Leica Destination: El Rocio Pilgrimage by Hector Emanuel & Michael Robinson Chavez

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“Singing voices float on the breezes across the encampments. The devotion and emotion to the pilgrimage and rituals are palpable and powerful.” Michael Robinson Chávez. The seductive Spanish village where the past feels present. The Washington Post, August 2024
SKU:
USAK-DE-SPAIN-2506
Tag:
SEVILLA, SPAIN, DESTINATION
$6,999.99
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Description:

Join award-winning photographers Hector Emanuel and Michael Robinson Chávez for an unforgettable 6-day photography workshop deep into the heart of the El Rocio Pilgrimage in beautiful Andalusia, Spain. You will be visually capturing the essence of this vibrant and historic celebration, little known outside of Spain. A nighttime procession, covered wagons adorned with flowers being pulled by mules through a beautiful national park, and raucous outdoor picnics where singing and flamenco are part of the bill of fare, are just some of the unique experiences you will witness.

This year, we focus not only on photographing the main procession of the pilgrimage but also the return journey (El Retorno). This dual approach provides us with unparalleled access and a more intimate perspective of the event, allowing you to capture the event’s deep emotions and vibrant cultural expressions.

This workshop aims to enhance your skills by expanding and challenging your visual approach to photography. The workshop is based in Seville, one of Europe’s most beautiful and photogenic cities. You will be inspired by the city’s historic architecture, vibrant colors, famous food and energy.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll engage in one-on-one sessions with Michael and Hector, who will provide personalized guidance to elevate your artistic vision while in the field and during the editing process. You will be part of group critiques and insightful discussions designed to refine your technique and broaden your perspective. We will help you feel more comfortable in editing your own work and to create powerful sets of photographs.

Our talks and a celebratory closing reception will take place at Cobertura Photo, an acclaimed photographic school and gallery in the heart of Seville. Your work will be proudly showcased during the reception, allowing you to share your artistic journey with fellow participants.

This workshop is more than just a learning experience; it's an adventure taking you into the heart of Andalusian and Spanish culture. This workshop and experience will inspire and transform your photography, and perhaps improve your flamenco dance technique. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience something truly special!

Agenda: June 7-13, 2025

Saturday - Arrival in Seville & adjust to time zone

Sunday – Dinner Meet & Greet at Cobertura with instructors. Then leave for El Rocio that evening and work through the night photographing the ceremony and processions. Return to Seville early in the morning of Monday.

Monday - After early morning arrival feel free to explore Seville or sleep and relax.

Tuesday – Early journey to El Rocio and photograph El Retorno with the Huelva Hermandad. Accompanying them on their wagons and on foot to where they break for lunch which includes guitar playing and flamenco. Afternoon return to Seville.

Wednesday - Stay in Seville to edit work from the previous days in Cobertura. Group dinner in the evening at conTenedor restaurant.

Thursday - Free time to explore Seville in the morning. We then meet at Cobertura in the afternoon, cross the Guadalquivir River to make photos in the legendary neighborhood of Triana.

Friday – Students edit Triana photographs and prepare for group presentations. Last night fiesta and presentation at Cobertura that evening.

What you should know about this course:

This course hits the ground running. We start with an evening/night photo walk through a procession in El Rocio, Spain. Students should be prepared to be walking a good deal on Sunday and Monday to create images. Students are also asked to have a familiarity with their cameras, knowing settings, and understanding controls. While we will be editing work together, we also ask that students have a base level of editing experience to cull and process their images independently.

Included:

  • Private accommodations
  • All breakfasts
  • Local transportation to events
  • One on one instruction sessions with Michael and Hector
  • Classroom instruction
  • Local guides
  • All permit, entry fees and taxes
  • Group dinner and Farewell reception

Not included:

  • Air fares
  • Airport transfers and taxes
  • Beverages and alcoholic drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Meals not included with the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities

Total Tuition: $6,999.99

AT-A-GLANCE

  • Dates

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INSTRUCTOR:

Michael Robinson Chávez, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winning photographer for The Washington Post, became seduced by photography while traveling through Peru with a borrowed camera in 1988. A native Californian and half Peruvian, he previously worked with the Associated Press, The Boston Globe and The Los Angeles Times and is a graduate of San Francisco State University. Robinson Chávez has covered assignments in over 75 countries including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the collapse of Venezuela, violence in Mexico, tsunamis in Indonesia and Chile, the Egyptian revolution, gold mining in Peru and the 2006 Hezbollah/Israeli war.

 

He was part of a team from The Washington Post awarded a 2022 Pulitzer Prize Public Service Medal for coverage of the January 6th coup attempt on the US Capitol and for Explanatory Journalism in 2019 covering climate change. He is also a three-time winner of the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Photojournalism and was named Photographer of the Year by Pictures of the Year International in 2020. His photographs have been exhibited in France, Australia, Peru, United States, Croatia, Georgia and Spain.

INSTRUCTOR:

Hector Emanuel is a renowned documentary photographer, splitting his time between Washington DC and Granada, Spain. With a passion for exploring social, political, and environmental issues, he has embarked on extensive travels across the globe. However, his heart lies in Latin America and the US, where he delves deep into the rich tapestry of ethno-racial and cultural diversity found in the Americas. 

 

Emanuel's impactful photographs have graced the walls of prominent galleries and museums worldwide, captivating audiences with their thought-provoking narratives. His powerful imagery has also been featured in esteemed publications such as National Geographic, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Time, and many others. 

 

During his time in Spain, Emanuel has immersed himself in street photography, skillfully capturing the beauty, culture, and timeless traditions of Andalusia. Through his lens, he unveils the essence of this captivating region. 

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