SUMMER WORKSHOP 2025

Patrick SWIRC

The energy of an instant

From Mon 15 September to Fri 19 September 2025

35 hours on 5 day(s)

820,00€ - 5 jours - Tarif en autofinancement 2025

1er prélèvement de 30% : 14 jours après inscription (expiration du délai de rétractation)
2d prélèvement de 70% : Après l'entrée en formation

Fabrice Courthial & Marie Couteux
stage@rencontres-arles.com
+33(0) 490 967 606

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This exciting workshop will enable each participant to focus on the realization of a personal photographic project, drawing on the desires, experiences and instincts of each individual.

Whatever direction you choose to take with Patrick Swirc, it's all about commitment and energy. The energy mobilized for the duration of an encounter to force attention, to bring a certain intensity, or the energy required to bring out a part of one's intimacy, one's history. But also the intangible energy that emanates from a place or a look, invisible, elusive and furtive, and yet which the photographer wants to capture for a moment.

Through simple exchanges and experimentation, Patrick Swirc will guide participants through a succession of choices that will enable them to build a series that corresponds to them, and if necessary to work on their limits in order to overcome them.

In this process, purely technical aspects may be addressed, such as how to take light into account, but the aim will be, as far as possible, to free oneself from them and remain focused on what's essential - on oneself, on the other, on what's all around.

On the last day, a final selection session will allow us to finalize the work done over the days and present a personal series in the form of an exhibition.

Workshop in French (with English translation if necessary).

Registration Procedures and Methods

Lives and works in Paris.

After abandoning Switzerland’s Vevey School of Photography for the love of a striptease artist whom he followed to Pigalle, Patrick Swirc found his calling in portraiture. He now photographs unknowns and celebrities alike for publications such as Libération, Télérama, Le Monde, Elle, Vogue, Time, and Esquire Russia. From time to time he takes off to produce obsessively thorough coverage of distant lands or photograph his own home-made monsters. Patrick Swirc has exhibited at the Rencontres d’Arles (2008), the Thierry Marlat gallery (2010), and the Polka gallery (2012), among others, and has participated in group exhibitions. He was also involved in the start-up of the photographic agency Modds.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
In-person workshop
Location: Historic center of Arles
Mobility: Stairs to access the building and several interior rooms (please contact us)
Number of participants: Between 6 and 10 people
Start of the photo workshop on the first day: 10:00 AM
End of the photo workshop on the last day: 7:00 PM followed by a collective presentation until 9:00 PM
Timings for other days: 9:30 AM–12:30 PM and 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
Possibility to bring your own lunch and eat on-site during the midday break

CONTENT

Daily photo sessions

Selection session on computer and/or printed proofs

Study and analysis of the photographs taken

Daily reflections and discussions to define the characteristics of a personal approach

Analysis of the central stages of a photographic project

“Final editing” session to create a cohesive series

Finalizing a series in digital file format, printed, and then exhibited

OBJECTIVES

Understand the different stages of creating a photographic series: take photographs

Finalize a “coherent” set of digital photographs on a personal theme

TARGETED SKILLS

Be able to conduct a photoshoot independently

Successfully select a coherent set of photographs on a personal theme

PREREQUISITES
None

TARGET AUDIENCE
Anyone wishing to develop their photographic practice. Amateur, novice, or advanced photographers. People working or studying in the fields of image, communication, journalism, architecture, etc. Professional photographers wishing to explore a new domain or technique.

FEES
See the pricing table depending on the duration and type of support. Request a quote.

WHAT TO BRING (IDEALLY)

A selection of about 30 images showcasing your practice (preferably on paper, in your chosen format) / Strongly recommended to get acquainted with the instructor

Your camera with charger, batteries, etc. (Free loan available upon request)

2 memory cards (to store your photos)

Possibly an external hard drive (Mac-compatible) or your laptop if desired

ACCESS METHOD AND TIMELINE
After receiving the registration and self-assessment form, a phone call or message exchange may take place. Registration is confirmed after accepting the training contract and the payment of a 30% deposit after the 14-day cooling-off period.

TEACHING RESOURCES

Supervision by a professional photographer/trainer

The trainer reviews the registration and self-assessment form beforehand to adapt the schedule and resources to the objectives.

TECHNICAL RESOURCES

Mac computer stations / card readers

Video projector

Flash and LED lighting available on request

Hybrid digital camera available on request

A library of photographic works

EVALUATION

Interview and individualized assessment at the start of the training

Completion of practical exercises continuously evaluated by the trainer

Oral debrief at the end of the training

CERTIFICATION AT THE END OF THE TRAINING
Certificate of completion

ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY
Whether you are recognized as having a disability or not, we are available to provide information and will do everything possible to support you, adapt the content, materials, pace, and facilitate your welcome.
For further information, please contact Mr. Fabrice Courthial at 04.90.96.76.06

ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONS WITH REDUCED MOBILITY
There are stairs to access the training location.
The building has stairs to access certain classrooms and shooting spaces.
No access ramp or elevator.