Flashes and Encounters – the workshop with Francesca Chiacchio
- francescachi3
- 5 mag
- Tempo di lettura: 2 min
Florian Renz aka "Amici di Napoli", along with Frank Rutschmann, talks about my last workshop at Spazio Tangram.
"We were quite intrigued. We were already familiar with Francesca Chiacchio's work – and knew that she is undoubtedly one of Naples' most well-known street photographers. Her images have a very unique look. She almost always works with flash – which gives her photos an immediate, sometimes surreal touch. Naturally, we were curious: How does she do it? How can you work with flash in street photography – in a city that's already so lively and noisy? Unobtrusive photography seems almost impossible.
The workshop was organized by Spazio Tangram , a creative space in Naples that regularly offers photography courses for students and amateur photographers. Our group met there on Friday evening for an initial introduction and a theoretical introduction: subject composition, arrangements, and lighting. A short unit of hands-on instruction provided inspiration for what was to come: two intensive mornings with Francesca on the streets of Naples.
Francesca explains the theoretical foundations in Spazio Tangram.
On Saturday and Sunday, we met early in the morning and were out and about until the afternoon. Frank and I kept casting curious glances in Francesca's direction to watch her work with the flash. And you know what? She just flashes. Without much hesitation, without caring much about people's reactions. At first, I hardly believe it – and simply copy her. And actually, most people aren't bothered at all.
We wander through the old town, encounter a wedding party in front of the cathedral, take photos in Sanita, our favorite neighborhood, and get caught up in a procession on Sunday. We encounter a large crowd at the Maradona memorial, and finally stumble upon a bachelor party by the waterfront. We flash like world champions everywhere—and, of course, leave behind an Amici di Napoli sticker here and there.
Francesca is always available. She inspires us, gives tips, and answers questions – with a calmness and presence that is contagious. Our group is mostly Italian, with two other international participants – from Serbia and Hungary. The language? No obstacle. We alternate between English and Italian, but somehow everything always works out. I'm truly touched by how warmly we're welcomed. "Tutto bene? Serve qualcosa da bere? Mangiate qualcosa!" – people constantly ask if we're okay, if we need anything, if everything's okay.
Unfortunately, on Sunday afternoon, it's time to leave – Frank and I have to leave the workshop far too early. We say goodbye, full of photographer's amore , and secretly hope that we'll see some of the others again sometime soon. Maybe even in Hamburg ?
What remains? First of all, wonderful memories of Francesca and the participants. It was truly a very special group, and we would have loved to stay a few more days. But what remains is the new experience with flash photography. Of course, I had a huge amount of rejects; using flash on the street takes some practice. But I'll try it again soon, maybe even here in Hamburg? We'll see".
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