More precisely, discovering the " digital and geographical reportage ". Thanks to the advent of digital photography, excellent prospects are expected of the geographical and travel reportage. And from 24 June 2001, during the "Toscana Foto Festival", an interesting workshop on this subject will be held by Andrea Pistolesi, a real master in the genre. In addition, the Festival features the "Digital voyage" exhibition, in order to show this "new reality" in ideal community with artificial light which, through the chromatic control of the photographic image, can reveal the inner union between places apparently very far from each other. A "global village reality", emphasised by images.

From 24 June 2001, Massa Marittima, in the heart of Tuscan Maremma, gives hospitality to the ninth edition of "Toscana Foto Festival". An event that, year by year has increased his popularity so much that has become a landmark in the international panorama. The various workshops, seminars, showrooms, exhibitions and multivisions constitute unique occasions to get in touch with the amazing World of Photography. This expressive art is always able to surpass itself through a continuous reinvention, due to new technologies and to the constant investigation and specialisation upon its main styles and techniques, like reportage and nude, fashion and portrait, colour and black & white. Among the many guest masters of this 2001 edition, Andrea Pistolesi, who, from 1 to 8 July 2001, will attend as a teacher to a workshop named "Digital and Geographical Reportage". Here are some interesting anticipations and important instructions for the ones who want to make of the geographical reportage their profession.
What are the main characteristics not to be disregarded by whom is interested in the geographical reportage?
A great passion for travel, as well as photography; a good geographical, cultural, historical and political knowledge of the visited places; a lot of time to devote; not too close family ties. Who loves this particular genre loves freedom and knowledge. It is very important to share this passion with our closest relations.
What are the professional opportunities?
Magazines and, generally, publishing. But you must consider that this is the less paid sector of photography, so it should be lived as a "mission" more than an investment for the future.
Are there any necessary qualities needed to be a good geographical and digital photographer?
Yes. Tenacity, patience and great determination are needed, in addition to a deep knowledge of what is to be photographed. (we must build stories, not single good photos). Technical skill is taken for granted, of course. The ability of producing a reportage in order to earn money… well, it can be developed with time.
A reportage which gave you great emotions
In Kashmir. Bombings and attacks condition everyday life in this former tourist heaven. Nothing is more apt than an image to catch the cruelty and rawness of those circumstances.
In your opinion, can a photographer operating in this sector be compared to a writer who narrates through images?
Yes, not only this is correct, but I think it's the only way to comprehend entirely the philosophy of the professional geographical reporter: this job must never be regarded as an abstract research of beautiful images.
Presumably, a great number of people will attend your workshop. What will they learn? They will learn the real nature of reportage and its future prospects, with particular regard to the techniques, the contents and the market. Nowadays, too many clichés can deceive people interested in photography. This profession is subjected to a continuous transformation; my workshop will supply to them the keys for "playing " their own role in the best way.
Andrea Pistolesi: Geographical & Digital Reportage
This workshop is dedicated to the new prospects opened by the advent of digital photography, especially regarding the geographical and tourist reportage for specialised reviews. Through a detailed analysis of the current situation, both under the stylistic and economic profile, and a series of real shootings on location in order to perform a collective geographical reportage, the workshop aims to offer a wide panoramic vision of this subject, so much yearned but little known in its practical attributes. The advent of "digital" will show the new and endless possibilities offered by personal interpretation. However, the opportunities offered by the already-existent technology will not be neglected.
Exhibition: "Digital Voyage"
Object of this exhibition is the digital voyage, or the presentation of particular moments filtered through the chromatic control of the photographic image. Reality, or better, the moment caught by the film, is reinterpreted, reinforced, and brought back to its uniformity: reality is what we see and what we wish to see. Twenty digital images representing as many places in four different continents seen through artificial light. Artificial, and consequently closer to a homogeneous reality: our environment is more and more similar to a global village, so this peculiar style underlines the growing similarities between places apparently far from each other in our minds.

Web: Toscana Foto Festival