Interview | Héctor Mediavilla
The Catalan Héctor Mediavilla is a guest on the 5th Paraty in Focus . Member of the collective Pandora , the workshop will teach Hector Your Point of View and participate in the interview Shoe Boxes and Pandora , with the collective Cia de Foto.
I did a short interview with Hector on fotodocumentarismo and photo essay. A preview of what he will tackle the Paraty.
To see more pictures of Hector, this test "Elevadoristas" confer on Flickr Festival.
Enjoy!
Alexandre Belém | Look, see
Photos: Héctor Mediavilla
The workshop will teach you in Paraty in Focus is on development and reflection on an experimental documentary. When a job or a set of photographs can be considered a "test"?
When I say test, I want to stress the fact that implies a position by the photographer. This involves a process of reflection on this reality, an approach, a knowledge. There is no point to get to the place and photograph what is in front, becoming a witness to something that just is meant. The test involves a deeper, more commitment and a longer time at risk since the photographer says with her pictures: "This is what I want to tell you ... Even though I have my doubts, even if you know what could be another form (also true) ... This is my opinion for all this. " Similarly, in print journalism, we can distinguish between an essay and a story, both can handle about the same reality, but are of different journalistic genres. The news merely reproduce what you are seeing.
Their work is closely linked to social issues. One of the most respected documentary photographers Brazilians, JR Ripper , says he does not believe in fairness in the picture. What is your opinion?
I completely agree. Even in another time I wanted to believe that photography could be objective and as such, a faithful reflection of reality. Today we know is impossible. Each person (and each photographer) sees, feels and relates to the world in a unique way only. It's more, I would say that reality as there is, and therefore can not be photographed separately. Always, this "external reality" is rendered by the person in a more or less consciously from their referents, their values, their personal history, your emotions, etc.. And so his work will inevitably be subjective. I would emphasize the fact that the picture is subjective do not alter its value instead. No doubt, I believe it is essential to be honest. I mean, do not manipulate or deceive. You can focus on specific aspects, can emphasize what the documentary photographer wants to highlight all that is happening before their eyes, but never distort the facts. If it did, without any criteria, we would be talking about another kind of photography.
When it comes to documentary photography, just remember the suffering and social protest. What is the other side of society and reality that the documentary photographer can show?
For me, documentary photography is not limited to suffering or social protest. It is not easy to define it precisely. I want to address the beginning of a definition (of a page and a half) we decided on a desk between different actors in the scene of the documentary photography of Catalonia (editors, curators, photographers, etc.). In the festival of SCAN (Photography Workshop on La Catalana) in May 2008: "The documentary photography assumes a strict commitment of the author with the reality it represents. This commitment implies a desire for accuracy and honesty in carrying out this way to represent what the picture implies a willingness to approach the facts and respect them. "
Could complement the setting with other very interesting aspects of this type of photography, but would occupy too much space. Perhaps on another occasion. Thus, the playing field of documentary photography that is as broad as "representing reality" ("external reality" that spoke before). I believe that good documentary photography is to generate reflection on the reality that the photographer is, should emotional, should help to revise beliefs about the world and about being human. It should make us question our role as people in this life ... definitely have to have an impact on the viewer. Often, this impact is temporary, however, is nothing less, I believe.
For you, what was the outcome of the Meeting of Latin American Photography Collective who was in Sao Paulo at the end of 2008?
The meeting was a great opportunity to know the different groups and can start working together. It was a great experience. We noticed that each collective is a world apart, with its peculiarities, which works in very different environments. We learn from each other, share working methods, computers, cameras ... I think the meeting was the seed for cross collaborations between groups that are already happening ... Since the meeting, we are working on a project metacoletivo (MOTOR) to give a certain structure these synergy.
PDF of the interview in Spanish: Hector mediavilla
Photos: Héctor Mediavilla
See more posts by Alexandre Belém
(Balance rating: +4, Total Votes: 4.) 
Loading ...
Great interview loved Alexander and the test of "Elevadoristas", a category almost extinct.
[...] Hector will teach a workshop in Paraty cool. Check out the interview here. [...]
Embarrassing my situation to repeat the Flavita already said, but that's it: good interview and great essay!
I think cool that bring more photographers to give interviews is a means of knowledge with the world so small.
Hi Bethlehem
Hector is a realmete figure.
Very good photographer indeed ripe for a school tests and assignments for editorials.
It's very interesting to see how it works and its staff make public. He is a class at a certain school of editing.
[...] BETHLEHEM did the interview in this week's blog 5th Paraty in Focus. It was the Catalonian Hector Mediavilla, member of the collective Pandora, who will teach the workshop Your Point of View, besides participating in the [...]
Words of wisdom and experience. A call reflexive. Very good.
Well continue at a high standard.
Optimal interview Belem
Bravo! Congratulations for the interview Bethlehem
Bethlehem
Congratulations for the nice interview with Hector.
I choir to many who have commented, and I * more * interviews of this suit, they enrich us both!
Very Bacana the interview, congratulations! I am in a dilemma "Bizarre," I'm doing an essay and making a documentary about a boy of 16 years sleeping in a container of garbage. he and addicted to glue sniffing and certainly other cositas more. In fact he makes his own drugs, he mixes all types of paints such a pet coke liter and mix everything, in short, fuck, and he sleeps inside the container. feeds, clothes, does everything! until that point you can actually move? "Do not manipulate or deceive" as said Héctor Mediavilla? ... I thought about taking off an urgent treatment for him, is alas! As the test is the Documentary '. his madness'. I've done some more testing superbarrapesada confess this to you guys that ta FUCK.
Hello Ivaldo,
I think your question is recurring, but still quite relevant. In the first few sentences of his story, I thought "how he can only shoot while the boy ends up with his life?". It is these times that I walk away from the photojournalism of termination, not to feel better than a vulture lurking. I was never convinced that he was actually doing something good for anyone but myself.
Not that I consider important to this style of journalism, it is even necessary. But the line is very thin, and at such times I pauto for humanity, there are situations where a more humane approach is to lower the camera and roll up their sleeves. Who benefits more from a test, the world or our own ego?
Therefore, I suggest you put these issues. If you think you can offer some help to the boy that goes beyond the picture, why not do it? His essay can turn the story of his recovery (or not). Maybe he refuses his help, maybe this, maybe that, how do you know? Let the story happen and then tell it the best possible way, whatsoever. And keep in mind that you have is her character, there is no objectivity as possible.
Hug!
Paul,
This was one of the best posts I read on the subject (applicant, as you yourself say).
His position is my position. Help if needed. Shooting without omission.
Hi Ivaldo,
shows us something of the assay.
Even that is still in development, would be nice to see!
A very cool documentary, and close to the subject you're addressing is "Spider Boy" http://www.portacurtas.com.br/Filme.asp?Cod=7356
Take a look.
Abs
[...] Check out the interview with Héctor I did recently here. [...]
[...] Test Elevadoristas Héctor Mediavilla provoked Georgia Farms. After the interview I did with Hector to the blog of Paraty in Focus, Georgia wrote this text which makes some [...]
[...] Interview with Héctor Mediavilla blog in the 5th Paraty in Focus. Posted by Georgia Farms Filed in Article, photography Tags: Art, photography, Héctor Mediavilla, photography, text Leave a Comment »[...]
Я так понимаю, в самом последнем абзаце как раз вся соль и изложена
Leave your response!
Latest from the Blogosphere »
Blogs participants'
2011 Invited Flickr »
Flickr Groups »Join!
Latest Comments »
Tags »
+ Viewed »
Realization
Patronage
Partners
Support