May 16, 2015, 10am – 7pm
AbelCine
Los Angeles, CA
The world’s leading photojournalists from VII Photo have teamed up with the technology specialists from AbelCine to present an immersive, two-day educational program: The VII Evolution Tour. This program examines the technology, craft and business practices of today’s successful visual storytellers. The event is structured as a combination of seminars, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking.
The VII Photographers who will be taking part in the Los Angeles, CA event are: Jessica Dimmock, Ashley Gilbertson, Ron Haviv, and Ed Kashi. On day one of the program, VII members, AbelCine instructors, and industry professionals will present a variety of seminars and panels. They will lead discussions on a variety of topics from the business to the the craft of photojournalism. A free reception will follow. Register for the full day of seminars HERE.
Canon Professional Services (CPS) members will receive a signed VII photographer’s 8×10 print (valued at $100) at the event. When registering, please be sure to include your CPS member number.
Student discounts available, with valid ID at the door.
Schedule of Events
Additional panelists to be confirmed
9:30 AM Keynote Address
A look at the future of photojournalism from a thought leader within the industry.
Patrick Witty (Director of Photography, WIRED)
10:30 AM Break
10:45 AM Evolving Audiences, Changing Markets
This is a period of intense transition in the field of photojournalism and, in particular, how we create, share and ultimately reach clients and audiences. This seminar will explore new ways to effectively work in the whirlwind of change, create interesting projects, find new clients and reach ever-broader audiences with photography and visual storytelling. There will be a special emphasis on the uses of social media to be creative and effective in the development of your vision, career and outreach.
VII: Ashley Gilbertson, Ron Haviv
Panelist: Dan Milnor (Blurb)
11:45 AM Lunch Break
1:00 PM The New Market: Still and Motion
Media outlets traditionally reserved for photography have stretched their borders to include video essays and mixed media presentations, and photographers are often the creators. The New York Times Op-Docs, Red Border Films at Time and short films on the New Yorker are all places where photographers are showcasing their video work. Additionally, for the past several years, documentary films at Sundance or Academy Award nominees have been created by photographers. This is no accident – photographers excel at this visual language. The new market means that photographers are not only shooting in new ways, but that storytelling opportunities that previously excluded us are now open. This workshop will use concrete examples of work being created using the same sensibility (and often the same tools) from our photographic training. The workshop will also explore the opportunities available in a variety of formats – mixed media, short form video, and narrative length film.
VII: Jessica Dimmock, Ron Haviv
Panelists: To Be Confirmed
2:00 PM Break
2:15 PM Equipment Evolved: Photographer Tool Bag
This seminar will discuss the tools you need to produce hybrid visual works for the new markets and opportunities opening up to photojournalists and documentary storytellers today.
VII: Jessica Dimmock, Ed Kashi
Panelist: Andy Shipsides (AbelCine)
3:15 PM Break
3:30 PM Balancing Advocacy, Journalism and Funding
As the support and space for meaningful visual journalism has shrunk in the editorial world, there are now new ways to create stories with impact and purpose, in collaboration with advocacy groups and like-minded organizations, whether large institutions or small NGOs. This seminar will provide examples of how you can make a difference and make a living.
VII: Ashley Gilbertson, Ed Kashi
Panelist: Margaret Aguirre (International Medical Corps), Sara Terry (The Aftermath Project)
4:30 PM Reception