Into the light:
a mystical and technical path to better photography and cinematography
with Jorge Bolado
Overview
Jorge Bolado, a cinematographer with decades of experience as a university professor joins us for the first time this fall to teach about photography from a unique and fresh perspective.
This course is designed for people who are truly passionate about crafting images as a daily practice and philosophy of life.
Our main objective is to provide a path for each participant to build a theory that will allow you to create coherent photographic images with precise technical foundations and profound mystic insights. In the end, you will have a more holistic understanding of what it means to have “photographic expression.”
SCHEDULE
The course will consist of eight sessions of two and a half hours, on Tuesdays and Thursdays for one consecutive month with some optional assignments to review.
Per Nobechi Creative tradition, lessons will be recorded and uploaded to a private YouTube channel exclusive to students so that they can be reviewed after the workshop is complete.
Additionally, each participant will also have a 30-minute one-on-one session with Jorge Bolado. During these sessions, students can choose to receive guidance on a personal project, review their portfolio or clarify general doubts about any audio-visual or photography-related subject.
Students will also receive an invitation to a private group within Ibasho, our community platform. The group's contents will be available only to those in the course so that photos, feedback, and ideas can be shared freely.
SYLLABUS
Camera Obscura
In this first module, we will review the basic principles of photography, bringing forth the concept that there is a worldview (Weltanschauung) behind those principles that will allow us to understand the magic of light and thereby improve the approach to creatingimages.
We will also review the importance of sound for both video and still photography!
We Are Mirrors
The mirror as a concept for recognizing ourselves and perceiving things.
The light reflection as a tool for generating deep thought.
Caging the Universe vs. Dancing with the Planets
The traditional way of framing is just a way of representing the world and, in fact, a very modern one, in which most of us knowingly or unknowingly are displaying political and philosophical points of view. It’s time to understand the possible mistakes that this approach is leading us to, and how to avoid them.
The Meaning of Color
Over the centuries, humanity has tried to “define” colors through words and more. Is there a possible way to do this? In this module, we will review color’s cultural and actual value from a scientific standpoint.
Light Is Eternal
In this lesson, we will explore how to make light work in our favor by understanding and taking advantage of its physical characteristics.
Light Is a Matter of Time
We often try to imagine “the speed of light,” but do we understand it? In this class we will reconcile that even in still photography, where time is fixed, we are using the passing of time as a fundamental tool.
Just One Spot to Give Us Hope
The complex and mysterious art of photographing the night.
Here we will learn to light up the dark and make it look beautiful and natural in our pictures.
You Have the Light
A recap of how to use each reviewed element in the process of making better images.
And last but not least, we will learn techniques to fill a dark picture with light and even reproduce sunlight.
Class level
This class is open to all levels, from beginner photographers to polished photographers looking to jumpstart a stagnant photographic practice or those wishing to dive into a deeper understanding of the more ethereal elements of photography. It is also helpful for those who may want to explore aspects of cinematography.
Any photographic device can be used to produce images during the workshop (i. e. DSLR camera, phone, tablet, etc).
*Basic technical aspects of photography are not taught in this class.
CLASS SIZE
12 students
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Required equipment:
Computer/Tablet (Viewing on a smartphone is not recommended due to the screen size)
Internet Connection
Zoom Account (free subscription level is fine)
Jorge bolado
Mexican filmmaker, teacher, and writer. His most prominent works go from being the Headteacher and Director for 17 years of CENTRO, a cinema and T.V. University in Mexico City, to directing, photographing, producing, editing, acting, and making sound designs in several films, short films, commercials, and series for cultural T.V.
Still from Jorge Bolado’s début film “Segundo Siglo” filmed in NYC. From right to left: Lorenzo Hagerman, Robert Frank, Jorge Bolado.