Open Photojournalism Education Network

Workshop Stories

How is your research going for the story you'll be working on?

This is my first time participating in a workshop like this. I have ideas, but I haven't settled on a specific subject yet. I'm looking for something that will be easy to access so I can spend as much time shooting as possible. It would be interesting to hear people's experiences with this.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ingetje Tadros on February 26, 2012 at 3:19am

Really appreciated this info! it looks like the Workshop i did in Missouri, i received there a Scholarship, last year, it feels VERY simulair , this was my result, worked my ass aff and learned amazing MUCH! ( i found my 3 stories in 1 morning, and we choose this one>caged Fighter

http://ingetjetadros.photoshelter.com/gallery/Caged-Fighter/G0000pL... after this i implemented it in "REAL" life in Egypt and this was the result of that

http://ingetjetadros.photoshelter.com/gallery/Medo-Rest-in-Peace/G0..., so i i am still tossing if i need another Workshop or not? anybody i like to share this and give me your thoughts.

Thanks for great reply Robert!, very appreciated.

i have to make up my mind in a few days. as i've arrived from India and now having a familyvisit as well, very hard to concentrate on this brrrrrr

Permalink Reply by David Brazil on February 28, 2012 at 12:02pm

I am working on a couple of story ideas - trying to work towards a photo essay that is more personal and possibly more confronting than my ususal work. (Yes - I am in Antoine's group)

I have a friend who is a locat who has passed some contacts on to me. I will try to have at least 2 ideas that have been pre-arranged and then will see what direction things take on the first day before finalising. Prepared to ditch all my concepts based on what kind of work and style we will be pursueing.

I am interested in extending techinque as well - perhaps trying for a looser and more engage style of shooting. Interested in shooting at night which is something I rarely get a chance to do these days. Will bring a compact camera as well as my DSLR as an unobstrusive outfit may suit the subject matter better.

See you all real soon

Davod

Permalink Reply by Marie Peters on February 28, 2012 at 7:58pm

Hi Greg

Just wondering where you hired your scooter from – I've thought about that, but wasn't sure where to get one.

I've got a couple of story ideas rolling around in my head, but I think I need to spend some serious time working it out this weekend (even if it sounds like it's likely to change once I arrive!)

Cheers
Marie

Permalink Reply by Greg Lindsey on February 29, 2012 at 5:29am

Hi Marie, I booked a scooter with Scoot Freo (http://www.scootfreo.com.au/). They do weekly rentals. Not sure how fast they can go, but I like the flexibility they give with parking and exploring places.

Permalink Reply by Godelieve Mols on February 29, 2012 at 5:37am

YES ! Thanks Jason for sharing your past experience; I find that helpful too.

With regards to the story/subject I count working on:

I first have put some ideas on paper without looking at the sheet Fiona sent us through. I didn't want to be influenced by something else but my own ideas.

I also bought a nice little sketch/note book in which I mainly stick images I come across and like. Some phrases and text go in there too. It's nothing scientific nor painful it's just a very organic way of letting something come out of me or allowing myself to discover what's in me .... (not too blurry here ?)

I looked then yesterday at the list from Fiona and found some interesting subjects and places on there.

And I guess what will happen is that things get discussed on arrival and I'll then take it from there....

I'am REALLY looking forward to this workshop with so many interesting photographers.

I can't wait !

I should be able to make Sunday's breakfast too !

Godelieve

Permalink Reply by Godelieve Mols on February 29, 2012 at 6:05am

Hi little Inge,

Beautiful and intimate work you did in Egypt and Missouri ! Thanks for sharing.

I personally ALWAYS need learning and new experiences in what ever form that is. I haven't done any of the Magnum Workshops yet but I reckon that no two teachers/workshops can be the same.

Up to you but would be nice to meet you there !

Good luck with deciding,

Groetjes van Godelieve

Ingetje Tadros said:

Really appreciated this info! it looks like the Workshop i did in Missouri, i received there a Scholarship, last year, it feels VERY simulair , this was my result, worked my ass aff and learned amazing MUCH! ( i found my 3 stories in 1 morning, and we choose this one>caged Fighter

http://ingetjetadros.photoshelter.com/gallery/Caged-Fighter/G0000pL... after this i implemented it in "REAL" life in Egypt and this was the result of that

http://ingetjetadros.photoshelter.com/gallery/Medo-Rest-in-Peace/G0..., so i i am still tossing if i need another Workshop or not? anybody i like to share this and give me your thoughts.

Thanks for great reply Robert!, very appreciated.

i have to make up my mind in a few days. as i've arrived from India and now having a familyvisit as well, very hard to concentrate on this brrrrrr

Permalink Reply by Fiona Rogers on March 5, 2012 at 6:42pm

Hi all, glad to see that the Open I forum is a useful starting point for our workshop. At the very least it should lessen those 'first day of school' nerves that everyone seems to have upon meeting a group of strangers.

My advice with the stories is to pick something that reflects your existing interests and that is feasible within the workshop timeframe. Don't forget that with the portfolio review session in the morning you realistically won't begin shooting until Monday afternoon and it can be tough presenting a body of work in just 4/5 days. Often the most simple ideas are most effective.

Looking forward to meeting you all. Fiona

Permalink Reply by Greg Lindsey on March 7, 2012 at 11:42pm

Hey guys, I'll quickly share where I'm at with this. I've done research on whats happening in Freo, looked at local papers, perused areas with Google maps and street view, and read up on wikipedia about Freo and its environs. I've had many ideas, but in the end, considering the time available, I've decided to just go see for myself whats interesting and feasible in 5 days, like Fiona says. I'm looking for something simple to access, preferably with exterior daylight, and with visual appeal. I'll arrive in Perth this afternoon and use the next week to scout for story ideas.

The only preparation I've really done is to write out my current interests and figure out what types of subjects I most enjoy shooting. This gives me a direction to follow once I'm on the ground. For example, I like areas with a mix of nature and urban, so that gives me some ideas for where to start looking. Good luck to you guys.