Dina Litovsky
Tokyo After Dark
About
A four-day night photography & magic workshop in Tokyo by photographer Dina Litovsky and magician Shane Cobalt.
Magic and photography have a lot in common. From practical techniques that can be applied both for tricks and street photography to lighting concepts and theory, the two art forms can amplify one another. For this special workshop, magic and photography will be combined in a unique experience that will help to unlock Tokyo’s nightlife with an insider’s perspective while focusing on the intent and creativity in the photographic practice.
Tokyo is famous for its vibrant nightlife and an explosion of neon, but it is also known as the city of Magic bars, a peculiar facet of Japanese culture that is not found anywhere else.
The workshop will open doors to a couple of the best Magic bars in the city, with an intimate show by resident Japanese magicians. We will have discussions on how picture taking and magic principles can combine to enhance one’s photography practice, while watching some of the best sleight-of-hand magic and exploring Tokyo’s underground magic scene.
Each night, photographers will go out to shoot the manic nightlife in the Shinjuku and Kabukichō neighborhoods. This workshop will steer away from the usual portrayal of Tokyo’s nights as being flooded with neon and color, and focus on the individual stories and personal perspective used to explore a new culture, while always aware of the tourists’ gaze.
Dina will encourage photographers to experiment with different techniques for shooting at night, including a flash tutorial and a guide for photographing using ambient streetlights. She will share her favorite photographic hacks based on magic techniques and how she assimilates them in her photographic practice. Intensive portfolio reviews and conversations will be aimed to help each photographer start or develop their project.
This workshop offers a unique setting for photographers to develop their vision and focus on creativity while approaching new projects. Participants will explore an unfamiliar environment while sharpening their intent and artistic voice. Magic will introduce another layer to get to know the hidden Tokyo, while inspiring new approaches in photography.
Shane Cobalt uses expert sleight-of-hand and vivid storytelling to push the boundaries of the impossible. His magic is visceral and intimate, creating discrepancies in physical reality and immersing the viewer in a world of small miracles. Shane’s specialty is uncovering lost secrets from magic’s history and reimagining them with original effects. He will provide access and insight into the vibrant world of magic, magic bars and nightlife in Japan.
Dates 22nd Oct. to 26th Oct. 2024
Participants 7
Language English
Place Tokyo, Japan
Price $ 4.200,00
Payment method PayPal or Credit Card
Includes
All lectures and guided photo walks led by acclaimed photographer Dina Litovsky.
Exclusive private magic shows by Shane Cobalt and access to Tokyo's unique magic bars.
In-depth portfolio reviews and personalized feedback from Dina.
Hands-on shooting sessions in iconic Tokyo districts such as Harajuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Kabukicho, and Golden-gai.
A local translator to assist throughout the workshop.
Comprehensive workshop materials, including handouts, guides, and reference materials.
Working method
Our working method emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, combining interactive lectures, real-time feedback, and practical shooting sessions. Participants will benefit from:
In-depth lectures on street and night photography techniques.
Guided photo walks through Tokyo's most photogenic areas.
One-on-one guidance and portfolio reviews to refine their photographic vision.
Exclusive insights into the world of magic, blending the art of photography with performance.
Calendar
The workshop will take you through the iconic districts of Harajuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Kabukicho, and Golden-gai, all within a 20-minute train ride.
Shooting sessions will take place during both live shows and on the street, offering a diverse range of environments and subjects.
Oct 21
Suggested arrive in Tokyo
Hotel check-in
Optional meet-up
Oct 22
5pm Lecture
7pm Private Magic Experience
10pm – 2am Night Shooting
Oct 23
3pm Lecture
4:30pm Portfolio Reviews
Evening Break
Oct 24
8pm Lecture
10pm - 2am Night Shooting
Oct 25
5pm Lecture
7pm Private Magic Experience
10pm - 2am Night Shooting
Oct 26
Workshop ends
Hotel Check-out
Dina Litovsky
Dina Litovsky is a Ukrainian-born photographer living in New York City since 1991. Dina's imagery can be described as visual sociology. Her work explores the idea of leisure, often focusing on subcultures and social gatherings.
Dina is a regular contributor to National Geographic, The New York Times Magazine, TIME, New Yorker, GQ and New York Magazine. In 2020 Dina won the Nannen Prize, Germany's foremost award for documentary photography. Other awards include the PDN 30, New and Emerging Photographers to Watch, POYi, NPPA Best of Photojournalism, International Photography Awards, and American Photography.
Selected exhibitions include group and solo shows at the Museum of the City of New York; Noordelicht Festival, Netherlands; Annenberg Space for Photography, LA; Anastasia Photo Gallery, NYC; Australian Center of Photography, The Fence, USA; Tanto Tempo Gallery, Japan; LightFactory Museum, Charlotte.Dina holds a bachelor in psychology from NYU and an MFA in photography from the School of Visual Arts, NY.
Shane Cobalt
Shane Cobalt has performed on stages worldwide, including The Magic Castle in L.A. and The Royal Opera House in London. He represented Canada at the World's Championship of Magic/FISM and was awarded Magician of the Year by Vanish magazine.
Shane has given lectures on magic theory and history at the Magic Circle, London, Magic-con San Diego, and the Magic Castle. He has also written books on esoteric sleight-of-hand techniques.
He worked with David Copperfield to curate his Museum of Magic artifacts and invented illusions for David Blaine.
Shane uses expert sleight-of-hand and vivid storytelling to push the boundaries of the impossible.
His magic is visceral and intimate, creating discrepancies in physical reality and immersing the viewer in a world of small miracles.
Shane’s specialty is uncovering lost secrets from magic’s history and reimagining them with original effects.
The registration fee does not include
Travel expenses to and from Tokyo.
Accommodation costs during the workshop.
Meals and dining expenses.
Local transportation within Tokyo.
Travel insurance and personal insurance coverage.
Photography gear and equipment.
Personal expenses or additional activities not included in the workshop itinerary.
The registration fee includes
All lectures and guided photo walks led by acclaimed photographer Dina Litovsky.
Exclusive private magic shows by Shane Cobalt and access to Tokyo's unique magic bars.
In-depth portfolio reviews and personalized feedback from Dina.
Hands-on shooting sessions in iconic Tokyo districts such as Harajuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Kabukicho, and Golden-gai.
A local translator to assist throughout the workshop.
Comprehensive workshop materials, including handouts, guides, and reference materials.
Terms & Conditions
We reserve the right to cancel this workshop in case the minimum number of participants has not been reached. In the unlikely event of cancellation, participants will be given at least 1-week advance notice and a full refund.
If you decide to cancel for any reason, and notify us at least 20 days before the starting day of the workshop, we will reimburse all fees. After that time frame, Scuola della Luce will not make any refund.
The workshop fee does not include transport, accommodation or ground expenses other than those organised by the Scuola della Luce team.
Every participant has to bring their own equipment (camera, lens, tripod and laptop).
Registration Form
Send your information and Scuola della Luce team will contact you to formalize the registration.
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