9x9

9x9 is an online work course (using Zoom) with a focus on developing and improving the most important aspects of a photographer’s practice. With meetings every three weeks, a group of 9 participants will engage in critiques of each other’s work and in discussions of a number of important writings about photography (reading materials will be made available). Participants will be expected to work on a project of their choice for the duration of the course in order to be able to incorporate lessons learned into their practice.

Particular focus will be placed on talking about photographs in a meaningful, productive fashion. Secondary goals that directly derive from this are learning how to edit and sequence photographs, how to write about photographs and one’s practice, and how to create a productive work flow that avoids the standard trappings of a photographer’s life. No size fits all: participants will learn how to adapt lessons from the course for their own specific needs. The course will focus heavily on solving problems frequently encountered by photographers at various stages of a project, whether right at the beginning, while building it up, or at the end.

The course will be fully interactive. While there will be some relatively short lecture components, the participants will spend most of their time speaking about photography and learning from each other.

For the sake of convenience and simplicity, work with digital cameras is encouraged. If a participant wants to work with film, they will have to make sure that the process will not interfere with the course structure. Of course, work with found photographs or alternative processes is possible during the course.

You don't need to be a university graduate to attend this course, but you should be able to engage with somewhat advanced topics and discussions around creative practice.

Course participants will be selected based on their existing work and on their work goals (as stated in their application). The group will be selected to contain as diverse a set of viewpoints as possible.

To apply (deadline: 13 Nov 2024): Send a pdf with 10 to 20 representative photographs of your work (ideally all from a single project, assuming you work with projects; this can be work in progress) and a short description of your expectations towards this course's effect on your practice (please keep it succinct: half a page or less). Also send a short video (up to 30 seconds) in which you tell me why you want to participate (a video made with your phone is more than good enough).
Send everything in an email to jmcolberg@gmail.com

Details:
3 week schedule: one introductory session plus 9 meetings from 17 November 2024 until 1 June 2025
(17 Nov 2024, 8 Dec 2024, 5 Jan 2025, 26 Jan 2025, 16 Feb 2025, 9 Mar 2025, 30 Mar 2025, 20 Apr 2025, 11 May 2025, 1 Jun 2025)
Sundays, 12:00 EST (9:00 LA/SF, 17:00 London, 18:00 Berlin);
each session will last 2-3 hours (but it could go longer if there is a lot to discuss)
Prerequisite: existing photography practice; self-taught photographers are welcome to join, otherwise a photography BA
Cost: $900 (Paypal preferred)

Questions: please email jmcolberg@gmail.com