Experienced photographers continue to develop ways of working with their subjects to create a sense of personal style in their work. This class investigates historical and contemporary fine art as well as editorial portraiture with an emphasis on interpretation and creating a sense of personal vision. During the week participants discuss the use of narrative, aesthetics and psychological approaches as well as the emotional aspects of the portrait.
Andrea leads students from "first impressions" to translating their initial feelings into a creative expression. She covers topics such as approaching subjects, establishing a rapport, and forming a collaboration between subject and photographer that is both intuitive and spontaneous. Andrea encourages students to capture the essence of their subjects while exploring their imaginations and senses to create more intuitive portraits.
There are field trips and lectures, with daily reviews of the work made during the week. Subjects include classmates, strangers on the street, faculty and staff members. Andrea also reviews student portfolios on an individual basis. She also discusses topics relating to the use of portraits in publications and exhibits and addresses legal and ethical issues.
Students are encouraged to bring a laptop for image processing and editing since this is not a based in a digital lab classroom.
Testimonials:
"Intuitive Portraits was the most amazing learning experience that I have had - in my history of holding a camera. I will never take a picture without thinking of the workshop with Andrea Modica. She has helped me learn how I might be the photographer I have always dreamed of becoming."
- Amy Skinner, New York, NY
"There's nothing like the energy of the Workshops. To be surrounded by creative individuals on top of influential instructors is inspiring."
- Kelly Mena, Bronx, NY
"I learned so much I don't know where to start. Watching Andrea set up a shot and correct ours one evening was the highlight. The critiques were extremely helpful."
- Susan Tennenbaum, Glencoe, IL
Andrea Modica is one of photography's most important image-makers. Her work has been exhibited across the country and is in many collections, such as The Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. A MFA graduate of Yale University, she is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship among many other prestigious awards. Andrea's work has been featured in many magazines, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair and American Photo to name a few. Her five books, including Minor league and Treadwell have met with critical acclaim. Andrea teaches at the International Center for Photography, the Woodstock Photography Workshops and the Santa Fe Workshops. She currently teaches at Drexel University in Phildelphia.