fototazo: Medellín Foto Camp 2016

Camilo Echavarría explaining the process of developing his photobook, Illustrated Landscapes

As a follow up to last year's US trip, this year's fototazo workshop initiative was the Medellín Foto Camp 2016. Nine former fototazo microgrant recipients took part including Alejandra Arias, Andrés Sánchez, Aura Lambertinez, Edwin Ochoa Vélez, Eric Robledo, Juliana Henao Alcaraz, Margarita Valdivieso, Mónica Lorenza Taborda and Natalia Lopera. The workshop focused on helping them transform their work into photobooks.

We began the workshop in May with Mariela Sancari who worked with the students for two days in Medellín to help them produce their initial maquettes.

Margarita making an astute point during a conversation with Mariela Sancari

Andrés, Juliana, Mariela Sancari, Edwin, Margarita and Natalia after putting in a long day

In July, the group continued to develop their book projects with the help of online mentors Juan Orrantia, Jeff Rich, Irina Rozovsky and Alejandro Cartagena. Each participant had the opportunity to speak with two mentors by Skype to get personalized feedback on their early maquette and suggestions on how to develop it.

In August, Camilo Echavarría and Juliana Vélez presented their photobook working process to the participants during a workshop at CreaLab in Medellín. Juliana also gave a presentation about the various forms the photobook takes in the contemporary context. Gabriel Mario Vélez and I gave the participants afternoon critiques on the maquettes to assess their progress and give comments on their work to help them prepare for final reviews.

Camilo Echavarría presenting Illustrated Landscapes

Workshop participants checking out photobooks Juliana Vélez brought to the workshop

Juliana Vélez presenting at CreaLab

Finally, we ended the summer initiative in late August with a final presentation and critique of the work of all participants at a country house outside of Medellín with special guest critic Juan Orrantia, Gabriel Mario Vélez and myself.