Photography and Creative Writing

In 2023, we brought to Bucharest 10 curators and gallerists from various parts of the world who conducted portfolio reviews. Their shared conclusion was that the photography they saw here is at a level comparable to what is exhibited at international festivals, but the difference lies in how photographers present themselves, how they present their story and their work, as well as their message or professional ambitions.

Writing is also a technique—it can be learned and practiced. Whether you are just starting out and want to create an initial photographic “CV” (portfolio), or you already have years of experience and want to propose a project to a gallery, apply for funding or a residency, or improve your pitches, this course will provide you with the necessary foundation for the texts that should accompany your images. In addition, you will understand the importance of well-told stories about yourself and your projects.

By the end of this course, we hope you will be able to clearly and authentically express your artistic vision, learn how to write relevant texts for your portfolio, exhibitions, or presentations, understand why the story behind every form of communication is important, and ensure your texts avoid falling into the trap of “form without substance.”

Course Structure (each session lasts 3 hours, with a 20-minute break):

1.   Introduction to creative writing and the importance of text in photographic art

2.   From idea to concept and pitch

3.   Descriptions for portfolios, websites, and exhibitions

4.   How to talk about a photographic project

5.   Distilling your vision and promotion

About the lecturer

Ioana Burtea has been a journalist for over 15 years and has seven years of experience teaching creative writing. She is one of the best educators you could have. She completed her journalism studies in the United Kingdom, won first prize at Superscrieri in 2021 in the Portrait category, taught the Narrative Journalism seminar (Year III) at the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences for three years, published the collection of personal essays “Fără instrucțiuni de folosire” (“No Instructions for Use”, Nemira Publishing House, 2023), and has extensive experience in public speaking (from DoR Live to TEDx).

Organizational details:

• Location: CdRF ( Popa Tatu, 68, Bucharest)

• Required equipment: Laptop/tablet or paper and pen (or both)

  
  

Schedule:

• Session 1: Friday, November 7, 18:00

• Session 2: Saturday, November 15, 11:00

• Session 3: Saturday, November 22, 11:00

• Session 4: Thursday, November 27, 18:00

• Session 5: Saturday, December 6, 11:00