Description
Join Mark de Paola and Leica Akademie USA for a “Nude In The Landscape” masterclass in the hallowed photographic grounds of Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur, California to experience the process of capturing timeless fine art nude photographs the weekend of March 18th-20th, 2022
Master photographer and director Mark de Paola is inviting a small group of photographers to delve deep into his fine art thought process from conception to realization over three days, exploring locations throughout Monterrey, Carmel, and Big Sur, California. Taking energy and inspiration from the history of photographers, who have worked in this area, students will not only review the work of Edward Weston, Imogen Cunningham, Sonya Noskowiak, Ansel Adams, and others but actually see vintage prints, prior to shooting.
This shooting intensive master workshop is designed for creative portrait or landscape photographers interested in exploring new ways to capture portraits and nudes within the landscape. All shooting sessions are individual, and not in groups. There will be 2-3 professional fine art nude models present depending on final attendance.
TOPICS COVERED:
- Classical vs. Unconventional Composition
- Using Lighting, Shape, and Form to Create a Narrative and Mood.
- Visualization
- Posing and Collaboration
- What is a timeless image and how to create it.
- Taking a picture vs. creating a fine art photograph.
More than just a technical or how-to workshop, participants will be asked to consider their own goals and motivations as photographers. The class will be encouraged to explore how a form may represent or depict strength, poise, movement, or a frame of personality. We will look back to the history of fine art for inspiration, exploring the use of the human figure as a subject and the model as “Muse” and collaborator.
De Paola’s career and real-life experience over the past two decades creating projects from Vogue covers to Gucci campaigns and his transition into Fine Art photography with exhibitions in Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, Dali, China, and Tokyo will be a valuable part of our formal and informal conversations. Mark’s vast and comprehensive experience with Leica cameras and optics, especially the 50mm Noctilux, will serve as a point of inspiration throughout the weekend.
The Northern California coast will provide the backdrop for this one-of-a kind-opportunity to be both challenged and guided creatively by de Paola as well as pushed to re-invent and refine one’s own fine art voice in such a historic and honorably photographed area.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Whether you are currently a working pro or a dedicated novice with an interest in fine art nude or landscape photography, you will gain much from this experience. Owning a Leica is not required for this program. A selection of Leica M & SL cameras will be available for your use.
SCHEDULE:
Friday
10:00am – 12:00pm (Lecture)
12:00pm – 1:00pm (Lunch)
1:00pm – 1:30pm (Model Introductions)
1:30pm – 5:00pm (Shoot)
Saturday
10:00am – 12:30pm (Shoot)
12:30pm – 1:30pm (Lunch)
1:30pm – 5:00pm (Shoot)
Sunday
10:00am – 12:00pm (Shoot)
12:00pm – 1:00pm (Lunch)
1:00pm – 5:00pm (Shoot, Individual Portfolio Review, and Wrap Up Discussion)
$2599.99 – Attendance strictly is limited.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- All materials, model fee, personalized instruction, and lectures
- Group and private portfolio reviews with Mark de Paola
- Opportunity to create fresh images for your portfolio with professional models
- Access to a complete lineup of the latest Leica products.
- Lunch each day.
SPECIAL NOTES:
A list of hotels in the immediate area will be provided upon registration. Students are responsible for their own transportation.
COVID REQUIREMENTS
All participants attending this workshop will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination. This requirement applies to students, staff, and instructors.
Mark de Paola is a director and fine art photographer based in New York City. Working with both still and motion pictures in fashion and beauty, De Paola has shot countless campaigns including Gucci, Brioni, and MAC Cosmetics as well as editorials and covers for various publications including Vogue Spain, Vogue Mexico, and Interview Magazine.
His storytelling has also been translated across a broad range of television work, having directed nearly seven hundred spots including Anheuser-Busch for the Superbowl, Giorgio Perfume (exhibited in MoMA New York and Bergdorf Goodman windows), Donna Karan, Neutrogena, Sephora, Sony, Toyota, Kawasaki, and Ford Motorsports.
De Paola continues to work with select clients around the world. His most recent commercial works are the Art of Backstage worldwide collaboration with Aveda during New York Fashion Week. His lectures and workshops including, “Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition” at the Contemporary Jewish Museum San Francisco, “Leica M Panel” with Ralph Gibson and Leica Camera at Photoville New York City, and “Photography Wide Open” at the Leica Store San Francisco, the Leica Gallery Los Angeles, the Leica Gallery Tokyo, and Photoville NYC.
“60 Seconds” delves into a realm of abstract figures, fluidity, and poetic forms, challenging and seducing the limits of motion contained within still images. With each photograph taken handheld with a 60-second exposure, de Paola has discovered the connection between his physiological makeup, the Leica M camera as a tool, and time, the unflinching competitor to the timeless image.
