The We Are 17 photography club, led by photographer Lorena Dumitrașcu, takes place between April and May 2024 and consists of several sessions that take place on weekends, attended by 20 students from Vlad Țepeș High School, Banatul National High School from Nikolaus Lenau Theoretical High School Timisoara.
The workshops use the We are 17 methodology, developed together with international project partners A bao a Qu (Barcelona) and Meno Avilys (Vilnius). The methodology aims to transmit photography as art, culture and creation; promoting the discovery of photographic heritage and contemporary photography and proposes creative practices in portrait photography.
Young participants are guided by portrait photography professionals, will learn about the narrative potential of photography and develop ways of artistic expression through photography. They will photograph people of the same age and people who are part of Van der Keuken's generation (born in the 30s-40s). The photos will be accompanied by the personal stories of the participants and will be displayed in a joint exhibition.
During the workshops, the following topics are addressed:
Introduction to Van der Keuken's works:
- Introducing the We Are 17 series and exploring the historical and cultural context in which it was created.
- Analysis of the key elements of portrait photography in Van der Keuken's style, such as composition, light and expressiveness of the subjects.
- Visual interpretation exercises
- Introducing reference portrait photographers
Exploring photographic techniques:
- Training in basic photography techniques such as composition, focus, light management and the use of depth of field.
- Practical sessions (individual and group) in different locations to apply these techniques in portrait photography.
- Individual advice and feedback during practical sessions to develop participants' technical and artistic skills.
- Image processing, programs and tips and tricks
Critical analysis and feedback:
- Sessions of analysis of photos taken within individual and group projects.
- Constructive feedback to guide participants in developing their own style in portrait photography.
Time schedule
- April 6 11:00-13:00; 13:30-15:30 Session 1 + 2: We are 17 by Johan Van der Keuken. Visual interpretation exercises. Light-portrait exercise, references from the history of photography
- April 13, 11:00-13:00; 13:30-15:30 Session 3 + 4: Photography sessions (individual and group). Feedback session
- April 14, 11:00-13:00; 13:30-15:30 Session 5: Basic photography techniques: composition, focus, light management and use of depth of field.
- April 20, 11:00-13:00; 13:30-15:30 Session 6 + 7: Photo session with seniors from the Pensioners' Club in different locations
- April 26, 11:00-13:00 Visual storytelling with Claudia Tănăsescu
- April 27, 13:00-15:30 The portrait in art with Dana Sarmeș (together with the Photography Club)
- April 29, 11:00-15:00 The portrait in art with Dana Sarmeș (together with the Photography Club)
- May 11, 11:00-15:30 Session 8 + 9: Exhibition photo selection, image processing
- May 18, 16:00-20:00 Portrait in film with Andrea Reisz and Simona Constantin (together with the We are 17 Spring School)
- May 20 - 25 Session 10: Exhibition paneling
Joint exhibition We are 17: 26 – 16 June