AN EXCLUSIVE 10-DAY LEICA PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPEDITION

A Journey Through the Sacred Valley and Cusco with Pulitzer Prize-winning Photojournalist Michael Robinson Chávez & Award-winning Documentary Photographer Héctor Emanuel

May 16 - 26, 2027

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There are few places in the world where ancient traditions remain as alive and authentic as they do in Peru. From the dramatic landscapes of the Sacred Valley to vibrant Andean festivals, traditional farming communities, bustling local markets and centuries-old villages, Peru offers an extraordinary visual tapestry unlike anywhere else on earth.

Leica Akademie invites you to experience Peru through the eyes of two internationally acclaimed documentary photographers, Michael Robinson Chávez and Héctor Emanuel, on an exclusive 10-day photographic expedition designed for photographers who want to go far beyond the ordinary tourist experience.

This is not simply a photography workshop, it is a rare opportunity to gain privileged access to people, places and traditions that most travellers never experience.

Working alongside Peru-based producer Manuel Contreras and our experienced Leica Akademie team, you'll photograph remote communities, ancient agricultural traditions, colourful local festivals and daily life across the Sacred Valley. Many of these experiences have been made possible through long-standing local relationships, giving participants access that would be extremely difficult to arrange independently.

Throughout the journey, Michael and Héctor will share their wealth of experience in documentary photography, visual storytelling, composition, working with light and creating meaningful photographic narratives. Whether photographing intimate portraits, sweeping landscapes or decisive moments on the streets, you'll receive personalised guidance throughout the expedition.

UN MASTERCLASS EN LECIA AKADEMIE MADRID (en Español)

October 3, 2026, 10:00 - 14:00 (CET)

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Contar una historia a través de la fotografía exige mucho más que dominar la técnica. Implica aprender a observar, comprender lo que sucede dentro y fuera del encuadre y tomar decisiones conscientes antes incluso de levantar la cámara.

En esta masterclass de cuatro horas en Leica Akademie Madrid, Michael Robinson Chávez compartirá los aprendizajes adquiridos durante tres décadas de trayectoria como fotógrafo. Desde sus años trabajando para medios como The Washington Post y Los Angeles Times hasta el desarrollo de sus proyectos personales, recorrerá los encargos, los errores y los momentos decisivos que han construido su manera de entender la fotografía.

A través de sus imágenes y experiencias, Michael abordará cuestiones esenciales para cualquier fotógrafo: cómo leer la luz desde una perspectiva emocional, moverse con intención dentro de una escena, relacionarse con las personas fotografiadas y encontrar historias tanto en lugares extraordinarios como en los escenarios más cotidianos. Una aproximación a la fotografía en la que la observación, la paciencia y la capacidad de escuchar resultan tan importantes como el propio instante del disparo.

La sesión dedicará también una parte especial a Mestizo, su proyecto personal publicado como libro en 2026. A partir de este trabajo, Michael reflexionará sobre la identidad, la pertenencia y la importancia de dirigir la mirada hacia uno mismo. Analizará además el proceso de transformar una serie fotográfica en una narrativa extensa mediante la selección, la edición y la secuenciación de imágenes.

Más que ofrecer una lista de fórmulas, esta masterclass propone un espacio para pensar en la fotografía como una herramienta de conexión y desarrollar una mirada más personal, consciente y narrativa.

FALL WORKSHOP SERIES WITH THE HOUSTON CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

October 6 - November 24, 2026 (8 SESSIONS)

ONLINE

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A body of photographic work is crucial for a photographer seeking to catch the attention of editors, curators, and art buyers. In this intensive eight-week course, students will build a cohesive body of work from the ground up — whether a photo story, an essay, a personal project, or a documentary series.

Each participant is expected to produce new photographs during the course; work in progress is welcome and will be developed through field assignments, critiques, editing, and instructor guidance. Meeting once a week, we'll move step by step through the entire creative arc so that by the end of the course each student has a stronger, more focused project and a plan to get it seen.

FALL WORKSHOP SERIES WITH THE HOUSTON CENTER FOR PHORTOGRAPHY

December 5 - 6, 2026 (2 SESSIONS)

ONLINE

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This intensive workshop is designed for photographers and visual journalists looking to elevate their editing skills and strategically prepare work for prestigious photography contests. Acquire the skills and insight necessary to edit photo stories and single images for maximum impact and resonance as you receive guidance from a photographer who has edited portfolios and stories that have been honored for Photographer of the Year in both Pictures of the Year and the Best of Photojournalism competitions, as well as top honors in the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards, PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris and Siena Photo Awards among others.

With a focus on competitions such as World Press Photo, Pictures of the Year International (POYi), and the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Awards, the class will review the editorial and narrative decision-making process to improve not only your chances at recognition, but your editing and sequencing skills in general. We will also consider the increasing number of for-profit photo contests: Siena Photo Awards, PX3 Paris, The International Photography Awards, Sony World Photo Awards, as well as those associated with the growing number of photography festivals. Students will discuss the ethical considerations and understand the actual potential benefits of these “pay to play” contests.

One-on-One Photography Mentorship and Editing

A dedicated mentorship accelerates your growth in a way that self-guided learning simply can’t. With more than 30 years of experience as a visual journalist working for publications around the world, I bring insight into the craft, the industry, and the realities of building a long-term career. Working one-on-one with you means every session is tailored to your goals, your pace, and the specific challenges you face, whether you are a professional or an enthusiast.

Instead of spending years navigating the field through trial and error, mentorship provides clear direction, honest feedback, and the perspective needed to move forward. It’s a space to refine your voice and sharpen your visual storytelling. You decide how long you want to work together—whether it’s a short, intensive boost or an ongoing partnership as your work evolves.

What the mentorship can include:

• Personalized guidance to strengthen your photography and visual storytelling
• Editing and sequencing support to shape cohesive bodies of work
• Professional critique and feedback on ongoing or completed projects
• Career development and strategy for building a sustainable practice
• Navigating today’s changing and challenging photography industry
• Contest and award submission editing
• Researching, pitching, and shaping story/project ideas
• Support tailored entirely to your goals, needs, and creative path

€150 per hour*

*Lower prices are available for emerging photographers from developing nations/markets.