Magnum and Leica courses + online offerings

[RezaLoghme]

Hello, Photrio members! Has one of you attended one of their classes or online courses? I would be greatful to hear your views.

 

[Rob Skeoch]

I took a Leica course about the M9 when it came out. We went through the menu and they explained what each setting did. It wasn't a complete waste of time but not what I expected. They did give everyone a credit towards their next purchase for about the same amount as the workshop fee. I did expect it to be better.

 

[Rob Skeoch]

Let me give you a second answer, that might not be answering the question. I did take a week long workshop at the Maine Photographic Workshops about 38 years ago that was career changing. It was with David Burnett, who is a legend in photojournalism and was at the peak of his career when I took it. I worked full-time at a newspaper at the time. Two years later I took a second workshop at Maine, this time with Steve McCurry, again for a week. McCurry was also in his peak and had four National Geographic covers in the previous year. Also very important in my career development and in a sense life changing. So these two workshops changed the direction of my work and life and I credit both of them for any success I might have found along the way. Neither workshop was a Leica workshop or a Magnum Workshop, although Steve was with Magnum at the time while Burnett was with Contact Images.

 

[Daniela]

No experience with either, but I've been drooling over this Magnum one for a couple of years...

 

[Pieter12]

I took the Mark Power class from Magnum. Mark is a good speaker, and it is a very interesting presentation of his work and some of his working methods. It is really more like a lecture and you get insights on his career. Very little of what I would deem "instruction," though. Still, I enjoyed the class very much.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Thank you Pieter, you replied to my actual question.

 

[Pieter12]

Thank you Pieter, you replied to my actual question.

I hope the answer helps you make a decision. Let me know if you want to know more about the course I took. Magnum has some sample lessons posted that might give you a taste of what certain courses might entail. I remember watching the Albert Watson one and there was a demo of lighting and studio work that was good. Phase One has a documentary of him shooting landscapes on the Isle of Skye. It seemed like a bit of a departure for him.

 

[Don_ih]

@Carnie Bob - is that show at your space?

 

[RezaLoghme]

I hope the answer helps you make a decision. Let me know if you want to know more about the course I took. Magnum has some sample lessons posted that might give you a taste of what certain courses might entail. I remember watching the Albert Watson one and there was a demo of lighting and studio work that was good. Phase One has a documentary of him shooting landscapes on the Isle of Skye. It seemed like a bit of a departure for him.

Was that online? I am looking at both options, esp. the Paris workshop in August (yes, I know, Paris in August...).

 

[Pieter12]

Yes, it was a multi-episode online course with some suggested follow-up assignments. Nothing interactive though.

 

[RezaLoghme]

great - that would work well with my current life

 

[RezaLoghme]

No experience with either, but I've been drooling over this Magnum one for a couple of years...

Thanks, Daniela. This looks great!

 

[Carnie Bob]

@Carnie Bob - is that show at your space?

Yes it is, there is an open house May 11 and Larry will be present.
{Moderator's note: info now has its own thread - found here: https://www.photrio.com/forum/threa...ts-on-display-in-toronto.206367/#post-2789206}

 

[Daniela]

Was that online? I am looking at both options, esp. the Paris workshop in August (yes, I know, Paris in August...).

The three week one? I was looking at it too...I love the idea of creating a zine at the end. Just can't justify spending that much money, though I hope you get to do it and let us know about it!

 

[RezaLoghme]

Why can't you?

I am trying to man-math it to me. 30k but how long is the experience going to last? 10 years, so I could "depreciate" the investment at 3k per annum?

 

[Pieter12]

Why can't you?

I am trying to man-math it to me. 30k but how long is the experience going to last? 10 years, so I could "depreciate" the investment at 3k per annum?

Says 3400 euros on the link. A bit more affordable, and pretty good for 3 weeks. Of course, maybe you're factoring in a fancy hotel and some nice restaurants. That could bring it up to 30K.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Daniela posted one that is 30k, and still, man-maths applied, that is only 3k per annum.

 

[Daniela]

There are two courses: one that lasts a few months, for 30,000 and the summer one that costs 3,000. I don't doubt they're worth it, just not in the "hobby budget" realm for me. I should have taken up knitting...

 

[RezaLoghme]

For me it is largely the lack of available time.

I am volunteering as a mentor in some business-related initiatives, and I have learned that the definition of the overall mentoring mission and the preparation for the mentoring sessions by the mentee are actually the most impactful parts of mentoring.

If I were to sign up for either of the two programs discussed, I would spend a lot of time and thought to describe my project and the desired outcome. That would not cost me any money. Then I could try to execute it on my own, with some occasional help/advice/mentoring from experienced photographers.