. @duckrabbitblog I want to chip in on the discussion about photography workshops and Magnum and it isn’t going to be an ugly tale. 5 years ago Mr. Larry Towell visited my country Venezuela to teach a photo workshop. It was organized by a gallery that shows mainly photography

The workshop was a week long and some 10 photographers attended it. 2 or 3 came from abroad. It wasn’t cheap but it was an important opportunity to meet and learn from a figure in the business. I was invited to translate into spanish the student´s final show and Mr. Towell´s

Towell was as warm as he could be towards the students and everyone. The shows were packed with photo enthusiasts. Anyone who knows Venezuela`s recent photographic scene knows how many emerging photographers have gained recognition in the past 4 or 5 years

I knew his work and respect him even more after getting to know him. We spoke about the Magnum, about music and other common interests. Was the workshop expensive? No doubt. Only a few people in my country could afford it. Can you work on a story in depth during just a week? No

I don’t think any workshop should aim to do that. I learnt so much just from looking at his pictures and from listening to him. I love that he has a very clear political stance. I don’t agree with it 100% but respect someone who doesn’t hide it. At any rate, anyone who cont.

a photo workshop should be clear what he or she will gain from it. I would refrain from workshops that invite you to “see the leading professional at work” That is pretentious. Teaching photography isn’t easy but it is not reserved only to a few “masters"