback.
This mentorship is intended for emerging and professional photographers looking to complete a personal project for distribution. Over six months, you’ll receive feedback and guidance from Simon on your aesthetic interests, as well as insights on editing and sequencing. You'll also have the chance to explore new approaches beyond your comfort zone.
The workshop offers:
- A supportive peer network, fostering connections that often last beyond the workshop,
- Guidance to complete your work for various distribution opportunities, including festivals and exhibitions,
- Personal insights on your theoretical and aesthetic interests from Simon Chang and a developing mentor-mentee relationship for tailored guidance on your challenges, ambitions, presentation form and output,
- Opportunities to present your work to gallery curators and receive valuable feedback.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
The group will have an introductory workshop on 3rd December 2024 at 7 pm, where participants can introduce their projects and discuss mentorship goals.
From December 2024 to June 2025, each participant will have six one-on-one sessions with Simon, along with a second group meeting in spring 2025 at Galerija Fotografija.
The three group workshop meetings with other fellow photographers will be scheduled as an introduction workshop in December 2024, the second group meeting in spring 2025 and the final presentation.
The final workshop in June 2025 will feature presentations from each participant, followed by discussions on potential dates for the pop-up group exhibition at Galerija Fotografija.
FEES:
480 € full price
456 € early bird price (5 % discount) until 20.11.2024
430 € former participants of Simon’s workshops
The deadline for application is 26th November 2024. The number of available spots is limited.
To apply, please send an email with the subject "Delavnica poglobljenih fotografskih projektov", your name, surname, address and phone number to tina.deu@galerijafotografija.si.
You're invited to visit us on Tuesday, 12th November 2024, at 6 pm to meet Simon Chang and this year's workshop attendees, see the photobooks they have created and learn about their mentorship experience.
In case of further questions regarding the workshop, do not hesitate to contact us.
More about Simon Chang and his award-winning book Shepherds and the Slaughterhouse.
