Photography Workshop

The photographic workshop THE BODY HAS ITS OWN LABYRINTH was born in 2018 by the hand of documentary stage photographer Alejandro Carmona from Argentina.

His work is oriented towards independent dance companies from Argentina and Latin America, covering press photography, performances, and project follow-ups. He also collaborates with the Argentine National Folkloric Ballet and the National Contemporary Dance Company.

Since its inception, a total of 14 workshops have been held, with over 200 participants.

The workshop has taken place in locations such as the former prison at the end of the world in Ushuaia, Argentina, the House of Culture in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, and we have also intervened with artists in movement at the PARDES exhibition by Argentine artist Nicola Constantino at the Santander Foundation.

What is it?

It is an encounter in the format of a theoretical-practical photography workshop, aimed at photographers with basic camera handling, interested in expressing themselves through visual arts.

Beyond technique, we propose to generate a personal, critical, and sensitive perspective when composing an image working with natural light and artists in motion.

We work with dancers of very different styles individually, in duos, and in quartets, always using natural light, movement, and improvisation as a means of expression, exploring through practical exercises the construction of small narratives through photography, prioritizing each author's own perspective and their relationship with the photographed artist.

We will seek to generate a dialogue without words between both, respecting each other's times and processes.

The workshop consists of a theoretical part lasting 2 hours and a practical meeting of 3 hours.

The main objective is for each participant to incorporate new knowledge and experience to enter the world of STAGE PHOTOGRAPHY (dance, theater, or music), expand their photographic portfolio with which they can promote their work and add it in the future to their photographic proposal.

Contents

THEORETICAL MODULE ( 2 hours duration )

1. 1. Use of natural light and its characteristics.
2. 2. How to accompany artists in motion.
3. 3. Framing and composition.
4. 4. The importance of context. Background and figure.
5. 5. Color as part of composition
6. 6. Editing. How to tell a story through a sequence of images.
7. Different types of stage photography:
   • Rehearsals,
   • Staging,
   • Performance,
   • Press
   • Classes
   • Encounters with artists ( books )
8. General considerations about stage photography work:
   • Budgets, copyright.

What is needed?

The theoretical module can be given virtually or in person in a room where the material can be projected, lasting 2 hours.

The practical module lasts 3 hours and takes place in a location with various options of spaces with natural light.

Four versatile dancers / artists with whom a series of creative triggers are coordinated so that they develop through their body in movement, we work solo, duos, and groups.

The group is divided so that everyone can go through all the spaces.