Leica Akademie UK has announced the launch of its Leica Lab program which is set to offer an exclusive learning experience provided by industry experts with backgrounds in commissioning, shooting, editing, and curating work.
The educational program is taught both in-person and online and delivers an intensive four-week learning experience where participating photographers are challenged and supported by an experienced team of four leading industry professionals. The 2021 program includes two labs of choice: “Narrative Portraiture” and “Landscape and Environment.” The in-person workshops take place at Leica Store Mayfair, London, and the online studies and meetings are held over Zoom, WhatsApp messaging, and Miro for visual collaboration.
Leica explains that the format of these labs — which have a maximum of 15 participants in each — encourages experimentation, collaboration, and peer-to-peer support to help develop visual language through an assigned project that focuses on the creative process over a final polished project. In practical terms, this involves taking part in discussions, presentations, portfolio reviews, as well as supported production process with check-ins, exercises, three one-to-one clinics with the course leaders, and a final day to present the work.
“Narrative Portraiture” takes place between September 20, 2021, and October 16, 2021 and will be led by photographer Rhiannon Adam, who was named as one of The Photographer’s Gallery’s New Talents in 2019, curator Sabina Jaskot-Gill, who is the current Curator of Photographs at the National Portrait Gallery, London, creative director Sophie Wright, who is an independent photography and art consultant with over 20 years of experience, and producer David Axelbank, who has worked for Magnum Photos New York and London and is widely published photographer.
“Landscape and Environment” starts on October 18, 2021, and concludes on November 13, 2021. This lab is led by photographer Simon Roberts, who is one of the most acclaimed contemporary photographers in the United Kingdom today, curator Mariama Attah, who is the curator of Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool, and holds a particular interest in overlooked visual histories and understanding how photography and visual culture can be used to amplify underrepresented voices. Director Wright and producer Axelbank are also taking part in this lab.
Leica says that these labs are ideal for both professional photographers and aspiring professionals who are looking to improve and add structure to their personal projects or commercial work. Jason Heward, UK Managing Director at Leica, says, “Leica’s unique heritage is founded on inspiring creativity through products, places, and education. We have assembled a team of leading industry experts to mentor and fast-track you through the creative process.”
Participation in each lab costs £1,500 ($2,063) and interested parties can sign up for them on Leica Store UK’s website.
Image credits: All images provided by Leica and used with permission.
