This masterclass is intended to give a boost to anyone seeking to build their work or career as a documentary photographer. 

Rob Hornstra is an innovative and adventurous Dutch photographer who is widely recognised as breaking new ground in the way he creates, markets, funds and sells photographic documentaries. For the five years 2009 to 2014 he and writer Arnold van Bruggen are working in the area of Sochi in Russia as it prepares for the 2014 Winter Olympics. He is seeking long-term support from those interested in the work by asking them to become annual donors, in return for which they receive various work exclusively. He calls these projects "slow journalism".

This is a rare opportunity to spend a day learning from Rob, as he is flying in specifically for this masterclass, and we are limiting numbers to a small group. He will talk at length about his work and answer any questions you have. Then there is the opportunity to show some of your own images and receive a critique from him and the group. Many people attending our events of this type in the past have found they can be career-changing and inspirational.

If you wish to buy Rob's most recent book "Empty Land" (selected by Photo-Eye as one of the best books of 2010), you might consider becoming a Bronze Donor to the Sochi Project. This costs a minimum of €10 per year but you can then buy the book for €35 instead of the normal price of €49. Participants in the masterclass can save on shipping costs by ordering the book before the masterclass, so Rob can bring the book with him.

Further info:

http://www.thesochiproject.org/home/?en

"While you could treat Empty Land as a photobook, in reality it’s something different. In a nutshell, it’s a documentary, transformed into book form ... It does it in a way that, I think, hints at where at least some contemporary photojournalism is moving ... A most excellent book, highly recommended."

Joerg Colberg, Consientious, December 2010

You can also see Rob's earlier publication in the form of a newspaper, "On the other side of the mountains", which we will have on display at our network meeting of 25 January.

The event takes place from 10:30 to 17:00 on Thursday 17 February 2011.

Chinese Arts Centre, Market Buildings, Thomas Street, Manchester M4 1EU