Analogue Photography Training at the CNP

Join our month-long analogue photography training starting on September 8 with a programme led by renowned Magnum photographer Enri Canaj and covering essential topics such as idea development, storytelling and composition.

Later on, you will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of light and working with analogue cameras, as well as developing film in the darkroom and printing individual images.

Throughout the workshops, our tutors guide you in creating and developing your own photographic project with a focus on storytelling. At the end of the month, we’ll showcase your work in a photography exhibition at the CNP, curated by Majlinda Hoxha.

The programme is open to all photography enthusiasts – from beginners to experienced photographers. 

PROGRAMME: 

September 8-10: Storytelling, Idea Development, Visual Language, Composition Process  

Mentor: Enri Canaj 

Day 1 (Friday – September 8) – Public Presentation of Enri Canaj’s Work  

• Enri Canaj’s public presentation is designed to provide a personal and insightful introduction to his career. Enri will provide an insider’s view into the prestigious realm of Magnum Photos, recounting his journey to becoming a part of this iconic cooperative as well as his current photographic work in the Balkans, focusing on migration and the recent crisis.  
• This public presentation serves as a prelude to the forthcoming Analogue Photography Programme, where Enri Canaj will serve as the esteemed mentor, guiding participants through an immersive learning experience in understanding storytelling through photography and mastering analogue camera techniques. 

Day 2 (Saturday – September 9): 

• Introduction: Get to know the participants and their photography backgrounds. 
• History of Photography: Explore the evolution of photography and its influence on contemporary practices. 
• Idea Development: Explore techniques to generate and refine photography ideas for projects.  

Day 3 (Sunday – September 10): 

• Storytelling through Images: Understand the power of storytelling in photography and how to convey narratives through visual imagery.  
• Learn the basics of visual communication, including composition, lighting, and perspective. 
• Composition Fundamentals: Learn about leading lines, framing, and other composition techniques. 

Week of September 11 to 19: Development of Photographic Projects, Fundamentals of Light & Analogue Camera and Practical Field Sessions 

Tutors: Vigan Nimani, Flamur Qorrolli  

• Developing a Photographic Project: Participants will conceptualize and plan their own photography projects. 
• Fundamentals of light and analogue camera: Participants will explore analogue cameras in-depth: types, components, and how they work. 
• Understanding film types, ISO settings, and their impact on image quality. 

•  Practical exercise: Students venture outdoors with tutors to apply manual camera techniques, experimenting with various lighting scenarios. 

September 20-30: Technical Darkroom Understanding, Development of Film, Review of Projects, Contact Sheets Making and Printing of Individual Photographs  

Tutors: Apollon Nikakis, Flamur Qorrolli, Vigan Nimani, Enri Canaj 

• Hands-on experience: Students develop the film rolls from their previous sessions, observing the impact of proper exposure and lighting techniques. 
• One-on-One Project Reviews: Instructors will provide feedback on individual project ideas. 
• Understanding the role of post-processing in analogue photography: basic darkroom techniques and adjustments. 
• Practical application: Students participate in guided darkroom sessions, making necessary adjustments to enhance their developed images. 
• Final portfolio review: Students present a selection of their best analogue photographs, highlighting the lessons learned about light, camera work, and composition. Tutors provide comprehensive feedback for further improvement. 

September 31 – October 3: Preparations for the final exhibition with curator Majlinda Hoxha 

Wednesday, October 4: Exhibition Opening at the CNP 

Note: Throughout the programme, there will be consistent opportunities for interactive discussions, Q&A sessions, and one-on-one feedback sessions with the tutors. Students will also be encouraged to practice independently between sessions, further honing their skills and experimenting with different lighting scenarios and camera techniques. 

This programme is supported by the Swiss Cooperation Office in Kosovo