This November I was fortunate to be able to attend a 2.5 day photography workshop which the Leica Store & Gallery San Francisco and Magnum photographer Eli Reed had put together. Eli probably does not need an introduction, but if you are unfamiliar with him you can go to the Magnum Photos website to find a biosketch on Eli. He has put a quote there which characterizes him very well: "The main thing for me is that I'm happy that I've been able to work as a professional photographer. What is at the core of my work is, in essence, a meditation on being a human being."
Not surprisingly the workshop was a deep experience not only because of the teachings on photography (e.g. photographic vision, developing a story and portfolio to make an impact), but also because of the stories and philosophic wisdom which Eli wrapped around it, almost like coining a new term: "photolosophy".
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I have noted down a few spontaneous quotes of his which to me stuck out during the workshop: "Everyone has a sensitive side", "Trust your instincts", "Light makes the picture", Everybody learns from masters, who is going to move past it?", "The most difficult thing is the acceptance of light you have to deal with", "It's never terrible if there is light", Everything starts and ends with light".
So indeed it was a real experience and privilege to spend some time with him which had a deep impact on all of us. The image below shows SF photographer Erica Deeman listening to Eli as he was critiquing her portfolio outside of the workshop.
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As we were just 5 students, Catherine, Ben, Ralf, Emilio and myself, the days felt like a deep immersion into our favorite subject. Occasionally, Alex or Wayne from the Leica Store & Gallery dropped in or around to take some photos of the group. Wayne has published a great set on the class, opening reception and book signing on the Facebook site of the gallery which can be found here.
The location itself is fabulous. The store with its display of photographic equipment, books and accessories, as well as the gallery which displayed works of Eli out of his new book "A long way home", and the spacious sitting area soaked in beautiful light all day was a perfect backdrop for the class. If you are in SF I highly recommend you to visit the store and gallery. The shot below shows a visitor and gives some idea of the unique space:
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During the two main days we broke for 2 assignments. The first was on Friday to "find light". The selection below shows some of my personal output:
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