Experiences and Impressions of the Participants

"Five days in a country that I didn't know yet, five days just dealing with photography, a more than appealing thought that I finally gave room to. I booked a workshop with Jutta Benzenberg in Tirana, Albania. Firstly, because I have admired her photographic work for many years, and secondly, to use her as well as the country and the culture of the place as a source of inspiration. It became much more. Jutta Benzenberg doesn't work like a teacher, she demonstrates and moderates. She assumes that her students already know what they want and what they need to know. She helps them to unlock their own minds and thus supports their self-learning. She gives ideas and suggestions and spends a lot of time getting to know the workshop participants, their work, their images, their way of photographing. This analysis is an important and valuable part of the lessons. What did I take away from these five days? One example of many: Jutta Benzenberg taught me how people are not just in the photograph, but an integral part of the photograph. The compelling search for closeness, for making contact with the subject, whether directly or indirectly, will always be with me whenever I pick up a camera and go out on the street. And I enjoyed the way she tried to give each of the participants customised ideas to help them all become the best version of themselves. Five valuable days."

Leo Fellinger, Seekirchen, Austria

The week went by far too quickly. The programme was very varied and I can say that I learned a lot about street photography and about the culture and the country. Thank you Jutta for the great workshop!"

Renate S. F., Salzburg, Austria

"Albania, unknown to me, and my first photo workshop.
I was able to spend some wonderful days there with a small group of like-minded people. Jutta knows how to convey her love for this country in a sensitive way and to develop perspectives that make her view of this country understandable. In a very relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by culinary delights, you embark on a journey through the capital Tirana and the surrounding countryside. Contrasting and surprising moments and, little by little, an understanding of Albania. Thank you Jutta for this wonderful gift in the form of the pictures that I took home with me."

Roland G., Berlin, Germany

 "Many thanks for the very good workshop that I was able to attend from 2-6 May under your guidance. The motifs that presented themselves in Albania, a country full of contradictions, were interesting. The working atmosphere and the mood that you were able to develop within the group was extremely positive. But what particularly characterised the workshop was your clear and unambiguous criticism of "good" pictures. Your courageous approach by clearly describing the weaknesses of average photographs helped the participants to develop the ability to judge an exceptionally good picture. This is something very special and sets the workshop apart.."

Hans Werner Franz, Hüttenberg, Germany

"We learned to shed our inhibitions, to approach people with courage and respect with the camera, to look for the place and the moment for a good photo, to recognise and expect it. And then we discussed what we had photographed together on the screen, looked at it critically, in detail, patiently, edited the pictures, improved them, praised them, criticised them, always looking for something better. During this week, I learnt a lot about the country and the people of Albania and, above all, about my photography from Jutta Benzenberg that I would not want to miss today. "

Frank G., Bad Reichenhall, Austria