Based On A True Story with Gus Powell | Jan 15-17, 2027
$899
DESCRIPTION
In this Leica Akademie aworkshop, Gus Powell will explore the narrative and poetic qualities of photography and the photo book. We will delve into the diverse practices encompassed by the genre of street photography, with a particular emphasis on the physicality, intentionality, poetry, and pleasure of the practice.
The workshop will start with a presentation of Powell’s work: the inspiration and creation of past projects, the books and their maquettes, his work for editorial and commercial clients, and his ongoing practice as a photographer. It will continue in the morning with a presentation and discussion, followed by an immersive shooting experiences in the city. Throughout the workshop, participants will explore various themes, including the process of making rather than taking photographs, the art of visual communication, and the power of poetic storytelling. The workshop will culminate on the final day with a focus on sequencing, storytelling, and bookmaking. Powell will guide participants from the initial act of making individual striking images, across the development of an authentic visual voice, and towards creating a cohesive body of work. 
TOPICS COVERED
• Authorship & storytelling
• Finding inspiration in unexpected histories and heroes
• The comedy & tragedy of the human experience
• “Sketching”
• Making something out of nothing
• Using language to elevate rather than explain
• Making rules and embracing chance
• Getting into trouble. Getting out of trouble and getting on with i
Friday, Jan 15 (5:30pm - 8:30pm)
Introductions
Outline & Assignments
Camera Loans
Saturday, Jan 16 (10:00am – 5:00pm)
Assignment No. 1
Portfolio Review
"Sketches" & "Exercises for the Street"
LUNCH
Photo Walk
Overview of Homework
Sunday, Jan 17 (10:00am - 4:00pm)
Review of Saturday's work
LUNCH
"Color Stories" & "Ten Titles"
Sequence Work
"The Hijacked Book"
Conclusion
WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP?
This workshop is intended for intermediate and experienced photographers and artists that are interested in moving towards the creation of a body of work. Students will prepare a portfolio of 10-20 images prior to the start of the workshop for critique. Contact Leica for more details. Attendance is limited to 12 maximum.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
This is not a typical "Street Photography" workshop. It will be intimate, challenging, and fun in unexpected ways. You should have a basic understanding of photography as well as your camera. We will have a selection of Leica cameras and lenses for you to borrow during the workshop; however, having or using a Leica camera is not a requirement for this program. You should also have a basic knowledge of image processing and will need imaging software on your laptop or tablet to process images on the final day of the program.
NOTES
Enrollment is strictly limited to 12 attendees. If the program is sold out, please contact Akademie@Leicacamerausa.com to be added to the wait list.
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Gus Powell was born in New York City in 1974 and attended Oberlin College where he majored in comparative religion. In 2003 he was selected to be in PDNs 30 under 30 issue and also published his first monograph, The Company of Strangers (J&L Books). His work has been exhibited internationally, including a solo show at The Museum of The City of New York and group exhibitions at The Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Fine Arts Houston and FOAM, NL.
His photographs have been published in Aperture, Harpers, Vogue, Le Monde, The New York Times, Wired, Fortune, W, and The New Yorker. He is a member of the international street photographers’ collective UP and is on the faculty of the MFA Photography, Video and Related Media Department at the School of Visual Arts, NY. His work is included in the books Bystander: A World History of Street Photography and Street Photography Now. Powell’s second monograph, titled The Lonely Ones (J&L Books, 2015) was celebrated as one of the best photography books of the year, and was reprinted as a trilingual edition in 2017. His third monograph, FAMILY CAR TROUBLE (TBW Books, 2019) has become a new classic of the Automotive Parenting Bereavement genre and was exhibited in 2022 in Rimini, Italy at The Meeting. Powell is currently at work on a body of street work titled 32 Preludes. He is represented by Micamera Gallery (Milano). You can learn more at www.guspowell.com and follow him on Instagram at @dirtywhitebucks.
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